Lanny McDonald headlines MHA

WINNIPEG—“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Make sure you autograph your work with excellence.”

That’s the message hockey legend Lanny McDonald delivered to the Manitoba Hotel Association at their annual convention in a homey and inspiring speech laced with hockey lore and behind-the-scenes tales from the dressing room.

Team Manitoba Hotel Association pose with hockey great Lanny McDonald at the association’s annual conference held at the Delta Winnipeg April 11-12. (L to R): Jerry Weir - executive director, Ryan Kirkness - membership and corporate relations manager, Jeremy Leroux - communications manager, Lanny McDonald - keynote speaker, Jim Baker - president and CEO, and Reid Kelner - chairman

McDonald, sporting a pared-down version of his trademark walrus moustache—now more gray than red—was fresh off a trip to Edmonton where he participated in the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s, which raised over $1 million.

These days, in addition to owning Bear Mountain in Montana, McDonald and his family have also purchased, renovated and reopened a restaurant and marina. A daughter, Andra, and her husband, Josh Townsley, are also partners in the Tamarack Brewing Co.

Lanny and his family are in a similar business, and the beer and beer restaurant message tied in with convention theme of teamwork in business, noted MHA president and CEO Jim Baker.

“Centrex was another resounding success,” Baker told CLN. “Everyone seemed happy. There was an increase in the number of people registered and increase in traffic. And the convention went off without missing a beat.”

This year, for the first time, the association moved the election of board members out of the annual general meeting, opting for online and fax voting. Reid Kelner’s term as chair has been extended for a year.

Also new this year was a grazing lunch, a one-hour session where MHA members could grab some lunch, mingle with fellow attendees, and meet face-to-face with industry regulators and experts to get explanations and guidance for the many rules hoteliers must live by.

Major issues

Major issues this year include dealing with a frightened economy, said Baker. “When Manitobans want to get away for a little weekend retreat, they are doing their leisure travel in the U.S. Thanks to the strong Canadian dollar, they take off to Grand Forks, which is 2.5 hours away.”

For years, Manitoba has had steady hunting and fishing tourism business.

Before, an operator with a six-room hotel could count on this type of business to keep them busy for a solid two weeks, but the dollar threatens that, Baker said.

Urban hotels are affected as well. When people come for hunting and fishing, they fly in to Winnipeg International Airport and spend a night in the city before they fly up north.

“Tourism and conservation have to work hand in hand on issues like hunting limits, as we become more aware of the consequences.”

Two of the convention seminars dealt with identity theft and fraud. Bob Jensen of the Winnipeg Police Service, and Ted Postolski of the Bank of Canada were on hand to help hoteliers recognize the warning signs and offer tips and advice. The presentations included samples of fake bills and card readers available on the black market.

Loyalty Awards

Over 400 people attended the gala awards dinner held April 12 at the Delta. Among the 18 people recognized with loyalty awards were two quarter-century winners, Gary Fournier of Westwood Village Inn and Paul Surette of Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel.

Recipients of MHA Loyalty Awards received their plaques at the association’s Gala Awards Dinner on April 12. Front row (L to R): Anastasia Routsis, Gurmeet Gill, Kim Boychuk, Darlene Davis, Georgina Harmon, Lucy Petkau, and Pat Bednarski. Back row (L to R): MHA chair Reid Kelner, Jerry Comeau, Gary Fournier, Wayne Des Roche, Brent McFarlane, Valerie Peers, Paul Surrette, Nick Hradowy, and MHA director Henry Traa.