canyon connection - Grand Canyon Resort Corporation

JUNE 2014
ISSUE ELEVEN
[CANYON CONNECTION]
[IN THIS ISSUE]
> A Message from the CEO
> GCW Anniversary Highlights
> PXH 3-on-3 Tournament
> Skywalk Food Court
> Wounded Veterans Visit GCW
[A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO]
Gamyu!!
Let me start by saying “Great job to everyone of our enterprises for a successful May!”
As summer approaches these next few months are sure to be busy. If the weather is any
indication of how summer will fare, we expect warmer and longer days!
Last month we had a couple of firsts. With every departments help we were able to
provide and host a 250 person VIP tour; one of the largest and most important tours to
date. The tour was complete with helicopter/pontoon rides; the Skywalk experience; all
culminating with lunch at the ranch, prepared by on-site chefs. Thank you to all those
who assisted with this tour and represented the corporation.
This month we plan to roll out various promotions for the summer. If you haven’t already
done so link yourself with our social media outlets and be the first to hear about our new
offers.
Let me also express gratitude toward all those involved in getting the new Hualapai
Leadership program underway. I know that everyone involved has been working very
hard to make this program a success.
With that being said, Congratulations to all selected interns. A total of 12 Hualapai tribal
members were selected for this inaugural class. I wish you all the best of luck, and look
forward to seeing every one of you, putting your best foot forward.
You will be seeing these interns within all our departments as they begin this program.
Thank you to all the departments who said goodbye to fellow team members who
were selected for the new internship. As always without hesitation, these departments
sacrificed, in most cases the best and most enthusiastic employees.
Your commitment and due diligence coupled with your attention detail is what truly
makes this corporation so successful!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Turner
CEO, Grand Canyon Resort Corporation
[JUNE BIRTHDAYS]
Brandi N. Lindemuth
Monica M. Sedillo
Salvador Luna-Montes Efren Sandoval
David Beaver Jr. Juana Nunez
Adam Watahomigie Fernando Barajas
Roberto Cervantes
Hector Contreras
Mary Walema
Toni Fielding
Heather M. Nieto
Terrance Jim
Gemini Go
Marisol Rodriguez
Sharon Bufano
Evangelina Rivera
Michelle T. Quasula
Christina Fenster
Matthew Walker
Mellisa Begay
Luka Montana
Richard Evans
Thomas Grinnell
Christine Vaughn
Camile Russell
Justin Susanyatame Dale Anthony
Pamela Powskey
Rheanna Blakley
Cory Majenty
Alicia Cesspooch
Karen O’Reilly
Alicia Molines
Nathan Grover
Tyler McKenzie
Joe M. Fuentes
Joseph Querta
Colton Selana
Cynthia Uqualla
Joseph Suminimo
Anthony Turner
Janel Honga
Jazz Vaughn
Arthur Martinez III Willis Benton
Longfeather Fox
Jessica Powskey
William E. Smith III
Jacob Susanyatame 1
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[TRY YOUR LUCK]
Trivia for the month of June!
1. Approximately how many Hualapai
members are enrolled in the Hualapai Tribe?
2. How high is the Grand Canyon Skywalk
above the Colorado River?
3. What two branches are used to govern the
Hualapai Tribe?
4. How long is the term for a Council
member(s)?
5. What is the name of the only road leading
down into the bottom of Grand Canyon?
Answers: 1. 2300, 2. 4000, 3. Judicial and Legislative, 4. 4years, 5. Diamond Creek Rd
[JANITORIAL NEWS]
Congratulations to the following members of the janitorial department for perfect attendance during the month
of April:
Juliana Thomas
Phil King
Marsha Ingram
Juan Luna
Victor Aguirre
Blas Aguirre
Stella Clark
Shawn Shepard
Julie Yonkers
Maria Arias
Petra Aguirre
Thank you all for your dedication!
Also, please welcome Tawnie Rotondo and Maria Williams to our janitorial staff!
[GCW SECURITY DEPARMENT
PERFECT ATTENDANCE]
SGT. RYAN HILLER
CHRIS PETERSEN
SGT. LENNY SCHUH
KARL BIES
ALLEN TULLAR
SALVADOR LUNA
OIC CLINT JOHNSON
BRANDON JOHNSON
PHILLIP CLAW
JIM LIBBY
AARON BEATTY
RICHARD EVANS
IAN PFEIFFER
MATTHEW MULVIHILL
KYLE RUNYAN
[PHX 3-on-3 TOURNAMENT]
The GCRC marketing team recently attended
the first ever 3-on-3 PHX basketball event
in Phoenix. Hosted by NABI, the tournament
featured a GCRC- sponsored court and basketball
backboard. An information booth was also
available with ambassadors ready to greet the
greater Phoenix area and we even had a special
visit from Miss Ak-Chin.
[SECURITY SPOTLIGHT]
FEATURED MAY 2014 EMPLOYEE
KARL BIES
Paul 29
Grand Canyon West Security Department
What is your age?
54 years old.
How long have you been with GCW Security?
2 years, 7 months.
What do you like most about working for GCW?
Being able to learn new and different things, along with meeting
people from different cultures.
Do you have any hobbies?
Photography and horseback riding.
What are your ambitions for the future?
To hopefully move up in rank and be the best leader.
[GCW ANNIVERSARY
HIGHLIGHTS]
Continuing the annual tradition, Hualapai tribal
members, employees and the surrounding
communities came together to celebrate Grand
Canyon West and its 26 years of providing
education and entertainment to visitors from
around the globe.
ABOVE: Local Color Guard Members post our Nations flags and give it the
commencement salute.
ABOVE: Marketing Director Dawnielle Tehama Laughs Out Loud as COO
Laura Ray finishes up her joke and Hualapai Lodge GM Nancy E. is quick to
strike a pose.
BELOW: CEO Jennifer Turner and GCW GM Ruby Steele assist Board of
Directors Chairwoman Camille Nighthorse with the Anniversary Raffle.
ABOVE: Packed with employees, family and GCW Guests, The ride to the
festivities was standing room only.
BELOW: Tribal member Bryan Majenty travelled with family all the way from
Phoenix to enjoy the 26th anniversary
[EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES]
DATENAME
6/12
6/12
6/25
6/21
6/30
6/23
6/1
6/1
6/15
6/20
6/14
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6/15
6/20
6/20
6/27
6/29
6/4
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6/1
6/13
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6/19
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6/24
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6/28
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6/19
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6/24
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6/29
Christy Case
Debra Paya
Rhodena Walema
Earlene Havatone
Tamela Wolford
Rena Suminimo
Leila Parker
Yolanda Ley
Rick E. Nasvall
Ashley N. Reade
Raven Honga
Shana Talieje
Christopher Nez
Allen Tullar
Paula Stephenson Michelle T. Quasula
Leticia Morgan
Anthony D. Rivera
Beverly C. Rasmussen
Leonard P. Schuh
Karl A. Barbano
Brandon D. Johnson
Olsen Duwyenie Jr Daniel J. McCoy
Gregorio F. Rodriguez
Valarina J. Jose
Thomas W. Harrop
Michael Griffin
Carlos Segovia
Regina Tovar
Shawndell Shorty
Linda Gracey
Thomas Grinnell
Jimmy Irwin
Evangelina Rivera
Anays Hernandez
Jeremy Willistein Stewart Crozier
Trent Osborn
Daniel Begay
Sidney Bender
Maria Williams
Jeremiah Borchers
Isaac Diaz
Eileen Ludington
Thomas Siyuja, Jr. Thomas Didion
Suzanne Snow
David Gallant
Charlene Lyons
Patricia Martinez
Susanne Patch
Loren Bravo Sr.
Summer Clarke
Alicia Molines
Martha Rojas
Aaron Beatty
Aaron Chasinghawk Jr Raymond Honyaktewa Paul Sabo
Angelica Borbon
Mina Crozier
Anthony Turner
Andrew Meckler
Matthew Walker
Gina Masawytewa Star Herrera
Apryl Mapatis
Shawn Cunningham Anthony Robles
Amanda Heiselman
Veronica Alexander
Kayla Alvirez
Evander Querta
Christine Vaughn
Alexandra Crook
Conard Crozier
Ivette Mejia
YRS
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DEPARTMENT
Hualapai Lodge
Hualapai Lodge
Hualapai Lodge
HRR
Hualapai Lodge
Administration
Administration
Food & Beverage
Skywalk
Skywalk
Hualapai Lodge
Administration
Maintenance
Security
Hualapai Lodge
Skywalk
Administration
Security
Security
Security
Maintenance
Security
Hualapai Ranch
HRR
Skywalk
Gift Shop
EMS
Hualapai Ranch
Food & Beverage
Skywalk
Pontoon
Tour Counter
Maintenance
Hualapai Lodge
Hualapai Lodge
Food & Beverage
Administration
Ambassador
Skywalk
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Hualapai Lodge
Skywalk
Skywalk
Skywalk
Pontoon
Security
Skywalk
Skywalk
Skywalk
Skywalk
Skywalk
Pontoon
Pontoon
Food & Beverage
Gift Shop
Security
Ambassador
Skywalk
Hualapai Ranch
GCW Administration
Skywalk
EMS
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Administration
Hualapai Lodge
Hualapai Lodge
Maintenance
Food & Beverage
EMS
Administration
Skywalk
Skywalk
Skywalk
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Gift Shop
[TID-BITS FROM THE FOOD &
BEVERAGE FRONT BURNER]
The F&B Team at GCW has been quite busy this month, but that’s the
way we like it! As everybody knows, we celebrated, along with you
all, the 26th anniversary of GCW. It was great to see all the people
and it was our pleasure to serve the several thousand attendees.
We all feasted on freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, potato
salad, chip and beverages donated by our friends at Coca-Cola.
Look for another “appearance” of the Coke trailer very soon!
Additionally, we had a great taco bar served up at The Ranch by
Chef Clarence and his team. We had a great time and hope that you
did as well!
Did you ever think that food from India would be served at GCW?
Well, we did it on May 7, when we were visited by 250 high-profile
VIPs coordinated by Thomas Cook Travel. Three true Indian Chefs
were flown in from Mumbai, India and it was a unique experience for
our Ranch staff. They served vegetarian biryani, chicken biryani, and
pav-bhaji, in addition to other unique appetizers and tidbits. Kudos
go out to Lana Keller-Robinette for her great planning and attention
to detail as well as all of the F&B staff who made it a memorable
experience for our guests!
Lastly, a sincere, heartfelt, and bittersweet congratulations goes
out to F&B Supervisor Chris Novak who has been selected for the
Hualapai Leadership Program. We know he will make us proud but
his skills will certainly be missed here in F&B. Good Luck, Chris!!
[GCW AIRPORT/ FIRE/
EMS NEWS]
[RESERVATION CENTER
NEWS]
We would like to thank everyone who showed their
support and love for Brian Stewart and his family.
They were truly touched by all the kind words said
and memories the staff had of him. Thank you.
The Hualapai Tourism Reservation Center would like to
welcome their newest team member, Kathleen PorterOvern.
We would like to congratulate the following
individuals celebrating their work anniversaries this
month:
Tony Turner
6/10/13 - 1 year
Amanda Heisleman
6/26/13 - 1 year
Thomas Harrop
6/29/2011 - 3 years
We thank you for your continued dedication to our
department and to GCW.
Welcome to the team, Kathleen! We are happy to have you
back.
Keona Tapija is HTRC overall top seller with $79,000 in sales
for April.
Nick Hunter is April’s top seller for the most Skywalk tickets
sold with rafting in April.
Tuesday Young is April’s top seller for the most rooms
booked with rafting in April.
Thank you to Keona and Nick for doing such a great job
while Nancy and I were at IPW in Chicago.
Let’s continue to strive to I-M-P-R-E-S-S our guest and help
make memories!
[SKYWALK FOOD COURT]
After many months of hard work and preparation
we opened our new food court area. This area
was designed for the guest’s enjoyment while they
wait to go on the Skywalk. We have new food
items including churros, funnel cakes, jalapeno
hotdogs, corndogs and sherbet ice cream. There is
additional seating with umbrellas, a 70 inch weather
proof television that plays the “How We Did It”
building of the skywalk DVD and a LED sign that
translates nine different languages.
A special thanks to the maintenance staff that put
in many hours of overtime to make this project a
success. We encourage all Grand Canyon West
employees to come experience this new addition!
[WOUNDED VETERANS VISIT GCW]
GCRC was excited to welcome Heroes for Freedom to Grand Canyon West on April 28,
2014. Heroes for Freedom coordinates a Las Vegas trip for wounded military veterans from
the United Kingdom through various fund raising activities. The trips are designed to build
friendships, provide a support system, and give veterans time away from the rigors of
rehabilitation.
COMMENTS FROM THE VETS:
Missing Vegas. Thank you for a great time.
The journey for me has been a long road with dark times along the way. Las Vegas has opened
my eyes again. It was great to be among other veterans and those who had helped talking to
them and enjoying the friendship and hospitality.
Las Vegas gave me the chance to be me again, the downtime I needed to focus on my life,
and realize all the good things I have [including] my wife and my children. When you have
PTSD, you feel [you’re] alone and no one will understand how alone and detached your feel
from being happy as well the invasive dreams that take you back to Iraq and Afghanistan. To
be able to talk to other veterans meant a lot.
All the fantastic events and the schedule were amazing although I did miss a couple of them
time to reflect was also exceptionally useful and can’t be under estimated part of my soul
returned.
For the friends made the experiences gained Heroes for Freedom the understanding was
nothing short of humbling and for that I am forever grateful. I do hope to meet all again in the
not too distant future and help in any way I can.
Once again, words are never enough.
Kind Regards,
Tom
The trip for me started off with me nearly turning back at Gatwick because believe it or not
I struggle on my own away from my wife, however I fought my fear and was so glad I did as
it has given me a renewed strength to be able to push on and do things on my own and feel
comfortable that I can.
So apart from the amazing friends I made and places I saw, the trip has given me back a piece
of me that was missing and for that I will be forever grateful to each and every one of the
people on the trip.
Den x
[WELCOME NEW HIRES]
NAME
Kathleen P. Overn
Tawnie Rotondo
Leonard Hagen
Thomas White
Delmar Honga
Esteban Lucero
Juana Nunez
Dolena Kaska
Jamaal Talieje
Katrina Ellis
Angelina Chee
Augustine Talieje
Rivers Wilder
Delton Rogers
Nathan Honga
Mona Touchine
Michelle Hunter
JOB TITLE
P/T Reservation Agent
Janitor
Equipment Driver
Cashier
Pontoon Greeter
Pontoon Greeter
Front Desk Agent
Room Attendant
Janitor
Food Handler/Cook
Cashier
HRR River Guide Trainee
HRR River Guide Trainee
Food Handler/Cook
Food Handler/Cook
Food Handler/Cook
Room Attendant
DEPARTMENT
Call Center
Janitorial
Hualapai River Running
Gift Shop-Main
Pontoon
Pontoon
Hualapai Lodge
Hualapai Ranch
Janitorial
Food & Beverage
Gift Shop-Main
Hualapai River Running
Hualapai River Running
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Hualapai Lodge