Niagara Scenic Tours Newsletter

"People Committed to Service."

Volume 1 | Issue 2

2021

A Thank You To The ‘People’ Behind People Committed To Service

Photo Credit: Phyllis Kokoszka

Page 2

A Message From Keith Fisher CEO Niagara Scenic Tours

A Steady Climb Back To Normal Well, we made it to our second newsletter.

I am in awe with the way everyone ups their game to make sure we are successful. I appreciate The introduction of Scenic Excursions, highlighted everyone putting in the extra hours required to in our first issue, has proven extremely successful. I cover operational demands. Maintenance has congratulate everyone involved in the Scenic done an incredible job making sure the buses are Excursions launch and look forward to significant ready to roll when we need them. Dispatch has growth in our tour division. Because of your hard worked tirelessly to cover trips. Sales has done an work, we’re noticing an increase in Niagara Scenic awesome job dealing with all the changes they’ve Tours requests for service. had to deal with. Accounting has had to deal with Dolefully, our driver work force hasn’t kept up with several fire drills and changes to coordinate our capital management based on our different grants demand. AJ Satterly has been working to hire and funding. qualified drivers. We continue to offer sign-on and referral bonuses. If you know someone that would Thanks again for all you have done. I look forward be a good fit to our team, please let AJ know. to a steady climb back to normal.

We truly have an incredible team. When times felt uncertain and challenging, I was comforted by the dedication of all of you. I am truly grateful.

My best to you and your families.

Stay safe.

Page 3

A Message From Hadley Bos-Fisher President/COO Niagara Scenic Tours

Life On The Road

Hello Team: Wow, what a difference a year makes. Although we are still dealing with the Covid pandemic, our business has doubled year-over-year.

stepped up to fill this void. Operators have been running nonstop, and the sales and operations team is working long hours to make the puzzle fit.

Collegiate athletics are at full strength, Scenic Excursions has achieved an increase in retail and group travel, and our new line run continues measurable growth in ridership.

Although these challenges are affecting us now, I am extremely excited about the opportunities that 2022 will bring to Niagara Scenic. We will continue to recruit talented team members, the travel industry will continue to expand, and our newly found lines of business will flourish.

With increased demand in ground transportation, we have a shortage of professional motorcoach operators. Compared to pre-pandemic data, our industry partners are in the same position. I personally have driven more in the last 30 days than I have in the prior decade, which has been incredibly helpful and insightful to life on the road.

We have been through so many challenges since March of 2020, I truly believe that these trials will make us stronger.

Through challenge, we find the strength to push through and carry a newfound inner strength into the future. I am extremely proud of such an incredible group of people. Nothing can stop us, as we continue to be the best in our industry.

We are diligently working to recruit Niagara Scenic qualified talent to add to our team. We know this will take some time. I want to share my deepest appreciation for how everyone has

With Gratitude, Hadley

Page 4

A Message From Maria Burridge Regional Manager Travel Excellence

Travel With The Best Team In Travel A special THANK YOU to our team of professionals.

Many challenges are still to come. By working together with a positive, “CAN DO” attitude, we, as On behalf of the management and staff, I would like the BEST TEAM in Western New York and Northwest to personally thank our entire motor coach operations Pennsylvania, will continue to meet and exceed the team for your perseverance while working tirelessly expectations of an exciting future. with such professionalism. Your hard work and exceptional customer service is appreciated by every At Scenic Excursions, we are preparing a 2022 guest you serve. program of high-quality tours and events that I am confident our customers will embrace with Thank you to our Tour Hosts who are challenged with enthusiasm. vendor shortages and hiccups in itineraries. You continue to smile (even behind the mask) and push Please check out our website at forward because that’s what you do. www.ScenicExcursions.net and like our social media platforms to be “in the know” in the future.

Finally, thank you to our operations and charter sales team who piece together every component of a Wishing you a safe, healthy and wonderful fall and network of complex puzzles. winter.

Page 5

Employee Spotlight

Angela Shipman Scenic Excursions Southern Tier NY/NW PA

Angela Shipman, former Branch Manager for Bradford Travel, is now a Scenic Excursions Tour Hostess. Angela works weekend excursions, including multi-day trips, when she can get away from her new position as the Events Development Manager at St. Bonaventure University. Angela has been in the tourism industry in various capacities for 28 years. She has been an important part of the Niagara Scenic family since Bradford Travel was acquired in 2018.

Angela says she loves seeing the blue motor coach pulling up to begin another adventure. The “Happy Birthday” song is a favorite go-to road trip tune to make someone feel extra special.

Angela’s hobbies include traveling, traveling, and well, even MORE traveling. She is constantly on the go—always with a positive attitude and infectious smile.

Angela feels traveling is food for the soul. Travel memories are memories that last a lifetime.

Her heart is always in the right place assisting guests and enhancing their travel insight as only Angela can do. First-time travelers are a favorite of hers as she makes the most of their energy and excitement, delivering a pleasant travel experience.

A favorite destination Angela experienced was when she escorted a group to the Magical Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany. She admired the magnificent countryside and quaint town of Innsbruck.

One piece of advice that Angela would like to share with fellow employees is to always do your best and go with the flow.

Seamless trips are few. Guests should never feel your stress or worry. Make them happy from start to finish. Guests of today are our best sales force for tomorrow.

Page 6

Employee Spotlight Ben Petryszak Niagara Scenic Tours - Buffalo Niagara

Ben is a Professional Motor Coach Operator for Niagara Scenic Tours.

He has been with Niagara Scenic Tours since June 2013. Ben’s hobbies include hiking, the theater and undoubtingly travel. His favorite road trip song is any classic rock tune that “really gets you pumped up.”

see new things, and experience unique adventures. You really have to enjoy your job, get to know the people, and accept people for who they are.”

His favorite travel destination is London, England. He has been there 38 times. Next time, he is coming back with an accent.

Niagara Scenic Tours management describes Ben as wise and adventurous. We are fortunate to have such a seasoned traveler and operator on our team.

As a motor coach driver, Ben says he “gets to meet wonderful people,

Cheerio!

Page 7

Employee Spotlight

Joanna Miller Scenic Excursions Buffalo/Niagara Joanna Miller is Director of Guest Experience at Scenic Excursions Buffalo/Niagara. She began her career with Niagara Scenic in June 2019. In her current position, Joanna works with customers and vendors developing unique travel experiences for our guests.

During the Covid shutdown, Joanna spent lots of “mommy” time with her two sons Sawyer and Parker. Upon her return to the Scenic Excursion office, she hasn’t missed a beat building on the successful foundation she established before the shutdown.

that Joanna would like to share with fellow employees is to always have an open mind and be dedicated to what you do every day.

Joanna’s hobbies include reading, baking, crafting, and activities that include her two boys. Her favorite travel destination is the Bahamas. Perhaps we can get her back there by tour hosting a trip with Scenic Excursions.

Joanna’s favorite road trip song is “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line. Who knows, we may see her one day in a viral Tik Tok video.

Joanna loves interacting with and learning from guests while planning their excursions. Her hard work ethic is amazing and is When you are in the Buffalo/Niagara office – stop in and say truly an asset to our travel department. One piece of advice hello.

Page 8

Employee Spotlight

Matthew Shingler Niagara Scenic Tours - Avon/Olean Matt is a Professional Motor Coach Operator out of our Avon/Olean locations. He started his career with Covered Wagon Tours in February 1990.

Matt’s hobbies include listening to music, camping with friends and family, and of course traveling. Matt’s favorite road trip song is “Convoy” by C.W. McCall.

His favorite memory to date working at Niagara Scenic Tours was driving motor coach in the St. Bonaventure University basketball parade through Allegany and Olean when the team won the A-10 Conference. Matt’s favorite place he has traveled to is the Biltmore

Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, at Christmas time.

He shares, “Meeting new guests, building customer relationships, and making sure they have a great experience traveling with Niagara Scenic Tours,” is the motivating factor of his enthusiasm.

Matt’s advice to fellow drivers is to “have patience, go with the flow, and take things one ‘mile’ at a time when looking at your itinerary.”

Matt is a team player, witty and conscientious.

We are grateful for his many years of service on the road.

Page 9

Employee Spotlight

Sally Smith Scenic Excursions Greater Rochester

Sally is a Tour Hostess for our Scenic Excursions, Greater Rochester division. She has been with Niagara Scenic Tours for three years. Sally’s hobbies include walking, Nordic skiing, boating, and of course travel.

Her best memory to date with working at Niagara Scenic Tours is enjoying lunch at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, New York, during a ghost tour. Her favorite place to travel is Switzerland.

Sally says, “I love what I do because there are so many fun and interesting things to discover. I like sharing my insights and experiences with Niagara Scenic Tours travelers.”

We are fortunate to have Sally as a part of our team and we look forward to her hosting more Scenic Excursions.

Page 10

Employee Spotlight

Sue Kidder Scenic Excursions Buffalo/Niagara Scenic Excursions has been blessed to have Sue (Campbell) Kidder as a Tour Director/Tour Hostess for the last several years. Sue originally worked for Know How Tours, prior to being acquired by Niagara Scenic Tours in 2011. As you may know, her number-one hobby is traveling, and a close second is cooking.

Sue has numerous memories traveling with thousands of guests on excursions to destinations she calls “hidden gems.”

Sue’s father said, "You have to learn something new every day.” She wouldn't necessarily say she intentionally tried to do that each day but working for Niagara Scenic Tours has provided her that opportunity. It is, in fact, hard for Sue to name a favorite place she has traveled to

because she has been to so many wonderful places domestically and internationally.

One destination at the top of her list is visiting Southeast Asia. She said, “The culture is so totally different from ours, and the price was right.”

She shares, “Alaska is also unforgettable because the scenery is so beautiful.”

Sue enjoys traveling to anywhere to experience new things. The main reason she has loved doing this job for so long is because of the people. “It has been my pleasure,” she says, “and privilege, to meet so many wonderful travelers over the years.”

She shares, “The staff at Niagara Scenic Tours is

professional and always put the passengers' needs first.” Sue truly admires the way the motor coach operators handle the big blue buses.

Sue says, “We never know what we will encounter on a tour. If something doesn't go exactly as planned, take a deep breath, apologize, and communicate your reasoning. If it is something you can control, correct whatever it is to the best of your ability, then let it go.”

A good road trip song that you may find Sue singing to herself (or aloud) on an upcoming excursion may be a few lines of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again."

Page 11

June Drisana Dickson - 06/06 Jarrod Wigent - 06/08 Curtis Hal - 06/09 Kenny Beguhl - 06/10 Luis Roman-Martinez - 06/14 Patricia Lewis - 06/15 Cheryl Ziccardi - 06/18 Sally Smith - 06/22 Deborah Whitford - 06/23 Matthew Shingler - 06/24 Sue Bennett - 06/25 Robert Galloway Jr. - 06/29 Tammy Kruszka - 06/30 July Joseph Temperato - 07/02 Jordon Burkhouse - 07/03 Phyllis Dennis - 07/04 Juan Cabrera Martinez - 07/07 Steven Bohn - 07/09

June Kerry Reynolds-Wasinger- 27 years Susan Holsinger - 21 years Sue Bennett - 14 years Steven Teeft - 11 years Chad Schumacher - 10 years Joseph Temperato - 9 years Bohdan Petryszak - 8 years AJ Satterly - 5 years Joanna Miller - 2 years July Matthew Shingler - 15 years John Donnelly - 15 years Mary Schumacher - 12 years John Bauer - 4 years Mildred Esquilin - 4 years Tommy Seay - 4 years Eric Specht - 4 years Drisana Dickson - 4 years Jennifer Jordan - 3 years

Noel Perez - 07/12 Chad Schumacher - 07/19 Angela Shipman - 07/29 August Joyce Atwell - 08/02 Tony Brock - 08/09 Tamara Conley - 08/11 Timothy Arendt - 08/17 Laverne White - 08/26 September Bryan Smith - 09/01 Ariel Romano - 09/14 Jessica LeMere - 09/14 Bev. Bailey - 09/15 Michael Eberl - 09/16 Tommy Seay - 09/16 Wilton Pennyamon - 09/16 AJ Satterly - 09/20 Joshua Seiler - 09/21 Keith Petti - 09/30

Brian Gould - 2 years August Theo Holder - 13 years Sebastian LoTurco - 13 years Maria Burridge - 12 years Lawrence Guido - 9 years Joshua Seiler - 7 years Angela Shipman - 6 years Joan Piscitelli - 4 years Deborah Whitford - 4 years Heather Warner - 2 years September Gregory Billups - 12 years Joseph Satterly - 10 years James Reinhold - 8 years Bryan Smith - 5 years Bev. Bailey - 4 years Connie Heimbach - 4 years Stanley Kokoszka - 3 years Sally Smith - 3 years

October Connie Heimbach - 10/02 Damian Wirth - 10/12 Larry Hojnoski - 10/18 Theo Holder - 10/19 Kyle Smith - 10/24 November Mary Schumacher - 11/01 Donna Notaro - 11/02 Sebastian LoTurco - 11/08 Shawn Evingham - 11/08 Sara Frank - 11/13 Brian Gould - 11/15 James Reinhold - 11/22 Randy Fisher - 11/24 December Nathan Hines - 12/03 Philip Slazyk - 12/07 Kerry Reynolds-Wasinger - 12/17 Steven Teeft - 12/24

October Tony Brock - 8 years Tamara Conley - 8 years Jeremy Bricks - 4 years Shawn Evingham - 4 years Steve Bohn - 3 years Jeffrey Sanderson - 3 years Jessica LeMere - 2 years November Suzanne Sivula - 12 years Tammy Didas - 10 years Jordon Burkhouse - 5 years Lindsay Hurn - 4 years Daniel Canale - 4 years Robert Galloway Jr. - 3 years December Hadley Bos-Fisher - 16 years Georgia Tretyak - 5 years Juan Cabrera Martinez - 2 years

Page 12

We Are Hiring!

Niagara Scenic Tours is hiring for professional Motorcoach Operators. $2,000 sign-on bonus. Wages ranging from $17.20 - $20.10 an hour. CDL Class A or B with P Endorsement required. For inquiries and resume submissions, please email: asatterly@nscoach.net

We would like to hear from you.

If you have any comments, ideas or suggestions and would like to receive this publication at your business, here is how to contact us:

Letter to the Editor Niagara Scenic Tours 5175 Southwestern Blvd.

Hamburg, N.Y. 14075 Phone: 716-648-7766 Email: info@niagarascenictours.net All letters must be signed, although names may be withheld upon request. (Signatures are required for verification and/or clarification). Niagara Scenic Tours. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

"People Committed to Service."

Editor: Bryan S. Smith Assistant Editor: Jessica LeMere