A publication for the employees of Cooper Hotels

THE INN FORMERVol. 29 Number 2 Summer 2017

Memo fromManagementBy David Krueger, CPAVice President andChief Financial Officer

The Cooper Hotels 401(k) plan is a great employee benefit. At each property, the controller is responsible for making sure employees are aware of the plan and the advantages it offers to them. Recently, I asked three controllers with the most 401(k) employee enrollments to tell me the secret to their success. Following is what they said, in their own words. Sherry Baker, DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson: I share an experience of a former employee who had a stroke. She had always been a hard worker, often asking for overtime. Now she was unable to work. Her power had been cut off, and she had received an eviction notice. My heart went out to her, but I remembered she had signed up for 401(k) several years ago. I asked her if she used any of her 401(k) funds. She sat in silence until she started weeping. She said she forgot all about her 401(k). I helped her file for a hardship immediately. She was able to catch up with all her debts, fully recover from her stroke, return to work and even increased her 401(k) contribution. She told me that her 401(k) saved her life. Sandra Dyer, DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis: I begin by explaining a way to get “free money”. I stress the company matches funds the employee contributes, and that the funds they contributed and the funds matched by the company ALWAYS belong to the employee. Many employees think they have to contribute a lot of their check and just aren’t able to do that. When I explain they can start with a small amount and build as their confidence and income increases, they almost always sign up. I also stress the importance of their future, and being able to retire in the manner they want. But, I think the most important thing is to know the employee. Know what is important to them and which aspect of the plan is best for them.Rachael Fanning, DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Ridge–Knoxville: My strategy for recruiting new enrollments begins with these three simple words: JUST DO IT! The next step is to appeal to the “free money” they will see when comparing their paycheck deductions to the statements from Mass Mutual that show a much higher balance with the company match and investment income. And, “If you are like me, it is hard to save money!”, so why not put it somewhere that you don’t see it, don’t miss it, and don’t draw it out easily? I also tell them how much it has helped me when I have had to borrow from my account, pay myself back, and pay myself interest, rather than paying interest to the bank.

Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Guest Room Renovations Underway

Travelers Rank Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit Metro Airport #1 on TripAdvisor Website for Seven Consecutive Years

A total renovation of corridors and all guest rooms has begun at Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, fea-turing the latest modular instead of traditional component furniture. Upgrades include new platform bedding and mattress, a modu-lar headboard with built-in night tables, a modular desk, hospitality center and dresser. Each room will also receive a new large screen television, refrigerator and cabinet. New carpet and wall covering are being installed and a very modern paint/color scheme is being intro-duced in corridors and rooms. Bathrooms are being retiled, and lighted mirrors and new wall cov-ering are being installed. Bathtubs are being refinished. Bathroom en-try is via a new sliding door, allow-ing more space in the bathroom. Renovations are planned to be completed in mid-December.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel Website, recently announced its 2017 Certificate of Excellence recipients. Only 10% of establishments on the review Website receive the award, based on traveler reviews. Congratulations to Embassy Suites by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites at Detroit Metro Airport, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton Air-port/FGCU and Homewood Suites by Hilton Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers and Hilton Naples on earning a seventh

Record Number of Cooper Hotels Receive Prestigious TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence

consecutive certificate, each year since the Certificate of Excellence began. Other Cooper Hotels receiving the Certificate of Excellence include: Hilton Knoxville Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Metro Airport, Crowne Plaza Fort Myers, DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront, DoubleTree by Hilton Johnson City, DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Ridge – Knoxville, BEST WESTERN PLUS Kingston Hotel & Conference Center and Baymont Inn & Suites Sevierville.

While many Cooper Hotels rank near the top of TripAdvisor rankings in their markets, one has been ranked #1 since it opened in 2010. With 126 rooms and suites, Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit

Metro Airport is in first place in the ranking of 26 hotels on the TripAdvisor Website. Congratulations to the team at the property for their commitment to 100% guest satisfaction.

Cooper Hotels President and CEO Pace Cooper was featured in an article in the Memphis Business Journal in June. To view the entire article, visit www.cooperhotels.com.

DETROIT, MI: Embassy Suites by HiltonEmbassy Suites Team Joins Clean the World ProgramEmbassy Suites controller Julie McIntosh says that the hotel’s housekeeping team recently began a new program called Clean the World. It is basically soap recycling. Recycling soap can save lives by providing people who are less fortunate the simple act of hand washing. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean running water. Following are some statistics from Julie that show the program’s importance. 2.5 billion children under the age of five will suffer from cases of diarrheal disease and 1.5 million children will die of this disease. It is estimated that hand washing could reduce those deaths by up to 50%. In addition, it is estimated that 949 million bars of soap end up in U.S. landfills each year. The Clean the World program helps prevent such waste while saving the lives of many people worldwide. The Embassy Suites team members are happy to be a part of the program, knowing that they have been instrumental in the distri-bution of over 30 million bars of soap in North America and 100 countries.

DETROIT, MI:Hampton Inn & Suites

COOPER HOTELS

Once Again in the Hampton Inn Brand Hall of Fame!For the first quarter of 2017, Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit Metro Airport placed in the top 10% of the brand in guest satisfaction scores, earning it a spot in the brand’s Hall of Fame for the quarter.

Felicia Nazario

DETROIT, MI:Hilton Garden Inn

DECATUR, AL: DoubleTree by HiltonEmployees of the Month■ December, 2016 – Scott Massey, mainte-nance■ January – Wanda Tanksley, housekeeping■ February – Ashley Pearson Clay, restau-rant supervisor■ March – Matthew Udovich, maintenance■ April – Reco Williams, line cook ■ May – McKenna Kirkham, front desk Honors manager

With the largest meeting and event facilities in the area, DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur is a popular venue for major events. On May 18, the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce held its Small Business Awards presentations at the hotel.

Hilton Honors AchievementDoubleTree by Hilton Decatur was recog-nized as one of 600 hotels to achieve Hilton’s Honors Enrollment Challenge. Over 4,500 Hilton brand hotels participated.Record-Setting Holiday BrunchesTwist Grill & Bar in the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur presented the community with amaz-ing food and service for Easter and Mother’s Day brunches. The turnouts for both were equally amazing. 430 attended at Easter with sales of $6,430, and 361 followed on Mother’s Day with sales of $5,408.

Jimm Ball, breakfast server, recently retired after 15 years. A celebration was held to honor his years of service on his last day of work in Detroit.Shown at the celebration are Yvonne Anderson, executive housekeeper at the Embassy Suites (front row, left) with Jimm. Top row from left, Lora Levendoski, director of sales, catering & market-ing for the Detroit properties; Katrina Haist, assis-tant accountant; Patti Qualey, controller; Brian Carney, Cooper Hotels vice president of opera-tions; Carolyn Mondry, Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit Metro Airport general manager; Joe Felice, Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Metro Airport general manager.

Yvonne Anderson, executive housekeeper (left), and Helen Maine, housekeeper, filling bins with soap for shipping.

Spirit of Hampton Award WinnerFelicia Nazario, front desk lead at the Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit Metro Air-port, was honored with the Spirit of Hampton Award. Award winners must be

AshleyPearson Clay

ScottMassey

WandaTanksley

McKenna Kirkham

Matthew Udovich

RecoWilliams

Excellent Hilton Quality Assurance Evaluation is Celebrated In mid-May, the Embassy Suites team wel-comed the property’s Quality Assurance Evaluation. After the inspection, team mem-bers were treated to a luncheon to celebrate their Overall Index Score of 97.47%.

nominated, and they must have shown partic-ular instances of adding value to the business, above and beyond instances of guest service, and helping to create a positive culture at their hotel. Felicia was surprised by a conference call from the Hampton corporate office, along with 30 of her fellow team members in atten-dance. The brand sent her a beautiful lapel pin, an engraved trophy and a $350 check in appreciation.

COOPER HOTELSFORT MYERS, FL: Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower Shops

Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower Shops 30th Anniversary Celebration

FORT MYERS, FL:Homewood SuitesAirport / FGCU

Employees of the Month

Philippine Tascher

ClaudiaGarcia

KevinKaminski

A surprise guest, Cher, mingled and posed for pho-tos with guests and staff at the hotel’s 30-year an-niversary celebration. Sara Waye, a.m. front desk supervisor (left), and Stacey-Ann Edwards, front desk, partied with Cher.

RamonaDisla

EstrellaMoronto

CarlosBerrios

Employees of the Month

Vanessa Nieves

JaylinBrott

JeanCorgelas

WilliamWarren

Trista Brim (above), front office manager, reads “Lewis the Duck” to local preschool students. The Homewood brand’s Lewis Reading Program fo-cuses on literacy, and team members help provide children a solid foundation for learning. The chil-dren also received their own Lewis book.

FORT MYERS, FL: Homewood Suites Bell Tower ShopsEmployees of the Month

DarleneBoyle

CarlosJimenez

Matthew Young

WilliamDukes

Tyrhonda Kemp

Honors Enrollment Challenge Effort Nets RewardsHomewood Suites by Hilton at Bell Tower Shops won the brand’s Hilton Honors Rock Enrollments Challenge during its second week in May, winning in both categories, Top Performer and Most Improved. To show appreciation for the team’s number of Honors member enrollments, the hotel team received a Rock Enrollments Party Pack worth $500, since they won both categories. The party pack included a Global Month of Enrollments winner plaque as well as individual gifts for exceptional team members.

n January – Ramona Disla, laundryn February – Estrella Mor- onto, food & beveragen March – Carlos Berrios, maintenance n April – Vanessa Nieves, housewomann May – Jaylin Brott, front desk

An excited Becky Jo Crews was the Spirit of Homewood Suites Award winner for the fourth quarter of 2016. She was one of nine winners for the last quarter out of 413 Homewood Suites by Hilton properties across the United States and Canada. Becky Jo is the third winner of the Spirit Award from the Home-wood Suites by Hilton Fort My-ers Airport/FGCU property in the last eight years.

Hampton brand mascot Lewis the Duck joined staff members on a visit to the Golisano Chil-dren’s Hospital of Southwest Florida to present books and read to the children. Shown in their Homewood green tee shirts with Lewis, patients and parents are Sheldon Noel, maintenance (top left); Nasa Lopez, executive housekeeper; and J’La Frias, daughter of assistant general man-ager Jay Frias.

n January – Claudia Garcia, prep cookn February – Kevin Kaminski, servern March – Philip-pine Tascher, sales coordinatorn April – Jean Cor- gelas, line cookn May – William Warren, driver

It was a totally rad and gnarly evening on June 7th when approximately 100 clients and guests gathered at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower Shops to celebrate the hotel’s 30th anniversary. The event was held to commemorate the hotel’s 30 years and to thank local clients for their support. The party featured hotel staff who dressed “retro” for the occasion. Décor ranged from a boom box bar to Rubiks cubes hanging from the ceiling to a Twinkie dessert bar and more. The movie Footloose played on screens and guests enjoyed playing Pac Man projected onto the ballroom wall. Attendees enjoyed a variety of cuisine reminiscent of decades past including sloppy Joes, seven layer bean dip, pot roast & mashed

potatoes and deviled eggs. Bartles & James Wine Coolers were parting gifts to clients. They loved them, and most didn’t know they are still being made!

n January – Darlene Boyle, front deskn February – Carlos Jimenez, maintenancen March – Matthew Young, front deskn April – Tyrhonda Kemp, complimen-tary services n May – William Dukes, front desk, has also been promoted to front office supervisor

COOPER HOTELSFORT MYERS, FL: Hilton Garden Inn

Fundraising SuccessesThe hotel team started off 2017 with a won-derfully successful fundraiser to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. Their goal was $1,000. By the end of the fundraiser $1,589.00 in donations had been raised. After a team member was diagnosed with cancer of both the liver and esophagus, the team came together for another fundraiser. Through bake sale donations, $1,600 was raised and donated directly to the family to help assist with medical costs.

Part of the hotel’s fundraising team. Pictured from left to right: general manager Daryl Miesner, Orlando Jiminez, Nicole Garcia, Brooke Benkert and Jennifer Pope.

JOHNSON CITY, TN: DoubleTree by HiltonEmployees of the Monthn January – Lynn Phillips, night auditor, is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is outgoing, and guests know her by name! n February – Patricia Bonnano, server, is a very loyal, pleasant and consistent employee.n March – Anna Croghan, front desk part time night auditor and guest service agent also helps out in the banquet department. She is also very thorough.n April – Andrew McKinney, front desk agent, consistently receives great comments on brand SALT scores and TripAdvisor surveys.n May – Chavonne Fagans, line cook, is always willing to come in on her day off if she is needed.

American Cancer Society SupportThis is the hotel’s CARE team’s third year participating in Relay for Life, one of the most well-known fundraising events held by the American Cancer Society. Relay teams have members constantly walking a track for 6-24 hours (the duration of the event). The hotel team also held various fundraising efforts including selling t-shirts, a painting party, Jonesborough-opoly boards and hav-ing a “change for the cure” collection contest between departments. As of June 5th, the team raised $1,315, almost three times the original goal of $500.

Sustainability, Cost Savings Idea“Ice wands” are now used in the property’s six ice machines, reducing the number of clean-ings each machine needs throughout the year from once a month to every six months. This saves chemicals used, water used to rinse them out, and labor on the cleaning from 72 cleanings a year to only 12.Andrew

McKinneyPatricia

BonnanoChavonne

Fagans

Employees of the Monthn January – John Oates in the maintenance department was chosen because of his dedication to the entire team. Management said that he is kind and always willing to go above and beyond to help his team. n February – Monica Ortega, banquet supervisor, has shown that she truly values both guests and her fellow team members, according to man-agement.n March – Donald Davis, bar- tender. Many guests often comment on how much they enjoy Donald’s company as he serves them. His supervi-sor said that Donald is an excellent bartender, and he has created quite a reputation for customer service! n April – Marlen Leiva, room attendant. Management said that she was honored because of her dedication to getting the job done. Her supervisor says that Marlen can always be counted on to give it her all, and even do it with a smile!

Employees of the Monthn January – Delvakio Brown, front deskn February – Fannie Hankins, housekeepingn March – Michelle Castellaw, sales

Employees of the Monthn January – Teresa Chaves, housekeepingn February – Richard Jacobs, bellmann March – Francisco Garcia, restaurant

RichardJacobs

TeresaChaves

Francisco Garcia

KINGSTON, NY:BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel & Conference Center

Dillon Heatherington, assistant F&B manager, Ralph Saccoman, F&B director, and Helene Klinger, F&B supervisor, in the hotel’s First Capitol Bistro.

Restaurant Earns Rave ReviewIn June, Kingston Happenings published a complimentary review of the First Capital Bis-tro inside the Best Western Plus Kingston. The review closed with a nod to nearby New York City – “If it were on Wall Street or lower Broadway, you might have already heard about it from your coolest friend, and you would probably have to wait in a long line to get in.”

JACKSON, TN: DoubleTree by Hilton

MonicaOrtega

JohnOates

DonaldDavis

MarlenLeiva

30-year Cooper Hotels salesprofessional Debra Harris,director of sales, catering &marketing at Best WesternPlus Kingston, received the President’s Star Performer Award in April. It ispresented annually to adirector of sales who hasled a sales team with great resolve, meeting andexceeding all financial goals, booking and new businessvolume while inspiring and motivating the sales teamto great success.

Employees of the Month(heart of house / front of house)

COOPER HOTELS

Employees of the Month■ January – Betsy Lequire, culinary■ February – Makayla Jackson, food & beverage■ March – Artis Harris, night auditor■ April – Matt Leatherwood, culinary■ May – Richard Pope, maintenance Sabrina Heath Earns First Quarter Sales Manager AwardSales manager Sabrina Heath was named one of the top Cooper Hotels sales managers in the first quarter of 2017. She achieved at least 100% of each assigned goal (group book-ing, catering booking, rooms consumption and catering consumption).

At left, welcoming guests to the new Tail Winds outlet are staffers Uvi Aguilar (from left) and Pen-ny Johnson, along with Mary Moore and Kim Fry from the sales department.

KNOXVILLE, TN: Hilton Airport

MattLeatherwood

RichardPope

SabrinaHeath

BetsyLequire

MakaylaJackson

ArtisHarris

MURFREESBORO, TN: DoubleTree by Hilton

CARE Team Community Service and Special Events• Disabled American Veterans Reception – This CARE Team event is held twice a year for return guests with the DAV. With the ho-tel’s close proximity to a major veterans’ hos-pital, hotel staffers take time to catch up with repeat guests while they enjoy complimentary beverages and a fruit and cheese platter.• Journey Home Shelter Clothing Drive – A local homeless shelter provides clothing for children and adults, hot meals and a place to stay when in need. The hotel team partnered with them to hold a clothing drive that pro-vided six gallon bags of gently used clothing.• Healing Fields – A group of CARE mem-bers assisted with laying the markings for the placement of a Memorial Day flag display in remembrance of veterans.• National Chocolate Chip Day – The Mur-freesboro team placed a tent in the downtown square and treated the local businesses and government/county workers to over 200 Dou-bleTree cookies.

Five managers volunteered for the local Habitat Builds to install siding, clean up around the house, and assist at the new Habitat Restore Store with painting, cleaning and organizing shelving. Shown are Mary Fluty, sales manager (left); Kelli Anne Williams, catering coordinator; Andrew Gingras; Jaclyn Saunders, guest service manager; and Tara Conner, group coordinator.

MEMPHIS, TN: DoubleTree by Hilton

To celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day, the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis sales team became life size cookies and treated students at nearby schools to DoubleTree cookies.

Romania Jones

Maggie Golden

EbonyCrisp

DeandreMilan

New Tail Winds Outlet is OpenTail Winds coffee and snack shop opened recently at Hilton Knoxville Airport. The shop features Starbucks beverages, a variety of snacks and sweet and healthy snack options.

Employees of the Month■ January – Briana Toney, banquet captain■ February – Lori Yeager, bartender■ March – Don Black, maintenance■ April – Moe Howard, inspector■ May – Sandra Myers, laundry supervisor

DoubleTree by Hilton Murfreesboro sponsored quarterly perfect attendance recognition at Kittrell Elementary. Shown are winners, the school nurse, Jaclyn Saunders, guest service manager (front left); Andrew Gingras, group coordinator; and Kris-tin McClain, a.m. f&b manager.

■ January – Roshunda Wilson, laundryKevin Wallace, front desk supervisor■ February – Deandre Milan, housemanKristopher Wilbanks, bar-tender■ March – Derrick Doty, engi-neeringMaggie Golden, laundry / lob- by attendant■ April – Anthony Townsend, cookSherry Brown, restaurant supervisor■ May – Ebony Crisp, house-keeping supervisorRomania Jones, concierge PromotionsSherry Brown joined the DoubleTree by Hilton Mem-phis team in 2012. She was promoted from the banquet department to restaurant supervisor of the hotel’s Lynchburg Legends Bar & Grill. Management says that she always has an amazing attitude, and she is a huge asset to the restaurant team. Ebony Crisp was promoted from housekeeping inspector to housekeep-ing supervisor. According to her supervisor, she is a hard worker who has really stepped up and taken charge in the department.

NAPLES, FL: HiltonCOOPER HOTELS

Community Service and Events Here are just a few of the hotel’s activities:• Public Work Appreciation and Community Open House – The sales team had a cookie booth, where they handed out 300 DoubleTree cookies and pushed the hotel’s birthday party packages and off-site catering menu. All work-ers from the police, ambulance and fire depart-ments attended. Many vendors were present with booths and goodies.• Ladies of Charity – The hotel donated furni-ture and bedding with a value of $1,500 to this local charity.

OAK RIDGE, TN: DoubleTree by HiltonEmployees of the Month■ January – Brenda Gilmore, laundry, is al-ways helping out coworkers.■ February – Josh Porter, maintenance, strives to find work and keeps the hotel look-ing good.■ March – William Woodbury, line cook, takes pride in his work and it shows.■ April – Lori Ray, front desk, is a team play-er, helping anywhere needed within the hotel.■ May – Lena Placencia, housekeeping, is very outgoing and very dependable■ June – Mikkel Jensen, banquet/houseman, is hard working, reliable, punctual and helpful.

A grateful Girl Scout troop thanks DoubleTree byHilton Oak Ridge team members for helping themwith another big order of over $550 in cookie sales.

Community Service• For the Love of Art – Hilton Naples and Shula’s Steak House sponsored For the Love of Art, a benefit for the Naples Art Association. • 23rd Annual Storybook Ball – Jeff Jerome joined community leaders for the annual ball held by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida. Shula’s donated a wine din-ner valued at $1,500, which sold for $2,800. • Mac N’ Cheese Challenge – Team members volunteered at a Mac N’ Cheese Challenge to benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. • Cars on 5th Event – Linda Edwards, guest services representative, volunteered at the an-nual Cars on 5th event, collecting donations and distributing programs. The event is a rare collection of exotic and collector cars that helps provide funding for a local shelter. • Girl Scout Troop Leader – Executive as-sistant Donna Cox began assisting with Girl Scouts three years ago, the past two serving as troop leader. She holds bi-weekly meetings, ar-ranges field trips and volunteer opportunities, sells cookies and helps Scouts earn badges. • Cruise for a Cause – Shula’s Steak House team members volunteered their time and served Shula’s donated appetizers during a Na-ples Princess sunset cruise and fashion show fundraiser benefitting PACE Center for Girls.

Sales Team Scores BigDuring the hotel’s Wow Week of Sales, the sales de-partment booked $6,745 in tentative catering with another combined total of definite revenue with room sales at $35,149.

PromotionsSig Ruiz was promoted from assistant banquet manager to assistant controller. John Horne was promoted from Shula’s sauté cook to assistant banquet manager.

Guests Love Hilton NaplesHilton Naples recently received the Loved by Guests Award from Hotels.com for consistent-ly receiving exceptional ratings and reviews from guests who booked via Hotels.com.

Linda Edwards, guest service representative, at the Cars on 5th event which drew 50,000 attendees.

BrendaGilmore

JoshPorter

WilliamWoodbury

LoriRay

LenaPlacencia

MikkelJensen

Shula’s Naples Earns AwardsFor the third consecutive year, Shula’s Steak House Naples has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. Previ-ously Shula’s Naples was an Award of Excel-lence winner since 2006. For the seventh consecutive year, Shula’s Naples earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Ex-cellence, based on online reviews by diners. Gulfshore Life Magazine readers voted Shu-la’s Naples Best Steak House, Best Lunch and Best Private Dining in Southwest Florida.

Julie Sullivan, sales assistant (right), and JaneStabler, catering sales manager (second from right),treat employees of a nearby business to DoubleTree cookies on National Chocolate Chip Day, when theOak Ridge team distributed 500 cookies.

First Place on TripAdvisor!Currently, DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Ridge – Knoxville is ranked #1 of 7 hotels in the area on the TripAdvisor Website. Guests say the outstanding, caring service provided by the staff is one of the main reasons for their positive reviews.

Employee of the Quarter 1st Quarter – Sigitas Degutis in the engineering department

SigitasDegutis

Shula’s Naples team volunteers on the Cruise for a Cause fundraising benefit. From left, Gabor Molnar, server; Shannon Ring, server; Todd Butler, banquet lead cook; Suhail Abdel-Rahman, banquet cook;and Tyler Donahue, server.

SEVIERVILLE, TN: Baymont Inn & SuitesPromotionAfter two years on the house- keeping team, Brandy Mar-coux has been promoted from room attendant to assistant ex-ecutive housekeeper

BrandyMarcoux

PIGEON FORGE, TN: Holiday Inn

COOPER HOTELSORLANDO/ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL: HiltonEmployees of the Month■ January – Estaban Colon, bellman■ February – Hayley Schultz, who was pro-moted from sales to accounting/human re-sources coordinator■ March – Isaac Frazier, dishwasher■ April – Oscar Rodriguez, engineering■ May – Yanelys Dominguez, housekeeping■ June – Taras Sikalchuk, engineering,

Constant Caring Friend of theMonth

BrittanyYoung

Roberto Moreira

PaulDouglas

JessicaOgle

NelvinMendoza

Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge boasts two First Quarter 2017 Cooper Hotels Shining Star Award winners. Lindsey Johnson (right), earned first place sales manager. Carol Warford won second place direc-tor of sales.

The Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge management team said “thank you” to all associates with snacks each morning and afternoon during Celebrate Service Week, which culminated in a luncheon (above)that included an Italian lunch, games with prizes,a cake walk and a heartfelt thank you to eachassociate from general manager Johnny Hill.

PIGEON FORGE, TN: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & SuitesEmployees of theQuarter

Jim Ellis

Doug Musick

■ First Quarter – Jim Ellis, houseman, was chosen because he is always friendly with ev-eryone and is always lending a hand to all departments. ■ Second Quarter – Doug Mu-sick, front desk. Upon encoun-tering a non-responsive guest, Doug lept to action to perform CPR until medical help arrived and took over.

EstabanColon

HayleySchultz

IsaacFrazier

OscarRodriguez

Yanelys Dominguez

TarasSikalchuk

A Blue Energy Committee Rally was held to amp up the spirits of all associates and managers. Shown with general manager Frank Cirrincione (top, third from left), are Don Bosworth, director of sales; Rachael Clark, accounting/HR; Titiana Rich-ardson, housekeeping; Hayley Schultz, account-ing/HR; Justin Klein, front office; Becky Galic, sales; Myrna Marquez, housekeeping; Delrae Mills, and Tasia Andrews, front office; and Taras Sikal-chuk, engineering.

First Annual Collect-A-Con EventIn July, Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs was the site of the first annual Orlando Col-lect-A-Con. Vendors, collectors and fans of superheroes attended to buy, sell or trade vintage comics, toys and Hollywood collectibles. There were celebrity guests, cosplayers and door prizes. The most popular toys and memorabilia on display included Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Ninja Turtles, Batman, Ghostbusters, video classic Super Mario Brothers and even Hot Wheels collections.

■ January – Brittany Young, restaurant hostess/server. Her supervisor says that she is very friendly,

■ February – Roberto Moreira, laundry, does his job well, takes initiative when he sees things that need to be done, and he is always cheerful, according to his department manager.■ March – Paul Douglas, restaurant, does a great job preparing food for all banquets and cooks in the restaurant kitchen when needed. Paul also helps in other departments if needed.■ April – Jessica Ogle, housekeeping, is a very versatile person. She helps wherever she is needed, any time she is needed, with a great attitude. Jessica also helps her co-workers when needed, such as giving them rides to and from work.■ May – Nelvin Mendoza, laundry. His de-partment manager said: He never stops. He is like having two employees. We are lucky to have him on our team.

does her job well, and has a good work ethic.

IHG Brand Hotels Celebrate ServiceIn partnership with the IHG Owners Associa-tion, Celebrate Service is a “thank you” to all colleagues who make everyone feel welcome and cared for, recognized and respected, who-ever and wherever they are in the world - col-leagues who deliver unique experiences day in day out, through a passion to make people happy. Hotels in the IHG family of brands are asked to “Celebrate” the service of their associates.

THE CUSTOMERS ALWAYS WRITE – OR POSTDoubleTree by Hilton Memphis“Great Location and Value” Had a great stay here. The staff is extremely attentive and professional. Thanks so much for making our wedding exceptional. Make sure you say hello to Kevin. The pool was great for the kids. There is so much to do around the hotel as well.Christopher B.

Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Metro Airport“All Smiles” Great comfortable room and efficient customer service. Close to the airport and other venues. Great in room coffee too with the Keurig coffee system. The beds were comfortable and the room has an excellent air conditioning system!amybF6069KQ - Volant, PA

Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort MyersBell Tower Shops“Staff was gracious and eager to help.” My wife and I started coming here because of the convenient location. We have returned twelve times because of the consistently great service. The hotel was immaculate. Your housekeeping staff goes the extra mile in making the room like new every day. The food selection was excellent. The most important part of our stays has been the great staff; from check in to check out to getting a wake up call to getting a question about directions answered. The staff was gracious and eager to help.Bernard Sullivan

Best Western Plus Kingston“Clean inside and out” The Best Western in Kingston N.Y. is awesome!! It’s clean inside and out. Their staff is kind, and always smiling. They jump to help you and will even give you a map on how to get to your room, and even explain it to you! The restaurant is great! Food is good, and wait staff is excellent!! I highly recommend this hotel!Jeannette SmithHoliday Inn Express Hotel & SuitesPigeon Forge“Very Convenient” This was our second stay at this Holiday Inn Express, and we will definitely be back. The Inn is clean and the employees are so very kind. They make you feel like family. We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet. The location is well within walking distance for several attractions in the area eliminating the need to find parking.cacky17 - Kill Devil Hills, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Johnson City“Best DoubleTree so far” This DoubleTree gets high marks for service and cleanliness. Rooms are modern and functional. Beds were very comfortable. Extremely close to almost any restaurant you would want. Front desk staff efficient, friendly and helpful. Warm cookies aren’t bad either.David M - Knoxville, Gold Hilton Honors Member

Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit/Airport-Romulus“Excellent Stay!” I was very satisfied with this stay. The hotel is very clean and the rooms top notch. The breakfast had a different variety of hot foods every day and then the usual pastries breads, bagels, fresh fruits, cereals, coffee, juices, waffle maker, etc.DESOGNA - West Melbourne, FL

DoubleTree by Hilton Murfreesboro“Great Time at DoubleTree” This was a great hotel to stay in, very clean and reasonably priced. The room was pet friendly, and it was very reasonable to have our dog come with us. All of my questions were answered with ease from the front desk, and I loved the accommodations. The cookie is always a nice touch!taylorg781 - Deltona, USA

Baymont Inn & Suites Sevierville“Great Place” Very clean. Outside fire pit is really cool to warm up by after the pool. They also have a basketball goal for you to enjoy. Will definitely stay again.christinahR2652KG

Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs“Amazing Service” The minute my family and I got there the attention and the service was wonderful. We had a room upgrade, and it was very nice. I have to mention two staff members that gave us great service: Demi and Tanya. Hotels need more employees like you!olgafrivera - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Hilton Knoxville Airport“Very convenient. Great Service.” Actual walking distance from airport. Rooms were clean and any special request for towels and blankets has always been quick. They continue to update, and now have a coffee shop below the atrium bar area, as well as full service restaurant. No breakfast included in a standard price; however, there are free coffee and muffins in the lobby area. Pool area and workout room were nice with plenty of equipment. SLS468 - Iowa

Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers“Extra Kindness” Motivated to share with you the hospitality extended to us by your friendly, accommodating staff. My husband and I shared many meals at Shoeless Joe’s because of the fun, relaxing atmosphere. We enjoyed being able to start the day with a hot cup of coffee, and end it with a delicious cookie on the fifth floor.Thank you for a lovely vacation and extra kindness. Madeline Miller

Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge“Smashing Success” We appreciate your staff. They do a great job. Miranda and John were wonderful to work with. Both did everything they could to make our event the success that is was. We have had no complaints - only praise from everybody. We look forward to another successful year in 2017. Again, thanks for all that you and your staff do to help make this event a smashing success.Sassy Sweethearts

DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront“Excellent Hotel” This place was like coming home. The room smelled like heaven, it was clean, and the bed was so soft. The staff was amazing and they even gave me a free cookie!! I was on my way back to Louisville from New Orleans and this will be my go to place from now on. It was definitely worth the extra money!!!Katherine Pagoada – Google Review

Embassy Suites Detroit Metro Airport“Excellent stay in Michigan!” Family reunion at this hotel and we had a great time! Hotel and hospitality staff very friendly! Breakfast included standard items, but good! Will definitely recommend to others and will stay at this location again!SD Ellenwood, Georgia

Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort MyersAirport/FGCU“Great Hotel!” The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, probably the best I have ever encountered. The hotel was very clean and the location central to all the areas of interest to us. (Shopping, beaches, ballparks.) I would highly recommend this hotel!Kristy L - Temperance, Michigan

Hilton Garden Inn Fort MyersAirport/FGCU“Fantastic Facility and Staff” Excellent accommodations, extremely clean facility, staff and everyone top notch!! Great location with lots of good food choices within walking distance. I definitely recommend this properly to anyone.tkeeser - Clearwater, FL

DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson“Best Experience Ever” The hotel staff are so friendly and helpful. Our room felt like home. I always try to stay here when I return to my hometown, for these reasons. I’ve only been disappointed once, when they didn’t have any rooms available. I highly recommend this place!Q4127UBshirleyb - Memphis, TN

DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Ridge“Staff were polite, friendly, and efficient” I recently spent two nights at the Oak Ridge DoubleTree while in the area for business. Everything in the room functioned properly. Lighting in the room was adequate, and there were plenty of easy to reach electrical outlets. I heard no noise from the interior corridor, adjacent rooms, or exterior. The drapes did a good job of blocking the morning sun. Wi-Fi worked well. Water pressure was good as was the hot water supply. There was plenty of counter space at the sink. The breakfast buffet was inexpensive with a good variety of items. Polite, friendly, and efficient staff.BusinessTraveler - North Shore, MA 16916

Hilton Naples“So Relaxing” The Hilton Naples is perfectly positioned! Close enough to old downtown, and the hotel offers a shuttle service to the beach. There are the Waterside shops a block away with upscale shopping and several options for dining. The hotel room was nicely furnished and very comfortable. The bed was so comfortable that we are looking into buying the same mattress for us at home! The hotel has a nice pool area and workout facility.Amy G. - Carbondale, CO