Author Archives: Kat Summers

Giants Ridge to operate under single management

Eveleth, MN: A contract has been finalized under which Guest Services, Inc., in partnership with Billy Casper Golf, will manage all Giants Ridge operations, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Commissioner Mark Phillips announced today.

Effective May 1, 2017, Guest Services, Inc. and Billy Casper Golf will oversee all Giants Ridge operations, including golf, ski, rental, retail, concessions, and facilities.

Giants Ridge in Biwabik includes two 18-hole championship golf courses, hiking trails, award winning bike trails, alpine and nordic ski operations, wedding, banquet and conference facilities. More than 100,000 visitors enjoy the many offerings at Giants Ridge each year.

Giants Ridge - Biwabik, MN
Giants Ridge – Biwabik, MN

Existing contracts with multiple vendors for golf, ski, rental, retail, food and beverage, and other operations, expire April 30, 2017.

During the month of April, a transition will occur from the current multi-vendor operational model to the new model. The transition comes following 18 months of studies involving numerous stakeholder groups about ways to make Giants Ridge more efficient and more successful.

IRRRB will continue to own all Giants Ridge physical assets and property.

“Giants Ridge is the crown jewel of the Iron Range. This is an operating model and partnership that provides Giants Ridge with new opportunities to grow and attract more visitors and investment,” said Phillips. “Guest Services has an excellent track record of delivering the top level of customer experience. IRRRB will continue to own and invest in Giants Ridge to ensure it remains a premier destination and a key contributor to the region’s economy.”

For each dollar invested in Giants Ridge, 1.6 dollars goes back to the local economy, creating a more than $43 million multiplier economic impact, according to a 2016 Giants Ridge Economic Impact Analysis performed by THK Associates Inc., of Aurora, Colo. Giants Ridge employs more than 150.

“We are proud to officially launch our new partnership with IRRRB, and we look forward to delivering spectacular visitor services and experiences at Minnesota’s #1 Family Vacation Destination – Giants Ridge,” said Scott Shepherd, Chief Commercial Officer at Guest Services, Inc.  “Our very unique corporate culture and our Recreation Area first operating mentality perfectly situate our firm to commit the most to the iconic properties we’re privileged and honored to steward.  It’s also very important to our firm to provide meaningful local jobs that offer great benefits.”

“Billy Casper Golf was built through golf innovation, superior customer service, and unparalleled industry expertise,” said Mike Cutler, Senior Vice President of Billy Casper Golf. “We look forward to our partnership with Guest Services, Inc., and delivering the ultimate customer experience to Giants Ridge visitors.”

The new www.GiantsRidgeCareers.com website will debut this week to effectively communicate transition updates, list available employment opportunities and details for how to apply.  Representatives from Guest Services, Inc. and Billy Casper Golf will also be on site this week to meet current employees, begin the employment transition process, as well as conduct a career fair for any remaining (available) positions.

 

About Guest Services, Inc.

For over a century, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessioner that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ over 4,000 valued team members at more than 300 properties, which welcome approximately 35 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome guests at the award-winning DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Naples, The Lodge at Breckenridge, Mount Rainier National Park, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and, iconic state park lodges such as the Bear Mountain Inn in New York, Big Sur Lodge in California and Echo Bluff State Park Lodge – Missouri’s newest state park in the Ozarks.  To learn more visit www.guestservices.com.

About Billy Casper Golf

Billy Casper Golf is one of the largest privately owned golf course management companies in the U.S., with nearly 150 properties in 29 states.  Headquartered in Reston, Va. – with regional offices across America – BCG has more than 25 years of results-driven expertise.  The company specializes in full-service course management as well as assistance in specific segments of the golf business, including course and property maintenance, staffing and training, career growth, clubhouse operations, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management. To learn more visit www.billycaspergolf.com.

IRRRB is a state economic development agency headquartered in northeastern Minnesota whose mission is to promote and invest in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. To learn more about the agency and its services, visit http://mn.gov/irrrb/. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/IRRRB.

For more information, please contact:
Sheryl Kochevar
Communications Coordinator, IRRRB
218-735-3021
Sheryl.Kochevar@state.mn.us

Contact Information for Guest Services:
Liz Gerber Morris, Director of Sales & Marketing
239-593-3339
morrisL@guestservices.com

Fairfield Inn & Suites Opens In Ashland, Virginia With Innovative Design And Décor

Holladay Properties and Guest Services, Inc. Formally Launch New Partnership

ASHLAND, Va., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The 103-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Richmond Ashland (Virginia) celebrated its opening today. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Richmond, and 23 miles from Richmond International Airport, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond Ashland will offer guests convenient access to Richmond International Raceway, James River Cellars Winery, Hanover County Airpark, Harley Davidson, and Bass Pro Shop. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond Ashland (11625 Lakeridge Parkway) will operate as a Marriott franchise, jointly owned by Holladay Properties of South Bend, Indiana and Guest Services, Inc. of Fairfax, Virginia. Guest Services will also manage and operate the property.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. “At Fairfield Inn & Suites, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience, as well as the promise of consistent and reliable service at an exceptional value. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond Ashland is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Ashland area.”

Fairfield Ashland Exterior
The new 103-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Richmond Ashland at 11625 Lakeridge Parkway is now open. Hotel amenities include an inviting living area in the lobby, signature “smart” room decor, 24/7 Corner Market, indoor swimming pool, exercise room, lobby bar, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as 750 square feet of space to accommodate functions for up to 50 people.

“We are truly pleased with the progress and continued development in and around Winding Brook. Today’s opening of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond Ashland is another shining example of our commitment to this wonderful community, and the great state of Virginia. We will be proud to serve our valued guests via this flexible, functional and accommodating property in partnership with Guest Services for many years to come,” stated John Phair, CEO of Holladay Properties. “The thoughtful design of the hotel draws inspiration from nature to create a hotel environment with a modern, bright new design that has been a very rewarding process for the team to bring to fruition through the planning, construction and now opening.”

“As a business headquartered in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and celebrating our Centennial in 2017, we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to open this amazing new property with our valued and trusted partner, Holladay Properties,” commented Gerry Gabrys, CEO of Guest Services, Inc. “Expanding our award-winning hotel portfolio with a property in the Commonwealth was an easy decision because of the Fairfield brand’s heritage of great service and warm welcomes, which is congruent with Guest Services’ heritage and culture. As with many of our other spectacular hotel properties, we have embraced the opportunity to connect the indoor spaces of the hotel with the outdoors, and have established a property surrounded by natural beauty. Our team of talented hospitality professionals embodies the southern charm of the Richmond area, and we greatly look forward to warmly welcoming guests to our property.”

Hotel amenities include an inviting living area in the lobby, signature “smart” room décor, a 24/7 Corner Market, an indoor swimming pool, an exercise room, lobby bar, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. The hotel also offers 750 square feet of space to accommodate functions for up to 50 people.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is designed for today’s traveler who is looking to be productive on the road, whether for business or leisure. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With more than 850 properties throughout the world, Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, contact the Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond Ashland hotel directly at 804-412-4800, call the Fairfield Inn & Suites toll-free number at 800-228-2800, visit www.fairfieldinn.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/fairfieldinnandsuites or follow Fairfield at www.twitter.com/fairfieldhotels.

Holladay Properties is a full-scale land development, design/build and fully-integrated real estate company, as well as one of the largest medical office management firms in the country. With more than 200 employees in a range of specialties working throughout the United States, Holladay Properties under the leadership of CEO John Phair, has the knowledge and experience to complete any type of project for any kind of client. For more information regarding their services and capabilities visit www.holladayproperties.com.

For over a century, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessioner that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ over 4,000 valued team members at more than 300 properties, which welcome approximately 35 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome guests at the award-winning DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Naples, Mount Rainier National Park, The Lodge at Breckenridge, and iconic state park lodges such as the Bear Mountain Inn in New York, Big Sur Lodge in California and Echo Bluff State Park Lodge – Missouri’s newest state park in the Ozarks. To learn more visit www.guestservices.com.

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Guest Services, Inc. Expands Its Industry Leading Sustainability Program via Additional Commitments to Animal Welfare

Guest Services, Inc. is proud to announce its industry leading Sustainability Program now includes an expanded policy aimed at the welfare of broiler chickens.

By 2024, Guest Services, Inc. is mandating that its network of nationwide suppliers for broiler chickens adhere to the standards of the Global Animal Partnership (GAP), which include:

  • Improving welfare outcomes associated with fast-growing breed strains.
  • Providing enriched environments including natural light, hay bales, litter and perches.
  • Ensuring maximum stocking density is equal to/less than 6 pounds per square foot.
  • Rendering birds unconscious prior to shackling using Controlled or Low Atmosphere Stunning.
  • Provide details on compliance by a third-party auditor

Over the years Guest Services, Inc. has consistently served as an industry leader and early adopter of other marquee sustainable policies such as the use of cage-free eggs, strictly subscribing to sustainable seafood practices, only serving coffee that is grown and harvested under Rainforest Alliance guidelines, significantly reducing the number of plastic water bottles sold at State and National Parks via the installation of hydration stations, and, serving cold beverages in eco-friendly cups and hot beverages in cups that contain a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled fiber – all made in the United States.

About Guest Services, Inc.

Now celebrating its Centennial, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessioner that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ nearly 4,000 valued team members at more than 300 properties, which welcome over 35 million guests annually across the United States.   To learn more visit www.guestservices.com

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