Resident dog yields unexpected bonuses

CALGARY—When the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire introduced a resident dog last year, they knew the 14-month-old Labrador pup would create a personal touch for business guests who had to leave their pets at home.

“We didn’t expect the effect it would have on the staff,” Derek Brewster, sales and marketing co-ordinator told CLN last month. Jake, the current hotel pet, is owned by Lindsay Sandomirsky, director of sales and marketing, and shares her office in the marketing department.

“When we walk into work, we often see dog toys, and we all enjoy him. We have lint brushes everywhere,” Brewster said.

Jake has his own e-mail address, business cards and appointment book – and now thanks to a staff contest – he will have his own custom-designed dog house. The dog house will be outside in the summer, but at other times it will be located right beside the concierge desk at the downtown Calgary hotel.

“There were 10 or 15 submissions, and the winning design is a collaboration,” Brewster added.

“It’s just been great,” said Brewster. People coming into the lobby all know him by name, and kids have fun with him. It’s not unusual to see an oil and gas executive with one hand on his Blackberry and the other petting the dog.”

Jake has his own connection to Alberta’s oil and gas industry. He was originally trained to sniff out leaks on pipelines, but that didn’t work out because Jake is too social for such solitary work.

“He’s a perfect fit here,” said Brewster.

New general manager

The hotel welcomed Gord Minor as its new general manager, effective March 1, 2008.

Minor brings over 17 years of experience to this position. He holds a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management from George Brown College, Toronto. Minor began his career in 1990 with Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown. He worked as executive housekeeper for both the Delta Chelsea and the Fairmont Empress. In 2003, Gord was promoted to director, rooms division, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Most recently, Gord held the position of director, rooms division, The Fairmont Royal York.

Best in Brand #7

The Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire is also celebrating their seventh consecutive “Starwood Select Best in Brand” award for the highest overall guest satisfaction among all Sheraton hotels in North America.

The award recognizes the hotel for its exceptional levels of hospitality, service, and attention to detail, its upscale facilities and wide variety of amenities.

So what’s next on the hotel’s agenda— will they try for Best in Brand #8? Brewster says yes, and that this year’s slogan is “Dominate in 2008.”