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Station Casino Files Constitutional Challenge Against National Labor Relations Board
By Jordan Bradley
Las Vegas-based Station Casinos on October 22 filed a constitutional challenge against the National Labor Relations (NLRB) Board in an attempt to halt two complaints of union-busting from the board.
The casino resort company is alleging that the NLRB does not have the authority to prosecute claims against businesses such as Station Casinos.
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Industry Movers
Callie Hoyt
Callie Hoyt has joined the American Bus Association (ABA) as Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations, a newly created role to expand ABA’s leadership and influence in advocacy and public policy. Her most recent role was vice president of government relations at the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Prior to her time with NMMA, she worked with various trade associations across the transportation sector.
Brian Harrier
Brian Harrier has been appointed Managing Director of Viceroy Snowmass in Colorado. He previously was director of engineering and director of operations at Viceroy Snowmass from 2017–2021. Since then, he has been East West Hospitality’s general manager of the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, Colorado—a large condominium hotel property. Harrier’s career began in engineering at the Westin Princeville and St. Regis, Princeville resorts in Hawaii.
Armelle De la Porte des Vaux
Armelle De la Porte des Vaux has been named Club Med’s Vice President of Marketing for North America. With more than a decade of experience in the luxury industry, including senior roles at L’Oréal and Dior, Armelle has a variety experience in brand development and marketing strategy and has worked in Europe, Central America, and Asia. She joined Club Med in 2019 as marketing director for Benelux.
Mike Reitzell
Mike Reitzell is the new President & CEO of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). Reitzell brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry to the role, including the last nine years as president of Ski California. During his tenure at Ski California, Reitzell led the creation of the association’s multi-award-winning Mountain Safety Guide. Reitzell, who has skied since he was five, was also an attorney.
Esther Oh Kostecky
Esther Oh Kostecky is now Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans’ General Manager. She joined Four Seasons in 1999, marking the beginning of a hospitality career that has spanned diverse leadership roles across the globe—from New York to Seoul, and London to the Serengeti. She recently was hotel manager at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, where she helped manage service for several major events.
Joseph Zuziak
Joseph Zuziak is now Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hyatt Regency Irvine in California. Zuziak most recently served as the director of group sales at Park Hyatt Aviara, a luxury resort in the heart of Carlsbad, where he led his team to capture incentive business following a $50 million resort-wide transformation. He has held numerous leadership positions, including director of sales for the Marriott Southwest Group Sales Office.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
Association Forum Offering Compensation Survey… The 2024 Association Forum Compensation Survey is now available.
“We’ve been publishing the Association Forum Compensation Survey for more than 100 years,” Association Forum said. “While the world has certainly changed over the past century, employers’ need to benchmark their compensation and benefits has not. “As the talent market continues to tighten, organizations are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to redefine their strategies for attracting, retaining, and rewarding their most valuable asset—people.”
Key Highlights:
- Gain insights based on real-world data from 50 participating organizations
- Make informed decisions while shaping new compensation packages
- Latest association-specific trends in employee benefits such as remote work and flextime
- Develop compensation models to attract, motivate, and retain top talent
Members pay $375 for the report—a $200 discount on the Nonmember price. Participants in the survey receive the results for just $25 (participating members) or $75 (participating non-members). Participating Forum+ organizations receive the results free.
Find more information at associationforum.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
Four Season Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Lucid Group, launched a new program offering guests sustainable driving experiences beginning this month. Silicon Valley-based Lucid is a manufacturer of electric vehicles, including the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which has a range of up to 512 miles on a single charge.
“At Four Seasons, we offer guests the very best in both products and personalized services through an unwavering commitment to excellence,” says Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Four Seasons. “We are excited to partner with Lucid to create this new, sustainable luxury experience for our guests.”
Experiences available at participating Four Seasons hotels include complimentary driving experiences, chauffeured Lucid house car and electric charging stations provided by Lucid. Four Seasons expects to begin rolling out the program this month in the United States. before expanding into North America, Europe and the Middle East in subsequent months.
Choice Hotels International and CarbinX, “the world’s first small-scale carbon capture device developed by CleanO2,” was recognized at the inaugural 2024 World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards, winning the Leading Sustainable Technology category, the company announced on October 8.
The CarbinX pilot was implemented at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The prototype reduced carbon emissions at the property by “6–8 tons per year” and cut natural gas consumption by up to 20%. “The system also produces pearl ash, a byproduct that can be used to manufacture soaps and other potential sources of revenue,” Choice said.
“We are building a better tomorrow, today, by championing sustainability measures that benefit our communities and help hotel owners save time and money,” said Megan Brumagim, Vice President for Sustainability at Choice. “The CarbinX technology not only reduces the environmental impact of the Radisson Blu Mall of America but also creates tangible value through cost savings and potential revenue sources. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create a greener future in the hospitality industry.”
Convention Bureau/Center NEWS
CVB Update
Visit Anaheim in California announced on October 16 that it’s thrilled to be partnering with the Angels to bring the world-famous Savannah Bananas to Angel Stadium May 30-31 during the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah Bananas are known for their choreographed dance routines, on-field hijinks, lip-syncing songs, epic scoring celebrations, and more, making Banana Ball the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball.
“The Savannah Bananas have taken the world by storm, dancing their way into the hearts of millions and selling out major league stadiums across the country,” said Mike Waterman, President & CEO of Visit Anaheim. “Bringing the Banana Ball World Tour to Angel Stadium will present another opportunity for visitors to fall in love with Anaheim and showcase the city as a world-class sports tourism hub.”
During the 2025 tour, the dancing baseball sensations will play in front of more than two million people at 18 Major League Baseball stadiums, as well as two NFL stadiums and one college football stadium. The two-day stop at Angel Stadium is projected to bring about 45,000 spectators per game.
“Our goal has always been to be Fans First and to take Banana Ball to as many fans as possible,” said Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole. “Now, to be at some of the largest stadiums in the entire country, these venues are something we never could have imagined. We know they will provide an electric atmosphere which will create some unforgettable nights for our fans.”
Tickets for the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour are lottery-based. Fans interested in getting a chance to see the Savannah Bananas at Angel Stadium can join the ticket lottery by visiting here. Ticket lottery submissions close on November 1.
