April 1, 2008

phoenix /  The Phoenix Convention Center reached a milestone in the construction of the new North Building in late January, 2008.  Crews lifted a 150-foot bridge, 54 feet above 3rd street in downtown Phoenix, connecting the West Building and the new North Building.  The new North Building is set to be completed, on schedule, on December 1, 2008.  The $600 million expansion of the convention center began in 2003, and once completed, will triple the size of the former facility to nearly 900,000 square feet of event space.

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa reported that Paige Lund was named general manager for the resort and Ronnie Collins was promoted to director of sales & marketing.  Ronnie was previously director of group sales.  Joe Martino was hired as director of group sales.  The Wigwam unveiled a new ballroom that adds more than 5,400 square feet of meeting space to the resort.

Aspire, an international training and consulting company that provides products and services designed to optimize revenues and increase profitability, has named Dan Sierka director of results.  Most recently, Dan served as vice president of sales for EPIC International of Scottsdale.

paradise valley /  The Hermosa Inn, a boutique hotel situated in Arizona’s stunning Paradise Valley, will undergo a $44 million revamping beginning in the summer of 2008. Plans include new guest suites, an exclusive spa and private gardens. The Inn’s famed restaurant, LON’s, will remain open during the renovation, which is scheduled to be complete in fall 2009.

scottsdale /  Michael J. Stephens, formerly with the Grand Hyatt D/FW Airport, has joined the Hyatt Regency Resort Scottsdale as general manager.

The Scottsdale CVB has hired Jeffrey Willenbrink as director of online marketing.

Hotel Valley Ho celebrated its 52nd year of business by launching The Tower at Hotel Valley Ho, a new wing of suites with spacious floor plans and complete kitchens. Suited to longer stays, the one- and two-bedroom accommodations feature mountain views from the seven-story tower at the center of the hotel.

The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino received the AAA Four Diamond Lodging Destination designation.  The hotel also received the President’s Award from Carlson.  The resort’s general manager, Greg Carrish, was nominated for Carlson’s Esprit Award and was also acknowledged as the top GM of the year by the HSMAI Arizona Chapter.

tempe /  Brian Belkin has been named sports marketing manager for the Tempe CVB.  Brian will be responsible for promoting Tempe as the destination of choice for amateur sporting events.  A native of Ohio, he most recently served as game operations manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Buttes, A Marriott Resort recently appointed Claudia Malloy as manager of the resort’s full service spa: Narande – A Spa Experience.

The Embassy Suites Phoenix-Tempe did a complete multi-million dollar renovation in the fall of 2007.  In addition to the 4,000 square-foot grand ballroom receiving a major facelift in mid-2007, all 224 of the guest suites were completely renovated.

The Fiesta Resort Conference Center, a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Tempe landmark for over 30 years, ushered in a new era in January with the opening of its new 30,000 square-foot conference center.  The conference center features a 7,500 square-foot ballroom.  The centerpiece of the conference center’s lobby is a lighted waterfall enclosed in glass.

The Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel Tempe recently completed a $7 million dollar renovation.  The renovation included all of its guest rooms adding 42-inch flat panel televisions, Starbucks coffee brewers in each room, all new meeting space, pool and public space, a new business center, new workout equipment and the addition of Fire + Spice, an Arizona Grill.

flagstaff /  Gail Jackson, CMP, the meeting & event specialist in the Flagstaff CVB sales department. was recently honored with the Achievement in the Meetings Industry Award from the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. The MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter presents the AMI Award in recognition of outstanding members who have made a difference in the local chapter each month.

Opening in spring 2008, the High Country Conference Center will have 25,000 square feet of conference space and provide 158 luxury guest rooms at the adjoining hotel, with multiple additional hotels nearby.  It will feature a grand ballroom which will be able to accommodate up to 450 guests for a conference or meeting space and up to 800 for a social or banquet event, an executive boardroom, and three rooms suitable for break-out sessions.

tucson /  The Metropolitan Tucson CVB announced that Graeme Hughes has joined its convention sales department as director of convention sales.  Before joining the MTCVB team, he worked at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa and most recently was the DOS at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

A new 250-room Ritz-Carlton golf and spa resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, just northwest of Tucson, is under construction and is scheduled for a late 2009 opening.

 

 

April 1, 2008

bentonville /  The new, 140-suite, Doubletree Guest Suites Bentonville/Rogers opened in February.  With 8,690 square feet of meeting space, the Doubletree offers complimentary amenities including airport shuttle and WIFI/HSIA throughout the property.

rogers /  Scott Beal, DOS, announced that the Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas was awarded ConventionSouth Magazine’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award.

springdale /  Doubletree Club Hotel Springdale announced that Corbin Payne was promoted to GM, Wayne Bell was appointed director of sales and revenue, and Marilyn Morton was promoted to front office supervisor.  The hotel is undergoing furniture, fabrics, and bedding renovations.

Aleth Travis, DOS, announced that the Holiday Inn finished 93rd in overall guest satisfaction out of 900+ Holiday Inn’s worldwide.

fort smith /  Karin Hobbs was awarded Employee of the Year 2007 for the Fort Smith Convention Center.

Elizabeth Naculich with the Fort Smith CVB announced a new 87-room Candlewood Suites Hotel is under construction and will open this summer, and right on the Fort Smith Regional Airport property, an 88-room Homewood Suites by Hilton is also under construction with opening scheduled for spring 2009.   The Holiday Inn City Center Downtown just completed a $6 million renovation. A new 12,000 square-foot Downtown Events Center will open April 1.

little rock /  The all new Crowne Plaza Little Rock has finished a complete renovation of the former Holiday Inn Select in west Little Rock.  The hotel now offers 244 first class guest rooms, including 11 suites and an Executive Club Floor.

The Crowne Plaza and Hampton Inn & Suites announced several new additions to the sales & catering team.  Amber Warman, sales manager, joins the staff after interning at the Little Rock CVB.  Megan Moore and Emily Brown has joined the hotel as catering managers.  Jeananne Hawking, senior sales manager for the Crowne Plaza, was named Sales Professional of the Year by the Sales and Marketing Executives Association.

Melanie Gould has been named new sales manager for the Doubletree Hotel.

At the annual awards for the Arkansas Hospitality Association Central Arkansas Chapter, Beth Boyd, DOS for the Crowne Plaza Hotel was presented the Golden Key Award and Velva French, DOS of the Doubletree Hotel, received the Presidents Award.

The Airport Holiday Inn Conference Center will reopen in May after a two year complete reconstruction.  Jan Jewell is the director of sales and Rick Voelzke is general manager. Jerry West is the GM of Boston’s Restaurant.

 

 

April 1, 2008

denver /  Officials from Starwood Hotels & Resorts have announced the executive team to lead the Adam’s Mark Hotel, soon to be flagged as the Sheraton Denver Hotel.  Mike Ehmann has been named as general manager.  Mike, a Colorado native, has served for over 25 years in various positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  He served most recently in Atlanta as area managing director for the southeast region.  Maria Maxwell has been named as DOSM.  She most recently served as area director of sales & marketing for the SW region.   Renata Voss has been named as director of revenue management, Marc Blackford has been named as director of rooms, and Irene Bell has been named as human resources director.

Tracy Blair has been promoted to director of sales & marketing for The Westin Tabor Center.  Tracy has been with Starwood Hotels & Resorts since 2000 holding the position of director of group sales at The Westin Tabor Center for

the past five years. 

Rachel Benedick has been promoted to associate VP of convention sales for the Denver Metro CVB, a new position that will be responsible for marketing the Colorado Convention Center and other Denver hotels and meeting facilities, implementing a new customer relationship management program and launching a new convention ambassador campaign for the bureau.

New ConferenceDirect teammates include Trisha Boyle, formerly with Hilton, Cheri Nichol, national account manager & conference manager, and Amee Estill.

In January, Bill Light won the Associated Luxury Hotels Rookie of the Year Award for 2007. This award is given to the top ALHI sales person in their first full year of employment.

Rob Cornelius, DOSM of the Denver Marriott Tech Center, announced that Ruth Lafrance has been promoted to senior sales manager.  The hotel has added a 3,000-square-foot Back Country Terrace with outdoor fire pit and will begin a renovation of their 30,000 square-feet of meeting space next November.

The Curtis Hotel announced the appointment of Jeannie Digrappa as their new director of sales and marketing.

Denver Marriott West announced a new GM, Jennifer Atkins.  Jennifer was recently at Denver Marriott City Center as the resident manager. Marybeth Hove, sales manager, achieved Marriott’s Chairman’s Circle Award as well as being a Pinnacle Award winner. 

The Arrangers just received an ICON Gala Award for Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association for the Edison Electric Institute event at the Downtown Aquarium.  During the ADME Awards Gala, Nicole Marsh was given the President’s Award for her dedication to the industry.

MPI announced that the Rocky Mountain Chapter has been named Chapter of the Year.

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. announced that Reginald Fullwood, Jr has been appointed senior VP and GM of Ameristar Black Hawk.  Reginald joins Ameristar from Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., where he served as VP and operations controller of Harrah’s Atlantic City.

westminster /  The Westin Westminster announced the appointment of Scott Weber as general manager.  John Panko remains as the hotel’s director of sales & marketing.

boulder /  The Boulder Marriott announced the appointment of Chad Cuddy as the new general manager.

Beverly Silva, DOSM for the Hotel Boulderado, announced that the hotel will be celebrating its centennial this New Year’s Eve and into 2009.  The hotel opened on New Year’s Day in 1909, with a grand gala celebration on New Year’s Eve in 1908.

colorado springs /  Benchmark Hospitality International announced the appointments of Heath Patrick to the position of director of conference services for Cheyenne Mountain Resort and Scott Marble as director of rooms. Prior to joining Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Heath served as the director of catering sales and event management for

the Colorado Springs Marriott.  Scott was most recently director of individual travel for the resort.

Laura Neumann, Benchmark Hospitality’s vice president and GM for Cheyenne Mountain Resort of Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been elected chairman of the board for the Boys & Girls Club of the Pikes Peak Region.  Laura will be responsible for overseeing the activities and fund raising initiatives of the Pikes Peak Region chapter of the national Boys & Girls Club organization. 

Formerly, the Sheraton Colorado Springs, the Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs is in the midst of a $12 million dollar renovation which will be completed in summer 2008.  The renovation entails all guestrooms, public areas and meeting space.  They are adding an additional exhibit hall to the existing 43,000 square-feet of meeting space.  The exhibit hall will be approximately 2,500 square-feet.  The restaurant will have a “new” Louisiana Flair, Thibodeaux.  The new Crowne Meetings Director program will be added to the hotel.  John Krancock continues as the hotel’s general manager and Janet Hansen remains as the director of sales & marketing.

Pam Sherfesse, VP of sales of Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak, announced these promotions:  Kem Rothe - sales manager (Association Market primarily focusing on Colorado); Cheryl McCullough - sales manager (Sport meetings & events); and the hiring of Floy Kennedy - sales manager (International meetings, tour groups, FIT).  The CVB won the following national awards in 2007: “Top Destination Award” from the Facilities Magazine; “Gold Service Award” from Meetings & Conventions Magazine; “Award of Excellence” from the Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine; “World Class Award” from the Insurance Magazine.

avon /  Meredith Brewer joins the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa as director of catering and conference services.  Originally from New York, Meredith arrived in the Valley 10 years ago and got her start with Vail Resorts as a reservations concierge.  Meghan Sehnal joins the Westin as its first sales manager.

aspen /  St. Regis Aspen staff has been recognized by Starwood Hotels for excellent sales performance.  Two Aspen sales managers received awards for stellar performance in 2007; and three others received nominations.  Kristi Kavanaugh-Bradley, director of group sales at St. Regis Aspen, received the honor of “Sales Leader of the Year.”  Peder Tillung, food & beverage director received the award for “Outstanding Food & Beverage Performance.”  Anita Savanyu, a group sales manager responsible for major corporate, incentive and association group accounts, received a nomination for “Sales Performance of the Year – Group.”  Tim Sanders and Ellen Spitzbart were nominated for “Sales Performance of the Year – Leisure” award.

beaver creek /  Beaver Creek Lodge has been awarded Conde Nast World’s Best Places to Stay.  Simon Chen, GM of the Beaver Creek Lodge, announced that Greg Barnhill is the new executive chef.

 

April 1, 2008

baton rouge / The Baton Rouge Area CVB recently announced Molly Malloy has been named communications specialist.

The American Bus Association congratulated Kasey Perry, senior sales manager at the Baton Rouge Area CVB, for completing the course requirements to earn her Certified Travel Industry Specialist designation.

new orleans / The New Orleans CVB announced it has been honored by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International during the 2007 Adrian Awards’ 51st Anniversary Gala in NYC with a Silver Award for their “Forever New Orleans” advertising campaign and a Platinum Award for their www.24nola.com web site.

Eric Janecke, DOM for the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, announced Casey Delouche as sales manager handling groups 75 rooms peak or less, Katie Stackpole as sales manager handling groups 75- 425 rooms peak from the Southern U.S., and Robert Reso as the assistant director of sales.

 

Thomas F. Hewitt, CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, announced that Interstate will manage the historic 218-room Bourbon Orleans hotel, formerly Bourbon Orleans - a Wyndham Historic Hotel, in the heart of the French Quarter.

The New Orleans Marriott announced the appointment of Mark Barton, formerly with the Atlanta Renaissance Coucourse, as DOSM.

Orient-Express Hotels announced the appointment of Bruno Brunner as the GM of Windsor Court Hotel.  Most recently, Bruno has been overseeing another Orient-Express property, Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal.  Barry Rodriguez has been promoted from ADOSM to DOSM for the Windsor Court Hotel.  Megan Uram has been named associate DOSM.

Don Zimmer has re-joined the Astor Crowne Plaza as DOSM. Don, who was with the hotel from 2001 to 2005, brings over twenty-six years of hospitality industry experience to the 707-room hotel.

The newly appointed executive chef Matthew Murphy and executive pastry chef Simone Flemming are putting new flavor into Mélange Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton.

Decatur Hotels, LLC is making changes to its corporate management team. Currently the company owns and operates eight boutique hotels in the French Quarter, Arts District and Central Business District.  Scott Day, Decatur Hotel’s CFO, is being promoted to president and CEO of Decatur Hotels.  Bruce Perone has been hired as the chief operating officer. He was previously the GM of the Astor Crowne Plaza.  Kenny Truxillo has been named the director of sales.

Diane M. Riche, DOSM of the Loews New Orleans, announced the arrival of Susan Mack as national sales manager.  Susan will be responsible for accounts in the Northeast and Canadian markets. She has been working in the hospitality industry in New Orleans since 2002, most recently at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.

Mark Wilson, director of marketing at the Royal Sonesta, announced that their new executive board room is the perfect setting for high-level meetings and includes the technology necessary to execute sophisticated teleconferences.

Omni Hotels has announced the appointment of veteran New Orleans hotelier, Steve Ferran, as GM of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. Steve was most recently VP, resort operations for the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Florida.  Steve announced the appointment of Danielle Plauché-Shaw as DOS. She joins the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel from the Chateau Sonesta Hotel New Orleans.  Ben Picone, Jr has also joined the hotel as Omni Express sales manager.

 

April 1, 2008

albuquerque /  Wati Edwards, DOS at the Radisson Albuquerque, announced the following staff changes:  Derrick Keiser - promoted to senior sales manager; Jasmine Ortiz - sales assistant; Matias Sena-sales manager, SMERF; and Katherine Seeker - sales manager, government.

The Albuquerque Hilton announced the appointment of Ron Rockelein as general manager.  Most recently, Ron was GM at the Wentworth by the Sea Marriott in New Hampshire where he won Marriott Hotel of the Year in 2006.  Heather Russell has been appointed sales and revenue manager for the Hilton.  Heather came from Doubletree and Wyndham Albuquerque and was formerly ADOS of the Hilton Albuquerque in 2000.

Edward Mendoza, formerly with the Albuquerque Marriott, has joined the Sheraton Uptown Hotel as director of sales & marketing.  Sandy Arnold serves as the hotel’s general manager.  The Sheraton Uptown is beginning a complete $15 million renovation.  It will include all public space, meeting space, and all 295 guest rooms and will be completed by August. 

Robbie Garcia has been named DOSM at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid.

The Albuquerque Marriott announced the appointment of Stella Helms as DOSM.  Steve Schwartz is the general manager.

La Posada de Albuquerque is scheduled to re-open (with a new name) as a 107-room boutique hotel in fall 2008.  The hotel will have 7,300 square feet of meeting space in 7 rooms.  The hotel will be the only Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) hotel in Albuquerque.

santa fe /  Keith Toler has been appointed as new executive director of the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Keith held the same position in Buck’s Country, PA before coming to Santa Fe.  Mara Saubers is a new sales manager for the bureau.  She came from the Eldorado Hotel and Spa.

The new Santa Fe Convention Center is on track to open this summer with its first event scheduled for Sept. 28 - Oct. 2.  Features of the 72,000-square-foot center include outdoor meeting areas, fireplaces in some rooms, underground parking, an open interior courtyard, wireless connectivity, high-speed data lines, and flexible meeting space to provide multiple events with their own exhibition area, breakout rooms, and meal function areas.

Richard Ross, DOSM of Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder, announced these staff additions:  Troy Roth, director of food and beverage, Sharman McBride, director of catering, Joni Waltkamp, director of purchasing, Ann Lanzante, sales manager- business and leisure travel, Judy Ruggles, director of human resources, and Susan Rivenbark, employment manager.  The resort’s construction is on schedule to open in August 2008.

Chris Nierman, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, has joined the sales team of The Lodge at Santa Fe as the national sales manager.

The Eldorado Hotel and Spa is nearing completion of a $10.5 million renovation.  Spanning less than a year, this latest eight-figure project highlights the hotel’s authentic New Mexican spirit, while refreshing the interior with innovative design, furniture and fabrics.  The lobby, guestrooms, fitness center and meeting space were all upgraded in this latest renovation.

La Posada de Santa Fe has a $6.5 million renovation underway and due to be completed in April, 2008

Special celebrations are planned throughout 2008 to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa’s transition from a private estate to New Mexico’s first resort retreat in 1918.  As Santa Fe’s only true resort, Bishop’s Lodge has hosted celebrities, politicians and generations of families over the past 90 years.  Finance director and acting GM Jim Schiff announced upcoming events including an art tour in April, an opera event in June, and a golf tournament in September celebrating the resort’s 90th anniversary.  For the third time in three years, Bishop’s Lodge Resort & Spa has captured the coveted Platinum Choice Award, selected by readers of Smart Meetings Magazine.

Brian Shannon has been named the new chef at Las Fuentes Restaurant & Bar at The Bishop’s Lodge.   For the past two years Shannon has worked as sous chef at Las Fuentes Restaurant.

Michael Newbrand has been named general manager of the Hilton of Santa Fe.  Karen Butler serves as the hotel’s director of sales & marketing.

Andy Anderson, senior VP of sales and marketing for Destination Hotels & Resorts, recently announced that Brian Fedorowicz has been promoted to director of sales and marketing for the Inn and Spa at Loretto.  Brian previously was director of sales and catering for The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center in Denver, another DH&R property.

taos /  Randy Randall, general manager of El Monte Sagrado, announced the appointment of Carol Peach as director of sales & marketing.  Most recently, Carol was director of sales & marketing for the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey in California.

 

 

April 1, 2008

oklahoma city /  The Oklahoma City CVB welcomed Elisa Milbourn as the new marketing & communications coordinator.  Elisa is an Oklahoma City native, a graduate of Oklahoma State, and worked in the OSU Athletic Media Relations Department and as an intern at KFOR Channel 4.

Vanessa Claspill, DOSM for The Skirvin Hilton, announced that the Hilton recently received its AAA Four Diamond award.  The hotel also finished the year being ranked number 13 for “Voice of the Customer” among all Hilton full-service hotels in North America.

Ray Perez, GM of the Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center, announced the opening of the new Saffron Salon and Spa.  It features stylists, upscale manicures and pedicures, relaxing massages and spa treatments. The hotel has also recently named Kim Breitwieser as the director of catering and convention services and is proud to have employed Angelia Ransom (pictured), banquet captain. Angela was named the 2008 Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association’s Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year.

Jennifer Elcyzyn, formerly DOSM for the Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center, has recently changed careers and has joined Abbott Laboratories in a pharmaceutical sales position.

The Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City has several new additions to their staff.  John Trent, general manager, was formerly with Marriott in New Orleans.  Daniel Kuziej, director of conference services, was formerly with Crowne Plaza Union Square/Pan Pacific Hotel/San Francisco. And, Mikka Croy, a corporate sales manager, was formerly with Gaillardia Country Club/Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma City Marriott announced their new director of catering, Catina Shannon.  Catina joins the hotel from Marriott Las Colinas where she was a catering manager for the last three years.

norman /  The Norman CVB introduced Jennifer Bergmark as a new sales manager.  Jen comes to Norman from the Scottsdale CVB.  She attended Arizona State University. on The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Queen and Court Scholarship and graduated with BS in Recreation/Tourism.

tulsa /  Rick Dinan has recently joined the Radisson Hotel Tulsa as general manager.

The Atlas Life Building, a historic twelve-story office building in Downtown Tulsa, is receiving a $12 million conversion to a 120-room Courtyard by Marriott.

The Hilton Tulsa Southern Hills recently added to their sales team Kendra Grimes.  Kendra will handle the education and faith based markets.  She has a hospitality background from Embassy Suites and prior to that she worked in the banking industry.

Leo Spriggs, president/CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation, recently announced that Craig Lovell has been appointed general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn at the Tulsa Airport.  Prior to accepting this position, Craig was the GM at the Hampton Inn in Rogers, AR.  Previously, he spent several years in management positions at Hilton brand

hotels in the Tulsa area.

Amy Huntley, director of sales & marketing for the Tulsa CVB, announced the Tulsa Convention Center begins a renovation that, when completed in the Spring of 2010, will include a new 30,000 square foot ballroom (the largest in Oklahoma), and an additional 10,000 square feet of meeting space for a total of 35 breakout rooms. Upon completion, the Convention Center will house more than 250,000 square feet of meeting space including a 106,000 square foot exhibition hall.

Across the street from the Convention Center, Tulsa is on schedule to complete its new, $178 million Bank of Oklahoma Center in September 2008. The 550,000 square-foot, multi-purpose arena will have 18,500 permanent and retractable seats and feature 37 luxury suites.

Victoria Gessert, director of sales of the Embassy Suites Tulsa, announced the hotel is currently undergoing a $7 million dollar renovation to include the public spaces and sleeping rooms.  They are also adding the new “Consulate” Board rooms featuring a magnificent wall of windows.  The renovations should be complete in July 2008.

Cherokee Casino Resort in Tulsa is undergoing a $125 million expansion and construction project. The post-construction facility will encompass approximately 337,000 square feet, making Cherokee Casino Resort the largest gaming destination in Oklahoma. The expansion also includes a 20-story hotel tower, totaling 350 hotel rooms, a Resort spa, Convention Center that will seat over 1,000 people, an event and concert arena, and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame opened in fall 2007 in one of Tulsa’s most historic landmark buildings – Tulsa’s Union Depot Building.

Tulsa’s Expo Square is in Phase 4 of a $100 million improvement program which has renovated the present buildings or constructed new facilities.  Included is a 43,000 sq.ft. Central Park Hall, a new Midway and a new 58,500 sq.ft. Exchange Center, all to be completed by the fall.

 

 

April 1, 2008

amarillo /  Amarillo has three new hotels - Holiday Inn Express Airport has 70 rooms and opened in February 2008.  Comfort Inn & Suites along I-40 East with 94 rooms and suites opened in October 2007.  The city is anticipating the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn at I-40 West and Soncy Rd. in May 2008 with 117 rooms and some meeting space.

austin /  Barton Creek Resort & Spa welcomed Michael Rushing as the new club director.   Barton Creek Resort has begun an extensive multi-million dollar enhancement project which will include renovated guest-rooms, meeting space, lobby bar and grill.

Andrew J. Sultan, DOSM at Holiday Inn Austin Town Lake, announced Jan Allen as their corporate/govt. group sales manager.

Radisson Hotel Austin North announced it has a new GM, Peter Ambros. Peter comes from the 700-room Astor Crown Plaza in New Orleans.

Embassy Suites Austin Central (formerly Austin North) has a new look and new name. The multi-million dollar renovation encompassed all 260 suites, meeting space, common areas, business center, fitness room and “sea salt” indoor heated pool.

The Holiday Inn Austin NW Arboretum introduced their new DOS, Brianne Mouton, CPCE.  The Holiday Inn’s multi-million dollar renovation began in March and is scheduled for completion by May 2008.

Jennifer Walker, formerly with Kolar Advertising, joined Austin CVB as director of marketing communications.

The Sheraton Austin Hotel announced the appointment of Gordon Rostvold as GM.

Don McCullough recently sold Association & Society Management, Inc. to his younger brother, Joe.  “There is nearly 15 years separating us so he will be around a while longer I suspect,” said Don.  “I believe I am retiring as the oldest and longest member of TSAE.  I joined in 1965 and managed it from 1967 to 1972 as the first part time paid executive at $75 a month,” Don recalled.

The new 5,000 square-foot ballroom at the Renaissance Austin Hotel will be called “the Glass Oaks” room.

Scheduled for opening August 2008, plans for the newest meeting facility on the UT campus include a 300-seat amphitheatre and an 800-seat divisible ballroom.  In addition, the Executive Education and Conference Center at UT will house 297 guestrooms.

lakeway /  Lakeway Resort and Spa named Michael Swyney, formerly with Pacific Palms Resort, as its new VP and DOSM.

horseshoe bay /  Horseshoe Bay Resort announced that the entire resort, including the Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott, became “one” adding cohesiveness and seamless service to the “new” Horseshoe Bay Resort.  Numerous 2008 transformations at the resort include a 90-foot dining yacht, a newly renovated Cap Rock Clubhouse, a new restaurant overlooking the Yacht Club and, in 2009, a new spa and fitness center.

burnet /  Canyon of the Eagles Lodge announced the promotions of Anna Trahan to GM, Dondi Hinds to assistant GM, and Jill Ayers to sales/catering manager. 

round rock /  Michelle Williams has been promoted to GM of the Wingate by Wyndham & Williamson Conference Center.  Rosemary Barner, formerly with Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, is now the DOS.

new braunfels /  Stacia Lara, convention/group coordinator for the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Inc., announced that all phases of the new Civic/Convention Center will be ready in April 2008.  The center now provides a grand exhibit hall, ballroom, and five meeting rooms.

san marcos /  Ruth Buck, DOSM for the Embassy Suites San Marcos, announced that Jackie Oliva has joined her staff as corporate and government sales manager and Rosa Garza is the new association sales manager.

beaumont /  Elizabeth Eddins has been appointed tourism coordinator for the Beaumont CVB.  The tourism coordinator’s main objective is to promote and increase group leisure travel to Beaumont.

corpus christi /  Melody Hosey, DOS of Embassy Suites Corpus Christi, announced that the property completed renovations in late December with updates to all 150 suites, brand new business center and fitness center.

Marriott International opened the 105-room Courtyard by Marriott in Corpus Christi in February 2008… Kaushik Bhakta, GM, announced the January opening of the new Hampton Inn & Suites Corpus Christi… The Best Western Marina Grand Hotel renovated the interior of the hotel in 2007 and is currently undergoing renovations to the exterior with a completion date of May 2008.

dallas /  Big news from the biggest hotel in Dallas - the former Adam’s Mark Hotel is now the Sheraton Dallas.  Ray Hammer, formerly with the Westin Park Central, is the new GM, Dave Swift, formerly with the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, is the DOSM, and Matt Sciarrino, formerly with the Westin City Center Dallas, is the new DOS.

Mark Walsh has been appointed DOSM at the Westin City Center Dallas and Ruben Perez is the new director of group sales.

Amy Brown was promoted from catering assistant to catering manager at the Adolphus.

Remington Hotels and Resorts announced the promotions of Bret Arriola to senior vice president, sales and marketing and Jeff Patton to regional VP, sales.

Chairman and CEO Don Freeman has announced the promotion of Carrie Freeman Parsons to chief marketing officer for Freeman, and the addition of Toby Purdy to the company as senior VP of marketing.

Yale Feldman, formerly the GM at the Adam’s Mark Dallas, has been named GM of the InterContinental Dallas.

The Hospitality Association of Greater Dallas announced its officers for 2008 including Michael Vance, Omni Mandalay as president, Tom Garcia, The Adolphus, as chairman, Ron Perkins, La Quinta Corporation, as VP, James Montgomery, Gateway Hospitality, as secretary, and Tim Sullivan, Renaissance Dallas, as treasurer.

Marriott Solana completed an extensive renovation and expansion in November with 94 additional guest rooms for a total of 294. The newly established wing features a junior ballroom and a 3,000 square-foot outdoor terrace adorned with water features.

Janie Lopez has joined USA Hosts destination management services as sales coordinator.

Congratulations to James Monroe, CMP, CSEP and Jayna Monroe, CMP of J Monroe Designs for being awarded the Exhibitor Best Booth at the annual DFW MPI Supplier Showcase 2008.

Westin Park Central announced that Joe Bann has started as the new GM.  Joe was most recently at the Westin Crowne Center, Kansas City.  Bill Cole is the new director of operations and  Heather Meador is the new revenue manager. She replaced Beth Meharie who is the new director of revenue management at the Westin City Center.  The Westin Park Central Hotel’s Catering & Convention Services Team was awarded the #1 team in North America among all Starwood branded hotels for 2007.

Jennifer Cude, DOS for the Hilton Dallas Park Cities Hotel, announced that they have just finished a $100,000 renovation of their fitness center. 

John Dirba, associate regional VP for HelmsBriscoe Dallas, announced that Vickie Vernon, formerly with Medtronic, Inc has joined the Palacios Team of HelmsBriscoe as regional manager.  In Austin, Jennifer Dodson, regional manager with Helms-Briscoe has been promoted to regional director. Emily Aronoff, formerly with the Grand Hyatt DFW, has joined the Dallas Team of HelmsBriscoe.

Norma Ventrca, DOSM of the Omni Dallas Park West, announced that Lindsey Iles has been promoted to group sales. She was the Omni express sales manager at the Omni Park West.

The Holiday Inn Select North Dallas announced the appointment of Shannon Kelly as the new DOSM.

Link Kittrell, the new GM for the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre, announced that the hotel and its team members have been recognized with the prestigious Hilton Hotels “Go for the Green” award.

Mindy N. Manning has joined the Holiday Inn Select Love Field as DOS.

Tracie D. Houston, CMP, area DOSM, Dallas for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced that Lisa Dalton, director of catering, won Kimpton’s Director of Catering for the year out of 42 hotels.  Loretta Allen has joined the staff from the Adolphus Hotel to oversee a selected portion of the group market.

Dvorah A. Evans, CMP, conventions and tourism director for the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, has received the 2008 APEX Award for Distinguished Service.

Todd Budd, DOSM for the MCM Eleganté Hotel & Suites, announced that the property is undergoing major improvements through-out.  The construction on the new 3,000 sq. ft. ballroom, complete with outdoor amphitheatre and fire pit, has begun.

frisco / The first phase of the new Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel opened recently.  Phase one of the Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel includes 119 rooms and 1,000 square feet of event space.  Its second phase will create a 250-room property with 27,000 square feet of meeting space and a rooftop, oasis pool.  Phase two is scheduled for completion by the beginning of 2010, according to Valerie Mortimer, complex DOSM for the Sheraton and the Westin Stonebriar Resort.

John O’Hearn has joined Bill Bretches’ team at the Embassy Suites Frisco Hotel and Convention Center as DOSM.  Linda Catalina, the hotel’s former DOSM, recently retired after a distinguished hospitality career.

The Frisco CVB announced that Denise Stokes will serve as the public relations/comm-unications manager and Jennifer Kimble serves as tourism & convention services manager. 

richardson /  Affiliates of Global Hyatt Corporation announced the opening of the 342-room Hyatt Regency North Dallas/Richardson, formerly The Richardson Hotel.  Having recently completed an $8 million renovation, the hotel received an additional $6.4 million in upgrades prior its opening.

irving /  The Irving CVB has named Keith L. Station national sales manager for the sports and entertainment market.  Cyndi Golden, formerly with the Gaylord Texan Resort, has accepted the position of VP of sales for the Irving bureau.

Lisa Busbee, GM of the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas, reported that Erika Guerrero has been promoted to DOSM of the hotel.  Cori Black and Barbara Jackson are new catering managers and Charlene Mendez is a new corporate sales manager at the Marriott.

Chad Enloe was named DOSM at the Omni Mandalay.  Chad was formerly with InterContinental Dallas.  Chad appointed Ramses Meijer as DOS.  Ramses moved to Irving from Chicago.

Four Seasons Resort and Club announced these additions to their team: Jolinda Cohavi, director of marketing, coming to the Four Seasons Dallas from the Four Seasons Atlanta, and Catherine Spinazzola, sales manager, a former 12-year conference planner at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas.

dfw airport /  Andrew Davidson, formerly with the Hyatt Regency Jersey City, has been appointment GM of the Grand Hyatt DFW.

The Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center has just completed the following renovations:  32” flat panel TV’s and double vanity desks.  As an IACC conference center, the learning environment is a key ingredient. The double queen rooms are now outfitted with a one-of-a-kind extended desk providing two separate work spaces.  Melissa Hampton has joined the Hilton DFW Lakes as director of group sales.

Bob Sherer, formerly DOSM for the Renaissance Hotel Dallas, has accepted the DOSM position at the Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Airport.

JD Tamez, formerly DOSM at the Westin D/FW Airport, has recently been promoted to a regional marketing position for the Procaccianti Group, the owner of the Westin.  Mier Brown has been named as the Westin’s new DOSM.

The Wyndham DFW Airport North announced the following new staffers:  Jenny Peek, formerly with Tog Hotels, is DOSM, Jeanne Renner, formerly with Adam’s Mark, sales manager, LaRae Heick, catering manager, Shalina Daswani, revenue manager, and Patricia Aguillar, convention services manager.

Vince Vito, DOSM of the Grand Hyatt DFW, announced Amanda Arnett was promoted to group sales manager.  Her market is Midwest and Texas corporate. Grand Hyatt DFW was named “Best Luxury Hotel” in D/FW in TripAdvisor.com’s 2008 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

grapevine /  Josh Tate has joined the Grapevine CVB as advertising and creative manager.  Becky Gardner and Connie Ash have joined the bureau as national sales managers.

By December of 2008, the new Great Wolf Lodge is expected to expand to include an additional 203 guest suites and offer a total of 27,000 square feet of meeting space.  After the expansion, the resort will feature a 7,500 square-foot grand ballroom.

Byron Frazier, DOSM, PRA Destination Management Company, announced their offices moved from Irving to Grapevine and that Lee Hutchison was promoted from director of operations to national accounts manager.  New on their staff are Sharon Shearer, account manager, Carissa Taylor, operations manager and Sarah Strawn, operations coordinator.

lake texoma /  Jim Mullins, DOSM for Tanglewood on Lake Texoma, announced that Marsha Cordle has joined his team handling corporate & group sales, and Jaymie Lau is new to the staff and will handle catering/social/wedding sales.

lewisville /  BK Murphy, DOS of the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Lewisville announced that they have a new executive chef, Chef Phillip Merriman.

rockwall /  Hilton Bella Harbor, the lakeside resort-style hotel set to open on Lake Ray Hubbard in early 2008, has appointed Steven Weir, formerly with the Belo Mansion, as  executive chef of Mistra.  Jennifer Wasserman, DOSM for the Hilton, introduced her  team:  Jacque Elliott, senior business transient sales manager; Sharon Felton, senior group sales manager; Eric Hutchins, group sales manager; Sam Gatoo, director of catering/convention services; Jenny Patton, convention services manager; and Michael Murphy, director of guest services/director of revenue.

arlington /  Michele Lotspeich, DOSM of the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, announced a new director of catering, Rikki Bennett.  She was previously at the Adam’s Mark Dallas. The property is in the midst of a $15 million renovation covering the entire hotel and scheduled for completion at the end of April.

The United States Bowling Congress will soon be moving from its historic home in Milwaukee into a new $14 million building shared with the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America in Arlington.

fort worth /  Norris Conference Centers and Sundance Square have finalized a deal that will bring the conference facilities to downtown Fort Worth in the location occupied by AMC Sundance 11 on Houston Street.  Norris Conference Centers plans to open the 40,000 sq.ft. facility in the fall.

Remington Hotels & Resorts announced that Stan Kennedy, GM of the historic Hilton Fort Worth, was recently named as their GM of the Year.  Stan announced the promotion of Jeff Patton, formerly DOSM of the Hilton, to regional VP for Remington Hotels and the appointment of Renae Christoffersen, who is transferring from a Remington property in Marietta, Georgia, as the hotel’s new DOSM.

Larry Auth, DOSM of the Omni Fort Worth announced their newest team member, Lindsey Thomas as sales manager.  She will handle 100 peak or less for the entire country and comes from the Austin CVB.

Donna Johnson, formerly with the Hilton Fort Worth, has joined the Sheraton Fort Worth as senior sales manager.  The Sheraton is scheduled to reopen in April 2008 after a $42 million renovation.

Bob Jameson, GM for the Renaissance Worthington, proudly announced that AAA has awarded its prestigious Four Diamond Award to the Worthington for the 28th consecutive year.

The former Doral Tesoro Resort and Golf Club has been renamed the Marriott Hotel and Golf Club.  Jim Campbell has joined the hotel as GM, Paul Chaston has been appointed DOSM and Robert Sanchez has been promoted to associate DOS.

granbury /  Dee Ann Franklin, formerly an 8-year employee of Fort Worth’s Green Oaks Inn, has joined the Granbury CVB as DOS.

houston /  Joseph Palmieri has been named GM of the 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston, a flagship property of Hilton Hotels Corporation.  Joe joins the Hilton Americas-Houston from the Hilton Lincoln Centre in Dallas where he has served as GM since 1989.

Cindy Paul, DOSM for the Hilton Houston Post Oak, announced the appointment of Mitchell Willingham as SMERF sales manager. 

Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake has a new GM, Faisal Kamal.  Faisal was most recently the GM at the Houston Embassy Suites in the Galleria. 

Steve Trent, managing director for the Hyatt Regency Houston, recently announced plans for a $35-million project to include the transformation of all 960 guestrooms, the addition of new, high-tech meeting space and a Shula’s fine-dining steakhouse.  Completion is expected in late October 2008.  Lance Barnes has been named business development manager of Shula’s Steak House and Alecia Williams has been promoted from sales manager to associate DOS.

The Four Seasons Hotel is nearing completion of a $4-million outdoor, resort-style pool.  Andrea Ossola has joined the Four Seasons Hotel Houston as executive chef at Quattro.

Debbie Hollier the DOSM of the Holiday Inn Select near the Greenway Plaza, announced that they have completed the renovation of all guest rooms.  Public space renovations will be completed this summer and the hotel will be renamed Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks.  Elizabeth Benton has joined the staff as senior sales manager and Tabitha Evans, formerly with Holiday Inn Houston Airport, is the new group sales manager.

 

Mark Lupton, DOSM at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa announced the appointment of Dawn Turbes as sales manager.  The Houstonian is set to renovate all sleeping rooms this summer. The $7 million dollar renovation will be highlighted with such features as 37” HDTV programming and media panels to attach all of today’s consumer electronic devices.

Kim A. Brooks, area DOSM of Crestline Hotels & Resorts, announced the addition of Andrew Mirsky to the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square Hotel team as sales manager. 

Jerry Paduano announced that the Wyndham Greenspoint finished their rooms’ renovation in March.  Meeting space, front desk, lobby, outside landscaping, meeting space and public restrooms will be starting in June and finished in October.

Louise Upshaw-McClenny, formerly with Achiever’s International, has joined one of her largest clients, Freeman, as their new sales training manager.

galveston /  Mike Riley, president of Moody Gardens, announced that Bill Pushak has been appointed as the GM of the Moody Gardens Golf Course which is scheduled to open in June.  Most recently, he managed and directed golf operations for Shaker Run Golf Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

The 30-acre San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center has recently launched H2o, a stylish ultra lounge concept inspired by the lounges that have made LA and South Beach popular.  The San Luis Resort also unveiled “Club Ten” after the completion of extensive renovations to the 10th floor guest rooms.  Each of the 21 rooms feature custom-designed furniture and fixtures, iPod docking systems, DVD and CD players, 42” plasma flat screen televisions in the bathroom and bedroom, and Internet access.

the woodlands /  Benchmark Hospitality announced the appointment of Alex Cabañas as VP of capital markets for the leading hospitality management company.

huntsville /  Richard Serrill is the new GM of the Comfort Suites Huntsville and Susie Lee also joins the hotel as sales director. 

nacogdoches /  Sarah E. O’Brien announced that Ashleigh McCorkle has joined the Nacogdoches CVB as meeting & event coordinator. 

odessa /  Molly Thorn, state association sales specialist, was recently promoted to the senior sales manager of the Odessa CVB.  Molly has been with the bureau since 1993.  The Odessa CVB received the Annual Readers’ Choice Award from ConventionSouth.

The Comfort Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott are doing renovations, updating carpet and painting.  Four new hotels will be built along Interstate 20 - one has already started construction - The Comfort Suites.  Two more hotels will be built near the Music City Mall.

san antonio /  Felicia Madison, CMP has been named the new DOS for the San Antonio CVB.

Michael Sanders is the new GM at the Hilton San Antonio Airport.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston’s Conrad Hilton College.

The Doubletree Hotel San Antonio announced the appointment of Gus Luna, who is relocating to the city from Destin, Florida, as the new GM.  Ron Johnston, formerly the GM at the Doubletree San Antonio, has accepted a regional vice president position with Newport, RI-based Procaccianti Group.  He will maintain his residence in San Antonio.

Beth Smith, area director of PR and DOSM for the Omni La Mansión, has resigned after a 22-year career at the hotel and will be joining Patrick Kennedy as VP of marketing for the Watermark Hotel Company, where she will be promoting Mr. Kennedy’s future business ventures.

Hyatt Regency Riverwalk announced the following promotions:  Misty Cantrell, account manager - business & leisure travel, Brittany Robbins, sales manager - vertical market, Rebecca Burns, Meeting Connections sales manager, and Jennifer Watson - Meeting Connections service manager. 

Brian Getman, DOSM for the Hilton Palacio del Rio, announced that Nicole “Nikki” Wiatrek was recently promoted to assistant director of catering.

Suzanne Mora has joined Sheraton Gunter as catering sales manager and Linda Mares has joined the staff as SMERF sales manager.

Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk announced the appointment of Andy Hearon as DOSM for the 313-room property.  Most recently, Andy was area DOSM for the Holiday Inn Hotel and Towers and the Holiday Inn Park Plaza in Lubbock.

 

Tom Smith recently began a new chapter in his Hyatt career as VP of rooms at Hyatt’s corporate offices in Chicago.  With this change comes a new GM for the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, Gino Caliendo.  Gino was formerly the GM of Hyatt Regency Miami.  Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa recently celebrated its 15th anniversary by honoring its charter employees.

south padre island /  Stormy Wall has accepted the position of operations manager for the Sapphire South Padre, a thirty-two story, condominium right on the beach.  Sapphire will be operational in May with a Grand Opening around July 1.

tyler /  The Preview Center of the new 4-star Bellwood Lake Resort held its grand opening February 29th in downtown Tyler.  The resort, which opens in early 2010, will have 27,000 sq ft of meeting space, 175 luxurious suites, a full service spa, fine dining and much more amidst a naturally landscaped setting.

waco /  The City of Waco has committed $17.5 million to expand the Waco Convention Center beginning in the fall of 2008.

The Hilton Waco is completing a $17 million renovation which includes a new face to the hotel, reorienting the entrance, redoing all rooms, and dramatically expanding the ballroom and meeting space.

The Courtyard by Marriott completed a $2.5 million renovation which included all soft goods and the lobby… Hotel Waco is almost finished with their renovation, which included all soft goods, meeting space, restaurant and lobby.

wichita falls /  Pene Bridges, formerly with the Tyler CVB, has been named director of the Wichita Falls CVB.

other news /  Steve Houser (shouser@frenchlick.com), the former DOSM at the Adam’s Mark Dallas, has joined the French Lick Resort and Casino as DOSM.  Good luck, Steve! 

Karin Alvarado is regional vice president for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm. She reports Arkansas news.
kalvarado@helmsbriscoe.com

Kelly Ball is a Dallas-based regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm, and reports the Dallas area news.
kball@helmsbriscoe.com

Glen Parnell is regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm in Houston and reports Houston news. gparnell@helmsbriscoe.com

Marti Jenkins is regional director fo HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm.  Marti reports the Oklahoma news. mjenkins@helmsbriscoe.com