Hard Work, Dedication, + Sacrifice

Hard Work, Dedication, and Sacrifice

By Robert Cole, President & Chief Executive Officer

Like most hotel companies, we at HVMG track our performance against the competition to make sure we are producing excellent results for all of our partners. As we've tracked the numbers over the last ten months, it has been gratifying to see that we consistently out-perform the industry. We have produced more total revenue and spent less money per available room than our peers, resulting in nearly double the GOP recorded by the industry.

We are certainly proud of these results, but I have to admit -- I am even prouder of something else.

The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to our operations, from dramatic occupancy swings to shortfalls in labor to frustrating supply chain disruptions, not to mention fear, uncertainty, and everything in between. Through it all, our associates have more than risen to the challenge! That's why we initiated Hidden Heroes, a celebration in gratitude for our hotel team members.

Hidden Heroes included two elements: a virtual event with simultaneous celebrations at each hotel and a special Hidden Hero award.

For the virtual event, we sent pizzas to each hotel in our portfolio, as well as a custom "Heart of HVMG" lapel pin and thank-you note from me to every associate. When I wrote, "I can't express enough how lucky I am to have you on the HVMG team! Your hard work, dedication, and sacrifice over the last several months have been appreciated more than words can describe," I meant it. Our entire team has gone above and beyond to continue to provide an EXCELLENT guest experience over the last year.

We also announced the finalists for our Hidden Hero award. Each hotel nominated one associate who:

• Exemplifies HVMG's core value of excellence through specific acts within the hotel or community.
  
• Goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities to impact a specific guest experience or hotel event.
• Plays an active role in leading co-workers through difficult times and situations, by demonstrating acts of informal leadership, kindness, and HVMG love.

One finalist was chosen from each of our three regions. Three of the very best examples of HVMG's BE EXCELLENT culture were selected as finalists, each winning $1,500 and a two-night stay at any hotel in our portfolio.

Our finalists were:

• Marcia Evans, Housekeeping Supervisor at Sheraton Suites Plantation Fort Lauderdale
• Tina Lewis, Housekeeper at Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Airport
• Jill Schmittling, Banquet Server at Embassy Suites Detroit Troy Auburn Hills

After being introduced to our finalists during the virtual celebration, every associate in our company was given the opportunity to vote for a winner through our communication tool. We announced the winner, Housekeeping Supervisor Marcia Evans from Sheraton Suites Plantation Fort Lauderdale, who received an additional $1,000, a $500 gift card, and two paid days off to celebrate.

You'll get a chance to learn more about our Hidden Heroes over the next month. Until then, know that I, and the entire HVMG executive team, could not be more proud and grateful to have them as part of our work family! Our industry-beating results are the direct result of their efforts, and we won't forget it.

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