Hyatt recognizes staff with ‘Celebrating Our People’ event

Employees of Hyatt Regency Saipan took the limelight when the only international brand hotel on island held its “Celebrating Our People” event from June 13 to 15.

The annual event is part of Hyatt International’s program dedicated to recognizing hotel associates and their contribution to providing authentic hospitality.

“Hyatt Regency Saipan’s valued associates enjoyed a number of activities that promoted fun, teamwork, and excitement,” said marketing communications assistant manager Luis Villagomez.

These activities included an island-style breakfast where members of the executive committee served breakfast to employees, arts and crafts, dodgeball, obstacle course, and tangan-tangan baseball.

“On the last day of the event, employees enjoyed a potluck barbecue by the beach where they spent special time with friends and families,” said Villagomez.

The three-day annual event was highlighted by the presentation of several awards to Hyatt Regency Saipan associates.

Regency Club team leader Anthea Baltazar was named Leader of the Year, while Kili Café and Terrace team leader Violetta Lopez was named Trainer of the Year. Both received plaques for their dedication and efforts.

The Hystar of the Year Award 2010, the most awaited employee accolade, was presented to two outstanding employees who showed authentic hospitality and outstanding support.

The awardees, Villagomez said, were selected through a voting process among the hotel’s Executive Committee. “The selection of the Hystar associate starts with earning ‘Hystar’ points through guest recognitions, colleague appreciation, and other participations that signify authentic hospitality,” explained Villagomez. “These points are accumulated within an award year and the five associates are chosen.”

For the guest services category, the award was presented to Food and Beverage wait staff Dionisio Peralta while the operations support category award was given to Sales and Marketing coordinator Mariko Kido. The two each received a plaque and $1,500 in cash.

The theme for this year’s event was “Hyatt Thrives,” which was simultaneously launched as the hotel’s international corporate responsibility platform designed to foster vibrant, healthy communities.

As part of its “Hyatt Thrives” efforts, hotel employees took part in a cleanup of Micro Beach on June 15.

“We believe that taking care and nurturing our natural environment plays a key role in promoting tourism and hospitality in the Marianas,” said Hyatt general manager Nick Nishikawa.

Through “Hyatt Thrives” activities, employees are able to “foster a community that they will be proud to be a part of,” Villagomez added.