President, Chief Operating Officer Gerald P. Chase has instituted weekly "Town Meetings" - phone conferences in which general managers and directors of sales from New Castle's 24 properties participate. During the meetings, participants discuss direction for the company and industry in the aftermath of the crisis, emerging markets and coping strategies.
"Now more than ever, it is important to keep our focus on serving and offering hospitality to our guests," Chase says. "We as inn keepers have a higher responsibility to comfort and serve during these times."
New Castle Hotels properties have undertaken the following outreach efforts to demonstrate their support for relief workers:
Stamford Suites Hotel, Stamford, CT - Donating to the New York Firefighters 911 Disaster Relief Fund through a cooperative effort with the Stamford Firefighters. Donating overnight stay certificates to be raffled at the organization's retirement dinners and Christmas/Holiday party. Committed to provide room nights to family members if there is ever an injury or casualty of a Stamford firefighter.
Sheraton Waterbury, Waterbury, CT - Asked all hotel associates to sign two oversize cards for the Waterbury Police Department and Fire Department. Delivered both to headquarters along with breakfast sandwiches for all on duty in the morning, and cookies, brownies and other goodies to those working the late shift. Providing complimnetary room for visiting grief counselors through Firefighters Ministries.
Hampton Inn & Suites, Rochester, NY - Have invited local firefighters and police to breakfast. Also giving certificates for free suites to be distributed to for personal use. Sending a letter of appreciation to local agencies.
Queensbury Hotel, Glenns Falls, NY - Joining a program sponsored by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce offering lodging, food and beverage to the emergency workers and families from New York City whey they are ready for a break.
Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel, Richmond, VA - Donated gift certificates to the local police department. Delivered lunch to the Capitol Police. Plan to deliver lunch to the board members with Virginia Department of Transportation and air traffic controllers at Richmond International Airport.
Marriott, Racine, WI - Giving restaurant gift certificates to the police department. Making donation on behalf of the local fire and rescue squads to the NY firefighters families. Delivering trays of treats to both police and firefighters.
Hilton Garden Inn, Shelton, CT - Offering lunch certificates for police and firefighters, as well as overnight certificates. Signing a thank you card for police and firefighters.
Hilton Woodcliff Lake, Woodcliff Lake, NJ - Working with mayor of Woodcliff Lake. Providing free use of state-of-the-art Amphitheater to the Fire Department for grief counseling meetings. Will provide complimentary coffee and soft drinks. Offering gift certificates for complimentary rooms and meals so firefighters can relax at the hotel. Donating funds to support a new meeting room being built at the firehouse.
Sheraton Long Island, Smithtown, NY - Donated 600 sandwiches (in cooperation with J. Kings, food vendor) and other food to be delivered to the World Trade Center disaster site. Donated all coins from lobby fountain ($600) to American Red Cross. Organized a drive with local radio stations and fire departments to have community drop off items needed for the World Trade Center relief workers, such as socks, tooth brushes, blankets and T-shirts. Working with Suffolk County Fire Departments to organize a fund-raiser in October. Plans include a two-hour reception with DJ. All proceedw ill be donated to local families who have lost a loved one. Donating guest rooms to the fire department families who are coming in for funerals. Placing ad in Newsday to salute the efforts being made by all.
Courtyard by Marriott, Burlington, VT - Delivering cookies and cards to the area blood drive centers, recovery centers, Salvation Army, state police, Fire Department and local Police Departments.
Hilton Garden Inn, Norwalk, CT - Delivering breakfast to the local fire station, main fire station and police station. Providing gift certificates for overnight stays as needed.
Four Points by Sheraton, Bangor, ME - Delivered gift baskets with various items and a thank you card to four fire stations and local police department.
Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, Nova Scotia - Delivering "Turkeys to Go," a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings, American style, to local fire station.
Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario - Hosted golf tournament for all fire and safety personnel. Offering letter of appreciation with a coupon for the resort's "Sing!" show to all fire and police. Planning a dinner for firefighters and police.
Hilton Garden Inn, Portland, ME - Delivered cookies and brownies to police and firefighters.
Founded in 1980, New Castle Hotels is a leading independent operator and developer of up-scale hotels, resorts and conference centers in the United States and Canada. In 2000, New Castle Hotels managed more than 5,000 rooms. Currently, the company owns and/or manages 24 resort and hotel properties.
For more information about New Castle Hotels, please contact Gerald P. Chase, president, chief operating officer, at (203) 925-8370, or visit the corporate website at www.newcastlehotels.com.
# # #
