Becky Koon, Guest Service Representative at the Comfort Suites
Redmond, OR is taking the Vesta
Value “we are all responsible for
the revenue success of the hotel”
to a new level, so far this year
she has earned 10 perfect reservation sales shop calls, the most
for all our Vesta hotels. Paul
Haggerty, General Manager had
this to say about Becky: “We are
proud of Becky. She really works
hard at it. She actually would
have had 11, but she had a 911
call going at the same time of the
shop call, so she lost 5 points,
because of the emergency she
did not answer the shop call in 3
rings (received a 95). She handled both calls great though.”
In celebration of Earth Day on April 29th, the team at the Comfort Suites Redmond Airport picked up the
trash along the streets surrounding the hotel. The team was proud to have been a part of the important
day. The team spent 15 man hours to clean up everything from a mattress to an umbrella and all the other
not so nice things in-between. After the team celebrated their accomplishment with Ice Cream!! Oh yes,
everyone washed their hands before enjoying the ice cream.
Great job Becky and thank you
for dedication to reservation sales
and Vesta!
President’s Message
Judy Kuhl, General Manager at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn, was recently
awarded the Newport Chamber of Commerce “Don Rowley Spirit of Service Award”.
Judy was chosen for the award based on her extensive volunteer work in the community. She has previously served as the Chamber of Commerce President and currently
sits on the Executive Committee. In addition, Judy volunteers with the local Seafood
and Wine Festival Committee, the Hospitality Committee and she serves on the Destination Newport Committee, a position that is appointed by the City Counsel. Congratulations Judy!
Rick Takach
President, CEO
I recently wrote an article for Hotel Executive about the qualities of leadership and it has had me thinking even more about the talented leadership
we have at Vesta. We are so fortunate to have strong, committed leadership teams both at our Vesta hotels and in the corporate office. Leadership
is not about a title or an office; it’s about believing in one’s self and inspiring others to achieve their goals. It’s about unifying a team while helping
associates succeed individually and it’s about an entrepreneurial mindset
while embracing a common vision. Our hotel leaders have created a dynamic team of individuals that are motivated to be the best at what they
choose to do. They work with a synergistic approach that is essential in the
hotel environment and bring together varied departments with common
goals and mutual respect. Additionally, within the corporate office our leadership team is a tight-knit machine that is all driven to deliver exceptional
service to the hotel teams.
As Vesta approaches our 20 year milestone later this year, I am more proud of our leadership
teams than ever before and grateful that we have a lot of long term associates that make Vesta
the company it is today.
Vesta Times second quarter 2016
Vesta Value: I create a work environment of teamwork and respect.
Vesta Hospitality Associate Spotlight: John Martin
John Martin recently celebrated his 14 year work-anniversary
as assistant engineer at the Homewood Suites Vancouver.
John not only gets along with everyone he works with and is
well liked but he also is very reliable and shows up every day
willing to work hard. His manager, Jeff Rosenberg, says that
John will do any task without hesitation.
He keeps busy all the time and enjoys working at the hotel
because he likes meeting people from all around the world
and he feels that he gets the chance to make their lives a
little happier. He is motivated by the ability to help everybody
John Martin
with whom he comes into contact and knowing that, at the
end of the day, he will receive gratitude and a simple “thank you” for a job well-done.
On his time off, John likes rock and roll music and playing the drums, he likes to cook delicious
food and be in the outdoors exploring all the beautiful places that the great Northwest has to offer. Personally he works hard to keep a healthy mind and body.
The Vesta Value that John is drawn to the most is “I strive for diplomacy but never at the expense of honesty” because he continuously wants things done right and knows that his integrity
is his strongest trait. When asked why he likes working for Vesta, John said “because they really
do treat you like family.”
Thank you John for your 14 years of service and your dedication to the company; you are family,
John.
Vesta Offers New &
Learning Opportunities
Exciting
In May of 2016, Vesta Hospitality
rolled out a new learning path for all
associates by partnering with nationally recognized training providers.
The VENZA Group and BLR not only
provide safety, compliance and hospitality specific courses, but also
training for personal growth and development. Vesta-specific training is
now complemented with supervisor
and customer service training, conflict resolution and leadership courses, all of which easily accessible on
one training platform.
Vesta Hospitality's 3rd annual Celebrate Service week was a success. All
Vesta hotels around the country participated in celebrating the hard work
and dedication of our associates. Each hotel planned a week full of fun
events and themed parties to honor teamwork and have fun.
Staybridge Suites Portland-Airport
Holiday Inn—Lincoln
In May, Vesta associates participated
in our confidential annual opinion
survey. Over 60% of our associates
responded, giving us feedback to
help us learn and improve our operations and associate relationships. The
leadership teams are reviewing the
results and making plans to respond.
Thank you for your help in making
Vesta a better place to work!
Welcome New Hires
Vern Heitzenrader recently joined the
Riverhouse on the Deschutes in
Bend as General Manager. Judy
Kuhl, General Manager of the Best
Western Agate Beach Inn, and the
rest of the team joined the Vesta
family as part of the Agate Beach
acquisition. Welcome to Vesta!
Get Social
Did you know that Vesta Hospitality
has a Facebook page and a Linkedin
page? Like us to follow company
updates and news as it happens.
Located in a forested setting directly off of U.S. Highway 101, the 148-room hotel
provides incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. It features direct access to Agate
Beach and is within two miles of Agate Beach Golf Course, Nye Beach, and Agate
Beach Neighborhood. Don Davis Memorial Park and Yaquina Bay Bridge are less
than three miles away.
Vesta will complete a multi-million dollar renovation of the property that will include
upgrading all common areas, remodeling all rooms and developing a new concept
for the F&B component. The work will begin January 2017 and is scheduled to be
completed by the end of April 2017.
“The Agate Beach Inn is a fantastic property in a phenomenal location,” said Takach. “We will build on its successful track
record and make the investments that are required to take it to next level in terms of quality, service and guest satisfaction.”
Staybridge Suites & Holiday Inn Express—Glendale
This online access gives each associate and manager the opportunity to
monitor, track and download training
courses at their own time and pace
and allows associates to grow within
the organization.
Associate Opinion Survey Results
In May Vesta Hospitality announced that it acquired the Best Western Agate Beach Inn, located in Newport, Oregon.
Homewood Suites—La Quinta
The Riverhouse on the Deschutes hosted a grand re-opening on June 1, 2016 to showcase the extensive renovation. The event featured food representing the new cuisine at Currents and 16 local breweries & wineries whose products are served in the lounge at Currents. Hundreds of people attended the
event and participated in a self guided tour, listened to local musicians and mingled to help celebrate
the hotel’s new fresh look.
This year’s annual leadership conference was titled
“Gaining the Edge” and was held in June at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Oregon. Attended by
Vesta’s General Managers, Directors of Sales and
many key partners, the week-long meeting focused not
only on learning, celebrating successes, networking,
and preparing our leaders for tomorrow’s challenges; it
also served as an excellent opportunity to introduce the
newly renovated hotel to Vesta’s leadership team and
partners.
Troy Terwilliger, GM Holiday Inn
Lincoln, accepts the Hotel of the Year
Award from Rick Takach
Vesta’s Leadership Team
Guest Satisfaction – Comfort Suites Redmond, Holiday Inn Lincoln, Country Inn & Suites Portland
Comfort – 14.02% ranking in Brand, 2.5% over Brand in Overall Service
Holiday Inn – 25.04% ranking in Brand, 3.3% over Brand in Overall Service
Country Inn & Suites – 26.99% ranking in Brand, 2.9% over Brand in Overall Services/Facilities
Most Improved RevPar – Renaissance Casa de Palmas McAllen (by 7.2%)
Most Improved Profit Margin – Holiday Inn Express, Glendale
Associate Satisfaction Award – Country Inn & Suites Portland (92%)
Food & Beverage Award – Renaissance Casa de Palmas McAllen
Accounting Award – Holiday Inn Lincoln
Front Office Award – Homewood Suites Vancouver
Housekeeping Award – Comfort Suites Redmond
Maintenance Award – Holiday Inn Lincoln
Community Involvement Award – Comfort Suites Redmond Team
Responsible Business Award – Homewood Suites Vancouver Team
Leadership Award – Paul Haggerty, General Manager at Comfort Suites Redmond
Balanced Score Card Champions – Dan Lopez (Holiday Inn Express Glendale), Tracie Red Elk (Homewood Suites Vancouver)
Dan Lopez – scored 100% 5 of 12 months on BSC
Tracie Red Elk – scored 100% 5 of 12 months on BSC
Director of Sales of the Year – Erick Trachsel, Riverhouse on the Deschutes Bend
General Manager Sales Leadership Award – Kari Jonassen, Homewood Suites Vancouver
General Manager of the Year – Troy Terwilliger, Holiday Inn Lincoln
Hotel of the Year – Holiday Inn Lincoln