 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named 'Outstanding GM of the Year' by American Hotel & Lodging Association |
.
 Kissimmee,
Fla. (April 28, 2005) - It was announced today that John Caparella, Gaylord
Palms Resort senior vice president and general manager, was recognized
as the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Outstanding General Manager
of the Year, for outstanding accomplishments and exceptional service in
the lodging industry. The awards were presented during the American Hotel
& Lodging Association (AH&LA) Stars of the Industry Awards luncheon
at the Las Vegas International Hotel & Restaurant Show.
The award recognizes a general manager who has demonstrated outstanding contributions of leadership, service and community and/or civic affairs. The nominees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities, and outstanding and unusual service to the property, guests and community. Caparella received the award in the large property category. In his nomination, he is credited with leading a truly unique work environment, fostering a flawless guest experience, and greatly impacting the lodging industry. "This award not only brings well-deserved recognition to an outstanding individual, it also validates the people-first strategy of the Gaylord Hotels brand," said Gaylord Entertainment CEO Colin Reed. "It's not our properties that make us successful, it is our STARS. John exemplifies this philosophy through his leadership every single day." In a bit of a twist on traditional management, John places top priority not on his resort guests, but on his nearly 1,800 employees (or STARS in Gaylord-speak). In fact, he believes that employee satisfaction will ultimately lead to superior customer satisfaction. Under Caparella's leadership, the three-year-old property has received many industry leading awards, including the Gold Key Elite award from Meetings & Conventions magazine, given to the top 5 meeting properties in the world. Gaylord Palms was also twice named one of the Top 25 Companies for Working Families by Orlando Sentinel. Other awards include: AAA Four-Diamond Award winner (3 years), DiRoNA Award of Excellence by Distinguished Restaurants of North America, Meetings & Conventions Gold Platter Award winner (2 years), Florida Monthly Best Florida Resort (3 years), and Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award winner (3 years). This October, Caparella was bestowed with the 2004 Gaylord Leadership Excellence Award by Reed, who commented, "During his time with Gaylord Hotels, John has personally recruited, mentored and nurtured many folks that he works with ... to create such excellence that many of his recruits have gone on to take broader roles in our hotel business." "John believes in people. And his people believe in him," continued Reed. "John sees potential in every STAR and strongly encourages learning and growth. This is evident by the large number of promotions achieved for a new resort - well over 300 in less than three years." Caparella is a community leader, actively involved in FH&MA (Florida Hotel & Motel Association) Board of Directors, CFHLA (Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association) Board of Directors, CFHLA Governmental Affairs Board of Directors, and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission Board of Directors. As a former graduate, John also is a member of the State University of New York at Delhi's Hospitality Advisory Board. He earned an MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. This October, Orlando Business Journal named John as one of the "10 Most Influential Businessmen Newsmakers of 2004." Caparella has an extensive background in hospitality operations. He served as Executive V.P., Planning, Development and Administration and President of PlanetHollywood.com for Planet Hollywood International Inc. in Orlando for 4 years. He worked with ITT Sheraton for 17 years in Convention, Resort, Business and 4-Star Luxury properties, as well as ITT Sheraton's Corporate Headquarters, in locations including New York, Boston, D.C., Baltimore and Orlando. John's positions included General Manager, Divisional Director of Rooms and Reservations, Food & Beverage Director, Sales and Total Quality Management. Caparella is a dedicated husband, a father of two and is an active member of his community. About Gaylord Palms
About Gaylord Hotels
|
| Contact:
Keith Salwoski
|