Strand Celebrates at their Annual Conference

Strand hosted their annual conference November 11-13 at the Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Kingston Plantation. There was much to celebrate this year as we opened four new hotels, signed contracts with six other hotels, celebrated our 50th anniversary and had a record year for our St. Jude Fundraising efforts. 

The conference kicked off on Veteran's Day with an inspiring speech from US Navy Captain Eugene Paluso, Commandant for the SC Corps of Cadets, the Citadel, Charleston SC and honoring our veteran employees and special guests. Other highlights of the week were presentations from Suzie Price on motivating your workforce and Joel Carver on how to bring out the best in your people. Award winners this year were also celebrated, this year's big winners were the SpringHill Suites New Smyrna Beach with winning the Flow-Through Award, Scorecard Award and Hotel of the Year as well as the Holiday Inn Express Kinston with the RevPAR Award and House Profit Award. Other winners were: 

Online Reputation Award: Fairfield Inn & Suites Crestview
GM of the Year: Cathy Kepley, Fairfield Inn & Suites Shelby
DOS of the Year: Lee McMichael, Hampton Inn Helen
Strand MVP: Donna Moreland, Payroll Coordinator
Rising Star: Catrina Cook, Fairfield Inn & Suites Monroe
Preferred Vendor Award: Home Depot Pro

We would like to thank all of our vendors and sponsors for their help in putting on such a great event!