Highs and Lows

It appears the economy is not ready to give us a break just yet. This long recession has been a draining experience for everyone. That is why it was so great to step out and enjoy a phenomenal night at our recent awards dinner. Congrats to all involved with putting together an awesome night on a lean budget. It was really a pleasure to celebrate the accomplishments of so many on the team. It was also a great tribute to our company’s values that, in spite of the aforementioned difficult environment, we still stop to say thank you and good job to one another, and recognize accomplishments the way we always have.

As I write this the inner circle winners are home from an unbelievable trip to France. It is a remarkable testament to the all the great things that about FHG. Of course our values start at the top. In times like this I think we all gain a new appreciation for the kind of leader that we have in Mr. Schwartz. He embodies the vision that we talk about in our EAGLE creed, and never blinks when it comes to making sure that the team is taken care of. Recently, he and all of us suffered a loss with the passing of his father James Schwartz. It is clear as we look back that the values and virtues we so admire are a Schwartz family tradition. The out pouring of tributes to James from around the country were very moving. So many lives changed, careers launched, deeds done, by this generous and caring man.

You know friends, the economy sucks, but in every place in history where we are tested, true leaders stand out more distinctively than ever. That is certainly the case here, at Team FHG.

BOB’S TOP TEN WEB REVENUE GROWTH SUGGESTIONS

1. Use Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites effectively. They are not commercials. They are connections.
2. Google and other search engines can be great tools. Google key words like your location and the word “meeting” for example to find leads on potential business.
3. Use Google or other search engines for research tools for prospective business. Reverse telephone number searches or key words from press articles might lead to a new customer.
4. Participate in all relevant Brand Promotions and monitor e-channels regularly to be sure you are open for business.
5. Participate in internet lead sites (Ex – Hotel Planner, Starcite)
6. Work with attractions in your area to be sure that you have reciprocal links.
7. Do you know who Wessling Works, Hotel Planner, Starcite or Hoteligence are? If you don’t, you might want to.
8. Review Brand ecommerce scorecard and update as appropriate.
9. The fastest growing segment of our economy is government. The reinvestment and Recovery Act has a site listing projects headed to your area. If you are near a federal building of any kind, check the web to see whose offices are there and what they are up to.
10. Revenue management should be thoughtful and intuitive. Many of the traditional indicators are now foggy. Be a leader. Remember it’s not an auction.

Holiday Blessings

Dear Team,

This has certainly been a challenging year in the hospitality industry. There is nothing as heart-wrenching as seeing so many hotels closing their doors and so many people out of work. At the same time, it makes us very grateful to be part of such a strong team, working in such a great company. In that spirit, I have assembled Bob's top ten things that I am grateful for, in this holiday season;

10: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Ohio. These have been great places for us to do business. The heartland of a great country.

9: Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, and Carlson. We couldn't have picked better brands to represent with our hotels.

8: Our Owners, Partners, and Investors. They believe in what we do and have invested in our dreams.

7. Accounting team: Roger, Mike, John, Fernando, Jason, Karen, Larisa, Mark, Michelle, Mike T., Rae, Rich, Sandra, Susan, Tom, and Vince. These are people we can always "count on".

6. People Services and Payroll: Gail, Teresa, Maria, Danny, Melissa, Krystina, Pat, Jackie, and Joanne. Taking great care of our greatest asset, our team.

5. Valencia, Marta, Marianne, Rob, Dan S., Becker, Terry, Jim S., Wolfe, Sam, Mima, Gary, Jim D., and Patti. They keep things moving on the right path.

4. David, Wendy, Dan N., Kelly, Lucy, Kathleen, Lew, Hadrian, Mary Jo, Sean, and Rick. The best in the business. Bar none!

3. Our families who support us, are patient with our time away from home, and make it all worthwhile.

2. Mr. Schwartz. It's times like these that make us more appreciative of his vision and wisdom.

1. YOU! The world's greatest hospitality team. The greatest blessing of all.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Robert J. Habeeb
President/COO

Organizational Changes

Dear Team,

It gives me great pleasure to announce five very important changes at FHG;

As our company grows, it is imperative that we find ways to recognize the contributions of our long time leaders. We have decided to add the title of Regional Vice President to our organization. Two company icons will be the first elevated. Dan Norzinskay, the legend of the western region will become Regional Vice President of Operations. Rick Marsh, Mr. Sales for the last eleven years, has been named Regional Vice President of Sales. I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating these leaders.

Roger Baker, our Director of Finance for the last two years, will become Chief Financial Officer. Mike Reda has been elevated to the new position of Vice President, Controller. These promotions help us to recognize the contributions of these individuals and the value that our accounting function adds to our management process.

John Callan will be moving from theWit to our new Special Services Division. This new aspect of our management services will focus on the special needs of lenders and investors with troubled hospitality assets. The "SSD" will provide a host of client services, such as receiverships, changes in control, and foreclosure and disposition of hospitality assets. John's background will be a great fit as our first clients include a fine dining restaurant and full service hotel.

Along with our partners at ECD Company and Concentrics, we are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Shouger to the position of General Manager of theWit, effective Friday, October 16th. Mark's career in management and executive leadership in the Four and Five Diamond segment of hospitality spans over 20 years. Extensive stints with Hyatt hotels and Resorts and Loews Hotels in some of their most significant properties, from both a service and brand standpoint, make Mark uniquely qualified for this key leadership role. Please join us on welcoming Mark to theWit.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Habeeb
President/COO