SUBJECT: Important Update |Victor/Victoria at Castro Theatre

See you tonight for Victor/Victoria at the Castro Theatre!

Unfortunately, due to the weather, Lesley Ann Warren wasn’t able to make her flight to San Francisco and will not be able to be there for tonight’s show. She was really looking forward to spending the evening with you all and wishes everyone a great show!

If you purchased the Meet & Greet package via TicketWeb, refunds for the meet & greet portion will be fulfilled automatically. Please allow up to 30 days from cancellation announce date for refund to post. ALSO! We still have a limited edition event poster for you. Please come to the box office before you enter to pick one up.

The night will still feature the iconic organist David Hegarty and pre-show by D’Arcy Drollinger, Matthew Martin and more. Don’t forget to dress up and get ready to sing-a-long with your hosts Laurie Bushman and Toby Moore.

Box Office: 5:30pm
Doors: 6:00pm
Organist David Hagerty: 6:45pm
Pre-show: 7:00pm
Victor/ Victoria Screening: 8:00pm

We look forward to seeing you at the show!
From your friends at The Castro Theatre.

Media Contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc/David Perry
( 415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Judges Announced for The Hotel Council of San Francisco’s
2024 “Hospitality Heroes Awards “
Thursday, March 7 at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco
www.hotelcouncilsf.org 

Deadline to Nominate a Hospitality Hero is Friday, February 2

1 February 2024, San Francisco: “And the envelope please….” Five esteemed professionals in the hospitality space have been named to be this year’s judges for the 2024 Hotel Council of San Francisco’s Hospitality Heroes Awards: Ron Newton (Regional Vice President, Venues with Encore),  Zack Barulich (CFO, BiRite Foodservice Distributors), Lillian Phan (Vice President of Sales + Marketing, The Conservatory at One Sansome), Ken Bukowski (Director, Convention Facilities, City & County of San Francisco), and Rashaida Nirobe (President & CEO, Equality and Inclusion in Hospitality, Inc.). This year’s Hospitality Heroes Awards, honoring those who work in San Francisco’s # 1 economic driver – hospitality and tourism – will take place on Thursday, March 7^th (5:30pm – 8:30pm) at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco (888 Howard Street). Members of the public and hospitality colleagues are encouraged to nominate their own “Hospitality Hero”. Nominations are open until COB tomorrow, Friday, February 2 by online submission at https://bit.ly/HEROES24. More information may be found online www.hotelcouncilsf.org/upcoming-events

“Our judges are well placed to evaluate this year’s nominees,” said Alex Bastian, Hotel Council President and CEO. “However, as we know going into this event following a challenging year, everyone who works in San Francisco’s hospitality industry is already a winner.”

Established in 2003, the Hospitality Heroes awards were created to pay tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to the hospitality industry. As the largest industry in San Francisco, hotels and tourism directly impact the success of many businesses throughout San Francisco, supporting over 86,000 jobs.The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry. 

The categories for this year’s Hospitality Heroes Awards are as follows:

Beyond the Call: Hotels and Restaurants
This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a willingness to go “beyond the call of duty” in their hotel/restaurant. At a minimum, the employee created an unforgettable experience for a guest or colleague.

Unsung Hero: Hotels and Restaurants
This award is given to an individual who enables their hotel/restaurant to enhance guest experiences. An unsung hero strives to improve customer service out of professionalism and dedication to true hospitality. 

Rising Star: Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual who has been in the industry for less than five years but demonstrates the potential to become a pivotal figure in the hotel community.  

Werner Lewin Lifetime Achievement – Operations” Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual (non-manager) who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years. 

Lifetime Achievement – Department Manager: Hotels Only
This award is given to a Department Manager who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years.

Bob Begley Lifetime Achievement – Hotel Executive: Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual who is an executive leadership team member, General Manager, Vice President, and/or Regional Manager. This individual has proven dedication, leadership, and commitment to the hotel industry for at least 15 years.

Community Spirit: Hotels Only
This award is given to a hotel or hotel company that contributes to the community. Contributions include volunteer efforts, donations, and giving back through various programs and organizations.

Sustainability: Hotels Only
This award is given to a hotel or hotel company committed to environmental sustainability. This commitment can be proven through instituting green design and equipment, water conservation, local food sourcing, and waste reduction programs.

DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility): Hotels Only
The DEIA award will recognize hotels or hotel companies that actively promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the hospitality industry. Criteria include evidence of diverse hiring practices, an inclusive work culture, and equitable opportunities for professional growth. Accessibility includes accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access to employment and participation in activities for people with disabilities. The organization should demonstrate commitment through ongoing training programs, community engagement initiatives, and dedication to supplier diversity.

Exceptional Full Service Restaurant of the Year:
This award is presented to a restaurant with a sterling reputation for providing outstanding food, beverage, and service.

Exceptional Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year:
This award is presented to a restaurant that demonstrates a dedication to dining excellence, service, and value, in a casual environment. This is open to food trucks, pop up restaurants, and other non-brick and mortar dining.

Supplier Spotlight: Allied Members of the Hotel Council Only:
The award recognizes a company and individual that stand out in collaborating with hotels and hospitality businesses in San Francisco. Criteria include a proven track record of successful partnerships, innovations that elevate guest experiences, and active engagement with the local community. Overall, the company and individual being nominated should embody excellence, collaboration, and a positive impact on San Francisco’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Allied Members of the Hotel Council Only:
The award recognizes a company and individual that stand out in collaborating with hotels and hospitality businesses in San Francisco. Criteria include a proven track record of successful partnerships, innovations that elevate guest experiences, and active engagement with the local community. Overall, the company and individual being nominated should embody excellence, collaboration, and a positive impact on San Francisco’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

Prices for the Hospitality Heroes Awards gala are: Table of 10: $3000; half table $1600. Individual Tickets, $ 350 available online at www.hotelcouncilsf.org/upcoming-events

Media Contact:  DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Hotel Council of San Francisco Announces
New Executive Committee Members
www.hotelcouncilsf.org 

31 January 2024 – San Francisco, CA:  The Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org) has named its new executive committee to its recently expanded board of directors: Board Chair Michael Baier (Managing Director, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa);Vice Chair Clif Clark (Area General Manager, Westin St. Francis Union Square);Treasurer Nany Fullmore (General Manager, The Clancy, Autograph Collection);and as Secretary Raymond Vermolen (General Manager, InterContinental San Francisco).

“I am truly honored to assume the role of incoming Chair of the Board of Directors for the Hotel Council of San Francisco,” said Michael Baier, Managing Director at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa. “Being a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, I feel a deep sense of pride in witnessing the dedicated efforts of our hospitality community as we tirelessly work towards restoring our industry. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute my efforts on the Board and passionately advocate for the advancement of our city’s foremost industry—hospitality and tourism.”

The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.

“These four professionals are the example of servant leadership,” said Alex Bastian, President & CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “Their deep experience in San Francisco’ hospitality community and years of wisdom will serve us well in this important year for our recovering tourism economy.”

Meet the newly appointed members of the Hotel Council’s executive committee, as detailed in the bios below:

Michael Baier
Chair
(Managing Director, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa)

Michael Baier is a Bay Area native and started in the hotel industry in 1989 with opening of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.  After spending six years at the Marquis Michael grew his career as he and his family traveled from SF to Vail, Philadelphia, Austin and Dallas before returning to San Francisco in

2011.  Since his return Michael moved from Hotel Manager at W San Francisco to Hotel Manager at Parc55, GM at Stanford Court, Park Central SF, Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf and then back to Park Central as it emerged from the pandemic and transformation to the Hyatt Regency SOMA.  Michael is passionate about SF and looks forward to the continued effort in returning this glorious city to its rightful position!  Michael lives in Pleasant Hill and as foodie, enjoys the close proximity to the wine country.  He and his wife of 35 years love to travel and explore new places.  Together they have three children; Trevor, Josh and Natalie who were all born in different states!

Clif Clark
Vice Chair
Area General Manager, Westin St. Francis Union Square 

Clark’s 39-year career at prominent hotels on the west coast includes nearly three decades in the role of general manager at top-performing Marriott properties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to the Westin St. Francis, he led the acclaimed Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Clif Clark began his hospitality career 1984 as a management trainee at the Westin Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Over the next 12 years, he held management positions in the front office, operations, and food and beverage, learning all aspects of the hotel industry. In 1996, when he became General Manager of the Oakland Marriott City Center, one of his top achievements was successfully negotiating a contract with the City of Oakland that granted the hotel permission to manage the adjacent Convention Center. Clark has also been Hotel Manager of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, the second largest hotel in San Francisco, and the pre-opening General Manager of the San Jose Marriott. At both properties, he generated exceptional profits, elevated the service standards, and inspired passion and commitment from his teams. In San Jose, he was one of five founders of “Team San Jose,” the organization that manages the City’s convention and theatre facilities. Clark’s local leadership history includes serving on the Executive Board of Directors for the Hotel Council of San Francisco, the San Francisco Travel Tourism Improvement District Board, the Board of Directors for the Union Square Alliance, and Chairman of the Board for the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. He served on the Marriott Global General Manager Advisory Council and is the Marriott Business Council Guidance Team Leader for the business councils in San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle.

Clif Clark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Washington State University. While studying abroad at the University of Munich, he assisted in the research of a European hotel management textbook written by Dr. Lother Kreck.

Nany Fullmore
Treasurer
General Manager, The Clancy Autograph Collection

With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Nany brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to The Clancy. Her career began as an Assistant Controller at the JW Marriott Washington, DC, and a year later she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she held a variety of finance positions, including Director of Finance & Accounting at the Fremont Marriott and then at the Santa Clara Marriott. After an illustrious career in finance, Nany moved into operations as Director of Hotel Operation-Rooms at the Santa Clara Marriott, where she led the team to improve associate engagement, guest satisfaction and rooms profitability over five years. In 2013, Nany was promoted to General Manager at the San Ramon Marriott, where she led the team for eight years, hitting new highs for guest satisfaction and maintaining top rankings in key metrics. Her open-door policy with associates resulted in associate engagement increasing by 15 points to 85 in 2019.  She built strong community relationships by establishing the “Discover San Ramon” business district to fund marketing efforts through collaborative work with city officials, fellow General Managers, and key stakeholders in the community. Nany embodies a Take Care culture, and during these unprecedented times, she’s led her team through the pandemic and the transition of the San Ramon Marriott from managed to franchise. Nany enjoys visiting historical sites and considers Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Ethiopia, and Israel to be among her favorite destinations.

Raymond Vermolen 
Secretary
General Manager, InterContinental San Francisco)

Raymond Vermolen has spent thirty years in the hotel industry, advancing steadily to jobs of increasing responsibility in diverse cultures.  Vermolen earned a bachelor’s degree in the Hospitality Industry from the Hotel Management School in the Netherlands and an MBA from Henley Management College in the United Kingdom. Prior to his current position, he held various roles at InterContinental hotels in Amsterdam, Paris, Athens, Lebanon and Egypt, and later served as the Hotel Manager for Barclay InterContinental in New York. In 2007, he became the General Manager of the InterContinental Los Angeles in Century City. In 2009, he joined the InterContinental Houston as General Manager before transferring for a 5-year stint as the General Manager of the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile in 2011. He then opened the LA Indigo Hotel and now leads the Area as General Manager/RDO at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco. Vermolen is passionate about adventure travel, motorcycles and exploring culinary experiences and counts coaching and mentoring teams as a hobby. He is also an avid runner who loves the outdoors.

Media Contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc/David Perry
( 415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

The Hotel Council of San Francisco’s
2024 “Hospitality Heroes Awards “

Thursday, March 7 at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco
www.hotelcouncilsf.org 

Deadline to Nominate a Hospitality Hero is Friday, February 2

29 January 2024, San Francisco.  Roaring into 2024 with renewed optimism, increasing tourism numbers and following up its turn in the international spotlight during the recent APEC Conference, San Francisco’s hospitality community is ready to salute its own. On Thursday, March 7^th (5:30pm – 8:30pm) the Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org) returns with its annual Hospitality Heroes Awards at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco (888 Howard Street) to celebrate the City’s # 1 economic driver, tourism, and the professionals who make a difference. Members of the public and hospitality colleagues are encouraged to nominate their own “Hospitality Hero”. Nominations are open until COB Friday, February 2 by online submission at https://bit.ly/HEROES24. More information may be found online www.hotelcouncilsf.org/upcoming-events

“This is a pivotal year in San Francisco’s continuing recovery, and also in expanding that recovery into a fulltime boom,” said Alex Bastian, Hotel Council President and CEO. “There is a palpable sense of optimism and renewed commitment to fulfilling San Francisco’s iconic status as a worldclass international tourism destination. The people that make it world-class are our frontline hospitality workers. This event is for, and about, them. ”

Established in 2003, the Hospitality Heroes awards were created to pay tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to the hospitality industry. As the largest industry in San Francisco, hotels and tourism directly impact the success of many businesses throughout San Francisco, supporting over 86,000 jobs.The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.

The categories for this year’s Hospitality Heroes Awards are as follows:

Beyond the Call: Hotels and Restaurants
This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a willingness to go “beyond the call of duty” in their hotel/restaurant. At a minimum, the employee created an unforgettable experience for a guest or colleague.

Unsung Hero: Hotels and Restaurants
This award is given to an individual who enables their hotel/restaurant to enhance guest experiences. An unsung hero strives to improve customer service out of professionalism and dedication to true hospitality. 

Rising Star: Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual who has been in the industry for less than five years but demonstrates the potential to become a pivotal figure in the hotel community.  

Werner Lewin Lifetime Achievement – Operations” Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual (non-manager) who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years. 

Lifetime Achievement – Department Manager: Hotels Only
This award is given to a Department Manager who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years.

Bob Begley Lifetime Achievement – Hotel Executive: Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual who is an executive leadership team member, General Manager, Vice President, and/or Regional Manager. This individual has proven dedication, leadership, and commitment to the hotel industry for at least 15 years.

Community Spirit: Hotels Only
This award is given to a hotel or hotel company that contributes to the community. Contributions include volunteer efforts, donations, and giving back through various programs and organizations.

Sustainability: Hotels Only
This award is given to a hotel or hotel company committed to environmental sustainability. This commitment can be proven through instituting green design and equipment, water conservation, local food sourcing, and waste reduction programs.

DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility): Hotels Only
The DEIA award will recognize hotels or hotel companies that actively promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the hospitality industry. Criteria include evidence of diverse hiring practices, an inclusive work culture, and equitable opportunities for professional growth. Accessibility includes accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access to employment and participation in activities for people with disabilities. The organization should demonstrate commitment through ongoing training programs, community engagement initiatives, and dedication to supplier diversity.

Exceptional Full Service Restaurant of the Year:
This award is presented to a restaurant with a sterling reputation for providing outstanding food, beverage, and service.

Exceptional Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year:
This award is presented to a restaurant that demonstrates a dedication to dining excellence, service, and value, in a casual environment. This is open to food trucks, pop up restaurants, and other non-brick and mortar dining.

Supplier Spotlight: Allied Members of the Hotel Council Only:
The award recognizes a company and individual that stand out in collaborating with hotels and hospitality businesses in San Francisco. Criteria include a proven track record of successful partnerships, innovations that elevate guest experiences, and active engagement with the local community. Overall, the company and individual being nominated should embody excellence, collaboration, and a positive impact on San Francisco’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Allied Members of the Hotel Council Only:
The award recognizes a company and individual that stand out in collaborating with hotels and hospitality businesses in San Francisco. Criteria include a proven track record of successful partnerships, innovations that elevate guest experiences, and active engagement with the local community. Overall, the company and individual being nominated should embody excellence, collaboration, and a positive impact on San Francisco’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

Prices for the Hospitality Heroes Awards gala are: Table of 10: $3000; half table $1600. Individual Tickets, $ 350 available online at www.hotelcouncilsf.org/upcoming-events