This past week Marriott International officially launched “Heart of the House,” an online social platform featuring real stories about guest service, community service, innovation, culture and recognition. I strongly encourage you to check out the site. Anyone can submit a story for consideration, including Marriott employees, the employees of franchisees, customers and guests. Submissions can include photos and videos. Stories must be from 50 to 100 words in length. The lead story on the site is a video of Gregory Scott, Engineer at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Gregory overcame drug addiction and 18 years of homelessness prior to working at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Also on the site are photos of teams performing community service. One post features associates from the Santa Clara Marriott (Calif.) and their efforts to clean up the hotel’s adopted portion of the Great America Parkway. Another post features the team from the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa and their planting of mangroves to restore forest in the Rayong province of Thailand. Yet another post features the team at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa and their initiative to divert soap from landfills. Since July 2011 more than 31,000 pounds of soap has been donated to The Global Soap Project.
The site also includes a Q&A series, “Checking In,” that profiles exceptional employees who came up with new ideas that made a big difference, went above and beyond for guests, or have unique roles that might surprise people. This week’s Checking In features Camilla Goddard, Beekeeper for St. Ermin’s Hotel in London, an Autograph Collection Hotel. The name of the hives area at the hotel? St. Ermin’s Bee & Bee Hotel.
‘Day in the Life’ Coming Soon
Furthermore, a new film series, “Day in the Life,” will also live on “Heart of the House.” Each one to two minute installment will capture the commitment to service at Marriott-branded hotels by shadowing a team member for one day, whether a head concierge in Shanghai or executive chef in the Cayman Islands.
In a press release about Heart of the House, David Beebe, Vice President, Creative + Content Marketing, Global Marketing for Marriott International, said, “Storytelling is an opportunity for us to have an emotional transaction with the consumer and it builds a relationship in a unique way. Engaging content builds communities that drive commerce. At the end of the day, content done right equals heads in beds. We believe we will win loyalty as more travelers discover the stories and the people behind Marriott hotels.”
Marriott plans to roll out Spanish and Simplified Chinese versions of Heart of the House, with additional languages expected to follow. An editorial board will review submissions.
Storytelling is an often forgotten part of sustainability. With Heart of the House, Marriott has created a vehicle that makes inspirational storytelling easier. It is an idea worth replicating.
GLN Adds Mountain Plumbing Products as Directory Partner
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Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2015?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2015. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2015 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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