december 2014 • pm #42084516 hotel hospitality€¦ · the province of saskatchewan is requiring...

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HOTEL HOSPITALITYSASKATCHEWAN

DECEMBER 2014 • PM #42084516

JIM BENCE NAMED SHHA CEO

REWORKING THE FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM

WINGATE BY WYNDHAM …A CONVERSATION WITH GM LAURA ARMITAGE

SEASON’S GREETINGS2014 – 2015 SHHA BOARD OF DIRECTORSFROM LEFT: LANCE GROSCO; GARY HOFFERT, VICE CHAIR; JASMINE DEBLOIS; JIM BENCE, PRESIDENT & CEO; COURTNEY MORRISON; TOM MULLIN, RETIRED; JOEL KISH; GLENN WEIR, CHAIR; HERMAN ZENTNER

MISSING: BRYAN BARANISKI; DENNY JOYAL

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contentsSaskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association

302 - 2080 Broad StreetRegina, SK S4P 1Y3

T: (306) 522-1664F: (306) 525-1944

All materials are the property of the Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association and its members.

EXECUTIVE

CHAIR Glenn Weir

VICE CHAIR Gary Hoffert

CEO Jim Bence

ZONE DIRECTORS

NORTH WEST Lance Grosco

NORTH EAST Bryan Baraniski

CENTRAL WEST Gary Hoffert

CENTRAL EAST Herman Zentner

SOUTH WEST Jasmine Deblois

SOUTH EAST Joel Kish

REGINA HOTEL ASSOCIATION Glenn Weir

SASKATOON HOTEL ASSOCIATION Courtney Morrison

BREW PUBS, RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES Denny Joyal

SALES

WARREN NERBYT: (306) 790-1045

[email protected]

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INDUSTRY NEWS

5 REWORKING THE FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM

5 SLGA COMPLETES RED TAPE REVIEW

6 HOTEL CONSTRUCTION A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

7 WATCH FOR COMMON SCAMS THAT DISHONEST GUESTS USE THAT COST YOU MONEY

9 INSURANCE RATES SET TO INCREASE

9 CONNECT ENERGY’S NATURAL GAS PROGRAM

ASSOCIATION NEWS

10 JIM BENCE NAMED SHHA CEO

11 GEORGE MARSHALL NEW SHSA CEO

MEMBER NEWS

13 A CONVERSATION WITH GM LAURA ARMITAGE

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INDUSTRY NEWS

he media likes to follow trends— such is the reality of our times. In the Chinese calendar 2014 is the Year of the Horse. In the media world we can say that 2014 is the Year of the Foreign Worker. Well, in my world anyhow. The media attention to foreign workers in 2014 created more substantial changes to the Foreign Worker Program then we have seen since the introduction of the 2002 Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

These changes are significant; all happened at the federal level (foreign workers fall under the auspices of Immigration- that being ultimately a federal jurisdiction after all), specifically with Employment and Skills Development Canada (ESDC, formerly HRSDC).

In the interests of space, I will not compare what was with what is--- but will simply go over a few of the more significant aspects of the Foreign Worker Program as it stands today, changes which any employer will need to understand if there is a pursuit of foreign workers on the horizon.

There is a 10% cap as the maximum percentage of ‘low-wage’ foreign workers allowed for an employer; this cap applies if the wage offered to the Foreign Worker is lower than the median wage in the province. The median wage in Saskatchewan right now is $21.63/hr. If an employer offers less than that, this cap applies. A company with fewer than 10 employees (nationally) is exempt from this 10% cap, keeping in mind that any foreign workers applied for will be considered staff before the fact and will enter into the equation. This means that if you have 8 staff and want 2 foreign workers, those 2 future positions will mean you have 10 employees, and are therefore restricted by the 10% rule--- so you can apply for only one. Frustrating math, but a reality nonetheless. Other exemptions are for positions that are truly temporary (emergency or warranty work positions), some agriculture-related positions or if the positions are located in Quebec.

There is a processing fee of $1000 for each position requested. This is

non-refundable and the fees will be taken regardless of the outcome of the application for foreign workers. There are some exemptions to these fees—again, some positions related to agriculture will be exempt.

The Province of Saskatchewan is requiring any and all employers seeking approval to hire foreign workers to be registered and an approved employer with the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This is very important to note and any employer considering the foreign worker route should take steps to register and seek qualification in this regard. As is stands, due to the lack of a formal information sharing agreement between ESDC and SINP, an employer can still seek approval for foreign workers, only to find out after the fact that a violation of provincial law has occurred.

In the next issue we will explore some of the other changes, and provide an overview of the new Federal and Provincial Immigration Streams. ■

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REWORKING the Foreign Worker ProgramBy Daniel Hirschkorn, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Director, Western Canadian Immigration Services

ith the goal of reducing red tape and to better focus on public safety the Saskatchewan Liquor & Gaming Authority has completed the Red Tape Review of liquor regulation.

In an effort to increase public safety, two new offences were created in The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997 (AGRA), namely:

• Clause 126(2)(a) which prohibits a permittee or employee of a permittee from allowing an intoxicated person to have or consume alcohol in the permitted premises (previously the offense only addressed situations where the permittee served the intoxicated person); and

• Clause 126(2)(b) which prohibits a permittee or an employee of a permittee from allowing a person who appears to be intoxicated to remain in the permitted premises other than in circumstances described by SLGA

Additionally, Table 11.1 in The Summary Offences Procedure Regulations, 1991 (SOPR) was removed. Table 11.1 relates to restricting restaurants from serving alcohol without a meal, and this offence was repealed as part of the Red Tape Review. ■

For further information visit http://www.slga.gov.sk.ca/x8895.xml

SLGA Completes Red Tape Review

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he Q3 2014 Canadian Hotel Construction Pipeline was at 194 Projects/23,924 Rooms, up 13% and 22% respectively year-over-year (YOY). The Pipeline set a cyclical high mark, with 4,304 more rooms than Q3 2013 and 8,064 more rooms than the cyclical low of Q1 2011.

Projects Under Construction, 81 Projects/10,513 Rooms, are up 22% by rooms, fueled by Construction Starts which hit a cyclical high with 2,341 rooms and up significantly compared to the Q4 2010 low point of 559 rooms. Projects scheduled to Start in the Next 12 Months, 52 Projects/6,809 Rooms, are up 4% YOY by rooms and Pipeline projects in the Early Planning phase are at 61 Projects/6,602 Rooms, up more than 40% YOY.

Upscale and Upper Midscale projects dominate the Canadian Pipeline, representing 73% of all branded hotel construction. The Pipeline for Upper Midscale projects climbed steadily in the last year to hit a cyclical high of 75 Projects/8,271 Rooms as Midscale projects continued to fall from its Q3 2012 high-point and struck a cyclical low with 12 Projects/968 Rooms.

The top Canadian markets are Calgary with 23 Projects/3,461 Rooms, Edmonton 18 Projects/2,560 Rooms and Toronto 17 Projects/2,922 Rooms. These three markets combine to account for 30% of all Canadian hotel Pipeline projects.

The leading hotel Construction Pipeline franchise companies in the region are InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 31 Projects/3,429 Rooms, Marriott International 28 Projects/3,751 Rooms and Hilton Worldwide 27 Projects/3,425 Rooms. The leading brand belongs to IHG’s Holiday Inn

Express with 19 Projects/2,028 Rooms. While Best Western International is not among the top three franchise companies in the Canadian Pipeline, its Best Western Plus brand is second only to Holiday Inn Express with 14 Projects/1,372 Rooms. ■

Source: Lodging Econometrics

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HOTEL CONSTRUCTION A National Perspective

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The Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association’s Hospitality Magazine is published by the Saskatchewan Hotel

& Hospitality Association, #302 - 2080 Broad Street,

Regina, SK S4P 1Y3 Tel: 306.522.1664 Fax: 306.525.1944

All materials are the property of the Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality

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askatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association members are desirable targets for thieves and con artists because of the large sums of money flowing through the businesses.

And, indeed, we have recently been made aware cases of fraud at Saskatchewan properties. According to industry statistics, as much as 5% of annual room revenue is lost to guest fraud by the hotel industry.

Scammers use stolen credit card information for financial fraud; they will skip out on restaurant meal tabs, Televisions and other property often walk out the door. Dishonest guests will claim any number of inconveniences to receive a “comped” room or services.

The bottom line: Because hotels are in the business of offering service, they can often be victims of wily criminals who see them as rich targets.

Credit Card Fraud.

When it comes to credit card fraud, most incidents are directly linked to identity theft and misrepresentation which has become rampant throughout the world.

When credit card scammers use stolen dates of birth, home addresses and other personal information to fraudulently apply for credit cards or create counterfeit ones, it is all too easy to present these cards at a hotel or resort and run up huge charges, knowing all the while that the victim whose information was stolen will never pay the bill.

Fraudulent Hotel Reservation

Someone will call and create a reservation for an employee under a company that has direct billing setup with the hotel, stating the property will receive authorization the next day as he is currently out of the office.

The person who checks in is generally very smooth and proceeds to charge restaurant bills, beer and wine store purchases to the room, and may even steal items from other guest rooms. The fraudster leaves the next morning before the theft is uncovered.

Restaurant Scam

A customer sits in the back of the restaurant and orders a full meal. He/She approaches the cashier and buys a pack of chewing gum. The server notices the customer being “rung up” and assumes - wrongly - that the bill is being paid.

Fraudulently Claiming Room Theft.

Almost invariably, a dishonest guest will claim to have lost a big-ticket item such as a laptop.

Few general managers want to argue with a guest, so they usually make good on the alleged theft.

Dry Cleaning Scam.

The hotel guest sends the hotel a hefty dry cleaning bill and a letter claiming that at a function over the past weekend, one of the hotel’s employees spilled red wine on an expensive cocktail dress.

Most hotels pay these claims instead of asking for proof or seeking verification from hotel staff.

Wake Up Call Scam.

The guest checks in and stays the night. The following morning they come to the front desk demanding a cash refund for the room after missing their flight because they did not receive the wake-up call they allegedly asked for.

The guest provides ID but does not disclose the flight information. The next night they pull the same scam again at another local hotel.

Frivolous Lawsuits.

A hotel guest persuades management to compensate a free room after claiming to have fallen on a wet lobby floor and threatening a lawsuit.

Outright Theft.

Some hotel guests believe they are entitled to a few ‘keepsakes’ from the hotel room. This can include anything from the bath and bedroom linen, to furniture, and paintings.

Unfortunately, latest research by anti-fraud consultants indicates that the risk of fraud is increasing in all industries - including hospitality.

More importantly, this means not only that hotels are at a growing risk of direct financial loss from guest fraud, but can also suffer damage to their reputations which can also be costly as guests steer their business to competing brands. ■

Source: www.oursource.co.uk

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WATCH FOR COMMON SCAMS THAT DISHONEST GUESTS USE THAT COST YOU MONEY

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Print Name(s) ____________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Business Name ___________________________________

Town/City _______________________________________

Free Registration

___ Registrations @ $131.25 (Includes GST) = _____________

Total Registration _____________

Includes admission to all seminars, meetings, catered functions and the Hospitality Expo.

REGISTER NOW!Mail this registration information and cheque to:

Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association#302 - 2080 Broad Street, Regina, SK S4P 1Y3

or fax: 306.525.1944 or email: [email protected]

PURCHASE 2 REGISTRATIONS AT $131.25 EACH AND RECEIVE A 3RD AT NO COST.

CONVENTION 2015APRIL 13 & 14, 2015 | DOUBLETREE BY HILTON | REGINA

SHHA Members receiveONE (1) FREE REGISTRATION

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s the hotel and motel industries continue to explode in Saskatchewan, the workplace injury numbers are falling to unprecedented lows! Why? Because employers have taken a strong step to reducing the frequency of injuries. Everyone, including those in the private and public sectors, should be loudly congratulating this industry for its stellar performance.

BUT ... While you are enjoying increased morale, work attendance, good customer service, etc., there are some very significant concerns that spell disaster starting in the year 2016. The overall costs are increasing, and that increase in 2014 sets the pace for insurance rates in 2016.

While preventing injuries from ever occurring is the best solution (and the one hotels and motels are becoming very

good at) there is still the uncharted waters of managing existing claims in a way that is best for the worker while ceasing to drive up the direct costs. The Service & Hospitality Safety Association has some tools to help you manage those claims. We offer many online resources such as our Claims Management online training course, our Injured Worker Safety Scenario, and free templates, such as our Fitness for Modified Work form. For these and other resources, visit our website at www.servicehospitality.com.

Not sure how much those injury claims are actually costing you? We also have an online Cost Calculator to help you determine what you are really paying when someone is injured at work. Let us help you do your part to reduce the cost of claims – it’s a money saver now and in the future. ■

INSURANCE RATES Set to Increase

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Print Name(s) ____________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Business Name ___________________________________

Town/City _______________________________________

Free Registration

___ Registrations @ $131.25 (Includes GST) = _____________

Total Registration _____________

Includes admission to all seminars, meetings, catered functions and the Hospitality Expo.

REGISTER NOW!Mail this registration information and cheque to:

Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association#302 - 2080 Broad Street, Regina, SK S4P 1Y3

or fax: 306.525.1944 or email: [email protected]

PURCHASE 2 REGISTRATIONS AT $131.25 EACH AND RECEIVE A 3RD AT NO COST.

CONVENTION 2015APRIL 13 & 14, 2015 | DOUBLETREE BY HILTON | REGINA

SHHA Members receiveONE (1) FREE REGISTRATION

s I have been settling into my new role as CEO, one of my first objectives was to gain an understanding of the relationships that our association has established over the years.

A recent meeting with Connect Energy was very informative and had me asking if what they will be offering our membership this year is “too good to be true?” After considerable discussion, the answer is “NO”. For the first time ever, the supplier to the SHHA Natural Gas Program will be offering a GUARANTEE of savings. All 3 of their price terms, 1,3, or 5 year locked in rates are likely going to be below SaskEnergy’s current price of $4.84/GJ. On top of these low prices Connect Energy is going to guarantee that no matter what SaskEnergy does with its price in the 2015-16 gas year, they will provide our members with a lower cost.

In speaking with E.J. Babey, Connect’s Sales and Marketing Manager, he said that they are very excited about the opportunity that the natural gas markets are presenting us with this year and that it may or may not be around in future years. He went on to say that while a guarantee of savings is unheard of in their industry, due to the volatility of natural gas markets, they are able to offer it right now for two very simply reasons. “We know where SaskEnergy is going to be at least until July 2016 (SaskEnergy has publically stated that their current $4.84/GJ is in effect at least until then) and natural gas markets are now trading well below this price.” Connect is able to take advantage of this market downturn, lock-in a fixed price and thus pass along the savings.

“For those clients that have been with us in the past and went back to SaskEnergy for whatever reason, this guarantee of savings is a perfect reason to come back to our supply, even if only

to save for a year. For those properties that have never tried our supply before the guarantee is a risk-free way to give us a try. Nothing changes, our clients still only receive their SaskEnergy bill…it just has our price on it. There is no cost to come aboard and no cost to go back at the end of their chosen term if they wish to.”

So while at first glance, it all sounds too good to be true, please know that it is not. Connect Energy’s long-term relationship with SHHA is one both parties are proud of and one which both organizations look forward to fostering going forward. Please watch for your SHHA Natural Gas Program letter from Connect Energy arriving in your mail box soon. Please feel free to Call E.J. Babey with Connect Energy with any questions 306.979.0493 or myself at 306-291-3031. ■

Jim Bence President and CEO SHHA

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

t’s been a long climb from a teenage pool attendant to CEO of the Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association, but Jim Bence has completed the journey. The Campbell Collegiate alumni from Regina succeeded Tom Mullin as the Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association (SHHA) CEO. Mullin retired December 4 from the association after 15 years in the top job.

Bence is looking forward to meeting and working with SHHA members, but he’s not a stranger to the industry. He recently served as the CEO of the Service and Hospitality Safety Association (SHSA), where he helped develop and implement a long-term strategy for the organization.

“I got my start as a pool attendant and just kept working my way up,” explains Bence. “I’ve worked in numerous hotel positions which has given me a good background on the industry.”

Starting in the hotel industry In 1983 Bence became the Human Resource Director in 1990 with the Sheraton Cavalier chain and its properties in Calgary, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. After 17 years he joined the Canalta chain as a Regional Director of Operations. He later has served as the HR director for the numerous chains such as the Delta, Coast and Travelodge Hotels.

His interest in safety led him to serve on the SHSA board of directors where, after 5 years, became the CEO in 2011. One of the association’s chief accomplishments was the creation and development of the Hotel Best Practices Group.

After a number of successes with the SHSA including the establishment

of Youth Safety Education Day in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Bence is now ready to go beyond the safety aspects of the industry to head the trade association.

“There are a number of issues facing the membership at this time and there will be plenty of work to undertake in the next few months,” said Bence. Key focusses for the SHHA include, establishing a fair and equitable liquor retailing environment, the looming industry employment crisis and the continued growth and development of member programs.

Bence said he is also looking at expanding the association’s presence in Saskatoon and establishing an office in that city. He will be splitting his time between the head office in Regina and the new office in the north. He said that as a provincial entity, it is important that the association be accessible to members no matter where they live. ■

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JIM BENCE named SHHA CEO

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he SHSA is proud to announce that George Marshall will be taking over as Chief Executive Officer of the SHSA on December 1, 2014. George’s years of commitment and dedication to the SHSA, combined with his experience working for another safety association, as well as with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, have uniquely qualified him for this position.

A formal process was followed, and the SHSA board carefully screened many applicants. Although some strong candidates emerged, none were able to demonstrate the expertise, knowledge and experience required for the position that was comparable to George.

George began his tenure with the SHSA in February 2010 as Chief Executive Officer. With George’s leadership and vast experience, he was able to lead us through a strategic and operational planning process. This process resulted in a roadmap for success that the association still uses today. By holding everyone accountable to this plan, George was able to enhance the effectiveness of the association, as well as developing each associate as well. When George left in July 2011 to head up the Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health, the SHSA was set up for success. We were able to take the tools he had provided and continue to use them to grow the association, in size and in results. When George

returned to the SHSA in October 2012 as Director of Operations, he was able to hit the ground running. Since his return, he has been instrumental in further raising the level of professionalism and effectiveness of the association. With the implementation of George’s targeted approach, we were able to decrease injury costs across the service and hospitality industry by 19%. For the industries we specifically targeted, that number jumped to a decrease of 43%!

Because of his commitment to the association and his deep understanding of our mission and vision, the SHSA is set to continue its great success. We look forward to George’s powerful leadership to take us to the next level of service for our members and partners. Please join us in congratulating George Marshall on becoming the new CEO of the Service and Hospitality Safety Association. ■

GEORGE MARSHALL New Service & Hospitality Safety Association CEO

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SHHA

SAVINGS AVERAGING 17% PER YEARCALL ABOUT OUR FLEX PLAN

Craven Motor InnThe Craven Motor Inn in Craven, SK is nestled in the scenic Qu’appelle Valley along Highway 20. It is a favourite spot for local residents to have a drink, an appetizer or two, and enjoy great company.

“I think we picked a good hotel. The area is growing, there is a lot new housing on this side of the lake and along Saskatchewan Beach and Kanata Valley. We get a lot of people stopping in,” said Wayne McKay.

He and his wife Carolyn bought the hotel in 2002 but first became involved in the hotel/bar industry in 1992 when they invested with partners in a bar at Regina Beach. In 1996, they bought the hotel in Punnichy, SK, and then the Craven Motor Inn in 2002. They ran two hotels for five years, then sold the hotel in Punnichy in 2007 to focus on their business in Craven.

The Craven Motor Inn is a tavern, and patrons must be of legal drinking age to visit the establishment. Along with alcoholic beverages, appetizers and fried foods are available. The hotel’s steak pit is open Thursday through Saturday and is a popular choice for groups looking for fund-raising events.

The business also has six rooms and living quarters that are rented out. All the rooms have been redecorated and modernized. Three have private bathrooms while the other three share a community bathroom. Workers in construction, mining, and other industry are steady renters of the rooms and living quarters.

While the Craven Motor Inn is in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the annual music festival that takes place just across the highway, the town of Craven itself remains a place for quiet relaxation.

“The festival used to give us more business years ago, but I think it’s more self-confined now,” said McKay.

A member of the Saskatchewan Hotels and Hospitality Association, McKay finds the association to be a valuable ally for smaller business owners like themselves especially when negotiating with government about business concerns. “They are quite pro-business, and they’ve been good to us. We have cheaper pricing for our beer supply and those kinds of things by being part of the group,” he noted. “There are a couple of things I’d like them to finish up on, hopefully that will come.”

AJM Solutions Group Partners with Schneider Electric. Exclusive Agreement for Energy Management Systems to the Hospitality IndustryMississauga, Ontario – March 26, 2014 - AJM Solutions Group Inc. and Schneider Electric Canada are pleased to announce that AJM Solution Group is now a Schneider Electric Partner for Hospitality Solutions.

Under the terms of the agreement, AJM Solutions Group will sell, install and commission Schneider Electric Energy Management Solutions to hotels, motels and resorts throughout Canada. This dedicated alliance will offer opportunities for improved energy efficiencies to hoteliers across the country.

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, delivers integrated solutions focused on making energy efficient and reliable, and will provide AJM Solutions with support and advanced engineering tools to help their business.

“This partnership is the next step in our strategic development, demonstrating a commitment to our customers to provide the best possible solutions for their business. This step brings AJM Solutions Group to the next plateau in our development

as one of the better value-added resellers in the hospitality space in Canada,” said Andy Mastroianni, President of AJM Solutions Group.

“This agreement will create a strong foundation for delivering innovative solutions in energy management to the hospitality market,” stated Fahmi Jabri, Business Development Manager for Schneider Electric Canada. “AJM Solutions has proven that

they have built a valued network in this area, and that they are committed to expanding their services and product offerings to their customers. We are proud to have them as our partner serving the Hospitality industry.”

www.schneider-electric.cawww.ajmsolutionsgroup.com

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SHHA Member Profile: Laura Armitage and Wingate by Wyndham

or Laura Armitage, her role as General Manager of the award-winning Wingate by Wyndham in Regina is one that brings variety, and demands ever-increasing knowledge on anything and everything involved with the hotel operations. “As a General Manager, you have to know things from recipes and food preparation right through to thread counts to maintenance issues, plumbing, and human resources regulations,” she said.

The Wingate by Wyndham opened in Regina on January 14, 2008. Armitage started in her role as General Manager in June 2007, seeing to the hotel’s pre-opening preparations and establishing the hotel in the community.

Under her direction, she established the hotel as more than a place for guests to stay and people to work; it is a philosophy in practice. Her efforts for excellence

have not gone unnoticed. The hotel won the Wingate “Hotel of the Year” award for 2012. Determining factors included achieving expectations in consistency of the hotel brand with product delivery, guest satisfaction, employee satisfaction and community engagement.

It was a proud moment for Armitage and the staff, but also one that she didn’t even consider when she first worked in the hotel business. When she started in the industry, her intention was to work for a year to earn money for university, and to decide on her course of study. That one year work plan turned into a career.

“I started at the front desk of the Westin Hotel in Edmonton and I fell in love with the energy that was around the hotel,” said Armitage.

“It was very invigorating and I just continued through the hotel business. It’s a 24/7 business so it can be very demanding. To be honest, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re someone who really plugs into that

energy, it can be exceptionally appealing. It’s the kind of energy that just hooks you,” she stated.

Another appealing aspect of the job was the ongoing opportunity to learn about topics that are not what might be expected in this line of work. “It’s an industry where you have to be a generalist. You have to know so many things, depending on how far you work your way up. In one hotel, I had to know what the diet and breeding habits of pea fowl were because we had two pea fowl that inhabited a courtyard. You never know it all in this business,” she added.

Being open to change and willing to adapt quickly is also an important part of her job. “For example, it wasn’t that long ago when there wasn’t any internet. It really came into popular use 10-15 years ago, and we were wondering how this was going to fit into our business. Now it is such an integral part in terms of online marketing and being accessible through

F

A CONVERSATION with GM Laura Armitage

MEMBER NEWS

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online avenues for booking. Things change and they change very quickly, and you have to be adaptable to those changes.”

Being adaptable has also meant being proactive. When the hotel was preparing to open, it was bringing the change to the community, and Armitage was tasked with establishing Wingate by Wyndham in the community. She accomplished that job by meeting with businesses, tourism departments and others associated with the industry. “Wingate was a new brand in this particular market. I spent time establishing the hotel within the community, getting out, letting people know who we were and what we would bring to the marketplace.”

One important relationship Armitage established first was with the Saskatchewan Hotels and Hospitality Association. “We wanted to be a member. We knew that before we ever opened the doors,” she said.

“I think it’s really important to be part of a network of industry professionals that really understand the distinct benefits and challenges that you go through in this

industry. I also feel it’s important to have that connection to being really current to any changes that are taking place on a government level as far as mandates, different things that are coming down the line. I think it’s really important to have that voice to ensure that we continue to thrive. It’s our livelihood but it’s also an injection into the economy through tourism,” Armitage said.

Belonging to the SHHA is more than just having a membership; it’s an ongoing relationship. “In our particular business, the building of relationships is cornerstone to what we do. We build relationships with our clients, our suppliers, the people that we do business with and interconnect with. An interconnection is how I would describe our relationship with the SHHA, and when you build a relationship, it enhances communication in both directions. We were not just going to sign up and be a member; we wanted to build a relationship and become engaged.”

Being a member has also provided a valuable resource for assistance with other

matters. Armitage spoke of a worker who was an important part of the team and had a vested interest in the job and in wanting becoming a Canadian citizen. Wanting to help, they turned to the SHHA for advice on what avenues might be available. With that guidance, they eventually were successful in helping their employee make a permanent home in Regina.

“We have a responsibility as a business within the community to really contribute to that community. The hotel industry often has opportunities for new citizens or landed immigrants who sometimes struggle to find positions that would be a real fit. In some cases, they’re still working on English as a second language, or their skills aren’t necessarily recognized as transferrable to what they did in their own country. We look at our contribution as being table to provide a great, comfortable workplace for these people to come and thrive and contribute to the community and be part of community within our little walls,” Armitage stated. ■

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MEMBER PROGRAMS AND SERVICESAdding value to your business

SHHA offers members a variety of programs and services, including training initiatives, a health and dental plan as well as programs that offer savings on operating expenses and ones that provide opportunities to increase profit.

Here are just a few of the benefits of membership…

Hotel & Hospitality Convention & Trade ShowMembers of the SHHA gather for business meetings, information sessions and awards celebrations, along with the province’s largest hotel & restaurant related trade show – SHHA members receive one complimentary convention registration

Property and Liability InsuranceYour hotel/motel, brew pub or restaurant can access affordable and comprehensive property and liability insurance though the SHHA’s partnership with Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions. Participating properties are eligible for premium savings depending on group claims experience and full coverage reviews with potential for coverage enhancements

Energy Program – Connect Energy program buys natural gas in bulk and resells to members through long term contracts, thereby protecting members from volatile market fluctuations.

ATM Program – offering customers access to instant cash will increase sales. Nexcash offers three customized programs for placement of an ATM in your property.

Industry Training – training and support for industry initiatives through the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council.

Paymentech Credit and Debit Card – SHHA members receive the best rates in the industry for Visa, Mastercard and Interac transactions through this program.

Contact SHHA Member Services CoordinatorWarren Nerby

#302 – 2080 Broad Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 1T3Phone: (306)522-1664 Fax: (306)525-1944

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS - Join us today!

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Toll-free: 1-800-331-1529

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