Category Archives: News & Updates

2025 Food Show Brings Record Engagement and Vendor Excitement

Guest Services, Inc.’s annual Food Show returned this year with record engagement and exceptionally positive feedback from vendors and employees alike. The event highlighted our company’s continued commitment to collaboration, innovation, and team development within our food and hospitality operations.

Reflecting on the event’s success, CEO Nico Foris shared his appreciation for the collaboration and partnership that make the annual Food Show possible.

“We are truly grateful for our great vendor partners who play such an important role in supporting all that we do to deliver quality products and the highest level of hospitality excellence to our clients. The Food Show serves as a wonderful opportunity to connect and engage with our culinarians, managers, and team members, fostering collaboration and innovation across all areas of our business. Together, we continue to grow as a team and strengthen our ability to uphold and advance Guest Services’ mission every day.”

This year’s Food Show welcomed ten new vendors and introduced exciting new features, including exclusive event-only pricing on smallwares and kitchen equipment, and raffle prizes for corporate employees and district managers. Prior to the event, a focused training session was held at the corporate office, setting the stage for stronger connections and more productive conversations between vendors and teams.

One of the standout moments came from a note shared by the Vice President of Acme Paper & Supply Co., who commended the event’s success:

“We felt it was the strongest show we have participated in with GSI in a long time, and your team’s presence and engagement with our manufacturer partners was a big part of that success. The energy and interest you shared with your group helped create meaningful conversations with our partners. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work together and are excited about the opportunities that can grow from yesterday’s efforts.”

For those unable to attend, the Procurement Press Issue #270 offers a full recap of the show, including a complete list of participating vendors, contact information, and product highlights featured at the event.

Special thanks to all who helped make this year’s Food Show such a success, especially to the Procurement team, participating vendors, and everyone who contributed to this dynamic and collaborative event.

Breckenridge Becomes Colorado’s First Dark-Sky Certified Resort Town

In August 2025, Breckenridge was officially designated as a Certified Dark-Sky Community by DarkSky International, becoming the first mountain resort town in Colorado to earn this distinction (Town of Breckenridge, CBS News). This milestone reflects years of forward-thinking initiatives, starting with an exterior lighting ordinance in 2007 and significant upgrades to street lighting and construction codes across town (Town of Breckenridge).

At Guest Services, Inc., we are proud to operate The Lodge at Breckenridge, where guests can experience the beauty of the Rockies while enjoying our commitment to hospitality. We are honored to be part of the Breckenridge community and to contribute to a town that leads the way in preserving its natural wonders.

Giants Ridge Shines with Statewide Wins and Team Member Recognitions

Giants Ridge has once again proven itself a premier destination in Minnesota, taking home multiple accolades in the Minnesota’s Best reader-choice awards presented by the Star Tribune. This year, Giants Ridge earned:

  • Gold – Best Golf Course
  • Gold – Best Ski Hill
  • Gold – Best Ski Resort
  • Gold – Best Weekend Getaway
  • Silver – Best Fall Fun/Events
  • Silver – Best Day Trip
  • Silver – Best Fall Destination
  • Silver – Best Winter Destination

General Manager Fred Seymour explained that these recognitions are more than just titles, saying they reflect “the hard work, dedication, and hospitality that our team brings to every guest experience.” He emphasized that every role, whether it’s grooming trails, mowing greens, or serving guests in the restaurants, contributed to the wins. Fred noted that with more than 250 employees across golf, ski, Nordic, and food & beverage operations, the property is “a unique operation that takes a dedicated team to keep running smoothly.”

Having led Giants Ridge for eight years, Fred added that its variety of offerings makes it unique, pointing out that “championship golf courses, a ski area, Nordic trails, three restaurants, and year-round operations all come together here.” He also emphasized the property’s importance to the community, noting that it is one of the region’s largest employers.

 

 

Spotlight on Rising Talent

Alongside these statewide honors, Giants Ridge is celebrating lift mechanic Neale Leete, who has been nominated for the 2025 SAM Rise Up Challenge, a contest spotlighting lift maintenance professionals.

In less than two years, Neale advanced from lift operator to mechanic while pursuing technical training to deepen his expertise. Marketing Director Josh Woolery shared that “Neale’s journey and passion make him a standout not just at Giants Ridge, but across the ski industry,” encouraging the community to watch his video submission and vote daily to help him secure an education grant.

Fred added that Neale’s story reflects a broader philosophy at Giants Ridge: “It’s important to believe in your team, give them the tools to succeed, and trust them to make decisions. That’s what allows us to create a culture of excellence in everything we do.”

 

 

Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

From wide recognition in Minnesota’s Best to attention for rising talent, Giants Ridge continues to demonstrate the passion, teamwork, and dedication that define the Guest Services experience. Building on these accomplishments, the team looks forward to welcoming even more guests and strengthening its reputation as one of Minnesota’s premier four-season destinations.