Newsletter Archive

Volume 7, Issue 1, Summer 2002

Each of us here at RHA want to thank you, our members and your retail brokers, for your continuing support and confidence in the strength and quality of RHA's insurance programs. I am extremely pleased to report a 100% renewal of both our property and casualty programs, no mean feat for a group program, and I truly appreciate your forbearance and patience as we struggled to provide premium quotes prior to the renewal dates.

After a very hectic few months, we are now busy getting ready for RHA's 2002 Annual Conference to be held at the beautiful and truly grand, Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, Michigan. This year the Grand celebrates its 115th year, so we invite you to join us in celebrating this significant anniversary. I hope that many of you have already decided to attend what will certainly be a "grand" affair. (Sorry, but one has to use this adjective when referring to this property!) Great hospitality is assured thanks to our gracious hosts, the Musser family, charter members, and always strong supporters of RHA. Like many of our member properties it is truly an experience to stay at the Grand. If you haven't already made your reservations, I urge you to do so as soon as possible.

I believe that we have an interesting and informative program planned for you, but with plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful and quaint island. This year, with so much turmoil in the insurance markets, I think it is very important for our members to take advantage of this opportunity to meet our insurance company representatives and to participate in the in-depth discussions of the programs.

Our experience has shown that once a member property attends their first conference they then make it a yearly event. Remember, we are a very family-oriented group and just love to have spouses, partners, children, and any other relative or friend join us for this special event.

I hope to see you at the Grand!

Jean

Governors from across the country gathered at Grand Hotel last July for the annual Republican Governors' Conference. Held in a different state each year, the Republican Governors Association asked Michigan to host the 2001 event. Michigan Governor John Engler selected Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel to represent his state, as it encompasses the natural beauty and splendor of the beloved Great Lakes State. Twelve Republican Governors attended the conference including PA Governor and newly appointed Director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge. During the conference the governors discussed the programs and issues affecting their respective states and the Republican present in the gubernatorial arena.

Ed Mayotte, President of Skytop Lodge (a charter member of RHA and a RHA Board member), has been awarded General Manager of the Year by the Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association. The award process is rigorous in that a general manager must meet the following criteria with tangible results; professionalism in operating a property, taking a leadership role by actively participating in hospitality associations, community and industry programs while performing head and shoulders above the competition. For over 30 years Ed has worked in the hospitality industry. His career started at the Rock Resorts in the Caribbean Island and after ten years an industry leader, Marriott hotel chain, recruited him where he served at locations throughout the United States. In 1988 Disney of Florida recognized his talents and, again, he was recruited by Walt Disney World. Since 1994 Ed has served as President and General Manager of Skytop Lodge.

Conde Nast Traveler's "Readers Pick 75 Top Golf Resorts Around the World" made The Cloister, Sea Island, GA number 7 and The Williamsburg Inn number 29 in the United States. The Williamsburg Inn was also rated number 4 overall for food.

Nob Hill Properties, Inc.
The Huntington Hotel
San Francisco, CA
www.huntingtonhotel.com
&
La Playa Hotel
Carmel, CA
www.laplayacarmel.com

The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa Dana Point, CA www.stregismonarchbeach.com

Web Site Update
www.resorthotelinsurance.com

Within the next month the RHA web site will sport a new, cleaner appearance thanks to the efforts of Scott Whitehead, RHA's marketing consultant. Of particular importance is the information on RHA's insurance programs since changes have been made to both the Property and Casualty programs. In addition, several forms have been upgraded to add to their functionality; members have been contacted to obtain User Names and Passwords to allow for access to the secure areas of the web site; and a list of industry hospitality schools with direct links to their web sites has been added to the Members Only web page.

Also added is a 2002 Annual Conference advertising "pop-up" and an auto responder capability for email.

We urge you to access the web site and let us know what you like or dislike and what additional items should be added.

2002 Annual Conference
Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
June 22-25, 2002

Board of Directors
Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock, Vermont
September 28-October 1, 2002

2003 Annual Conference
Callaway Gardens & Resort
Pine Mountain, Georgia
July 11-16, 2003

Board of Directors

Mr. Rusty Gant, Chairman Ms. Kathy Whitehead, Secretary Mr. Alex Gilmurray, Treasurer

Mr. Ed Mayotte Mr. Norman Mieras Mr. Joe Rodriguez

For More Information, Contact:
Mrs. D. Jean Van Tol, President
161-A John Jefferson Rd.
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-5653
Phone: (757)220-7193     Fax: (757)253-2445
jean@resorthotelinsurance.com
www.resorthotelinsurance.com