Western Hospitality Award Presented to Jenny Rowe of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that the August Western Hospitality Award was presented to Jenny Rowe of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole for her ongoing commitment and pride that she exhibits in serving guests and locals in the Jackson Hole area.

Jenny 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!

Philip Salud, Assistant Director of Rooms for Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, nominated Jenny for the Western Hospitality Award. Philip explained that Jenny constantly goes above and beyond. From helping guests plan perfect visits to Jackson Hole to ensuring prompt returns of misplaced wallets, Jenny’s work is a positive light in the community. Jenny is part of the leadership team for the Four Seasons Resort Relay for Life Cancer Research fundraiser. She leads multiple fundraisers throughout the year, including bake sales, breakfast burrito sales, and a Frisbee golf tournament and silent auction that raised more than $2,500. The Membership Committee of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Jenny for being a glowing example of Western Hospitality!

About the Western Hospitality Award: Businesses that have a reputation for great service may increase their profits by developing loyal customers out of locals and tourists. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee presents the Western Hospitality Award each quarter to an employee or a program in the Jackson Hole area that has gone above and beyond their call of duty. For more information, please visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/initiatives/western_hospitality. Make a nomination! The Membership Committee accepts nominations from individuals and from businesses. Have you had a fantastic experience with a Jackson Hole employee? Or has your business received a complimentary letter? Email an explanation or a copy of the letter to Kate Foster, Communications Manager, kate@jacksonholechamber.com.

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.

Frances Salud Wins Wetern Hospitality Award

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that the February Western Hospitality Award was presented to Frances Salud of Homewood Suites by Hilton. Frances was selected for the award after the Membership Committee received multiple nominations from guests who appreciated her great kindness and helpful nature.

Frances will receive a prize package from Grand Teton Lodge Company, including lunch at John Colter’s Café Court, a night’s stay in a Classic Cottage Room at Jackson Lake Lodge, and a Scenic Park Bus Tour. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Grand Teton Lodge Company for supporting the spirit of Western Hospitality in Jackson Hole!

Jane M. of New Jersey recently visited Jackson Hole and stayed at Homewood Suites. Jane said that Frances was exceptionally friendly and helpful: “She definitely made our stay at the Homewood Suite and Jackson Hole a memorable experience.” Jane continued, “Ms. Salud is a truly caring individual who clearly enjoys what she does and wants her guests to feel like they were at a home away from home. We were thoroughly delighted by Ms. Salud and our stay at Jackson Hole.”

Joel and Abbe M. commented: “What a superior guest services person! Knowledgeable, take-charge, and just plain nice. You are lucky to have her.”

For more information or to make a nomination for the Western Hospitality Award, please contact Mary Haworth, Membership Manager, mary@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x20.

Simply Mac Ribbon Cutting

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Simply Mac to the Membership! Simply Mac hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening today! The Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club was on hand with the giant shears and dollar bill ribbon.

Click here for more information: http://www.simplymac.com/locations/jackson-wy.

CLIMB Wyoming Chamber Mixer

Thanks to everyone who joined the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at the CLIMB Wyoming Chamber Mixer. CLIMB Wyoming recently moved to their new location, 420 West Pearl (former HUB Insurance building). Refreshments were provided by Jackson Whole Grocer (loved the dip in the eggplant!).

Chamber Mixers offer Members and friends the opportunity to do business after hours in a fun and casual setting.

CLIMB Wyoming is a non-profit organization that trains and places low-income single mothers in careers that successfully support their families.

Since 2004…
· CLIMB Wyoming has helped over 90 single mothers and nearly 250 children make significant changes in their lives;
· 87% of CLIMB Wyoming participants successfully graduate the program;
· 90% of CLIMB Wyoming graduates are still working full time 18 months post graduation;
· CLIMB Wyoming graduates double their average monthly income 18 months post graduation;
· CLIMB Wyoming has established strong business partnerships with more than 45 local employers;
· CLIMB Wyoming continues to be committed to creating a stronger community.

For more information about Chamber Mixers, please contact Maureen Murphy, Events Manager, mo@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x102.

Check Facebook for more photos of the Mixer!

Western Hospitality Award Given to Caesar Ramos-Tzompa

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that Caesar Ramos-Tzompa of The Rustic Inn has been presented the Western Hospitality Award.

Cesar will receive an adventure package from Grand Teton Lodge Company as well as a photo package from Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos and Weddings.

Mitzi M. of Pardeeville, Wisconsin nominated Caesar for the Western Hospitality Award. Mitzi and her daughter had become lost after a long adventure in Yellowstone National Park. It was long past dark and Mitzi had been unable to make contact with the lodging property she had reserved in Teton Village. Hungry and tired, Mitzi and her daughter stopped in at The Rustic Inn to seek directions. Cesar took time to contact the lodging property and to confirm Mitzi’s reservation. Mitzi said, “Once he reached our hotel and confirmed our room, he gave us a regional map and clearly marked out the route to our hotel.” She concluded, “He was so kind and considerate. He made a hectic evening seem so much better.”

For more information or to make a nomination for the Western Hospitality Award, please contact Mary Haworth, Membership Manager, mary@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x20.

About the Western Hospitality Award:

Jackson Hole is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States and our community thrives on the business that is brought to the valley in the summer and winter seasons. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership

Committee created the Western Hospitality Award that recognizes exceptional Jackson Hole area employees in order to increase awareness of the importance of great customer service. Businesses that have a reputation for great service may increase their profits by developing loyal customers out of locals and tourists.

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee presents the Western Hospitality Award each quarter to an employee or a program in the Jackson Hole area that has gone above and beyond their call of duty. For more information, please visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/about/western_hospitality.php.

Make a nomination! The Membership Committee accepts nominations from individuals and from businesses. Have you had a fantastic experience with a Jackson Hole employee? Or has your business received a complimentary letter? Email an explanation or a copy of the letter to Mary Haworth, Membership Manager, mary@jacksonholechamber.com.