August 2007
E-Gazette: Ranch Round-Up
Issue 2, Vol. 1
Ranch Round-Up
by Jaynie Schultz, GCR President
Record rains bring extra bloom & impromptu "team building" exercise for American Airlines.
As we all know, this has not been a typical Dallas summer! In fact, it's a summer for the history books — the second heaviest rainfall since 1928. Fortunately, GCR has been spared any devastation and our pastoral views are greener than ever. We did have one exciting day when the road leading to the conference center was engulfed with water and debris. The American Airlines group arriving that day started "team building" a bit early, as convoys of GCR jeeps shuttled the group through back roads safely delivering them to the Conference Center.
Garrett Creek Ranch Featured in Wise County Messenger
Last week, GCR was featured in the Wise County Messenger. The piece, by Denny Deady, focuses on our ambitious and exciting recent goals and plans in Paradise.
Vote for GCR: Best Place to Meet
GCR is chosen to present at an ASTD Competition, a leading organization focused on the promotion and advancement of workplace learning and performance. Vote today for GCR!
Bragging Rights: A Standing Ovation!
The senior Administrators and Principals from the Forney Independent School District were expecting to have a good experience but they simply never experienced the type of service they received at GCR. "We never had to ask for anything because the staff anticipated our needs!" exclaims Communications Director Jennie Moore. "I worked in the hotel industry for years and I never came across such exemplary service. After a successful conference the whole team at Forney ISD gave the GCR staff a standing ovation. "There were absolutely no glitches, the meeting room was perfect, the grounds were beautiful. We accomplished so much during our retreat!" sums-up Ms. Moore.
Must Have Meeting Tips
by Leslie Schultz, GCR Founder
In our last issue we focused on "Setting Objectives" when planning a meeting retreat. The next step is "Choosing a Facility."
Visit the facility
If possible, always try to visit the facility. The visit will give you a good indication for the facility and its staff.
Customer references
If you simply can't visit, or just in addition to, talk to some of the most recent clients. And, don't forget to ask about the little things. It's all about the details!
Keep your eyes open
On the visit, pay attention to the surroundings. Does it look like represented on the brochure? Are the grounds neat? Is the staff accommodating and hospitable?
One dedicated meeting planner
You don't want to waste your time with multiple representatives. Make sure you are offered a one-sto-shop.
Heighten staff anticipation
Request visual images and an itinerary to send to group and create a buzz.
GCR Staff Spotlight
The unique and warm environment at GCR is in no small part due to our dedicated staff. Ensuring their satisfaction is one of our top priorities.Most recently, we launched a program called Healthy and Wealthy in Wise. Healthy and Wealthy in Wise is meant to encourage fitness and keep our staff conscious of their overall health. The first project is "Walk Across Texas."
Staff will divide into groups keeping track of total miles walked. The group that first logs the distance between El Paso and the east side of the state wins!