(Charleston, SC) – March 2012 – Kristin D. Kurie, President of The Wilderman Group, announced the appointment of Frederick W. Julius, III as Vice President of Operations for the Charleston, SC-based hospitality management company.  According to Ms. Kurie, Fred will be directly responsible for the overall operations of all properties in The Wilderman Group portfolio, as well as pre-opening of new properties.  These properties currently include Richmond Hill City Center in Richmond Hill, GA, the 23,300 square-foot meeting and event venue in metro Savannah; the 30,000 square-foot Gastonia Conference Center in Gastonia, NC in the metro Charlotte region; and the technologically advanced LeGrand Center in Cleveland County just west of Charlotte in Shelby, NC scheduled to open in summer 2012.

In making the announcement, Ms. Kurie said, “We are thrilled to welcome Fred to this exciting position at The Wilderman Group.  Fred’s strong hospitality background and solid operations experience will help to further build a highly effective organization and strengthen operations, guest satisfaction, and owner return on investment (ROI).”

As an accomplished chef with culinary experience spanning the diverse range of hospitality, Fred brings his in-depth food and beverage experience in conference centers, club, marina and golf course management to the team.  As Vice President of Operations, Fred is responsible for the day-to-day operations including sales and marketing, accounting and purchasing, food and beverage, housekeeping and facility maintenance, catering and conference services, audio/visual and technology, and the environmental sustainability programs.  Operating out of The Wilderman Group’s metro-Charlotte office, Fred supports the regional operations with insightful property reviews and operational best practices.

With his years of experience at both Benchmark Hospitality International and Marriott International, Fred excels at pre-opening and technical services, specializing in operational management for numerous non-residential and university-affiliated conference venues.   As General Manager at Bald Head Island, NC, Fred established a strong working relationship with the local community and other strategic partners on many levels which helped to cultivate a strong bond with the community and the resort operations.

Mr. Julius commented that he is eager to share efficiencies in serving these municipally owned conference facilities.   “There is a unique opportunity” said Julius, “to bring meetings and events to these communities and to strengthen their recovering economies.”  The Wilderman Group is well positioned to serve the niche market as operators of LEED certified, municipally owned meeting and event venues.  There are great synergies among the three properties all of which are ideal for day meetings, special events, regional conferences and trade shows from regional and drive-in markets.

The Wilderman Group supports local communities with its popular Partners Program at each property, which demonstrates a commitment to supporting the growth of local business such as photographers, florists, hotels, caterers, printers, which boosts the overall economic development of the community.  In addition to keeping revenues circulating within the local community, the Partner Program strengthens sustainable efforts that help reduce negative environmental impacts.

Fred is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in Food Service Management/AOS in Culinary Arts.

About The Wilderman Group
The Wilderman Group is a woman-owned hospitality management company that specializes in operating meeting and event venues, and civic and community developments throughout the Southeast. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, The Wilderman Group is a full-service management firm with a team of industry experts in all areas of hospitality including, operations, sales and marketing management, food and beverage, environmental programs and an emphasis on supporting local economies and strengthening communities. Their “sleeves-rolled-up” style of management focuses on success – from the owner’s perspective. For details on the capabilities and services offered by The Wilderman Group, visit the website at www.TheWildermanGroup.com or call 843.670.5056.

The Wilderman Group is committed to environmental stewardship and is a proud and active member of the US Green Building Council’s South Carolina Chapter, Georgia Chapter, Charlotte Regional Chapter, and the International Association of Conference Centers.