THE WINNERS' CIRCLE from April 4‑17, 2018

2017 Employer of Choice Recipients
Announced

EDMONTON — The
Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) has announced the recipients of
the 2017 Employer of Choice (EoC) Award. Employers who receive the designation
have gone over and above minimum Human Resources requirements to create a safe
and fair workplace, proving that their employees come first. Those who
participated but did not achieve the designation have taken the first steps
toward ensuring their property is a positive place for both employees and
guests.

“The first step in guest satisfaction is a
strong and happy team,” noted Dave Kaiser, AHLA president and CEO. ​“Employer of Choice Award recipients have shown their
commitment to the well-being and satisfaction of their staff members.
Congratulations to each and every outstanding employer who achieved this
award!”

“Employees are very
proud to work at the Sheraton Suites,” said Debbie Kobelsky, director, talent and culture, at the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire, which has won the award a number of times. ​“To have our HR practices endorsed,
respected and embraced by our employees is very fulfilling.”

Hotels
wishing to be recognized as employers of choice complete an extensive audit of
their HR practices, and their staff are asked to complete an employee opinion
survey. Regardless of the result, every property that applies receives a
comprehensive report that recognizes what they are doing well and areas for
improvement. Participation in the program can only benefit a property’s HR
practices, and the program supports employers in their efforts to create the
best workplace possible. 

This
year’s EoC properties employ 21 per cent of people working in Alberta’s accommodation
industry. The AHLA’s goal is for every member to achieve the EoC designation.
This year’s outstanding employers will be recognized Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at
the AHLA’s 98^th Annual Convention. 

For
a complete list of 2017 EoC designates please visit www​.AHLA​.ca.

Château Moncton honoured with Platinum
Hospitality Award

MONCTON, N.B. — Choice Hotels Canada recently announced that Château
Moncton Hotel & Suites was awarded a prestigious Platinum
Hospitality Award. The annual awards celebrate the highest rated properties
within the Canadian portfolio of more than 325 hotels across the country.

After being closed for nearly three months, the hotel has
also recently completed a major $3.5 million renovation, including
new flooring and furnishings throughout. The lobby, bar, gym, business
centre, conference room and all guest rooms were updated with a contemporary
look and feel. The fifth floor is now an executive floor that features all
King beds, enhanced décor, 55” TVs and large glass showers with body jets. The
fifth floor and suites now have turndown service.

“The
hotels honoured with Platinum Awards are top performers in our system,”
said Brian Leon, managing director, Choice Hotels Canada. ​“Properties
like Château Moncton Hotel & Suites are clear leaders when it comes to
guest service and this recent renovation will ensure guests feel more welcome
than ever. We are so proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of this
amazing hotel.”

Hospitality Awards
are determined based on a ranking system that examines key performance
areas including guest survey results and quality assurance reviews. Platinum
recipients represent the best of the best and are among the top three per cent
of hotels in Choice Canada’s system.

“We are
honoured to receive this esteemed award from Choice Hotels Canada,” said Alvin Noël, general manager. ​“We would like to thank our dedicated staff for all
their hard work and commitment to ensuring that our guests are our first
priority. We look forward to welcoming guests to our newly-renovated space.”