Conventions.net Hospitality News Network

Optimism About US Economy Bounces Back for Private Companies Solid Revenue Growth Expected by Nearly All Confidence about the US economy's 12-month outlook rose sharply this past quarter among executives surveyed for PwC US’s Private Company Trendsetter Barometer. Sixty percent of Trendsetter executives voiced optimism (up 21 points from the prior quarter), with just 8% expressing pessimism; the remaining 32% were uncertain. Has Added 21 Contracts to Its Management Portfolio in the Past 18 Months HHM, commonly referred to as Hersha Hospitality Management, has added 21 contracts to its management portfolio in the past 18 months. This includes 12 hotels in its newly-formed full-service division. Denise Milroy Appointed GM Fairfield Inn & Suites Hammond White Lodging announced Denise Milroy has been promoted to lead the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Hammond, IN as its new general manager. She previously was the operations manager at the same hotel. Rama Rebbapragada Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association on Trends in the Asian Marketplace Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific –conference and trade show focusing on the emerging Asian-Pacific cruise industry— interviews Rama Rebbapragada, Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association and supporter of the Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific show. GE Capital, Franchise Finance Provides $4.1 Million to Jimmy John’s Franchisee, Hinz JJ, LLC GE Capital, Franchise Finance recently provided a $4.1 million credit facility to Hinz JJ, LLC, a Jimmy John’s franchisee. The financing included $2.6 million to refinance debt and a $1.5 million development line of credit. The funding was provided through GE Capital’s bank affiliate, GE Capital Financial Inc. Philip Mengel Named Interim CEO of Orient-Express Hotels Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (NYSE: OEH) today announced that Board member Philip R. Mengel has been named Interim Chief Executive Officer while the Board continues its search for a permanent CEO. Saladworks to Open in Schaumburg, Illinois Saladworks is opening its first Saladworks in Schaumburg, in the Streets of Woodfield Shopping Center, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IL. Hans S. Weger Appointed Chief Financial Officer for Outrigger Weger replaces former CFO Melvyn Wilinsky, who retired in December 2011 after 19 years with Outrigger. John Grady, Ninety Nine Restaurants, 2012 Recipient of Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers’ (CHART) Commitment to People Award The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) will present the 2012 Commitment to People Award to John Grady, President of Ninety Nine Restaurants. He will be honored at the Commitment to People Awards Gala on Monday evening, July 23, 2012, during CHART’s 84th semi-annual Hospitality Training Conference to be held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, IL. Flexjet to Be First Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 Fractional Jet Ownership Provider Technology innovations elevate new aircraft as some of the fastest in their class, provides enhanced experience for owners How Do You Promote Your Restaurant’s Experience? - By John Hendrie How do we balance the Guest expectation and what a restaurant offers that Customer? Distinction in the competitive food and beverage realm is the key ingredient. Air Pacific to Be Rebranded Fiji Airways Fiji's national air carrier, Air Pacific, has announced a return to its 1958 name – Fiji Airways – to better reflect its dedication to transporting travelers to and from Fiji. The official name change, complete with branding and the introduction of new aircraft, is expected to take place by June 2013. Parlay Your Gaming Distinction - By John Hendrie Nothing like a little competition to catch the attention of Gaming executives. Flight Attendant Anniversary Highlights Evolution of Profession The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International President Veda Shook made the following statement on the 82nd anniversary of Ellen Church starting our profession as the first Flight Attendant hired on May 15, 1930: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Federation of Labor Applaud Announcement for New O'Hare Airport Cargo Facility Joint Statement from Chicago Federation of Labor and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce about Cargo Facility Announcement Brad Tilden Becomes CEO of Alaska Air Group Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden becomes chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group and its subsidiary carriers, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, at the company's annual shareholder meeting today. Tilden, a 21-year veteran at Alaska Air Group, succeeds Bill Ayer, who served as CEO since 2002. Marriott Rewards Members Can Upgrade Their Weekend in the Caribbean & Latin America Marriott Rewards members can get the royal treatment for less when staying at more than 20 JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Executive Apartments in the Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue Names Mary Neff Vice President of Supply Chain JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) announces the appointment of Mary Margaret Neff to the position of vice president of supply chain, effective immediately. Dickey's Barbecue Pit Signs Lease for Jackson California Location Dickey's Barbecue Pit will be adding a new location in Jackson. Franchise owner Richard Wolcott has signed a lease and is excited to begin construction. 100 Room Radisson Blu Resort Tsinandali (Georgia) To Open in 2014 The property featuring 100 rooms is scheduled to welcome the first guests in 2014. Tsinandali lies in the province of Kakheti, one of the most popular tourism regions of Georgia; east of the capital city Tbilisi and bordered by the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the North.