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Apr
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham: 2016 Small Business of the Year
Nicole Bengtson 0 comments Event News
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Receives 2016 Small Business of the Year Award from River Heights Chamber of Commerce
27th Anniversary of Small Business Award in Local Business Community
Inver Grove Heights/South Saint Paul – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham received the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Small Business of the Year Award! Don Heikkila, General Manager, humbly accepted the award at the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Small Business Award Luncheon & Trade Show on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul.
This year marked the 27th Anniversary of the River Heights Chamber celebrating this award with the business community and was sponsored in-part by Town Square Television, Waterous Company, Hometown Meats (2015 Small Business of the Year) and Antonsen Construction. Community businesses exhibited in the trade show sponsored by Wakota Federal Credit Union and FASTSIGNS of Inver Grove Heights. Chamber member businesses nominated local small businesses and the Chamber’s Recognition Committee selected the award recipient from many deserving applicants.
Click below to watch Microtel’s Award Video
The Small Business of the Year Award acknowledges an organization that has been in business for five years or more, has 20 or fewer employees, has at least two years of membership in the River Heights Chamber, and encompasses a business that has a commitment to the community through its involvement and assistance to community organizations, to its employees, suppliers and customer relationships, in addition to a commitment to excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations.
The Microtel recently celebrated their fifteenth year anniversary. They began with several local people as partners in the business, and still have two local partners. The ownership group and management is still basically the same as when they opened. The Microtel recently underwent a complete remodel of the lobby area. They are fortunate to have owners who realize that investment in the business pays dividends in the long run.
The Microtel’s customer relationships continue to thrive on repeat business. Don Heikkila, general manager stated, “we are very fortunate to have the support of many local businesses as clients.” “We have been a Top Twenty Microtel for the last four consecutive years, as well as a Circle of Excellence winner from TripAdvisor. Our Quality Assurance inspections have been excellent as have our AAA inspections. Our guests expect to find a clean comfortable place to sleep at night, and that is what we provide. We are proud to be the extra bedroom for many people who visit their families in the area, attend a graduation or wedding, or a number of other reasons,” Heikkila added.
Don shared, “Our front desk staff is the heart of the hotel and the housekeepers are the backbone of the hotel. Our employees are second to none. We have several employees who have been with us for years. Four employees have been here for ten years or more. This is pretty much unheard of in our business. At a recent event, we counted about 14 children who have all been born during the time their mothers have worked here and I consider them all my grandchildren.”
The Microtel is unique and has filled a niche as the local economy hotel. Economy does not mean that we are any less than any hotel. Many of their guests are searching for a clean, comfortable bed, and they provide that. Many companies in the area are small businesses and they realize that the Microtel Inn & Suites provides a great value for them as their clients and business associates visit them, and they are happy to have their support.
For more information on the award recipient, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, please contact the River Heights Chamber of Commerce at 651.451.2266 or visit us online at www.riverheights.com.
About River Heights Chamber of Commerce
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization who aggressively promotes the interests of the business communities of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. The organization is volunteer driven and strives to attract and retain businesses to keep the business community thriving. The River Heights Chamber continues to provide value-added opportunities for all members. Visit our website www.riverheights.com to learn more!
Stay Connected with the River Heights Chamber on our social media sites!
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Apr
River Heights Chamber of Commerce Hires New Director of Tourism
Nicole Bengtson 0 comments Editorials
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Inver Grove Heights Convention and Visitor’s Bureau welcome Tracy Shimek as the new Tourism Director.
“We are excited to have Tracy become part of our team on April 11, 2016,” says Jennifer Gale, President of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.
With over 10 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Tracy brings a great breadth of experience, knowledge and established relationships to the position. She has vast experience in creating and implementing marketing material to engage and communicate to current and future clients including direct mail, email, and sales sheet profiles, as well as engaging customer outreach by exhibiting at trade shows and conferences.
In her previous experience with Padelford Riverboats and as a board member for Tour Minnesota Association, she has developed a strong understanding of marketing within the tourism community of the Twin Cities and has experience leveraging relationships to collaboratively promote the region.
Tracy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College St. Peter, MN where she graduated magna cum laude in June, 2003. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
You can reach Tracy at tracy@visitigh.com.
