This Just In...Jackson Hole Marathon

Dreamchasers and the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the first annual running of the Jackson Hole Marathon, a family-friendly, destination race scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2011.

The Jackson Hole Marathon course will start on the historic Town Square in downtown Jackson, Wyoming and finish in Teton Village, Wyoming, at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Teton Range will serve as the backdrop for the scenic course, with several views of the Grand Teton offered along the way. Related events include a Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay, which are also scheduled for Saturday, September 24. Finish line entertainment will be provided by local recording artists, Mandatory Air featuring the Miller Sisters, www.mandatoryair.com.

In building the event, the organizers will utilize numerous ‘green’ practices, such as cup-free racing (www.hydrapouch.com), locally sourced awards, donating of unclaimed clothing to local non-profits, solar powered generators, compostable materials at the finish line, reusable goodie bags and many other eco-friendly initiatives.

Race information is being updated often on www.JacksonHoleMarathon.com and numerous discounts are expected to be available from local merchants, hotels, restaurants and on many valley wide activities, such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding, bike rentals and more! Located within an hour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the inaugural Jackson Hole Marathon is a true destination event that offers something for everyone in family.

On-line registration will open on May 2, 2011 and be offered through EventBrite.com. Register early to take advantage of the lowest fees.

For more information about the Jackson Hole Marathon Events, or to become a sponsor or to volunteer, please contact Jay Batchen, 208.787.2077 or Maureen Murphy, 307.733.3316, or visit the race website, www.jacksonholemarathon.com. Find additional updates on Facebook, www.facebook.com/jacksonholemarathon.

Ben Smith Wins Western Hospitality Award!

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that the April Western Hospitality Award was presented to Ben Smith of Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures after going above and beyond in his work as a highly-respected snowmobile guide to help a couple on their honeymoon who had misplaced their wedding rings.

Ben will receive a prize package from Blue Lion Restaurant, Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos, Nikai Sushi, and The Rustic Inn. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce thanks our sponsors for supporting the spirit of Western Hospitality in Jackson Hole!

Carl and Sheryl H (last name withheld to protect from embarrassment!) came to visit Jackson Hole on their honeymoon this winter. When they returned home, Carl took the time to send a very nice letter to the President of ARAMARK, Bruce Fears. The following comments have been taken from the letter.

Carl and his new bride had a very good time on their snowmobile adventure, but that “the service didn’t stop when my wife and I were dropped off that evening.” He continued that when the trip was over, they had forgotten to retrieve personal belongings that had been secured in their snowmobile gear -- including the brand new wedding rings. Back at their hotel room in Teton Village and beside themselves with worry, Carl contacted Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures and was glad to hear that their personal belongings were found by the staff.

Carl and Sheryl were still quite upset over the prospect of losing such irreplaceable items and went to dinner in a sober mood. That mood would soon be brightened by Ben’s Western Hospitality! Carl explained, “Halfway through our meal, my wife (a fantastic lady, by the way) facing the door of the restaurant got a look on her face and immediately covered her mouth in surprise. You see, at the front door talking to the hostess was our guide. He had returned to his office to drop off the van and then head home, when the woman there told him about what had happened. He remembered a conversation that we had with him where we discussed our dinner plans for the evening. Instead of going home to be with his wife and two-year-old daughter Tessa, he went out of his way to drive back to Teton Village. He checked with the concierge at our hotel to see if we were in our room (which we weren’t). He remembered what restaurant we would be eating at, walked across the village to the restaurant, and came to our table to return the jewelry (most importantly, my wife’s wedding ring).”

Carl and Sheryl were obviously very impressed by Ben’s kindness. Carl said, “Mr. Ben Smith, was more than our guide that day. To my wife and I, he was also a gentleman that reminded us of just how good a person could be.” Carl concluded his letter to President Fears with further compliments to Ben and to the staff: “You just need to know that you have a very decent and highly customer service focused individual working in your organization by the name of Ben Smith! Not to leave out the rest of the team there at Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures. They were wonderful ambassadors of ARAMARK as well.”

For more information or to make a nomination for the Western Hospitality Award, please contact Mary Haworth, Membership Manager, mary@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x106.