Fall 2013 / Hospitality Herald

Hospitality
HERALD
Summer 2013
PEORIA VOTED “ALL-AMERICA CITY!”
PEORIA, IL-Our city was given the prestigious honor of
being one of ten cities named as an “All-America City” in
2013. The National Civic League awards were presented
in Denver, Co., where 20 finalist cities waited anxiously to
hear their name called.
As if the tension wasn’t high enough, the speaker had
gone through nine of the ten winners without naming
Peoria, Ill. As he opened the final envelope he mentioned
a city who has transformed their downtown, a city that has
invested in healthcare and a city that has an extremely
driven youth organization. The anticipation continued to
rise as the speaker proclaimed, “The All-America City of
Peoria, Illinois!”
After many hoots, hollers and cheers, the Young
Professional’s Organization of Greater Peoria and other
members of the presentation group enthusiastically took
to the stage to accept the prestigious award.
Peoria also claimed two more honors. First, the city
received the award for best video story for their unique
submission focused on the people of Peoria singing
“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart. Ethan Mosher, member
of the ELITE program, also won the All- America Youth
Award.
The members of the presenting group were in Denver
throughout the weekend, taking part in different activities
and competitions leading up to the awards ceremony.
One of the highlight moments was the presentation given
to the panel of judges, where representatives explained
what a “Block” could do for a city.
The presentation was great, but musicians from Carl
Cannon’s ELITE program stole the show, as they drummed
their way into the presentation, setting the tone for the
next 20 minutes. There’s no question that the judges
panel was blown away by the entire Peoria presentation.
A standing ovation was given as the group exited the
stage; the only ovation of the evening.
WE ARE AN ALL-AMERICA CITY!
PLAN YOUR NEXT VISIT, MEETING OR EVENT
IN PEORIA AN ALL-AMERICA CITY!
Letter from
the President:
Renovations are
Complete!
After 18 months of
significant restoration, the
historic Peoria Marriott
Pere Marquette opened
on June 28th boasting
its original grandeur. The
hotel features 286 guest
rooms and 19,000 square
feet of meeting space featuring many of the original chandeliers,
a spectacular mural in its Cotillion Ballroom, the grand fireplace
in the Cheminee Ballroom, and an impeccable refurbishment of the
Presidential Suite. The iconic Presidential Suite has hosted some of
history’s most prestigious politicians and celebrities, including Martin
Luther King Jr., Richard Pryor, General Dwight Eisenhower and President
and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.
The signature restaurant, Table 19, will twist and elevate regional
American favorites by incorporating seasonal produce and sourcing the
finest local ingredients whenever possible. Handcrafted cocktails and
a global wine list will further satisfy the tastes of the truly cosmopolitan
crowd. Table 19 will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Located in downtown Peoria, the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
will be connected to
the Peoria Civic Center
via an environmentallycontrolled skywalk. The
$93 million renovation
project includes the
Peoria Marriott Pere
Marquette as well as an
adjacent Courtyard by
Marriott scheduled to be
open in 2014.
Dear HOIHA Members,
The year 2013 will be remembered by many as the year
that the fine city of Peoria was awarded the prestigious
honor of being one of ten cities named as an “All-America
City.” The community had come together in various
ways to support the Young Professionals Organization of
Greater Peoria’s efforts to achieve this privileged award.
This award provides an excellent marketing tool to bring
visitors to our area and to showcase “It’s Better Here”!
This year has brought a lot of changes to the Peoria
and East Peoria Downtown Districts on each side of
the Illinois River – both officially open to the public.
Embracing change in our area is beneficial to how we
will continue to grow. Both Districts will maintain those
changes as construction continues. With the Peoria
Marriott Pere Marquette officially open, we can finally
bring the business we have longed for to the Peoria
area. The continual growth in East Peoria has provided
a strong economic impact in the Heart of Illinois. Filling
our hotels, restaurants and shops is always our goal, but
being successful in return business is saying something
about us as a team.
ADR is up slightly, though it is not significant, it does
show that Central Illinois is better compared to many
areas of the nation. I recently read an article about the
San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and how they
were cutting back 40% of their staff and funding went
from $30 million to $5 million. With their recent funding
reductions specifically marketing, comments from area
cities (L.A.) included that “their lack of marketing is our
city’s gain”. Promoting what the Heart of Illinois has
compared to the rest of the state should be our goal,
as business owners, managers, employees. Continuing to
work together is a huge step in the right direction to
insure that we are not put in the unfortunate position
like San Diego.
Exceptional hospitality and excellent guest services
are our industries main focus. We have all had to adjust
with the changes along the way, in most recent years the
biggest players have been technology and the Web. No
longer is a person’s experience expressed following their
stay with us – it is instant. We should never underestimate
the possibilities we can do for our guests. We may not
be San Diego, L.A. or even Chicago; however, our goal
must be if you stay or play in the Heart of Illinois you
will receive only the best in hospitality service from area
hotels and local restaurants!
We must continue to offer only the best in hospitality
services –year after year. We must be proud of our
downtown business districts in the Heart of Illinois,
and the positive direction that we are moving in. New
hotels are being built, historic ones restored, and new
restaurants and shops are opening. Hospitality in the
Heart of Illinois is here to stay!
Best Regards,
Steve Reed
Heart of Illinois Hospitality President
Annual HOIHA Chiefs Baseball Outing
On Monday, June 10th, over 50 HOIHA members were treated to a special discounted price for a Peoria Chiefs
baseball game at the beautiful Dozer Park. It was a bittersweet evening as fans, players and managers honored the
late Pete Vonachen, the legendary patriarch of the Peoria Chiefs. Chiefs’ front-office staff and players released red and
blue balloons following a video tribute and moment of silence. Fans placed flowers and baseballs at the foot of the
statue honoring Vonachen inside the main gate. The Chiefs win one for Pete, beating the Quad Cities River Bandits 5-1
at Dozer Park. We will continue to support the Peoria Chiefs next summer. GO CHIEFS!
Food Service Inspection on the Peoria County Health Department Website
For many years food service establishment inspection results have been made available by local
media sources. Soon, the general public will be able to obtain the information through the Peoria
City/County Health Department website. In an effort to increase consumer awareness the Peoria
County Board of Health voted at the June 17, 2013, Board meeting to make all food service
establishment inspection results available to the public on the website as of August 1, 2013.
The Environmental Health staff at the Health Department worked with the Department’s Food
Safety Workgroup to ensure the information presented to the public provided education about
the inspection process, including the different types of establishment, inspections, and violations.
Great care was taken to explain the inspection results and difference between types of violations.
The website lists all violations with critical violations in red and corrective action taken to
eliminate the violation.
Food Safety Inspections are public record and have always been available to the public upon
request. However, with the placement of the inspections on the website the process has been
simplified. The new website will allow the public the ability to look at and review not only the
most recent inspection, but also previous inspections. Providing the public with the ability to see
multiple inspections for an establishment will allow for a more accurate review of the
establishment’s history rather than just a snap shot of what the last inspection was.
To utilize this new tool go to PCCHD.org and follow the links. For information contact
Carey Panier at 309/679-6161.
PRESS RELEASE:
News from Advanced Media Partners:
Music Industry Vet to Program
Peoria’s Heritage Rock - WWCT-FM
Peoria native returns to airwaves
in central Illinois
Peoria, IL...Advanced Media Partners is pleased to
announce that current WXRT staffer, Marc Alghini, has
been named Program Director at WWCT-FM starting
July 8th. Marc has been an air personality, morning show
producer, and social media contributor since his arrival at
the iconic ‘XRT in 2005. Prior to that, Marc was an Artist
Manager for several years. Marc also spent time on the
other side of the aisle as National Director of Promotion and
Marketing for EMI/Astralwerks after radio gigs in Albany
and Boston. In addition to his programming duties, Marc
will host mornings on WWCT. Current Program Director,
Harry Wareing will remain with the station as a consultant.
Peoria, IL...Advanced Media Partners
is excited to announce that Stephanie
Blue has been named Production
Director for the company and its four
stations, 96.5 ESPN, 98.5 KISS-FM,
99.9 WWCT and 101.1 JACK-FM.
In addition to her production duties,
Stephanie will host middays on 98.5
KISS-FM (WPIA). Her official on air
start date is July 1st.
Michael Rea, General Manager at Advanced Media,
is looking forward to having Marc join the team.
“WWCT-FM has been a part of Central Illinois since the
late seventies. We are very excited to have Marc join us
and begin the next chapter of this great radio station.
Marc brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and
creativity to ‘CT that will impact the station from his first
day; assets that will help grow the station as a whole.
Harry has helped create the framework for a great station,
and Marc will be the catalyst to take us
to a new level of success.”
Marc is eager to begin this new
challenge. “Seven years ago I
returned to my hometown of Chicago.
I was extremely grateful and honored
to have been given the opportunity
to work with Norm Winer and the
entire staff of WXRT. They are at the
pinnacle of significant, quality radio.
When I first met Mike & Scott
(Operations Manager, Scott Hecathorn) and their team
at WWCT, I recognized instantly that they have the same
commitment to great radio and enthusiasm for the Triple
A format as I was so fortunate to be a part of at 93XRT.
I’m also looking forward to creating a morning show that
reflects my passion for music and makes a strong
connection to the Central Illinois area. I look forward to
working with the team at Advanced Media Partners to
continue the growth of WWCT’s legacy and to help create
a radio station that truly reflects the Spirit of Peoria.”
Marc Alghini may be reached at [email protected].
Michael Rea, General Manager at Advanced Media, is
looking forward to having Stephanie join the team.
“We’re fortunate to have someone with Stephanie’s
abilities and experience. She has fantastic creative skills
and a great ear for production. As an air personality, she
has a proven track record of success hosting a number of
top-rated shows. One of her greatest attributes is her
ability to connect with her listeners “
Stephanie was most recently an air personality and
producer for Beasley Broadcasting in Fort Myers, Florida
where she hosted the top rated afternoon show. Prior to
that, she served as co-host of Power 92 Morning Rush with
Big D, the number one morning show in the Peoria market
in 2006, as well as working in production and promotions.
“I am excited to return home to Peoria for this new
challenge,” states Stephanie. “My time in Florida
provided me a great radio experience. And it wasn’t
too bad that I lived only 5 minutes from the beach! But
that couldn’t compare to the wonderful people in central
Illinois. I knew my passion was, and is, in Peoria radio
which is why I’m ecstatic to be back in the city I love so
much!!! There’s nothing like the Midwest!”
Stephanie may be reached at [email protected].
continued
PRESS RELEASE:
The AmericInn Peoria
The Peoria Civic Center
The AmericInn
New staff members include Laura Rosen, Interactive
Marketing and Design Coordinator, and Amy
Lacefield, Event Manager. Also, Judith Goodkin has
been named the General Manager of Centerplate
Catering, the Civic Center’s in-house catering
operation.
has completed phase 1 of renovations. All rooms have
been painted, recarpeted, new mattresses and bedding,
armoires and flat screen tv’s. The fitness room has been
relocated to a much larger area with added equipment.
Phase 2 will include, adding closets, new headboards,
framing mirrors, new artwork and granite vanity areas.
And as always great service and quiet nights!
would like to welcome Lana Hermann. Lana has been
in the Peoria hospitality industry for many years and is
a perfect addition to our already wonderful staff!
Embassy Suites - East Peoria
Embassy Suites is proud to welcome Amy Carlson as
our Executive Meeting Manager. You can reach Amy
at (309) 427-2465 or email: [email protected]
Staybridge Suites Peoria
Downtown
was recently recognized as a Top-Performing
Business on TripAdvisor by receiving the 2013
Certificate of Excellence. The award is given to
businesses that rank in the top 10% worldwide for
traveler feedback.
Representing the Extended Stay segment of the
industry Renee Draves, Executive General Manager
of Staybridge Suites Peoria, attended the American
Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Board of
Directors meeting in Denver, CO June 17-19, 2013.
The AH&LA’s new membership model and bylaw
amendments were approved, enabling the association
to transition from a dual membership organization,
where partner state associations collect national dues,
to a platform of broader engagement. The new model
provides a foundation to position AH&LA as an
advocacy and communications powerhouse that reflects
the lodging industry’s tremendous economic footprint
as a major driver of jobs, opportunity, and growth.
is pleased to announce the appointment of several new
staff members, as well as its exciting lineup for the
2013/2014 Broadway Theater Series.
The Broadway Theater Series opens in September
with Chicago, followed by recent Tony Awardwinner Memphis, Elf the Musical, based on the
hit movie, Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet,
Flashdance, the amazing Blue Man Group, and finally
the funny and macabre Addams Family. Information
on the season can be found at PeoriaCivicCenter.com.
Matt Nash
passed the Certified Hotel Administrator exam on
Tuesday, June 25th.
(Scott Dahl was the
proctor)
The Certified Hotel
Administrator (CHA®)
is the most prestigious
certification available to
a hotel general manager
and hospitality executive.
It is part of an elite group of hospitality professionals
who by combining education and experience with
dedication to the industry have achieved a high level
of expertise. Congratulations, Matt Nash!
There’s Still Time to Enter the HOIHA Challenge!
Just a reminder HOIHA members - you have until Dec. 31, 2013 to complete and submit an application to the 2013 ActOnEnergy
HOIHA Challenge. One HOIHA member hotel and restaurant will each be chosen to win a $500 Ameren Illinois gift card and a plaque
for their lobby! Winners will be announced at the 2014 Winterfest awards banquet.
Here’s your chance to make energy efficient upgrades in your facility and have a portion of the project paid for by Ameren Illinois’
ActOnEnergy Business Program. Also, if you complete your energy-efficient project by September 30, 2013 ActOnEnergy will
increase your incentive by 10%*! Just as an example, you could get up to $132 ($120 + 10% bonus) in incentive dollars per room to
install GREM controls! Or up to $440 ($400 + 10% bonus) for an Energy Star Qualified Commercial Fryer! To learn more about
ActOnEnergy incentives and the HOIHA Challenge, go to ActOnEnergy.com.
Not sure where to start? Consider a free consultation with an Energy Advisor from ActOnEnergy. An Energy Advisor can walk
through your facility, at no charge, and point out opportunities you may have to become more energy-efficient. To schedule an
appointment with an Energy Advisor, call 1.866.800.0747 or e-mail [email protected].
*This offer cannot be used in conjunction with special offers and excludes the Small Business Program, T12 Replacements, CLIP, Staffing Grant, Retro Commissioning Stipends
and Online Store purchases. Project must be submitted on or after June 12, 2013 and completed by Sept. 30, 2013.
17th Annual
4-Player Golf Scramble
Hosted by: The Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association
Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
The 17th Annual 4- Player Golf Scramble is designed to be an enjoyable
event for players of all skill levels. Teams of four will compete for great
prizes and results will be flighted so all have a chance to win.
Fee Includes
Entry Fee
Driving Range
$150/person
Green Fee
$500/foursome
Cart
$175/hole sponsorship
$625/foursome and hole sponsorship Dinner
Numerous levels of sponsorship are available - $50 - $5,000
Call Mary at 309-693-9667, ext. 16 for details
Entry Form
List the players that you are
requesting to be in your foursome. If you do not have four
golfers, we will match you up.
Sponsor/
Donor Form
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Thursday, September 12, 2013
Metamora Fields Golf Club
1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start
Name & Company ___________________________________________________
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _______________________________________________________
Business Phone __________________ Email _____________________________
Name & Company ___________________________________________________
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _______________________________________________________
Business Phone __________________ Email _____________________________
Name & Company ___________________________________________________
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _______________________________________________________
Business Phone __________________ Email _____________________________
Name & Company ___________________________________________________
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _______________________________________________________
Business Phone __________________ Email _____________________________
YES! I wish to DONATE ___________________________________ as a prize(s) for the
2013 HOIHA-PACVB Golf Outing.
Yes! I will be a HOLE SPONSOR for the 2013 HOIHA-PACVB Golf Outing.
YES! I wish to give a SPONSORSHIP of $ _________ for the 2013 HOIHA-PACVB Golf
Outing.
Name & Company ___________________________________________________
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _______________________________________________________
Business Phone __________________ Email _____________________________
THANK
YOU!
Send your completed form to HOIHA, Attn: Mary Hertz, 7150 N. University, Peoria, IL, 61614. Phone: 309-693-9667, ext. 16. Fax: 309-693-3465.
Email: [email protected]. Fees must be received with entry form. For a group, all fees must be submitted together. Payment may be made with
Mastercard/Visa, or a check payable to the “Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association.”
Payment Type: Check _____ Credit Card ____ Total Amount Due $_____________
Visa___ Mastercard ___ Card Number ____________________ Exp. Date ______
City/State/ZIP _______________________________________________________
Business Phone __________________ Email _____________________________