With over 75,000 rooms and more than 700 properties listed throughout Canada and the United States, LodgeLink is one of the largest and fastest growing databases of hotels and lodges in North America.

LodgeLink has grown rapidly since its initial commercial launch in late 2017 and now serves more than 600 corporate customers in construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, forestry, mining, transportation and other diverse industries.

The OGM:
1. Tell us a little about you and how you came up with this concept.

Lodgelink: My colleagues and I have been in the business of workforce accommodations for years. We know that managing the logistics of accommodating large crews is complicated. In 2016, we recognized a gap where a large volume of companies and their employees were travelling long distances to get to work, unaware of lodging options near their remote jobsites. Closer accommodations often included company specific workforce camps that were generally unused after a project was complete. No travel agent or online booking site had access to these beds, and there were no existing platforms to utilize these unused camps to the benefit of remote working crews. That’s when the concept of LodgeLink was created. We believed an online platform could help businesses by providing more visibility to hotel and remote lodge options closer to worksites. In addition to expanding accommodation options for crews, the concept also helps camp owners fill excess capacity in their facilities.  

The OGM:
2. What is the vision for LodgeLink and how does it support company travel?

LodgeLink: LodgeLink’s vision is to transform workforce travel for businesses. We’re doing things differently to transform workforce travel by building our LodgeLink online platform and service around the needs of those that manage crew accommodations. LodgeLink empowers companies with enhanced search functionality with features such as: large truck parking, 24/7 meal service, reduced rates, simplified payment terms and consolidated invoicing, and aggregated budget tracking and reporting in one online place. It also improves productivity of workers on the road by getting them closer to project worksites and enables better compliance with company travel management policies.

The OGM:
3. What’s different about LodgeLink compared to other accommodation platforms like AirBnB?

LodgeLink: LodgeLink is a business to business partner and platform. We are different from Expedia and Airbnb because we are a niche platform customized towards the needs of workers and work crews. Airbnb and Expedia have been successful with a product offering that meets the generic needs of a very broad customer base. LodgeLink’s target customer – workers and work crews – have different needs and require a different product. We’ve seen this trend many times with demand for broad marketplaces shifting over time towards more vertical or niche platforms for specific product categories. We’ve noticed the market rewards platforms that provide a superior experience to a specific target market. LodgeLink is different than Expedia or Airbnb because we put the needs of work crews at the center of everything we do: Workers don’t care about waterslides and swimming pools. They are looking for things like large-truck parking and 24/7 meal service. We make these amenities easier to search and filter by. Work crews often have large groups of people that travel frequently. We allow companies to pre-load crew lists to avoid repetitive data entry when making reservations. Most of the work crew have the same travel days, but there are always a few that come late or leave early. We built a booking flow to help our customers better manage complex shift rotations. Most companies need to keep track of costs with certain codes like AFE, Purchase Order or Job Numbers. We built a checkout process to empower customers to track this info at the time of booking. This allows us to consolidate invoices for a whole week or month based on and provide the customer with one consolidated bill instead of an invoice for each guest at each property each night. The time savings add up quickly. By building features around the unique needs of workers and crews, while continuing to work with our customers to improve their user experience, we can transform the way they manage their workforce travel.

The OGM:
4. How do you think this software will best suit the oil and gas industry in Atlantic Canada and Western Canada?

LodgeLink: LodgeLink provides an online marketplace to help companies find, book and manage crew accommodations. We also help open camp providers, which operate hotel-style accommodations in more remote locations and underutilized lodges in dedicated locations, to recover costs by listing on LodgeLink and sell excess inventory. Our team has years of experience in workforce accommodation, and we know how complicated managing crew accommodation is. Sometimes travel is simple and straightforward, but often it can be complex and cumbersome. LodgeLink offers intuitive technology to handle any workforce travel scenario in a simplified way. Whether a company needs to send a group of 15 people to a jobsite near Rocky Mountain House, or an Executive to remote location, LodgeLink has the solution.

We have a several great examples of oil and gas companies that are using our service on a regular basis. The first is an oilfield services company that has numerous branch offices in various locations across Western Canada. We pre-loaded their crew lists to expedite their reservation process and set up Cost Tracking Codes for each of their 14 branches. When they compared our service to a traditional travel management company or arranging their own travel, they estimated LodgeLink saves them between 11-25% and has freed up their administrative teams. Many of the companies we deal with have annual accommodation spend of $500K – $2M, so the savings can be quite meaningful. The second is a major producer that uses LodgeLink to avoid markup on accommodations from their subcontractors. Like most companies, our customer doesn’t want the headache of managing accommodations for their subcontractors; however, they also don’t like paying a 15% markup on their subcontractor’s accommodation. By granting their subs access to specific Cost Tracking Codes (AFE’s) on the LodgeLink platform, the subcontractors book and manage their own accommodation. LodgeLink consolidates the charges for all subs on each Cost Tracking Code and sends streamlined bills to the prime contractor (our EP customer). In just two years, this customer has saved over $800K at just one key property.

Technology is changing all aspects of our lives and LodgeLink is on the forefront of this change for workforce travel. Our growth is driven by businesses that want to adopt technology that empowers them to become more efficient and have visibility and control over their travel management programs. LodgeLink is growing quickly with more than 700 properties online in Canada and the United States, including the highly-active Permian Basin region of Texas and New Mexico.  

The first thing I hear every morning is “Housekeeping,” and in pops Gerri and her super big positive attitude waltzing into my place. She’s a seasoned hotel worker, and it shows!

Gerri would often say, “Good morning you’re up early again today. How’s everything?” and I’d reply in typical Newfoundland fashion, “Oh I’m grand as usual my dear! Just working away.”

“Here’s your newspaper. Well, isn’t it another beautiful day. And what are you cooking today?” Gerri would often ask, and then I would go on at length about how I was cooking up a storm of some vegan-keto variety and how intricate all the details were.”

That’s what it’s like at the Homeport Apartment Hotel. It’s a place where you do feel at home and having a grand yarn with the people here makes the day and the difference. It’s a place where you do feel like cooking up a storm. And it’s a place where you do feel like you are a part of a place that supports you, with people who authentically care about you.

The team at Homeport has supported me in everything from pushing my car out of the snow in the dead of winter, to helping me grow my business by distributing The OGM magazine in the 100+ rooms. They put up with me my cooking filling the hallways of lemon and garlic concoctions to ripening my avocado’s on the windowsill. Not to mention having to deal with me learning guitar! Gawwd!

After staying at the Homeport apartment for months, Gerri and I are now friends. I know all about her pooch, her outings with friends and what she does on her days off. She putters around and picks up towels, makes sure there is dish soap and dish clothes in the kitchen, and she hurries around this spacious two bedroom apartment hotel just like it’s her own. I am so grateful.

Then she’ll say to me, “I’m off for a few days’s now so I won’t see you for a bit,” ensuring I know her whereabouts’, just like a sister would do. And I appreciate that because she has become a Homeport friend and a little something is missing when she’s not around.

She’s become a friend. Every morning she’d pop into my apartment at the Homeport Hotel in St. John’s.

Extended stays at hotels can be the most excellent adventures. You get to experience a new place — new people with excellent modern amenities. I had my Christmas party of about 30 people in the beautiful private party/board room, equipped with a kitchen. The marketing/sales person at Homeport Julie Greene and her team made sure that every detail was afforded my guests. We even had food warmers so that everything was perfect. My family and friends loved it, and this is where our memories are made.

It’s the little things at Homeport that I’ll remember. My hand-written welcome card when I arrived on the first day. My bag full of goodies when I first stepped into the kitchen. A fully equipped kitchen with everything I needed. A comfy couch. The plugins in lamps for phone and iPad. The extensive closet space for all my things. The ability to work free and clear of distractions. The peace!

The extreme care that people showed me that meant the most. It’s all those little things. If I needed a can opener or any other little living detail that is bound to come along, the staff were always there with constant support and service. When you are in business and working hard as I do, that means so much.

Early morning I could go to the gym downstairs. Do my laundry at leisure and take a stroll across the street to the shops. This home away from home is uniquely, centrally located in the city, and it’s got everything!

The homeport team rock and it is an extraordinary place to stay if you like that down-home feeling. Short or long-term visits, you’ll be able to experience your stay your way.

I can’t recommend the Home Port Hotel enough for a long-term stay. It is a home and it was beyond my expectations and most of all it gave me the foundation I needed to execute a really important job; publishing The OGM.

Home Port Hotel is a 10 out of 10!   Check ’em out! www.homeporthotel.com

Once completed you will double your chance to qualify for our ONE NIGHT STAY FREE in our JACUZZI SUITE at the Best Western Plus.

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Congratulations! You have now entered the 2nd chance to win with St. John’s Best Western Plus Contest.

Entrepreneurs and Visionaries – The Toner Family – From left to right: Emmanuel Toner, Marie-Louise Toner-Theriault, Ted Toner, Madeleine Levesque-Toner, Renee-Claude Toner, Christian Toner

Ted Toner

“We fell in love with Newfoundland and its people. To succeed in life you really have to love it, where it is and those involved. For us, all that culminated into one really great project, the Best Western Plus in St. John’s, Newfoundland,” said Ted Toner, entrepreneur and former owner of one grocery store and current owner of three hotels in Atlantic Canada.

From New Brunswick, the Toner family has a history of awards and accolades as a result of their entrepreneurial spirit.  Ted tells the integral story, “I was in the grocery business for 23 years and Madeleine, my wife was a pharmacist for 17 years. We both wanted something new and exciting to work on. There wasn’t a hotel in our hometown in the main highway of Grand Falls, New Brunswick, so we embarked on building one. It was a great learning experience, a new endeavour and eventually, we became well known for our hotel success and we were approached to expand and built the first Best Western in Fredericton. Six years ago we came to St. John’s for a visit and we fell in love with the place and the people.  We knew this could be a great location for our third hotel. One day we were at the St. John’s Airport, waiting for our flight, and we got the idea to meet with the Airport authorities …. and it all spawned from there. We built the first Best Western Plus in St. John’s shortly there after.”

When asked what it is like to own so many businesses, Ted replied, “I don’t think we’ve had time to realize that we now have three hotels. It takes enormous effort to build and run businesses. We haven’t taken the time let the results sink in. We’ve been too busy doing it.”

St. John’s, Newfoundland is the new “home” of Christian Toner. The Toner family and they have worked diligently to connect and work with local people and industry in every possible way. Ted explains, “We’ve been very cognizant in hiring local companies to design and construct our building and our goal is to employ local people. We estimate about 60 new jobs will be created as a result of the Best Western St. John’s location. It makes perfect sense to do so because the people here are amazing.”

The new Best Western Plus Hotel in St. John’s, Newfoundland

Madeleine LevesqueToner

Madeleine Levesque Toner is a woman of detail, perseverance and vision and manages over 150 people within her business organizations. She’s hands-on and creative and is a true leader in the hospitality industry.

Madeleine said, “We feel we have created a “wow” factor for our guests. We are constantly focusing on what our guests want and need. We’ve focused on implementing Best Western Plus standards and beyond. Attention to detail has been key and we are very proud of our efforts so far. The hotel is absolutely beautiful and it provides people with many experiences that go above and beyond the norm. With 175 rooms to think about we are constantly integrating best practices in each room and ensuring we meet our own standards of excellence.”

The Toner couple have four children all of whom are involved in the businesses in one way or another.  A true testament that families actually can build great companies together and that families can be a strength and a source of diversity and integration as well as an inseparable bond. It’s something to be truly proud of.

The Toner family acts from a clear mission and vision. They are committed to strong relationships and being leaders in all aspects of the hospitality industry. Madeleine said, “Each day we commit to making our guests feel at home, feel safe, and feel totally taken care of, in such a way that we hope to become their first choice when they are selecting their home away from home. We are in a constant state of improvement and we have six core values that our team works from every day. These core values ground us in an operation of excellence and they include respect, communication, hard work, honesty, teamwork and continuous improvement. They are not just words for us, they are a self-expression.”

Official Opening

Christian Toner, son of Madeleine and Ted has been overseeing the St. John’s hotel since its inception. He will proudly give you a tour and share the amenities that they have taken such pride in developing at the new location. Everything from the local beer bottles made into a chandelier to the 120 ft slide that promises to bring out the kid in you are all part of the experience at Best Western Plus.

Christian says, “The Best Western Plus is officially opening this April as the newest airport hotel. It is conveniently situated at the airport yet it is only 10 minutes from downtown. Our goal for this Best Western Plus is to serve the business and leisure community.”

Christian is proud of the ambience, “This is a brand new building and the guest rooms and suites reflect the local culture and heritage with a modern urban spin.  Elegantly styled with exquisite decor the Best Western Plus offers people an “experience” all on its own. Guests have access to a restaurant, bar, cafe, lounge and special event rooms with the latest of digital technology for superior presentations and training.  The lobby lounge is exciting, inviting and the perfect place to entertain clients in that important business meeting. Room service and a complimentary hot buffet breakfast will elevate your stay with Best Western.  Other attractions include a 24-hour Airport shuttle service, each room is equipped with a microwave, Keurig coffee, mini-fridge, and free WIFI. Other facilities include a ballroom, gym, a friendly bar, and the pool has an exciting water slide and a huge hot tub!  I believe we’ve covered it all.”

When you walk into the front lobby of the Best Western Plus you get the sense that you’ve just stepped into an almost middle eastern ambience. Refined and elegant tastes, complimenting colours, tantalizing textures and interesting art forms delight the senses and welcome you to stay a while and not want to leave! That’s what true craftsmanship is all about.

The Best Western Plus team welcomes you to the experience of their hotel and offers you something really, really special.  See you there!

To book your stay, and event, a corporate meeting or private party please do so here:
Or contact: lisa@bestwesternstjohns.com

Publisher and CEO, Tina Olivero says, “Creating a globa publication that bridges to readers and buyers around the globe is what we do.  Perhaps our client wants to attract investors or garnish new hires from around the world, we pride ourselves in finding creative ways to make that happen. We love the challenge of using new programmatic technology and algorithms to bridge the gap between the seeker and the solution. It’s a creative process that bridges the business development gap for our clients. I’m hoping in the not too distant future there won’t be any such thing as marketing, just ‘direct to sale’. That would make life alot easier for everyone. We have the solution that’s the closest thing to it!”

The OGM network spans over .5 million viewers online and has special print distribution for exhibitions and subscribers. It’s world class presentation puts it in a league unto itself. It’s credible, positive and always focused on connecting and uniting the industry.  The game of business takes a tribe of committed and dedicated people and The OGM has the privilege of working with those people every day.

Take a video adventure through some of The OGM’s great brands and realize just how many companies entrust their message with The OGM.

Ask us about programmatic solutions where we can reach people who searched for your product or services by broadcasting out to over 2000 other magazines, thereby reaching 1-2 MILLION viewers in a month! The results are simply the most cost effective in comparison to any other medium on earth. Programmatic solutions are the future folks, so learn everything you can about it.

LEARN ABOUT PROGRAMMATIC NATIVE CONTENT
Find out more on programmatic native content right here:

SEE PROGRAMMATIC IN ACTION
See how our clients used programmatic native content to fill up their CAD training program with strategic content, a multi-media mix, and a lead generator.

HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENT HAD TO SAY:
“Rounding up students for our CAD training was a real challenge and to be hones, we were getting nowhere. After several months of spending huge sums on traditional advertising, in came Tina Olivero from The OGM who completely revamped our marketing approach. It felt a bit like Gordon Ramsey Boot Camp. But coming out the other side, we began to see real results. The problem flipped to being overwhelmed by responses!  The winning formula Tina developed combined targetted social media with sponsored content. In simple terms, our internal team managed the social media messaging which included a link to the OGM article with a call to action. The key her was the combined effects of targeted social media messaging reinforced by the OGM article which was effectively a third-party recommendation. Three months on and we’re still up there on google with a constant stream of inquiries from around the globe. The world is suddenly much smaller!”  Gareth Owen – Partner and General Manager, Metroworth & North Atlantic Technical.

Enjoy the ride!

Tina Olivero

GREAT BRANDS IN THE OGM

YES! I WOULD LIKE TO ACHIEVE MY BUSINESS GOALS WITH THE OGM. Please contact me.

Attracting attention from around the world, icebergs are followed by tour companies, videographers, tourists, social media moguls, TV shows and talented photographers.

The iceberg craze is founded in the magnetism of experience that happens when you see them.

Alongside a mammoth iceberg you are left speechless and in awe. You get the understanding of nature…it’s balance and wisdom as you approach them. They steal your breath and command your eyes. These beauty beasts are rare and treasured and sharing them with the world has become a pursuit of thousands each year.

Icebergs have been the source of demise with the Titanic but we’ve since learned to harness their beauty. These days if icebergs are in the way of oil and gas operations offshore, we tow them away.  If they are rolling and tipping we move out of harm’s way.  If they are in the path of our boats we can now navigate around them. So most iceberg hazards seem to be a thing of the past.

Icebergs are the sensation of drone lovers, they are the passion of daredevils who actually scale them like walls and icebergs are even big enough that helicopters have landed on them.

Icebergs have become a passion and expression of not only sports, tourism, art and music enthusiasts but they are the very essence of what Newfoundland is all about – astounding rugged beauty.

Photographer Sheldon Hicks

Sheldon wakes up when the world sleeps and ventures out into the wilderness to capture the perfect light for his photographs. His love of hiking, nature, and photography meld together in a pursuit of pure outdoor passion. A humble and warm man, Sheldon, talks about photography like it was the best thing that ever happened to him.  He says, “I worked in finance for over 20 years and then one day stopped.  I closed out all my business accounts and unleashed my heart with the breathtaking scenery of Newfoundland.”

Through the lens of local photographer Sheldon Hicks, featured here are some of his photos from last spring.  Each one has a character, a name and a distinct home in the eye of his camera.

Blown up to wall size hangings these iceberg photos command the attention of a room, like no other.

The berg with many faces

Sunset on the berg

Illuminated

Over the Top

Attention Seeker

_________________________________________________________________

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THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF APPRECIATION
FOR HOME OR OFFICE – For loved ones or colleagues

Would you like to have a Sheldon Hicks Iceberg Wall Hanging for your home or office?  How about as a Christmas gift?

 SEE IT in CUSTOMIZED FRAMED (contact for quote)

Yes! I’m very interested in pricing and options.

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Companies that are riding the wave of the new business revolution are looking for superior ways to come together and this has sparked a trend for meeting spaces that have ambience, character and comfort.

Leaside Group

Understanding the business needs of our time, the team of the Leaside Group of Companies, is working diligently to meet demand with supply. The portfolio of boutique hotels and meeting rooms has blossomed in Newfoundland, Canada, to provide the business community with new solutions that meet today’s growth challenges and business acumen.

With locations in the downtown St. John’s area, the Leaside Group is comprised of three properties in town: Leaside Manor, Compton House and Monastery Spa & Suites.

The Leaside Group offers the perfect escape from the everyday. Business travellers and the local business community can avail of not only our unique accommodations but also our thoughtfully designed signature style meeting rooms. This all makes for an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Leaside Manor

Want to impress your clients? Take them to Leaside Manor. Like something out of a movie set, this is where old world quality meets contemporary style and convenience. From its distinctive architectural characteristics to the contemporary style and décor, Leaside Manor provides the details you need for a completely different business experience. As seen here (Bottom Left), Leaside meeting room is a warm, customised experience that allows for small to medium sized groups of up to 30 people.

Meeting spaces are laid out and designed to support clients agendas and meeting objectives. Care is taken to ensure that your meetings are designed your way and every detail counts.

If your clients or staff are in town for a few days, or they are from St. John’s and you simply want a reprieve from the grind of the day-to-day then Leaside Manor is perfect for a stay-over, as well. Leaside suites include a private full washroom, breakfast delivered to your suite whenever you desire, environmental controls, mini-fridges, and multi-media entertainment.

Compton House

Want to give your team something special? Take them to Compton House where the old world quality meets a contemporary style that makes everyone feel at home.

Compton House is a majestic estate, crowning a rolling property of towering mature trees and manicured gardens. Its luxurious suites are equally majestic, each with its signature style that combines the very best of old world craftsmanship and quality with the latest in modern aesthetics, design and décor. The business meeting room at Compton House is bright, uplifting and beautifully designed. (bottom centre picture)

Staying awhile? All of Compton House suites have private full washroom, breakfast delivered to your suite whenever you desire, environmental controls for both heating and cooling, mini-fridges, and multi-media entertainment.

Monastery Spa & Suites

Imagine that, meeting spaces in a spa, right in the heart of St. John’s. Yet if feels like you are far away in the quiet lands of days gone by.

The Monastery Spa is a heritage building that offers business visitors a fresh escape with a quaint meeting space and intricate attention to business meeting and training details.

The Monastery Spa & Suites meeting space (bottom right) is perfect for training, corporate gatherings, team building, leadership training, and more.

Booking your meetings or training here means having your experience exactly as you desire because the staff will architect an experience that can avail of anything from accommodations to spa services as well as training in a welcoming new atmosphere.

With a full range of services, a convenient location, a professional and trained staff of over sixty people, The Monastery Spa and Suites brings a sense of peace and connection to it all.

Tina Olivero – The OGM

Would you appreciate knowing more about PDS?

Fill out this request and we will have a product expert get in touch with you.

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The oil and gas industry is a culmination of the greatest minds on the planet who support the number one commodity in the world – oil and gas. The industry is bustling with advances, technological innovation, exponential progress and fascinating results. All of that adds up to extraordinary accomplishment and acknowledgement for what we have achieved.

While some people thrive on the opportunity to create unique experiences and unprecedented surroundings, others just don’t have that talent. In the oil and gas industry amongst a sea of mathematical, technically inclined engineers, creativity is often not the highest trait on the competence list when it comes to developing ambience.

So how do we best support our people through the milestones and advancements?
How do we ensure they feel appreciated? How do we celebrate along the way?
What makes life incredible?

These were the questions that plagued the team of Event 3Sixty. They just wanted to make people feel incredibly special and appreciated. So that’s exactly what they did. The formed a powerhouse team of detail-oriented experts that deliver “experience” with precision.

Jonathan Conners, President and Lead Designer of Event 3Sixty, says, “Creating trends instead of following them, that’s what we’re about. Event 3Sixty is a full-service audiovisual and event design company offering the most innovative solutions and the highest level of service before, during, and after every event. At Event 3Sixty, we love nothing more than a challenge. You think it’s impossible? Perfect. We will work with you to make it happen. It’s what our strong sense of pride and accomplishment, not to mention our history of success, is based on.”

Derrick Lee

Derrick Lee, Account Manager and Client Liaison for Event 3Sixty, loves working with the oil and gas industry. He says, “The energy industry is exciting to us. It’s ever growing and the people of this industry do something so important. They take great time and care in ensuring their people are appreciated and their events are world class. Even when it’s a corporate meeting, they care for the details.”

Derrick reveals their strategy, “At Event 3Sixty, we forge lifelong relationships with our clients by staying on the cutting edge of technology and design: our team is eager to work with clients to tackle the range of projects. We’re not worried about the magnitude of the project or its complexity. We are equipped to handle the most unique, challenging or explosive events.”

Johnathan Conners

Jonathan Connors says, “We’ve done some really special events over the years. Everything from car launches, to weddings to oil and gas events. And we also take care of the smallest of projects. For example creative and thoughtful projects like we often do for The OGM. One time, The OGM hired us to deliver flowers to their clients. Customised bouquets were designed by Krystina Adamova our lead Designer in Florals. They were like nothing you have ever seen before. Original, creative and seasonal. Most of the oil and gas clients who got the arrangements were men – you can imagine their surprise and delight. We saw a number of blushes.”

Jonathan differentiates Event 3Sixty’s work, “What makes us different is our commitment to “follow the road less travelled” when it comes to all aspects of event concept, planning, design, and execution. We know that each client has different tastes and expectations and, bearing this in mind, do our best to make sure that every event comes to life, from first meeting to after-party.” The Event 3Sixty has a three-tier approach to client support. Their range of services provides a well-rounded solution to “everything ambience and experience.” Their offerings include Event Development and Production, Audio, Visual & Staging, Decor and Flowers. The scope and range of their work allow for clients to be fully supported from one location.

Architecting Experience

Professionally created, the team of Event 3Sixty, starts your project with a 3-D rendering of your event, location and the specifics of a project. Just like an architect, they build your event and experience from the ground up. It’s quite remarkable to watch the details of the play come together and each theme, goal and ambition come to life. Johnathan likes to work with clients who “dare to be different.” He says, “Our goal would be to work with those who want to break the mould, to harness the crazy and the wild, to support the visionaries, stand by the inventors, partner with the dragons, and shake things up with the adventurers. We were wondering…is that you?”

_____________________________________________________________________

Tina Olivero

Would you appreciate knowing more about Event 3Sixty?

Fill out this request and we will have a product expert get in touch with you.
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Zita Cobb, Founder and CEO of The Shorefast Foundation, is an eighth generation Fogo Islander. Until she was ten, she recognized Fogo Island to have an independent minded culture. Zita emphasizes the innate entrepreneurial culture of the islanders and says that up until the mid-late 1960s, “Everything we had, pretty much, we made ourselves.” The entrepreneurial culture was derived from the idea that a fisherman was getting into a boat he made himself, going out into the ocean by himself and dropping the hook in the water. The Island was self sufficient, apart from some resources that came from the outside. She claims, “We were not a capital accumulating society […], it didn’t seem all that necessary”. The Islanders had an embedded knowledge that came from the natural world, and “Every time the wind shifted, the Fogo Islanders knew what that meant; they knew when the tide was turning.”

When Zita turned ten, she believed her life transitioned into the twentieth century with the industrialization of misery, “I saw overnight and lived through, the collapse of the fishery. Generations of knowledge and culture overnight had been rendered useless.” She finished her high school education on Fogo Island and left to study business because she wanted to understand herself what kind of ideology was at play that had threatened the way of life of the Fogo Islanders. She questioned, “Why each nation sent monster boats to catch every last fish, and what is wrong with humans that they think that’s OK?”

After a successful career as the Chief Financial Officer of a publicly traded technology company, she retired, moved into social business activities, and returned to Fogo Island to establish The Shorefast Foundation: home to the Fogo Island Inn; the residency-based Fogo Island Arts Project; the Ocean Ethic Project; and the Geology Initiative Project.

Sustainability – Balancing Financial & Sacred Capital

Zita believes that both social and economic sustainability are essential. As long as we live in a world where the prevailing financial system is backed by growth, we are going to continue to cause harm to the people and the planet. Zita says that cultural capital, natural capital and spiritual capital all create something that is sacred when it emerges out of a unique set of circumstances and it cannot be removed from those circumstances. She says, “On the quest for financial return, bad development projects can emerge simply to make money under the guise of development.” She adds, “If we build things that are not sensitive to the ecology and society of the place then we will have hurt cultural capital in the interest of making money.” She believes that the way of finding a better relationship is through sustainability — the balance between financial capital and sacred capital to create, as said by the late Dr. Gill Chin Lim, a global network of intensely local places.

Investment in Resilience

As a well-educated career woman, Zita credits her business skills and vision to growing up on Fogo Island. The undertaking of any project on Fogo Island was motivated by her belief that there is something there that is important and sacred for all of humanity that should not be lost. There began a series of questions and answers in response to how they could participate in the global economy — to not just survive, but to flourish. She said, “It is fine to preach about a better financial system, but why can’t I do it?”

In an effort to use business and technology in the service of place, Zita recalls on her own travels, saying, “I have seen places like the North Coast of Spain; they have done such a great job of holding onto culture and melding culture onto the fabric of their business.” She realized that although Spain is beautiful, it is no more beautiful than Newfoundland and Labrador. It was important to believe in the value of Fogo Island and in turn, invest in it. The profound hospitality on the Island would turn into The Fogo Island Inn, with the fundamental intention to preserve the culture of the island. The Inn is a community asset and 100% of the operating surpluses are reinvested in the Fogo Island Community through The Shorefast Foundation. The Inn has helped the Fogo Island economy by employing Fogo Islanders and supporting local businesses.

In addition to building the Inn, The Shorefast Foundation has created the Ocean Ethic Initiative and a Geology Initiative in order to deepen the knowledge of the geology of the island and of ocean activity. Geologists have continued research from the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, in addition to conducting their own research. The Ocean Ethic project strives to understand the creatures of the ocean, as well as the chemistry and biology of the ocean. With sustainability in mind, Zita says, “The cod are coming back and as we move and look forward to the return of the commercial fishery, are we going to do it better next time?” In partnership with the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, they will continue these studies to reinforce knowledge and stewardship of the ocean.

The Art of Walking Upright

Zita quotes New Zealand Poet, Glenn Colquhoun, acknowledging the past and culture with the poem “The Art of Walking Upright”.

The art of walking upright here

Is the art of using both feet.

One is for holding on.

One is for letting go.

Zita feels that community is derived from the past as well as contributing to the future. The sense of community comes from people feeling connected to those from the past because, “You are a part of them and as we go headstrong into modernity, we let go of holding hands with that, we get a little lost as human beings. There is something joyful about an old building and we need to be more thoughtful that the idea of human community in the way we conduct ourselves.”

Zita’s upbringing on Fogo Island has given her the perspective that everything is connected. She believes that business systems and distribution systems should exist to optimize the wellbeing of community. She elaborates by saying, “I have that community and I know it is possible. I am excited by the 21st century and how we can alter our path as human beings to make a next generation that is more inclusive of community and sustainability.”

A devoted fan, Zita quotes Shumacher when she says, “Every human being should get up in the morning, look at the world, and try to see it as whole.”

For more information about The Shorefast Foundation,
visit http://shorefast.org/

Visionaries are the ones who don’t take no for an answer. They are the ones who see possibility where others see demise. They are the ones who believe it will work out and they see the opportunities rather than the obstacles. Visionaries change the world.

Tim Moore is a visionary. He’s a man who’s built many companies including Canada’s largest, Van Line and the biggest and most successful extended stay provider (which grew to over 1000 units) across Canada, in Oslo, Norway and even into the exotic island of Barbados. His journey and business philosophy can be found in the two books he authored…On the Move and You Don’t Need to Make Millions.

Up on trends and what makes the world of business successful, Tim’s latest venture includes Moore Suites which rents daily, weekly, monthly and yearly suites to the busy executives who want hotel alternatives. Essentially his formula for success is to provide people with the “Moore factor.” More space, more kitchen, more lounging area, more special service, more home away from home amenities and more smiles when you arrive at their door.

Moore Suites, launched in December 2013, rents fully furnished executive suites for medium to long-term stays. Tim says, “Within a month and a half we were full. One of the Moore Suites’ properties is the Mary Queen of Scots Inn in Halifax. Built in 1860 and located on Queen Street, the historic building has been owned by a number of prominent Nova Scotians. Moore Suites are also located in prestigious Halifax buildings, including Bishop’s Landing and Salter’s Gate. Moore’s portfolio of properties extends to vacation locations with luxury villas in Barbados and suites in Delray, Florida, and Chester, Nova Scotia.

When it comes to leadership, Tim says, “I’ve never put an ad in the paper to hire anybody. Everyone I meet is a potential employee or partner in my company. When I first got into business I made it my mission to master that business. You need a strong foundation before you expand or venture into something new. I also look for synergies when scouting for a new opportunity. I tell new entrepreneurs how important it is to stay close to your employees and your clients. Like all previous ventures, Moore Suites understands that providing people with an extraordinary experience when they stay with us is what we do. We rely on providing the highest level of service. Those are not words, they are our culture.”

Tim reflects, “In my 35 years in business I see more opportunity today than I have ever seen in my career. The oil and gas industry is a leading component of the world’s energy mix and is likely to remain so for decades to come. In November the Atlantic Offshore regulators granted $1.2 billion in new oil exploration licenses. It is projected that there is potentially 12 billion barrels of oil in the Newfoundland area. This will be good for Canada.”

“Shell Canada has the newest of the Stena Fleet, hired to use off the coast of Nova Scotia as part of its $1 billion exporatory program. As a result, we do business with Shell and other related oil and gas companies in Nova Scotia. Shell has people booked into our suites for as long as a year. Stenna Drill Max, the drilling contractor for Shell is also staying here,” says Tim.

Overall, the Moore Suites growth plan is forward thinking and “all systems go”. Tim says, “We have an optimistic growth plan. We are already expanding in Toronto, Calgary and Newfoundland. Next steps will be other locations across Canada.”

Tim looks to the future and asks others to see the big picture, “The price of oil is going to rebound. The world still needs oil. These resource companies are investing billions in new technologies that will help balance this need with the concerns for our environment. Progress means taking calculated risks. If you don’t take risks you will never live up to your full potential. I am an optimist by nature. I think there are exciting times ahead.”

To learn about Moore Suites and vacation properties see:
mooresuites.com and cranevista.com

This hotel delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. Aloft offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience, and modern style that is different by design.

The Pool

Splash Guests can swim laps or lounge in style. Private events can be booked in splash. Starting mid june, Sundays will be fun-days, join us for a live DJ pool party. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Face book for up to date information.

W XYZ Bar

Enjoy sexy signature cocktails, with cleverly curated music, surprise celebrity DJ sets, and live music from emerging talent. The W XYZ™ bar is a new generation of hotel bar for a new generation of travelers.

Live@ Aloft

Live at Aloft Hotels is a series of intimate, acoustic sets by up and coming and emerging artists that take place at Aloft hotels all over the world, enhancing the guest experience by providing local culture in a social atmosphere. Project Aloft Star allows unsigned artists to submit their demos while the public votes for their favourites on Facebook for a chance to win a conversation with Nylon records and a feature in Nylon magazine.

Hotel Zaza (Above)

At the heart of the museum district you will find a hotel with so much to see that you will feel like you are continuing your cultural experience just by checking in. Hotel Zaza is full of exquisitely decorated rooms in various sizes with a multitude of themes, which will make your experience in Houston absolutely unique. The spa is inviting, the restaurant is exquisite, and the outdoor pool is jaw dropping. Not only is this pool gorgeous, but it is also one of the best outdoor bars in town. There is no better place to relax than by the pool with a cocktail in hand at Hotel Zaza.

Robin’s Nest Bed And Breakfast

This adorable little B&B can be your home away from home while visiting Houston. The Robin’s Nest is a classic Victorian farmhouse that has been excellently refurbished with a few unique rooms. Although it is right downtown, it wasn’t always. Built in 1890, this inn was once in an area that was considered out in the country. Today, however, between the Tex-Mex decor and Southern hospitality, you will feel like you’re getting a classic, rustic Texas experience without leaving the city. Convenient and quaint, the Robin’s Nest is sure to be an excellent choice for your stay in Houston.

Hotel Icon

Houston’s Hotel ICON was originally the Union National Bank which was built in 1911 and was transformed into a well-known and well-loved hotel in 2004. This renovated iconic Houston landmark is rich with history and indulgence. With a spa, gym, and modern Texas cuisine, the Hotel ICON is far more than an architectural marvel. This hotel will leave you feeling pampered; you will be living in the past with the all the comforts of the present. Located right downtown, the Hotel ICON is convenient, comfortable, and the missing piece to your prefect trip to Houston.

Sara’s Inn On The Boulevard

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Houston and can’t decide if you want something elegant or picturesque, look no further than Sara’s Inn on the Boulevard because that’s where you’ll find both. Staying at this family-owned mansion in the historic district will make you feel like a houseguest. This inn offers the refinement of an upscale hotel while still delivering a homey feel. Become a person traveling for pleasure rather than business by staying at this lovely inn. After a long day of meetings, visiting, or touring, Sara’s is a lovely place to relax and reenergize.

General Manager, Greg Ivany, explains how Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton is strategically designed to support business and pleasure: “Our hotel promises to be a “go to” destination here in St. John’s. It is complete with a 2500 sq. ft. flexible meeting space and many other first class amenities such as a Hamptons Hot Buffet Breakfast daily and complimentary WiFi. Also offered to our guests is a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport in a 15-passenger shuttle – the only one of its kind here in Newfoundland. In the heart of St. John’s east-end shopping district, the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, also offers an indoor “salt water” pool and a state-of-the-art Jump Start Fitness Centre.”

Krista Hazlie, director of sales says, “We really look forward to supporting our energy clients for years to come. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished with this hotel. It fits beautifully with the Newfoundland culture and lifestyle. For Hilton loyalty customers, the HHONORS program is one of the most recognized in the world, and now it’s available in St. John’s.”

A central feature of the new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton on Stavanger Drive is its 2500 sq. ft. flexible meeting space. It can accommodate cocktail receptions of 175, weddings of 120, and meetings of 100. Whether you are doing training sessions, seminars, annual general meetings, or galas – this conference space can accommodate it all. Perfect to plan a productive, worry-free energy industry event.

The Hampton Hotels brand is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment, serving value-conscious and quality-driven travelers. With over 1900 properties, totaling more than 186,000 rooms in 14 countries and territories, Hampton Hotels is part of the leading global hospitality company worldwide.

Hampton Inn & Suites St. John’s Airport is owned and operated by Manga Hotels, an Ontario based private company. The company currently operates 10 hotels under the Marriott, Hilton, Carlson, and IHG Brands and has multiple projects in the works in Canada and the U.S.

Not only are its 21 floors and 201 suites examples of a fresh and modern design, a true complement to the natural surroundings, but they are also happily equipped with amenities that make any stay, extended or otherwise, superior in other ways.

Green Key, which recognizes hotels, motels, and resorts for their varying levels of commitment to social and environmental responsibility, recently formally acclaimed this extended-stay hotel as an industry leader for environmentally-sensitive hospitality with the highest possible rating of five.

Read more on Go Green Travel Green blog to learn more!

Here’s how they do it!

Subscribed program designed to reduce its carbon footprint:

• Climate Smart—a locally based organization, partnered with BC Hydro, and works with small- to medium-sized businesses to help them reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions while also improving the bottom line.  The Residence Inn Vancouver Downtown recently completed its Climate Smart certification for the second year in a row.
• Zero-Waste hotel—service containers are located throughout the hotel for three streams of materials: mixed-container recycling, organic-recycling containers, and alternative recovery.

Energy reduction results:

• Electric usage declined by 154 percent between 2011 and 2013.
• Natural gas usage was reduced by 250 percent.
• Water conservation improved by 158 percent.
• Recycling and increased use of post-consumer recycled paper.
• Energy-efficient light bulbs and office machinery and equipment.

Conference waste reduction:

• Flat-screen TVs in all meeting areas to allow the use of websites instead of paper.
• Conference information via video, versus paper.
• Locally-produced gifts for participants.
• Encouraging the use of reusable coffee mugs.

Visitor and guest participation:

• Guests are invited to reduce waste by donating nonperishable food items, clothing, and suitcases left over from their stay.
• Supporter of a variety of registered local causes like the Vancouver Food Bank, BC Children’s Hospital, and Mission Possible.
• In-room recycling, composting, linen re-use programs, and video guest directory.

The next time your flight is destined for Vancouver and your agenda demands that you be in the downtown core, choose The Residence Inn Vancouver Downtown. With home-like features, ecological advancements, access to transportation, the best shopping, and food options, you won’t miss home.

Fairfield Inn & Suites of St. John’s, Newfoundland, marked its grand opening in the summer, with the traditional tree-planting ceremony of a silver birch. This was followed by a dedication in the O’Regan ballroom with the room’s namesake, Seamus O’Regan, best known from CTV National News, who was in attendance for the ceremony.

Boasting prime real estate and short distances to virtually all major attractions in St. John’s, including historic Signal Hill, where perched at the top of a long winding road sits a historic castle-like structure with glorious panoramic views. If you’re into biking, whether pedal or motor, the vicinity around St. John’s will not disappoint. Many make “The Rock” their sole destination for the seasonal iceberg tours and whale watching that fascinate and educate those of all ages.

For the transient energy industry, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is conveniently positioned between the St. John’s International Airport and the downtown core. This 148-room hotel (including 44 suites) is the perfect location to host business meetings or conferences with five large meeting rooms and a total of 2,164 square feet—all equipped with high-tech data and presentation equipment.

If your travels bring you to St. John’s, whether for work or a combination of work and family fun, SilverBirch hotels proudly adhere to their mission to create extraordinary guest experiences. The SilverBirch family proudly sources and trains its teams with exceptional quality and a promise to fulfill their “Best Rate Guaranteed” along with the hospitality and style that their locations provide.

Located in the in the four season outdoor haven of Kimberley, in beautiful British Columbia, this true ski-in ski-out resort is complete and now available to own and enjoy.

With 80 downhill ski runs, Kimberley Alpine Resort is one of the largest ski areas in British Columbia and was voted overall favourite ski resort in the Pacific Northwest by OnTheSnow.com in 2009. Mountain Spirit Resort is located in the most desirable ski-in ski-out location just steps from Kimberley Alpine Resort’s express chairlift.

Trickle Creek, Bootleg Gap, St. Eugene, Wildstone, Shadow Mountain, and Kimberley Golf Course. These are just six of the superb mountain golf courses located within 30 minutes drive from Mountain Spirit Resort. Trickle Creek is recognised as one of the top golf courses in all of Canada and Mountain Spirit Resort is located only a “three wood” from Trickle Creek’s 18th tee.

In addition to excellent skiing and golfing, Kimberley also offers world class fly fishing, hundreds of trails to hike or bike, and white water rafting.

The suites at Mountain Spirit Resort are soothing and elegant with spa-inspired bedrooms featuring sumptuous free-standing six-foot soaker tubs. Each suite features a complete kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and private balconies. The interior design was created by Ingenium Design Group, rated by the National Post as one of the top 10 interior design firms in Canada. Mountain Spirit Resort has also been recognised internationally with nominations for the Best Interior Design and Best Green Initiative by the Perspective Magazine Awards.

The resort offers a range of suites including studios, one, two and three bedroom suites and penthouses with expansive windows and vaulted ceilings up to 18 feet in height.

In addition to benefiting from professional resort management, owners at Mountain Spirit Resort can choose to take advantage of the optional rental pool. For those who also enjoy other destinations such as Costa Rica, Hawaii or Mexico, owners at Mountain Spirit Resort also benefit from a complimentary two-year membership in the exclusive international homeowner exchange program, Resort to Resort.

This means owners are able to enjoy vacations in their choice of 200 international beach, golf and ski resorts (please note, this is not a timeshare).

Mountain Spirit Resort is located 20 minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport which offers direct flights to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Kimberley is a four hour drive from Calgary, AB and Spokane, WA.

Mountain Spirit Resort is fully complete, now open and is offering whole ownership opportunities as well as a limited release of fractional titled ownership. Whole ownership opportunities are available from $298,900 to $679,900. Penthouses range from $637,900 to $1 million. Fractional titled ownership is available from $86,900 to $178,900 per quarter.

For more information click here.

Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at The Yas Hotel for several weeks, surrounded by ingenuity, innovation, futuristic thinking and fantasy experiences, that have all come to life. The oil and gas industry is transient and global and quite naturally, The Yas Hotel is the perfect place for the business traveler who loves an “away from home adventure.”

Yas Island

Yas Island, touted as a Sheikh’s playground, adorns The Yas Hotel, where high speeds are the conversation of the day! The Grand Prix Circuit and Formula 1 races take place here, and quite naturally, in keeping with heart-racing speed, the islands most recent attraction is Ferrari World. Ferrari World is the adventure park of rides that will have you laughing, screaming and beyond your comfort zone, as you plunge down the GT rollercoaster ride. Ferrari world is also the place that will plant the seed in the mind of the next boy who dreams to be Mario Andretti!

For those who are not speed demons, Yas Island offers six more hotels, newly built investment homes, world class golfing, swimming, a cycling track and warm evening walks around the island.

The Visionary

Who would envision such a project you might ask? The answer is Mr. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, who is currently the Chairman of Aldar Properties in Abu Dhabi. A global business leader and visionary, Ahmed is involved in a number of the development initiatives of the government of Abu Dhabi, in addition to being the Chairman of Aldar Properties, Ahmed is the Chief Executive Officer of Dolphin Energy Limited, a board member at the First Gulf Bank and Mubadala Development Company. Clearly, Ahmed Ali is a visionary who has much to teach us all.

The Yas Hotel

When you enter the winding driveway of The Yas Hotel, the gateway overpasses the Grand Prix Circuit. Imagine driving over and staying “on top of” the circuit itself! That’s what you get at The Yas Hotel. With exquisite lighting and advanced architecture, your drive into the hotel tells you that you are in for something completely new and different.

New York’s architectural firm, Asymptote Architecture, has worked closely with designers Jestico + Whiles and Richardson Sadeki to create this iconic structure that from afar, looks like a purple dome in the sky. As you get closer you realize, this dome is the encasing of an intricately detailed grid. This grid shells the entire hotel structure, and functions to light up the entire outer perimeter of The Yas Hotel. Fading in and out, the hypnotizing colors change with time – providing a place to reflect, to think and to embrace. From purple to red to green, the hotel illuminates in majestic beauty. It literally lights up your world.

Nestled in and around The Yas Hotel is the boater’s dream, where many berths are adorned with multi- million dollar yachts at The Yas Hotel Marina. When you see the marina, you realize that the team who worked on developing this marina understood the true meaning of abundance and creativity. For the business traveler and boat lover, The Yas Hotel offers five Marina Executive Suites to stay in – that are sure to satisfy your boating desires.

As I walked into The Yas Hotel each day after meetings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I was greeted by staff from around the world who have chosen to work day-to-day in the surroundings of creative excellence. One of the tall distinguished young men from Africa, who helped park my car every day said, “Ms, I’ve read your articles and I’ve seen your magazine. I learned so much, and I’m very impressed.” He’s not the only one who was impressed, that kind of interest and participation in clients is unprecedented as well.

With seven specialty restaurants and two night clubs, The Yas Hotel provides you with a chic atmosphere of comfort and flow. From Italian, to Indian, to traditional Arabic food, or a world-class nightly buffet, your dining experience offers a range of international choices. Then it’s the mood of music, as a Nightly DJ’s dirty bit the top dance fare while you are lounging on the rooftop, under the Arabian sky. Got the picture?

Staying at The Yas Hotel is peaceful and serene during the day. Rooms are light, inviting and soft to be in. It’s a perfect place for meetings, seminars and corporate events. The structures of rooms and business rooms flow with white accents, rounded corners and wavy furniture, all in harmony and complement theswiveling design of the building, the racetrack and the total hotel ambiance.

After a day’s work and as you settle into your room for the evening, you are showered with warm soft colors, a big-screen TV and an unprecedented view from your balcony. Even the room’s doors are soundproof to complement your quiet space.

Drifting off to sleep in a big snugly bed, I realized that this room gave me an “inner experience” of grace and ease. As I reflected on my days at The Yas Hotel, what really struck me was a world of differentiation. Nothing here is standard. Things are unique and new. Mediocrity is a thing of the past and creativity is expressed in every element. The Yas Hotel is like walking into an artist’s palette that has come to life.

I fell asleep being thankful to the people who make it all happen, and I said to myself, “I can only be grateful for the opportunity to work and play in the art of life.”

Your travel experience becomes a pleasure at our contemporary residential style hotel, an ideal choice for International guests who want to feel the true essence of vibrant Houston. Our one-bedroom suites offer full kitchens to give you the choice to dine in, and we also provide in-suite safes for your security needs and for your peace of mind. Feel at home in our suites with thoughtful amenities that include a coffee maker, two-line telephones, flat screen plasma televisions in the living room, a built-in jack-pack for all your electronic devices and our luxurious Sweet Dreams® Bedding for the ultimate sleep comfort. You can also choose Deluxe rooms that have, for your convenience, mini refrigerators and microwaves as well as signature Doubletree amenities.

Your business needs are easily met by our well-defined Executive Level services which are on our top four floors. You will apreciate the privacy of a guest-only access lounge that also serves breakfast Monday through Friday. Equally important is your ability to conduct your business in the comfort of the Executive Level lounge where you will appreciate convenient accessibility to free high-speed internet and a self-serve business area.You are in charge of your business world even when away from your office at the Doubletree Guest Suites.

Indeed, your unique and exclusive guest experience starts upon entering our beautifully appointed lobby. You will be greeted by all the comforts of home, especially when you indulge in our famous Doubletree chocolate chip cookie at check-in. Let go of any stress or urgency because all your needs are immediately addressed by a touch-screen concierge, an ATM, car rental desk, gift shop and 24-hour complimentary business center. You have numerous choices out of the many options and amenities, and all your met needs will show you that you are, indeed, our VIP. You are in for a stay to remember – whether for business or pleasure, the Doubletree Guest Suites Houston by the Galleria knows how to make you forget you are away from your home and your office. Come stay with us.