InnFocus Summer 2021

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NAMES IN THE NEWS by Deb Froehlick The BCHF is fortunate to continue receiving support from a variety of businesses in the local tourism and hospitality industry, and we hope you’ll help support our supporters (and the BC economy) by choosing products that will result in a donation to our charity. From June 6 to July 3, 2021, for example, Univins and Spirits import agency will donate $1 per 4-pack of Lulu Spritz sold to the BCHF. The blend of Italian Pinot Grigio Frizzante, tonic water, and natural flavours from Sicilian orange bitters is a patio and camping favourite, particularly because it comes in convenient Apero cans. Lulu Spritz will be $1.50 off for the period mentioned, so a 4-pack will be only $9.49 plus taxes. Please check the BCHF’s “Shop Our Supporters” page for information about additional initiatives. We’re grateful for these and other initiatives, but we’d also appreciate it if your business would consider making the BCHF your Charity of Choice. Our organization was founded on the idea that we in the hospitality industry work together to help our own, and this is just as true during tough times as it is when things are going well. Please contact our Executive Director, Dana Harris, at Dana@danalee.biz, if you would like more information about this option. We are pleased to announce that we have awarded more than 45 scholarships in 2021. These include: • Culinary, Sommelier, and Hospitality scholarships 28 InnFocus • BC WISE scholarships for individuals working to become winemakers, viticulturalists, and wine business executives • Legacy scholarships in the names of Chef Nik Lim, Valerie Soon, Greg King, and Emily Sheane • The Food, Beverage, and Hospitality Scholarship presented by Lulu Spritz • Industry scholarships to children with parents working in hospitality We hope you will help spread the word about the BCHF’s medical beneficiary program. We provide financial support to hospitality and tourism workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The funds we provide help our beneficiaries cover such things as basic living expenses, pay for essential medication, and travel to medical appointments in other cities. We want to know about people who need our help, so please keep us in mind when talking with your coworkers and colleagues. We wish everyone a safe and happy summer. Thank you for your support! New Members The BC Hotel Association welcomes these new associate members: Deluxe Talent Employment Inc. Appointments The BC Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Fiona Famulak as President and Chief Executive Officer. Famulak brings to the role more than three decades of international experience working in both private and not-for-profit sectors. Fiona Famulak Jean-François Vary Jean-François Vary was appointed as General Manager of Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. His most recent role was General Manager of Fairmont Winnipeg. OPUS Vancouver is excited to announce the appointment of Sarah Vallely as General Manager. With plans in place to re-open this summer, Sarah is well underway to a splashy and successful opening. At 35 years of age, she is the youngest female leading a boutique hotel as GM in the country.
HOTELIER FEATURE: Sandra Gregory by Becky Dumais Sandra Gregory’s list of both life and work experience— the two so closely intertwined because it fed her wanderlust—traverses across more than 30 countries and carries countless stories and connections. “I’ve learned there’s some very intriguing people in the world. No surprise,” she states. While her LinkedIn profile illustrates her as a successful, experienced hospitality manager with experience across operations, F&B, outlet management, leadership, training, and customer service management, there’s more to her than that (including a few harrowing experiences involving cobras, sharks, and sheep). Gregory is General Manager at the dreamy, remote Halcyon Hot Springs Resort and she’s “eternally grateful to the ownership for the opportunity.” She values their unwavering dedication to a high quality level of service and their continued investment to help innovate – even during a pandemic. “That’s incredible. They’re very focused on progressing and providing innovation and opportunity for others, and building a reputation as a top employer,” she says. They also provided the opportunity for her to take ownership to make extensive changes to the operation and brand. The team here is driven and dedicated to elevating our operation. There’s more than a touch of entrepreneurial spirit within her, although she might not quite see it that way. “I know that I was, and have continued to be, extremely fortunate in my life—a lot of my success was because someone created a platform of opportunity for me,” she reasons. “Even if it’s telling me I’m not right for a position or turning me down for a promotion. People had patience with me to share skills that I couldn’t have possibly learned without utilizing their experience. If I can create platforms of opportunity for others to reach their potential, then I’ve had a good life.” That’s part of what landed her there. “That’s kind of what I live by across the board and why I’m doing what I’m doing now. If you surround yourself with people that can do something better than you, all you’re going to do is learn.” Gregory loves connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and volunteers as a business advisor in third world countries with women and youth. She loves the creation of ideas. “Halcyon is that on every level for me. I work with such amazing people, but I wouldn’t be where I am without those who helped.” Sure, job titles look good on paper or for legal purposes, but she says it’s never been important to her. “If anything it’s been a detriment. I’m used to being the younger person in the room, especially one with so much responsibility (especially in maledominated environments, from the Australian Outback to West Africa).” Remote work, Gregory says, is a shift in culture. She landed her first remote role at 18 at a backcountry lodge in the Rockies. It’s not for everyone, especially if frolicking grizzlies blocking your commute to the lodge gives you anxiety about being late. “Remote work and being a manager is a very niche thing. You constantly have to be aware. You’re the landlord, the caretaker, the business developer, you’re whatever you need to be at the time,” she laughs, which on the day we spoke, was housekeeper. She admits jokingly that her dream job would be Santa Claus, flying around the world doling out excitement and joy. “If you’re in the industry, you’re planning someone’s vacation. That’s the excitement for me: when you get to be able to say, ‘I’m going to give you the best experience possible and create a memory.’” InnFocus 29
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