focusFocus is published for the associates at our properties who continually strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. Thanks for your efforts and commitment.

winter 2017 – 2018 Contents Vol. 34, No. 1

www.whhotelgroup.com

P. 2 Home Away From Home

P. 3 Promotions

P. 3 Awards

P. 4-5 Housekeeping Week

P. 6 Celebrations

P. 8 Community Involvement

Marriott Chandler – A New Hotel For A New GenerationThe key to creating a great hotel – and a great company-wide growth strategy – is to embrace a smart mix of the modern and the tried-and-true.

Marriott, Chandler, Ariz., broke ground in September and is taking just such an approach, with an emphasis on contemporary amenities and technology combined with a longstanding commitment to quality construction and design. The full-service hotel is on track for a 2019 opening and will feature 264 guest rooms, says project manager Jay Lenihan.

The project will offer some important milestones for Chandler: it’s just the second high-rise, the second full-service hotel of any brand and, at eight stories and 90 feet, it will be the tallest building in the city, he says.

Chandler is a city on the rise and a growing high-tech hub, with headquarters or major operations for Intel, Orbital ATK, Infusionsoft and others. That should make for a steady stream of business travelers, Lenihan says.

It’s exciting to build a full-service hotel in a burgeoning city, says president and chief construction & development officer Terry Dammeyer. Marriott Chandler also helps round out WHG’s growth in a variety of submarkets; over a three-year period, it has handled luxury, extended-stay, select-service and now full-service properties.

“Chandler is a growing community, a very high-tech community – and this location and project are exactly where and what you want to be for the new millennial traveler,” Dammeyer says.

Indeed, the design and construction of the project include plenty of touches that make Marriott Chandler ideal for today’s traveler, especially frequent and younger travelers, while still offering an experience that feels right for a broader clientele, says Jeff Kohrman, general superintendent. The entire property, inside and out, has a modern feel, and the layout is created with more ease of use and immediacy in mind.

Marriott Chandler boasts tech conveniences, including an abundance of USB ports for charging cellphones, tablets and laptops, and wi-fi throughout with generous bandwidth.

Guest room doors will all be Bluetooth-enabled, a new feature for Marriott. Guests will be able to receive a text or email when their room is ready, then bypass the check-in area and use their tech device to check themselves in and unlock their room door.

“If you’re traveling often, the little things are really important,” Lenihan says. The property also will feature a variety of green building considerations, including LED lighting throughout, energy-saving mechanical equipment and an energy-recovery HVAC system, Kohrman says. The exterior façade will feature tile on the lower portion and an EIFS (energy-efficient) system

on the upper portions, providing a very high insulation factor.

The hotel will feature large outdoor seating areas on both sides of the building, an outdoor pool, gazebo, trellis, firepit and other communal amenities. It’s all part of the company’s ongoing focus on keeping things fresh. “Over the last three years, with every building we’ve had new changes, new devices,” says Kohrman. “As times are changing, the company also is changing. We are putting in new amenities and new adaptations to the times.”

- Eight stories tall

- 264 guest rooms

- 23,000 total square feet of meeting space

- 10,000-square-foot ballroom

M A R R I O T T C H A N D L E R B Y T H E N U M B E R S

38

Rendering of Marriott Chandler

H O U S E K E E P I N G W E E K

See more photos on Pages 4 – 5.

A preview of Marriott Chandler’s interior design and style

AGM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jenna Coene Nathan Hanner Phil Rugari, Jr. Nick Siracusa

2 WHG Focus Winter 2017 – 18

Jenna Coene has been appointed AGM at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky. Coene previously worked in marketing and event planning and in the food & beverage industry, where she held a variety of positions, including in management. She received a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Hofstra University.

Nathan Hanner has been appointed AGM at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas. Previously, he was the senior F&B manager at Destination Hotels at Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center in San Diego, where he oversaw all outlet operations. There, he was an instrumental leader in the hotel’s multi-million-dollar renovation. Hanner received a Bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Phil Rugari, Jr. has been named AGM at Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla. Rugari brings extensive restaurant experience to the team, as he previously worked as general manager of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Buffalo Wild Wings. Most recently, he was executive chef at Brio Tuscan Grille. Rugari earned a Bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Western Illinois University.

Nick Siracusa has joined Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, as AGM. He brings extensive F&B experience to the property after serving as F&B outlets manager at The Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach and at The Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando, where he also served as a private dining sales manager. Siracusa earned an associate degree in business and hospitality from Daytona State and SUNY Cayuga.

H O M E A W A Y F R O M H O M EAn ornamental gesture To help regular guests feel like part of the family at Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio, associates decorate ornaments with names of guests and hang them on the lobby Christmas tree.

Fun with Jingle and Jangle DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue Ash had a special holiday touch thanks to a new household favorite: Elf on a Shelf. Long-term guests get a small dose of home wondering where Jingle and Jangle are located throughout the property or what hijinks they are up to that day. Associates are getting in on the fun as well. At the end of

a yearly meet-up of Mensa members, Jingle and Jangle recreated a scene from Star Wars: A New Hope with the help and creativity of associates.

Frequent diner Since 2008, frequent guest, Frank, eats lunch at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., three to four times a week, calling the restaurant the best-kept secret in Lexington. “Frank enjoys the great food, a frequent guest discount and warm conversation with associates,” shares Trish Johnston, server. “Frank is definitely part of the hotel family. Life at the property wouldn’t be the same without him!”

Everything in its proper place Nancy Tavarez, room attendant at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, regularly cleans the room of a guest who frequently stays in that same room. Since meeting, this guest specifically asks for her. She ensures the room is immaculate for each visit.

Room reserved Marriott Chicago-Northwest has a few guests who have been staying at the property weekly for more than 10 years. These guests have their own rooms blocked off for them, and associates take time to set them up in ways they prefer, such as with favorite linens or amenities. If the rooms aren’t sold for the weekend, the property will allow them to leave their luggage in the rooms for their return.

Special treatment for a special guest Kandis Cowan, gallery host at Hyatt Place Austin-Round Rock, goes above and beyond to periodically make sure a frequent guest has his favorite candy, Peanut M&M’s, waiting as a mid-week treat in his room.

PROMOTIONS FROM WITHIN

Katelyn VestJosh Duleba Zachary HiscoxRicky Meirovici Craig Poydence

FRONT DESK

Josh Duleba has been promoted to p.m. guest service supervisor from GSR at Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich. Duleba began his career at the property in 2016 and is finishing courses at Michigan State University to earn his bachelor’s degree in hospitality business.

Katelyn Vest has advanced to manager-in-training from GSR at Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky. Vest began her career at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., in 2015 and transferred to her current property in 2016. She attends Northern Kentucky University, earning her bachelor’s degree in hospitality.

AWARDS

Winter 2017 – 18 WHG Focus 3

HOUSEKEEPING

Craig Poydence has been promoted to assistant executive housekeeper from manager-in-training at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Poydence started at the property in January 2017 as an intern and quickly set himself apart from his peers. He was promoted to manager-in-training in May 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from The Ohio State University.

Ricky Meirovici has been named p.m. guest service supervisor at Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky. A recent manager-in-training, he joined the team in early 2017 after working in the hospitality industry for 12 years, mostly in Israel. Meirovici also served two years in the Israeli Army in the Intelligence and Special Operations field.

SUPERVISORY

Zachary Hiscox has been promoted to student supervisor from student ambassador at Purdue University Union Club Hotel. He will be the first to fill this new role, with duties such as helping to formalize training programs and develop the student supervisor position. Hiscox is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in building construction management from Purdue University.

Ohio’s best Two Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, associates received the highest honors in Greater Columbus at the regional Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon in August: Cathy Thomas, server (Server of the Year), and Lee Dratch, night auditor (Front Desk Associate of the Year). Winning at the local level qualified Thomas and Dratch for awards at the state level at the OHLA Annual Awards Gala, held on Nov. 20, 2017, where they both won top honors for their respective categories.

Hotel heros Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., associates received a glowing letter from a guest who stayed at the property while attending a conference. A fellow attendee had an accident and needed immediate assistance. Associates jumped right in and used their training to take control of the situation to create a positive, life-saving outcome.

Cooking in the community Mike Prager, cook at Marriott Chicago-Northwest, is enrolled in the culinary program at the local community college. The college, in conjunction with the nearby riverboat casino, hosted a culinary competition for the students. Prager made a smoked salmon crostini with an olive tapenade, cucumber tomato relish, capelin black roe caviar and garlic-infused olive oil. He earned himself first-place recognition.

A woman who ROCKs Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, GM Melissa Garrett was a finalist in the Women of the ROCK Awards, a program created to honor and generate public recognition for the achievements and positive contributions of the region’s professional women.

Chili cook off Bobby Littlejohn, maintenance technician, and his granddaughter won the Spartanburg Marriott 2017 Chili Cook Off at Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, S.C. Associates and families enjoyed the event and the taste-testing, of course.

Thomas Dratch (left)

Prager putting the final touches on his dish

4 WHG Focus Winter 2017 – 18

I N T E R N A T I O N A L H O U S E K E E P I N G W E E KDoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue Ash Fun, food and prizes filled each day, including a “Dust Bunny Challenge.” Martha Post, laundry attendant, won the grand prize with a total of 27 dust bunnies collected. The department also enjoyed the famous happy cart, ice cream social, chair massages, goodie bags and omelets prepared by GM Steve Burke. The week wrapped up with a luncheon in The Bistro and take-n-bake pizzas for associates to enjoy with their families.

DiLillo and Sheila Atlas, laundry attendant

Klukas whips up an omelet for Tyesha Walker, room attendant.

Courtyard Pittsburgh North-Cranberry Woods & Marriott Pittsburgh-North

Associates at these neighboring hotels teamed up for twice the fun.

Kevan Jacobs, maintenance supervisor, and GM Derek Roorda make breakfast for the housekeeping staff.

Marriott Chicago-Northwest Associates were treated to special meals, gifts and games. The hotel’s popular karaoke party featured performances from housekeeping team members Jeff Winkenwerder, director of sales, and Patrick Xenakis, maintenance technician.

Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas Each day brought new treats for the housekeeping department. Chef Tom Stafford and GM Melissa Garrett whipped up specialty pancakes for the team. Other highlights included an Italian buffet, ice cream sundae bar and gift bags.

Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich. Associates celebrated with a pizza party featuring BINGO called by Duane Maxwell, executive housekeeper, and Staci Lombardo, bookkeeper, a toilet paper toss competition and a take-home dinner at the end of the week.

Associates participate in a fun and messy game for a prize.

Mary Lou Work and Ruth Jordan, laundry attendants

Maria Corall-Diaz and Martha Leise Alex, room attendants, enjoy treats from the Kona Ice Truck.

Lorena Cruz and Gaby Villanueva, room attendants, enjoy hot dogs from the food truck.

Marriott Cleveland-East The week-long celebration showered the housekeeping team with appreciation. Each day began with morning fuel – bagels, donuts, coffee, juice and even an omelet breakfast courtesy of GM Scott Klukas and AGM Nic DiLillo. A pizza party, ice cream social and take-home dinners ensured no one went home hungry while a decorated laundry room, T-shirts and other activities kept the party going.

Burke, stationed at the ice cream bar, serves Linda Cherry, inspectress, and Stephanie Perkins, room attendant.

LombardoMaxwell

Laundry attendants Lastenia Craig and Jose Galindo enjoy a special meal.

Berta Lara, room attendant; Yaine Albizu, assistant executive housekeeper; and Ruth Rodriguez, room attendant, show off their prizes.

Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown

Winter 2017 – 18 WHG Focus 5

I N T E R N A T I O N A L H O U S E K E E P I N G W E E K

Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla.

Hurricane Irma didn’t deter the housekeeping team from celebrating with a dolphin cruise to a private island on Clearwater Bay. Associates spotted dolphins, collected shells and enjoyed the view of their hotel from the water.

Hyatt Place Austin-Round Rock Housekeeping associates received thank-you notes and gifts from other departments. They also enjoyed Round Rock Donuts and Starbucks for breakfast, Taco Tuesday, an ice cream social and a hotel-wide pledge rally with games and prizes.

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio Associates feasted on breakfast and lunch at Cutler’s Restaurant while sampling the culinary creations prepared by supervisors from all departments. The week also included a dinner and movie night featuring The Lego Movie. Throughout the week, snacks and sundaes were wheeled around the hotel by managers, and a special gift was given to each room attendant each day. A local spa owner and massage therapist treated associates to manicures, pedicures and massages.

Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North

Gomaa Dawood, laundry attendant, makes a plate as the team grilled out for lunch.

McKenzie Mauck, sales & catering account manager, pitches in to help man the grill.

Elisa DeLaRosa, housekeeping inspectress, and Gigi Elhajji, room attendant, enjoy Taco Tuesday.

L-R: Sabah Abdelmalak and Awatif Baknit, room attendants; Matthew Blakely and Jimmy Bostick, maintenance technicians

Purdue University Union Club Hotel

Associates enjoy ice cream delivered by a mobile ice cream cart.

Mary Jane Martin, executive housekeeper, serves a custom cake.

A festively decorated housekeeping and laundry area kicked off the celebration. From an ice cream social, donuts and prizes to a luncheon, omelet breakfast and more prizes, the week-long celebration was action packed. All housekeeping associates received gift cards, snacks and drinks at the Housekeeping Hospitality Games, a highlight of the week’s pledge rally.

Continued on Page 7.

Clockwise from left back: Tamara Hamilton and Nikki Walker, laundry attendants; Arlene Hill, breakfast cook; and Mary Freeman, room attendant

Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky.

Williams spins the prize wheel.

L-R: Marcia Campbell, laundry attendant; Diana Whiteside, executive housekeeper; Carletta Williams, public space attendant; Lailah Simpson, room attendant; Nickey Rouse, room attendant; and Debbie Campbell, housekeeping utility

S E P T . 1 0 - 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

Annual Thanksgiving Day dinner Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., hosted a Thanksgiving Day buffet. The annual tradition served about 150 people throughout the holiday.

Everybody gets a turkey! Associates at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, celebrated with a pledge rally that included Thanksgiving trivia, a Thanksgiving meal and a turkey for each associate — a small way to say thank you for all their hard work in 2017.

Turkey bowling Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., celebrated the season with a pledge rally full of holiday fun, including turkey bowling, food and prizes.

Bringing the team together Associates at Marriott Cleveland-East enjoyed a formal Thanksgiving dinner together.

Thanks for the hard work Purdue University Union Club Hotel hosted a Thanksgiving-themed pledge rally, complete with activities and a dinner from Purdue Catering and Events.

Santa, I know him! Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, hosted its annual “Breakfast with Santa” for associates and their families. Everyone got to meet the big guy and enjoy a nice breakfast, and the kids received small gifts, made crafts, wrote letters to Santa and watched a holiday movie.

Breakfast with the big guy Associates and their family members at Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North were treated to a visit from Santa. Along with a homecooked breakfast, kids and kids-at-heart enjoyed pictures with Santa and cookie and ornament-decorating stations.

Spooky pledge rally Associates at Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., held their October pledge rally the night before Halloween, also known as “Devil’s Night” in Michigan. They enjoyed Halloween treats, including cupcakes and tons of candy.

Carve it up, Pumpkin Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, celebrated Halloween with a pledge rally “mash up” which included a pumpkin-carving contest. Each department received a pumpkin to carve, and everyone voted for their favorite during the mash up. The kitchen took home the top prize: lunch from a restaurant of their choice.

Parking lot party Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, held its annual picnic in October. Associates and their families enjoyed a food truck, bounce houses, lawn games, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest and trick-or-treating. This year, they were joined by associates from sister property, Hyatt Place Austin-Round Rock.

Picnic in the park Associates and their families at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue Ash, celebrated the fall season with their annual picnic at Sharon Woods. Everyone enjoyed a great meal, pumpkin decorating and a Bengals win against the Cleveland Browns. For many, the best part was the CARE wheel with prizes.

Halloween party fun Every year, Nicole Salerno, executive housekeeper at Marriott Chicago-Northwest, hosts a Halloween party complete with decorations, food and lots of candy. The kids wear costumes and watch “Spooky Buddies” while munching on hot dogs, nachos and plenty of popcorn.

Halloween happenings Associates at Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North celebrated with costume and pumpkin-carving contests.

Family fall fest Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio, hosted its first family fall fest on the patio. Associates and their families had a blast carving pumpkins, playing carnival games, getting faces painted, winning raffle prizes and, of course, enjoying a delicious meal.

Halloween contests Associates at Courtyard Pittsburgh North-Cranberry Woods and Marriott Pittsburgh-North came together to celebrate Halloween with a costume party complete with best mummy manager and pumpkin-carving contests.

6 WHG Focus Winter 2017 – 18

F A L L A N D W I N T E R C E L E B R A T I O N S

Hermione Granger (aka Leah Wolff, GSR) made an appearance

at the Halloween celebration.

Aissata Sow, banquet server

Cecelia Paponetti, GSR, and Jena Green, sales & catering account manager

GM David Smith trying out turkey bowling

Hayley Dang, catering manager, and her family meet Santa.

Jordan Beck, banquet captain, played Santa, and Kelly Cohoat, assistant banquet manager, was his helper during the breakfast.

HALLOWEEN THANKSGIVING

HOLIDAY SEASON

Winter 2017 – 18 WHG Focus 7

“I need my teddy!” “I once had a mother call me because her three-year-old daughter forgot her teddy bear. It was her favorite stuffed animal. We found it wrapped in the linen from the room, and we sent it overnight via FedEx so the little girl would have her friend back as soon as possible.” – Brandi Alpin, a.m. guest service supervisor, Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich.

Journal of a lifetime “We had a guest call who was very concerned because he had left behind his journal. This particular journal was very important to him because he wrote a note to his daughter in it every day, starting from the day she was born. He was planning on giving it to her on her 18th birthday. We were all very happy that we still had the journal and were able to send it back to him. It touched all of us deeply.” – Kaitlyn Steuver, executive housekeeper, Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky.

Stuck in park “We had a guest who traveled a great deal for work. He stayed with us for a few days, leaving his car on our lot while he left for a trip. The car sat in our parking lot for months. We were unable to track down the owner. A few months later, the guest came back and realized his ‘missing’ car had been sitting in our parking lot the entire time!” – Antonia Martinez, executive housekeeper, Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio

Spider ring scurry “One of the strangest forgotten items I’ve dealt with was from a family after they attended our Breakfast with Santa event. Their four-year-old daughter who apparently loves Halloween, lost her plastic spider ring. She had taken it off while doing Christmas crafts and lost it in the mess of crafting supplies. She was hysterical over it. I finally found the ring and you would’ve thought I had found a 20-carat diamond ring. The family was very happy and grateful.” – Mackenzie Kucharsky, guest service supervisor, Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio

Shout out for Beats headphones Hand-written note from guest: “I want to give a ‘shout out’ to your housekeeping staff! I left a pair of Beats headphones in my room a couple weeks ago and thought for sure they were gone. But no! Your staff found them and they were returned to me. I’m a big fan of Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky. Thank you so much!” – Contributed by Kelsey Ley, executive housekeeper

Keep refrigerated “I found medication in the refrigerator when I inspected a room. We called the guest to let them know they had left it behind, and they were very grateful we found it and contacted them before they discovered they had forgotten it. We kept the medication refrigerated until the guest could retrieve it. They were very appreciative.” – Agata Swider, housekeeping inspector, Marriott Chicago-Northwest

Pillow talk “A guest stayed with us for a conference and called after she checked out stating that she had left her pillow. This was the only pillow that relieved her neck pain. While our guest lived locally, she couldn’t drive due to her condition. Without hesitation, Sacheen Rader, executive housekeeper, grabbed the pillow and drove the 15 minutes to return the pillow to the guest’s house. She was so thankful and appreciative of Rader’s willingness to help out and return her lost item.” – Lauren Stutz, HR manager, Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North

LEFT BEHIND I N T E R N A T I O N A L H O U S E K E E P I N G W E E K

Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio

Associates enjoyed BINGO, a car wash, lunch at Golden Corral and Aqua Massage Beds. Each day included an afternoon break with activities like make-your-own trail mix, smoothies, ice cream sundae bars and root beer floats.

Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky. Associates received a personalized ‘thank you’ letter and an agenda from GM Greg Hurst in preparation for the big week. Activities included a full breakfast on Monday at McKenna’s Restaurant, lottery tickets, treat bags, an ice cream truck visit, a take-home fried chicken dinner with dessert and Bath & Body Works individual hand sanitizers. ‘Supervisor Goodie Day’ and a housekeeping luncheon and giveaway ended the gift-filled week on Friday.

Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, S.C.

Continued from Pages 4-5.

Lisa Hall, banquet server, shows off a cleverly worded gift.

AGM Jonah Ritter prepares a plate for

Hellen Williams, room attendant.

Winter 2017–2018 Vol. 34, No. 1

Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC4243 Hunt RoadCincinnati, OH 45242513/891-1066www.whhotelgroup.com

Publisher

Kent Bruggeman WHG Chief Financial Officer

Corporate Editor

Lisa Compton-Martin WHG VP of Human ResourcesPRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER© 2018 WHG8 WHG Focus Winter 2017 – 18

Editorial Staff:Vehr Communications513-381-8347 (phone)513-651-4101 (fax)Darcy Schwass, editorSarah Sampson, writerMikayla Williams, writerKaren Bells, writerSuzi Buzek, writerSam Graham, designer

Canned food drive Associates at Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North held a canned food drive as part of the R Life Live Event (Renaissance brand event). The public was welcome to enjoy the hottest soup creations from the culinary team, live music and cocktails. Canned goods were the price of admission, and the hotel collected more than 1,000 for the Merciful Help Center of Hamilton County.

A football miracle Associates at Purdue University Union Club Hotel went above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate six-year-old Riley and his family. Riley is “hammering down” leukemia and was supposed to be part of the Purdue University football game activities last year but couldn’t participate due to a relapse. This year, associates arranged for Riley and his family to ride the Boiler Express on game day and receive a Purdue flag signed by Coach Jeff Brohm, a special VIP gift basket from Richelle with Purdue cookies, Purdue spirit gear, a complimentary breakfast in the Sagamore restaurant and a six-pack of root beer. The family was also surprised with a restaurant filled with balloons and decorations upon their arrival.

Hurricane hero Angel Gomez, executive housekeeper at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, took a few days off work to drive to Houston to help evacuate flooded communities and areas in need after Hurricane Harvey. Gomez is from Puerto Rico, which was severely affected by devastating hurricanes. His previous experience and training provided him the tools to assist others in disaster evacuation situations. Gomez was part of the first-response team that led authorities to the flooded Port Arthur nursing home, and they successfully evacuated all 115 critical-care patients. “Angel exemplifies an amazing citizen and we are very proud to have him as part of our team!” says GM Melissa Garrett.

Thank you for your service Scott Connell, maintenancetechnician at Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, S.C., was honored for Veterans’ Day at the property. Connell served in The United States Army for 12 years in Artillery 13th Bravo Field.

Career day Anthony Richardson, executive housekeeper at Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla., participated in the Great American Teach-In at a local elementary school where he taught fourth-graders about the many career opportunities in the hotel industry and the importance of an education to pursue them.

Hands-on education Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla., partnered with Hands on Education, a state-funded training program for individuals with mild-to-moderate disabilities. The hotel participated in “Vocational Explorations,” a program where students explore the world of work, gain real-life experience and increase their confidence and opportunities for permanent positions in the future. Raymond Cantey, laundry attendant, a recent graduate of the program, joined the team after his Hands on Education experience.

Merry breakfast Breakfast with Santa, Bill Bryant, audiovisual supervisor, is a yearly tradition at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky. The hotel partners with the community to raise money for a local organization and provide awareness for the organization’s cause. This year, the hotel partnered

with the Lexington Humane Society. The breakfast raised $5,000 and provided food, toys, bedding and cleaning supplies for the four-legged residents.

Walking for a cause Associates at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, enjoyed a team-building day at the annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” which raises awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Community partner Hyatt Place Austin-Round Rock partnered with a local student, named Kennedy, who collects toiletries for The Kennedy Project and distributes them to the area’s homeless. “We received Kennedy’s letter and couldn’t help feeling inspired to help,” said John

Steinbaugh, gallery host. “We could really tell Kennedy has a passion to help others and this project reflects our passion and purpose to care for people so they can be their best.”

Spartan race Jeff Stacey, maintenance supervisor, and Crystal Pace, sales account manager from Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, S.C., participated in the Spartan Race.

Richardson with Mrs. McGuire’s fourth-grade class

AGM Alyssa Robin and Jonathan Overman, dining room supervisor, assisting at the food drive

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Kudos to Lansing Radisson

Stayin’ healthy

Cheers to 12 years

University of Akron sports information director Cathy Bongiovi praised Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., for accommodating the school’s football team when heavy rains and stadium flooding forced its game with Western Michigan University to be rescheduled to the next day. As hotels close to the stadium were fully booked due to WMU’s homecoming celebration, the Akron team traveled 90 minutes to Lansing Radisson. The hotel team even closed down the dining room to feed the players during this unexpected visit.

Read Bongiovi’s comments on MLive.com.

Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, S.C., held a health and wellness day for associates, which included access to flu shots.

Marriott Cleveland-East celebrated the property’s 12th anniversary in September with a luncheon honoring the founding team.

Caroline Hood, accounting assistant, gets her flu shot.