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

fall 2016 Contents Vol. 32, No. 4

www.whhotelgroup.com

Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North

P. 2-3 Promotions

P. 3 Renovations

P. 4-5 Associate Appreciation

P. 5 Awards

P. 6-7 Focus on Sales

P. 8 Community Involvement

A S S O C I A T E A P P R E C I A T I O N W E E KAll WHG properties celebrated Associate Appreciation Week May 16 – 20.

Visit Pages 4 – 5 to see how associates and managers enjoyed the food, fun and camaraderie.

Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown

F r e sh B i t e s : a f r e sh app roa ch t o F&B Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, is rolling out Fresh Bites by Marriott, a new menu developed for the F&B On Demand program. A response to consumers’ changing culinary preferences, Fresh Bites offers high-quality, fresh food with more flexibility, faster production, simpler processes and more reasonable prices for their in-room dining and food-to-go needs. The Fresh Bites menu also will feature fare with local flare and ingredients. “Fresh Bites affords hotel guests the opportunity to select food choices that are local or representative of the region, and it simplifies the process and makes the selection and delivery much more attractive,” Gary Britton, VP - F&B, shares. “We’re excited to continue to evolve and meet the everyday demands of customers’ desires.” Guests can simply review the Fresh Bites 24/7 menu, called “At Your Service,” from their rooms to place an order and then, within minutes, either pick up their items from the Austin Marriott North’s RCG/Starbucks We Proudly Serve or have them delivered to their rooms. The food is conveniently packaged with no carts and no signature required. Fresh Bites’ rollout to other WHG Marriott hotels will be based on its results at Austin Marriott-North.

WHG PARTNER SPOTLIGHTTerry Dammeyer,Chief Construction & Development Officer

Terry Dammeyer is a veteran of more than 30 years in WHG’s construction department. In his role, he is responsible for product quality and growth of the company by overseeing construction, renovations and development of future hotels. His vision is to double the size of WHG in the next five years, growing not only the number of hotels but associates as well. Dammeyer views the recent PHG partnership as an instrumental factor in future growth. “Even as we strive to grow our company, our foundation will continue to be rooted in the WHG Mission Statement and culture,” he shares.

Marriott Cleveland-East Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky.

Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky.

Marriott Austin-North atRound Rock, Texas

GM & AGM ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROMOTIONS FROM WITHIN

CORPORATE

Andrew Tompkins has been named project superintendent. Tompkins will oversee renovation projects at Marriott Cincinnati-Airport and Marriott Cincinnati North. He previously worked as a project manager for Conger Construction Group in Lebanon, Ohio.

Ray Hicks returns to WHG as project superintendent with a focus on renovation projects. Hicks previously worked as a project manager from 2011 to 2015, overseeing numerous key construction projects.

Carolyn Leibreich has been named finance transition specialist. Leibreich will provide additional resources to support the upcoming new platform conversions as well as assist with finance projects. She previously worked as accounting manager and nursing home administrator for Anderson Healthcare. She has a Bachelor of Science in economics from Xavier University.

FRONT DESK

Ola Kaminska has been promoted to guest service supervisor from GSR at Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from University of Cincinnati.

Megan Thorn has been welcomed back to WHG at Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky., as a.m. guest service supervisor. Thorn previously worked at Marriott Cincinnati North as a GSR and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from University of Cincinnati.

Mike McCabe has been promoted to guest service supervisor from GSR at Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla. McCabe joined the hotel in 2015 and earned an associate degree in hospitality management from St. Petersburg College.

Tyler Lawrence has been promoted to guest service supervisor at Marriott Cleveland-East from GSR at Marriott Pittsburgh-North. Lawrence earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

HOUSEKEEPING

Rachael Hardy has been promoted to executive housekeeper at Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown from operations manager at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue Ash. Hardy earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant, tourism and business management from Ohio University.

Ariel Duffey has been promoted to manager in training from intern at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Duffey started as an intern in January 2016 and recently earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from The Ohio State University.

Joe Allred has been promoted to a.m. guest service supervisor from assistant executive housekeeper at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Allred has been with WHG since 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cornerstone University.

Ben Kline has been promoted to guest service supervisor from GSR at Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio. Kline joined the property in February 2016 and earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated science from Ohio University.

Ray HicksAndrew Tompkins Ola Kaminska

2 WHG Focus Fall 2016

Carolyn Leibreich Ariel Duffey

Mike McCabe

Joe Allred

Tyler Lawrence

Ben Kline

Rachael Hardy

Megan Thorn

Alyssa Robin Michael Balcom

Michael Balcom has been named AGM at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky. Balcom most recently served as GM at Courtyard by Marriott in Battle Creek, Mich., and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality business from Michigan State University.

Alyssa Robin has been named AGM at Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North. Robin had previously worked with Starwood Hotels and Resorts since 2009, where she was most recently the director of restaurants and bars at Westin Savannah Golf Resort and Spa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Rutgers University.

Mindi Marshall has been promoted to opening GM at Hyatt Place Round Rock/Austin. Marshall will be managing the company’s first Hyatt-branded hotel. Previously, Marshall served as AGM at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, and acting GM at Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown. Marshall earned a culinary degree at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Mindi Marshall

Fall 2016 WHG Focus 3

PROMOTIONS FROM WITHIN

Trent Morris has been promoted to assistant executive housekeeper from manager in training at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Morris started at the property in early 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from The Ohio State University.

BANQUETS

Benjamin Schulman has been promoted to assistant banquet manager from manager in training at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Schulman started as an intern at the hotel in 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from The Ohio State University.

Katie Hogan has been promoted to banquet manager from a.m. dining room supervisor at Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla. Hogan joined the property in 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in hospitality management from University of South Florida.

SALES

Shauna Harris has been promoted to sales account manager from catering manager at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Harris has been with WHG since 1999.

Maria Buckle has been promoted to assistant pool desk operations manager from manager in training at Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla. Buckle joined the property in 2015 and has worked in many departments, including guest service, housekeeping and dining room. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public health and master’s degree in hospitality management from University of South Florida.

John Hooley has been promoted to food & beverage manager from bartender at Courtyard Pittsburgh North-Cranberry Woods. Hooley was the hotel’s Associate of the Year for 2015 and played a large role in the hotel achieving multiple GSS awards last year. He has been with the property for two years and is studying hospitality management at Butler Community College.

Hayley Dang has been promoted to sales and catering account manager from sales coordinator at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio. Dang has been with the property since 2013 and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from The Ohio State University.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Julie Shaw has been promoted to p.m. dining room supervisor at Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky. Shaw previously was manager in training at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and tourism from University of Kentucky.

James Wells has been promoted to p.m. dining room supervisor from p.m. dining room server at Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich. Wells earned an associate degree in political science from Washtenaw Community College.

Trent Morris Katie HoganBenjamin Schulman Shauna Harris

James Wells

Hayley Dang

Maria Buckle

Julie Shaw

John Hooley

B E F O R E , A F T E R A N D B R A N D N E W

Before and after photos of Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront, Covington, Ky., as it undergoes its property improvement plan

The construction of Austin Hyatt Place took another step toward completion when crews “topped off” the property this summer.

BEFORE AFTER BEFORE

AFTER

4 WHG Focus Fall 2016

Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich. Monthly pledges commenced, setting the tone for daily treats and snacks. Associates participated in an ice cream social, a pizza party and the always-favorite “Happy Cart.” Friday closed out a week of continued appreciation with a free lunch.

Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla. The week was packed with fun in the sun. Associates enjoyed a photo booth, and they kicked the annual car wash up a notch by renting an ice cream truck for everyone to enjoy. Other activities included a barbeque, pledge rally with lots of prizes, a dunk tank, chair massages, caricatures and bingo.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue Ash Associates enjoyed a fun-filled week with an ice cream social, car wash, chef’s breakfast and cookout with GM (that’s “Grill Master”) Charles Mahabir. The celebrations were especially significant for Bobby Ashley, who celebrated his 15-year anniversary as a room attendant and was presented with a special gift at the cookout.

Marriott Chicago-Northwest Associates were treated to different lunches each day from various local restaurants and a daily snack cart delivery organized by the sales team. The weeklong celebration came to a close with a picnic provided by Chef Meredith Wilde and endless games of “bags” (some call it cornhole) to enjoy.

Courtyard Pittsburgh North-Cranberry Woods

Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky. Associates kicked off the week with an omelet breakfast served in McKenna’s, compliments of executive chef Michael Conarroe, followed by “prize-an-hour” giveaways, overnight hotel stays, tickets to local attractions and Kona Ice. The week wrapped up with an All Associate Steak BBQ and tunes from resident DJ (p.m. guest service supervisor) Kyle Herbstreit.

Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio Brazil wasn’t the only place with games and competition this summer. In honor of the Olympics, the hotel hosted its own games, with departments flexing their skills in the Desk Chair Sprint and Dunk Tank Challenge. In between contests, associates enjoyed a caricature artist’s creations, the “Happy Cart,” welcomed Brutus Buckeye to the pledge rally to help hand out Olympic awards and snacked on Kona Ice.

Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront, Covington, Ky.

GM Gus Krimm demonstrated his appreciation for associates at the poolside luncheon, which capped off a week of chair massages and food.

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio

A local massage therapist helped associates unwind as they enjoyed an ice cream truck visit, breakfast provided by a local donut shop, the omelet station and free lunches. The main event was the pledge rally that included prize giveaways, a slip ‘n slide and inflatable pool.

Quality Suites San LuisObispo, Calif.

Associates enjoyed a week of fun challenges around the hotel, treats and delectable omelets prepared by Bridget Zambrano, executive housekeeper. Favorite challenges among associates included building soap towers while wearing a blindfold, a bed-making contest and setting up office coffee while blindfolded and only with verbal directions.

A S S O C I A T E A P P R E C I A T I O N W E E K

Staci Lombardo, bookkeeper; Kevin Gordon, maintenance technician; and Linda Cecil, revenue manager before sharing the “Happy Cart”

Lashanna Revels, room attendant, revels in her victory with Brutus.

Room attendants Tameca Rawls and Devon Bell race to the finish line.

The team enjoys the ice cream truck.

L to R: Aly Campuzano, suite attendant, tries to build a soap tower with the help of Gloria Zambrano, assistant executive housekeeper.

Amber Christian, sales and catering account manager, loving her rainbow sprinkles

L to R: Elizabeth Ramirez, suite attendant, celebrates victory with Martha Rodriguez, suite attendant.

AGM Chris Jones gets dunked by Taryn Zowin, a.m. dining room server.

Herbstreit played perfect party tracks.

Ashley White, sales and catering account manager, and Erin Duffy, sales coordinator, preparing for a pizza party

Krimm patiently waiting for a surprise dunk

Marlene Lawrence, maintenance technician, spins the prize wheel.

The candy table was a popular spot for associates throughout the week – when they weren’t busy competing in games, that is.

Fall 2016 WHG Focus 5

Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas It may have been a rainy week, but that didn’t dampen the spirits or festivities. Each day featured fun and activities inspired by the states of New York, Hawaii, Indiana, Florida and Maryland.

Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown

Room attendant Antoinette Boatwright enjoys Kona Ice, one of the many highlights of the week-long celebration.

Marriott Cleveland-East Associates engaged in friendly competition. Grill masters John McAuliffe, AGM, and David Rosenberg, GM, made chicken and ribs to accompany the managers’ potluck for the staff. The team enjoyed a catered lunch, car wash and ice cream sundae station. Competition was steep for prizes and bragging rights for the team’s obstacle course.

Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky. Good food, laughs and cornhole made for a week to remember. The watermelon, popsicles and sundae bar were team favorites.

A S S O C I A T E A P P R E C I A T I O N W E E KM AY 1 6 - 2 0

McAuliffe and Rosenberg grilling chicken and ribs for the team

After washing the cars, associates and managers enjoyed Kona shaved ice treats.

Laurie Richards and Erin Werner, dining room supervisors, serve up ice cream and toppings at the ice cream sundae station.

L to R: Micah Durden, line cook; Bryan Miller, maintenance supervisor; and McKenzie White, sales and catering account manager

These associates are on island time.

Juan Ostinguin, houseperson

L to R: Cameron Langston, executive chef; Thomas Waide, houseperson; and AGM Martin Borawski

Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North Associates enjoyed having their cars washed by managers. Hard work was rewarded with Kona Ice, relaxation and a team rally.

AWARDS Dishing up success Crowds lined up to sample dishes from Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., as part of the “Taste of Downtown.” The booth was awarded the most-visited and popular food station according to the number of tickets collected at the end of the event.

Flourishing talent David Huelsman, lead p.m. valet attendant at Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown, was one of six recipients of the 2016 ROSE Award, which recognizes service industry professionals in Greater Cincinnati. Huelsman attended an awards banquet hosted by the Tourism Council of Greater Cincinnati where he was recognized for being an ambassador to the hotel and city of Cincinnati. With more than 50 guest comments on Trip Advisor and Marriott surveys, Huelsman is well-known for making connections with guests and treating them like family.

Best in the state Two associates from Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., were nominated for Outstanding Customer Service awards from VisitLex. Nominees were selected based on their customer service skills and abilities. Phillip Boaz, a.m. cook, was runner-up, and Tina Kohrs, sales coordinator, finished in the Top 10.

Seth Dean, cook; Matt Avram, executive chef; and Brett Hunter, cook, passed out tasty samples to the hungry crowd.

AGM Martin Borawski, Kohrs, Boaz and HR manager Lorraine Cecil

Stakes were high and competition was steep at the cornhole tournament.

Mike Webb, maintenance technician, enjoying the picnic

6 WHG Focus Fall 2016

A leader in the market In a growing downtown market, success comes from creating customer loyalty and building relationships. This set the sales team at Marriott Cleveland-East apart from its competition. The team stays inspired by exploring new trends in the hospitality field and having the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients. Its biggest piece of advice for new sales professionals: Have the spirit to serve and the willingness to go the extra mile.

A first-name basis

Putting a face to a name has created a more personalized relationship between Erin Daniels, sales account manager at Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio, and her guests. In the past year, Daniels has made it her goal to spend two-to-three days per week in the MClub Concierge Lounge at the hotel. “It has been very rewarding in many ways and very successful in uncovering new business we

did not realize we had,” Daniels says. “The 30 minutes to an hour I spend in the MClub gives me more face time with not only our guests, but our concierge associates.”

From the smallest detail to the grandest event

Wedding days are Amber Christian’s favorite as a sales and catering account manager at Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio. “It is so rewarding to have the day arrive after working with couples for so long,” Christian says. Her passion for event planning is what led her to the hotel business after receiving a degree in restaurant, hotel and tourism from Ohio University. While it can be stressful to manage expectations and a busy schedule, Christian recommends finding a balance between work and home life and to be organized, prompt and friendly.

Happily ever after

Little details make a big difference to Chloe Lianez, sales coordinator at Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio, who plans special moments for guests. “The most rewarding thing about my job is seeing our guests so happy when their events work out just the way they imagined,” Lianez says. Her passionate co-workers and love for planning parties and weddings create

a positive work environment where everyone has fun. “My advice to people who want a future in sales is to not hold back,” she shares.

A knack for sales

Betsy Baringer, sales account manager at Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens, Ohio, loves working with the public. Since her first job in banquets, she has enjoyed meeting new people and building relationships. “I am continually amazed that if you ask just one more question, you can find something you have in common with a customer,” Baringer says.

Daily persistence Mick Douthat, sales account manager at Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront, Covington, Ky., sees every day as an opportunity. “I was attracted to the idea of having a job with clear-cut and measurable results,” Douthat says. He recommends being persistent and remembering that, “If you enjoy meeting people – all types of people – and you truly enjoy slowing down and really listening to their story, sales might be for you,” he shares.

Every day is an opportunity Emily Thompson, sales account manager, loves the variety of events she gets to help plan at Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich. From government to nonprofit events, Thompson enjoys getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of different fields of work. She says success is what drives her, and she appreciates when a client tells her that an event went exactly as they had planned. “I am always looking for something to improve and learn more about,” Thompson says. “I use failures and frustrations as an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Knowledge is key Kimberly Debrabander, sales account manager, is always looking for the opportunity to increase her knowledge and encourages her team at Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., to do the same. “I always tell others interested in sales to find a mentor and become a sponge,“ Debrabander says. She enjoys helping others succeed and considers how each decision will affect her team.

Bryerfest 2016 The sales team at Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., books a three-day event that sells out the hotel every year. To make the event fun for guests, the sales team organizes activities like a window display contest. “We have the best sales team,” Lorraine Cecil, HR manager, says.

A solid foundation Even with several years of experience, Jaime Leising, sales account manager at Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North, still says the best part of her job is meeting new people. Recognized as a top sales manager for 2015, Leising enjoys building new relationships and making a difference in her clients’ lives. “If you want to succeed in sales, you have to make sure the interaction with your client is about the relationship and not the sale,” Leising says.

F O C U S O N S A L E S

Jena Green, sales and catering account manager; Susan Miller, sales coordinator; Polly Kondrat, sales account manager; Stephanie Hickman, sales and catering account manager; and Tricia Brooks, sales account manager, practice the best in customer service.

Amy Stamper, sales account manager, coordinated a carnival-themed window display contest.

Fall 2016 WHG Focus 7

Three’s a charm Adrianne Klopfenstein, sales account manager; Kelsey Beckenhaupt, sales and catering account manager; and Ola Kaminska, guest service supervisor, make up the sales team at Residence Inn Cincinnati-Downtown. Klopfenstein says the most rewarding part of her position is seeing her hard work pay off when she wins a piece of business or sees an event executed perfectly. Beckenhaupt enjoys the unlimited earning potential that comes from a position in sales. “Selling WHG’s first rooftop bar and event space was pretty cool too,” Beckenhaupt says.

Teamwork makes the dream work Donna Seeley, sales account manager at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue Ash, says her position is incredibly rewarding as she is surrounded by a great team of associates, including Diane Kelley, sales and catering account manager. Seeley says, “I enjoy meeting new people and building relationships with clients and friends in the industry.” Her advice to others is to never get discouraged because, “when you make that big sale it benefits everyone.”

Closing the deal Kaitlyn Cinquegrani, sales account manager at Marriott Chicago-Northwest, is driven by landing a new sale. She advises her peers to never take “no” for an answer, and she enjoys the relationships she gets to build with clients.

The perfect fit Although sales account manager Theresa Paolo never pictured herself in a sales position, it has proven to be the perfect fit. Paolo joined the company in 2012 but recently started her new position in sales at Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Airport, Erlanger, Ky. “Working with clients to fulfill their needs and generate revenue for the company is one of the best aspects of my job,” Paolo shares. “The day-to-day interaction and relationships I have with my clients inspire me to go above and beyond.”

Satisfaction guaranteed Todd Pifer, sales account manager at Courtyard Pittsburgh North-Cranberry Woods, lives by the motto: “Find the need behind the need and always be selling.” This boils down to being able to find solutions for his clients to guarantee they are always satisfied. Whether it’s by being creative or resourceful, Pifer always has the client in mind.

Sales hall of fame As a world-class athlete, the transition to sales was the perfect fit for Dedi Kavanaugh-Dziak, senior sales account manager at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas. Her competitive nature has made her successful at negotiating and putting a smile on her clients’ faces. “The team at the hotel is second to none,” Kavanaugh-Dziak says. “We are a family and genuinely care about each other.”

Inspired by passion Jim Coppedge, senior sales account manager at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, enjoys seeing the impact the right piece of business can have on every department. “The biggest challenge in sales is asking all the right questions to make sure we fit the customer’s expectations and needs,” Coppedge says. “As a salesperson, you have to face the fact that not every piece of business is the right piece of business for your hotel.”

A team effort The close-knit sales team is what brings Nicole Golan Green, sales and catering account manager at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, to work every day with a smile. Golan Green enjoys being a liason and advocate for her customers. “I greatly enjoy working with each department to come up with ways to make it a brilliant experience and event for the customer,” Golan Green says. “Feeling responsible to all associates inspires me every day to book the best business for our hotel.”

Adapt to change Janice Rivera, sales account manager at Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, says the key to success is to remain flexible. “Even though you may have a plan for the day, everything could change at a moment’s notice,” Rivera shares. She also recognizes that success is a team effort. “As the new kid on the block, my team has taken me under their wing and they all genuinely care about my success,” Rivera adds.

F O C U S O N S A L E S

From left: Coppedge, Rivera, Golan Green and Kavanaugh-Dziak

From left to right: Beckenhaupt, Kaminska, and Klopfenstein

T O P S A L E S A S S O C I A T E S

Congratulations to seven WHG sales associates for their outstanding achievements in 2015.

Sales Account Managers:Jaime Leising, Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-NorthDonna Seeley, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue AshRenee Potoczny, Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla.Donna Siegel, Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fla.

Sales & Catering Account Managers:Nicole Golan Green, Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, TexasDiane Kelley, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Blue AshShauna Harris, Marriott Columbus-Airport, Ohio

Each of these managers received a Top Sales Associate of theYear trophy in honor of their successes.

Governor Matt Bevin recently named Mario San Marco, president of Eagle Realty Group, a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the governor of Kentucky. Eagle Realty Group and its parent company, Western & Southern Financial Group, are long-standing partners of WHG.

GoUpstate.com recently published a feature article about the retirement of Joe Dominick, a shoeshiner who served the guests — including politicians and even royalty — of Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, S.C., for the past 12 years (although his career shining shoes spanned seven decades). Read Dominick’s reflections about his many experiences athttp://bit.ly/2cf1gwN.

Courtyard Pittsburgh North-Cranberry Woods was the host hotel for the Pittsburgh Penguins development camp. The Stanley Cup was brought into the hotel to keep motivation and spirits high, especially for the new players.

Fall 2016 Vol. 32, No. 4

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

Publisher

Kent Bruggeman WHG Chief Financial Officer

Corporate Editor

Dave Gordon WHG VP of Human ResourcesPRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER© 2016 WHG8 WHG Focus Fall 2016

Editorial Staff:Vehr Communications513-381-8347 (phone)513-651-4101 (fax)Darcy Schwass, editorSuzi Buzek, writerJackie Koopman, writerSarah Sampson, writerJason Cowdrey, designerSam Graham, designer

Next generation Marriott Austin-North at Round Rock, Texas, was honored to have a fantastic group of hospitality interns, many of whom have returned for the 2016-17 school year.

An inspiration for all Kim Delong, sales account manager at Renaissance Hotel Indianapolis-North, has volunteered with the ALS Association – Indiana Chapter

for more than two years. Her role with the chapter’s events committee has increased awareness of ALS and funding for research in Indiana. Most notable is her participation in the Bob Kravitz Celebrity Golf Outing, which raised more than $65,000 for the ALS chapter.

Support for Orlando and Dallas WHG and PHG, in response to the horrific tragedies that occurred this summer in Orlando and Dallas, have made contributions on behalf of all associates to support these communities and the families and friends of the victims.

OneOrlandoFund:$20,000 WHG/PHG donationIndividual donations can be sent to:OneOrlandoPO Box 4990Orlando, Fla. 32802https://www.oneorlando.org/

Line of Duty Fund of The Dallas Foundation:$10,000 WHG/PHG donationIndividual donations can be sent to:The Dallas Foundation3963 Maple Ave, Suite 390Dallas, Texas 75219https://lineofdutyfund.kimbia.com/lineofduty

Take it on the road Jon Becker, bellperson and van driver, recently completed a 10K “Race for Freedom,” which raises awareness to help survivors of human trafficking and restore the quality of life

for young women and girls. Becker also represented Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., in Ele’s Race, a 5K that benefits a healing center for grieving children and teens.

Second chaise John Hazzard, maintenance supervisor, has been working with the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau to donate used hotel furniture

from Radisson Hotel Lansing, Mich., to families in the community.

Champs in giving Embassy Suites Lexington, Ky., associates participated with other local hotels

in an annual friendly competition to donate blood. Word is that Embassy Suites is the team to beat – they are the reigning champions for eight consecutive years and counting. Rolling up their sleeves for a great cause, 15 donors helped save numerous lives.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

N E W C O L O N E LI N T O W N

S H I N E O N

T H A T ’ S M O T I V A T I O N

Tom Stafford, chef, and Veronica Beita, diningroom supervisor, with theinterns from Stony PointHigh School

Delong

Phillip Boaz, a.m. cook

Anthony Simandl, houseperson