Neal Harrington of Commuter Express Honored at ROSE Awards
Soave Enterprises has always sought out team members who exhibit unparalleled customer service skills. The dedication of Neal Harrington of Commuter Express was recently recognized by an audience extending beyond the Soave family of companies. Harrington was named as a finalist in the annual ROSE Awards, a program sponsored by the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. ROSE is an acronym for Recognition of Service Excellence.
The mission of the ROSE Award is to recognize and reward non-managerial service industry professionals for their commitment to outstanding customer service.
Mr. Harrington was one of six people contracted by Commuter Express to be “Bus Buddies,” assigned to manage a curb at each of the hotels participating in the November 2005 National Tour Association Convention. Their responsibilities included ensuring the drivers stayed on time, assisting patrons in boarding the coaches and just become a smiling face each morning and evening that the delegates would get to know throughout the week.
During the July 27th ceremony and dinner at Andiamo Italia in Warren, Michigan, Harrington was honored for his above-and-beyond curbside efforts at Detroit’s Marriott at Renaissance Center. Although the award for the Transportation category ended up going to another fine individual, Neal said he was flattered to not only be one of the 178 nominees, but to have been picked as one of the three finalists.
Ironically, another contract curb supervisor, Lana Gordon, who worked with Neal during the NTA Convention managing the Holiday Inn Express’s curb won the ROSE Award for Super Bowl Volunteer! “We’re very pleased with the quality of service that all of our people exhibit throughout the Soave Transportation Group,” said Tim Dagg, Director of Client Relations for Checker Sedan and Commuter Express.
Mercedes-Benz of Progress Pointe Opens Its Doors
Soave Automotive Group (SAG) grew its operations this summer with the Grand Opening of its third Mercedes-Benz dealership, Mercedes-Benz of Progress Pointe, on June 1st.
SAG’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Smith has assumed the position of vice president and general manager of the new dealership. Since joining Soave Enterprises in October 2000, Smith has been involved in several dealership acquisitions prior to this new venture. “We are excited to be here after three years of planning,” said Smith. “Progress Pointe is developing its own unique energy and style.”
The 35,000 square foot facility is sited on 6.2 acres in western St. Charles County, Missouri, an area determined through an internal market study to be under serviced. Mercedes-Benz executives agreed and the new dealership was subsequently formed. Thirty team members are working to become the finest sales and service organization by maintaining the highest level of integrity and customer service. “The entire staff strives to build relationships. We believe that you sell a customer once, but service them for life,” observes Smith.
The new Mercedes dealership is a stand-alone franchise now, but Smith does not rule out future expansion. With an adjoining eight acres available, SAG continues to work with other manufacturers to identify potential opportunities.
Goose Island Ale Added to CITY Beverage-Chicago's Product Line
Following a partial ownership investment by an Anheuser-Busch affiliate, CITY Beverage-Chicago (CBC) and all Budweiser distributors in the Chicago region can now offer their clients the micro-brew favorite, Goose Island Ale. All of the CBC’s 1,800 accounts – plus those serviced by the CITY Beverage-Illinois family – gained access to the specialty brand shortly after the June 7th announcement.
“This move widens our portfolio,” explains General Manager Mike Flynn. “We are able to offer our clients several of Chicago’s local beverages, including Goose Island’s signature brew, Honkers Ale, 312 Urban Wheat, India Pale Ale and a host of seasonal varieties.”
Import Specialty Brand Director Mike Rinella was integral to this incorporation of Goose Island offerings into the distribution system. “Mike organized the logistics, spearheaded the kick-off meeting, and supported the entire effort,” notes Flynn.
Addition of the Chicago-made beer to the distribution line-up brings significant benefits to both the brewer and CBC. Previously delivered by a liquor distributor, Goose Island products are now available to a greater number of retail accounts. In addition, the new beers brought with them additional “draught handles,” the on-site pouring method so common in restaurant and bar sales.
Mike Flynn sums up the outlook for CBC and its new offerings, “We have great expectations for the sales and distribution of Goose Island Ale.”
