Hard Work, Dedication, and Sacrifice
By Robert Cole, President &
Chief Executive Officer
We are certainly proud of these results, but I have to
admit -- I am even prouder of something else.
The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to our operations,
from dramatic occupancy swings to shortfalls in labor to frustrating supply
chain disruptions, not to mention fear, uncertainty, and everything in
between. Through it all, our
associates have more than risen to the challenge! That's why we initiated Hidden Heroes,
a celebration in gratitude for our hotel team members.
Hidden Heroes included two elements: a virtual
event with simultaneous celebrations at each hotel and a special Hidden Hero
award.
For the virtual event, we sent pizzas to each hotel in
our portfolio, as well as a custom "Heart of HVMG" lapel pin and
thank-you note from me to every associate.
When I wrote, "I can't express enough how lucky I am to have you on
the HVMG team! Your hard work,
dedication, and sacrifice over the last several months have been appreciated more
than words can describe," I meant it.
Our entire team has gone above and beyond to continue to provide an EXCELLENT
guest experience over the last year.
We also announced the finalists for our Hidden Hero
award. Each hotel nominated one
associate who:
- Exemplifies HVMG's core value of excellence
through specific acts within the hotel or community.
- Goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities to impact a specific guest experience or hotel event.
- Plays an active role in leading co-workers through
difficult times and situations, by demonstrating acts of informal leadership,
kindness, and HVMG love.
One finalist was chosen from each of our three
regions. Three of the very best
examples of HVMG's BE EXCELLENT culture were selected as finalists, each
winning $1,500 and a two-night stay at any hotel in our portfolio.
Our finalists were:
- Marcia Evans, Housekeeping Supervisor at Sheraton
Suites Plantation Fort Lauderdale
- Tina Lewis, Housekeeper at Fairfield Inn & Suites
Indianapolis Airport
- Jill Schmittling, Banquet Server at Embassy Suites Detroit Troy
Auburn Hills
After being introduced to our finalists during the virtual celebration, every associate in our company was given the opportunity to vote for a winner through our communication tool. We announced the winner, Housekeeping Supervisor Marcia Evans from Sheraton Suites Plantation Fort Lauderdale, who received an additional $1,000, a $500 gift card, and two paid days off to celebrate.
You'll get a chance to learn more about our Hidden
Heroes over the next month. Until
then, know that I, and the entire HVMG executive team, could not be more proud
and grateful to have them as part of our work family! Our industry-beating results are the direct result of their efforts, and we won't
forget it.
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