the Q 2 2 016
A L A S T I N G PA R T N E R S H I P
SM A RT CIT Y RENE WS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONTR AC T W ITH GRB
George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in Houston has extended its partnership with Smart City Networks for an additional seven years plus three one-year renewals. The new contract will allow Smart City to provide additional upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the organization’s telecommunications provider since 1987. Under this new telecommunications contract, Smart City will continue to provide telephone services, network cabling, which includes 12 strands of single mode fiber to be installed in each intermediate distribution frame, and high-speed Internet access using Ethernet protocols. “We have worked with Smart City for the past 29 years and are pleased to continue this relationship with them,” said Luther Villagomez, chief operating officer, convention center district. “It is with the support of partner vendors like Smart City that we at the GRBCC are able to provide the quality and continuity of service our clients deserve and expect.” The contract also includes a number of telecommunications upgrades, which will provide additional support for upcoming events at the venue. Those upgrades include a full building WiFi access upgrade to the latest Cisco WiFi AP and a threefold access point increase covering the venue. Smart City will also be providing a new core switch, edge switches, and new WiFi controllers. Spanning more than five blocks, the GRBCC hosts a wide range of large events each year, including the annual NAPE Summit, International Quilts Festival, the Houston Marathon, and the Turbomachinery and Pump Users Symposium. GRBCC’s decision to renew its contract with Smart City ensures that these events will go off without a hitch.
01
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
02 P R E S I D E N T ’ S CORNER
S TAY HUMBLE A ND K IND
Quarterly overview from Smart City’s president, Mark Haley.
06 C E N T E R U P D A T E S
As we head into the final phase of the political process on both a local and national level, it seems that name calling, stretching the truth and negativity have become the rule of the day. It appears that the only way to get ahead is by tearing an opponent down. This is not an endorsement or condemnation of one party or one candidate but a commentary on the overall negative tone of today’s election campaigns.
14 W E CARE & GIVE BACK
Thank God we’re in the hospitality industry where we are measured and judged on efficiency, value and, well, how hospitable we are!
What's new in our buildings? Special updates from the field.
Highlighting the community service efforts of our Smart City teams across the country.
16 E M P L O Y E E O F THE MONTH
Recognizing this quarter’s outstanding employees.
18 T E A M U P D A T E S Team member milestones and new arrival announcements.
At Smart City our business principles and daily basics reflect the importance of hospitality and maintaining a positive attitude in all of our dealings and interactions with others. • • • • •
When on the phone, let customers “hear you smile.” Smile – the world is watching! A sincere pat on the back goes a long way. Project a positive attitude about our company. We will be completely forthright, honest and professional in all of our interactions.
During one of our daily lineups here at the corporate office, we used music as the theme for the month and talked about how a particular song or artist related to our daily basics. Lisa Paul of the Accounting Department spoke about “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw, one of her favorite songs, and how it relates to honesty and positivity. The song focuses on integrity and the positive aspects of life that help you put things in perspective. Here are a few lyrics from the song: “Don’t expect a free ride from no one Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why Bitterness keeps you from flyin’ Always stay humble and kind’
20 A N N I V E R S A R Y LIST
Anniversaries of team members throughout the company.
Hold the door, say please, say thank you Don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie I know you got mountains to climb but Always stay humble and kind” Thanks for the insight, Lisa, and for being a positive example in our company. To the Top! (In a positive way!)
02
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
BOOSTS SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
“Mr. Hancock, I am with Sho-Link install and dismantle company and work the shows at the convention center. I have had many dealings with Cara McDonald (CSSR) and Adrian Miller (Technician) on the show floor and wanted you to know that you should be very proud to have them on your payroll. They are two of the nicest people to deal with and both ALWAYS come up with solutions when one of my clients need assistance. We usually hear bad news about your employees and I wanted you to hear some good feedback. I think we both wish that more employees would be like these two.” David Benson, Sho-Link
ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
“Great Orlando experience - great customer service! Will be using again next time.” Joseph Barnes – Kennicott Brothers at The Special Event
LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER
“Many thanks to all. The meeting was a great success thanks to the support of Smart City.” Leslie Seck, International & American Associations for Dental Research
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
“This is a quick note of thanks and gratitude for your effort, dedication, and contributions in making the 2016 Upper Midwest Electrical EXPO another huge success! Whether you helped promote the event, worked as a volunteer or greeter, provided a service as a vendor, helped coordinate an event, was a speaker, or provided another contribution – without your involvement, this very large electrical industry event would not be as respected, have as great an impact for our electrical industry, or be recognized as the “best regional electrical trade show in North America!” On behalf of our 10,052 attendees -- A true team effort that we can all be proud of! THANK YOU!" Dale Yohnke, Executive Director, North Central Electrical League Inc.
MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
“I wanted to send a note and give a special thanks to each of you for taking part in making the County’s eMerge presence a total success. I have received so much positive feedback and this would not have happened without you. Thanks, and see you next year!” Ana Peralta Chammas, Business Relationship Manager, Information Technology Department, Miami-Dade County
ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
“You and your team assist in making our Worldwide Convention successful! We certainly cannot do it without YOU – so thank you for your partnership. Your flexibility and “roll with the changes” attitude jive really well with our McD’s culture. Our team thoroughly enjoys working with you every 2 years, so thank you from all of us!” Kathy Whalen, McDonald’s Corporation
COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER
"Debbie thank you so much for the kind words. You are most certainly a spectacular woman in your own right, who made my first time managing this event a wonderful experience. I will never forget you. This was my first time having to create the company Wi-Fi network for our attendees. You made this such an easy job for me. Thank you for everything." Norman Twitty, NAFSA
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
03
GM INSIGHT YEAR OF THE RANSOMWARE
DAV ID THOM A S — GENER A L M A N AGER, SM A RT CIT Y CINCINN ATI The internet is an unsafe place with dark corners where unknown dangers lurk – identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, and many other privacy and data threats. In April 2016, the number of reported ransomware attacks increased by 175 percent, making it one of the biggest internet threats corporations and individuals face to date. RANSOMWARE IN A NUTSHELL Ransomware is malicious software that restricts access to a computer when it is installed onto the system. Users can only get access back when they pay the ransom to the malware operators who will remove the restrictions after payment. The attacks can be in the form of file encryption where the user pays the ransom for the decryption key or in the form of a system lock where messages force the user to pay to gain access. The malware has gained prominence over the years because of the proliferation of digital payment systems like PayPal and Bitcoin.
WHO ARE AT RISK Individuals with unsecured home networks were the usual targets in the past. In 2016, the attackers have shifted to targeting bigger organizations – hospitals, government departments, school districts, banks, businesses, and law enforcement agencies – where they can ask for more money because of how crucially important the ransomed information is. The more urgent the need for access to the data, the more money the attackers can ask for and the easier it is to coerce the victims to pay. HOW TO PREVENT RANSOMWARE ATTACKS The FBI strongly urges the victims of the malware not to pay the ransomware extortionists. A payment does not guarantee getting the data back. It can even encourage the current attacker to keep doing the unlawful activity, inspire other criminals to get involve in this type of activity, and inadvertently fund other illegal operations of the attacker. The only way to mitigate risks is to practice good computer hygiene, which includes: • • • • •
Keeping firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware solutions up to date Changing passwords regularly Not opening emails from someone you do not know Not allowing data storage devices to be brought into the workplace. Not allowing any company devices to be taken out of the workplace.
While there are plenty of precautions to take to prevent the start or the spread of a ransomware attack, the best thing to do is to back up data frequently and secure the backups to be able to retrieve important files.
04
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
BOOSTS ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
“Mark Thompson’s (Digital Marketing Manager) energy, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of Orlando, our building, and the Smart City product, demonstrates his commitment to our customers. He has a natural ability to engage with the public and while doing so, represents Smart City in superior fashion. I view Mark not only as an asset to Smart City, but to the OCCC team as well.” Kelli Donahoe, Senior Sales Manager, Orange County Convention Center
A M E R I C A' S C E N T E R C O N V E N T I O N C O M P L E X
“Daryl and Keith, thank you so much for working with us again! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the event.” Brittani Arrington, Nerium International
SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
“Many thanks to all. The meeting was a great success thanks to the support of Smart City.” Gene Wilkes, Cisco Systems
NRG PA RK
"Chris Jones is not only an outstanding employee but he is an excellent person to know. Chris takes every task that he is delegated and handles it with professionalism and tact. He personally handled/oversaw all exhibitor installations within the exhibit halls of the convention center for Rodeo 2016 & OTC 2016. Chris takes pride in his work and always ensures that he is keeping in constant communication with his clients/customers. No matter how difficult the effort/task, Chris always has a friendly smile on his face and is happy to help out. In addition to performing the tasks that he is assigned, Chris is never too busy to stop and help out/assist a fellow team member. Mr. Jones is a dedicated employee, a good friend, and a good man." Ike, General Manager – NRG Park
WA SHINGTON STATE CON V ENTION CENTER
“Thank you so much for your help again this year. We LOVED your service. Connectivity was great and the iPad company was wonderful. Our Exec Director said she thought it was amazing. Everything went off like clockwork. You made me look good! Great job! You helped us reach our $1mil goal for the day, which then got matched by Bezos from Amazon. We made $2mil in one day for the homeless of Seattle to bring more in to safety and security! Can you believe it? Happinessssss!” Katie Teplicky, Mary’s Place Spring Luncheon
PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER
“You and your whole team are true pros and we look forward to working with you again and again in the future.” Jeff Tippett, Phoenix Comicon
SA NTA CL A R A CON V ENTION CENTER
THANK YOU for being so accommodating and getting my booth set up for success that first night, 5 min before the doors opened!!! Helen Stewart, SolarWinds
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
05
CE N T E R U PDAT E S WASHINGTON, DC:
W ELCOMES DENISE PIÑ A AS NE W E V ENT COORDIN ATOR The Walter E. Washington Convention Center would like to welcome Denise Piña (Event Coordinator) to the facility. Denise was a CSSR I and transferred from Indianapolis Convention Center. She arrived in Washington DC May 23, 2016 and hit the floor running. Denise managed her first event at the center "American Alliance of Museums". Prior to arriving in DC, Denise worked closely with the show manager of the event Alicia Massey to ensure all requirements were taken care of prior to the event. Alicia Massey, the show manager for the event, gave Denise rave reviews for her attention to detail and outstanding customer service. Welcome to DC!
CORPORATE - LAS VEGAS:
CR A Z Y FUN W ITH INSA NE INFL ATA BLE 5K
On April 9, members of the Smart City Corporate Customer Support team in Las Vegas participated in the Insane Inflatable 5K. The event was an obstacle course with inflatable obstacles that participants had to run, walk, and jump through. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the local Relay for Life in Las Vegas. Participating team members from the Las Vegas office included Christy Hogan (Customer Support Manager), Tommie Beltz (Customer Support Supervisor), Nycole Smith (AES Representative), Aaron “Lester” Michaels (AES Representative), and Pedro Arias (CSSR I) along with friends and family. “The event was amazing, and it was an honor to have my fellow team members support such an important foundation and participate on their days off,” said Christy Hogan.
TAMPA:
CELEBR ATES FULFILLING A LL 5-S TA R REQUIREMENT S The Smart City Tampa team earned a special recognition for their hard work in 2015. Their team fulfilled all the requirements of Smart City’s 5-Star recognition program, earning five out of a possible five stars. To celebrate their achievement, the team posed for a picture with Rick Hamilton, Convention Center and Tourism Director of the Tampa Convention Center. Congratulations, Tampa team! PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Patrick Sarcinella (Smart City’s Senior Director of
Regional Operations, South East Region), Mitchell Hughes (General Manager, Smart City Tampa), Rick Hamiton, Jackelin Gonzalez (CSSR), and Ivan Gutierrez (Technician.)
06
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
CE N T E R U PDAT E S HOUSTON:
GRB ENJOYS A TEAM BUILDING EXERCISE
On May 26, the George R. Brown Convention Center's Smart City technical and customer service teams worked together to complete The Escape Room team builder exercise. PICTURED TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Alexis Mayfield, Andrew West, Jason Marchan, Jesse Gallegos, and Cristian Hada
BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT: Amanda Klotz, Mariah Lee, Cecori Davis, Ebony Corneiro, Kyoko Clark and Gabriel Gutierrez
LOS ANGELES:
FIRST EDM E V ENT AT LOS A NGELES CON V ENTION CENTER On Saturday, May 7, the Los Angeles Convention Center hosted the first EDM event in the venue’s history. Musical artist Kaskade played the biggest solo show of his career at the LACC, with 20,000 fans in attendance. Tickets for the show sold out in under five minutes. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/see-photos-of-kaskadesbiggest-gig-ever-20160509 PICTURED: Brad Gessner (second from right) (LACC’s Senior Vice President & General Manager) poses with Kaskade (middle) and show management before the musician’s show at the convention center.
CONTRACT ANNOUNCEMENTS Smart City is proud to announce the renewal of two contracts with our convention center partners across the country:
GRE ATER COLUMBUS CON V ENTION CENTER
The Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) in Columbus has extended its contract with Smart City for an additional seven and a half years. Under the extended contract, Smart City will offer a full suite of services at the venue, including high-speed Internet access, network cabling, WiFi, cable TV and turnkey data networking services. The contract includes network upgrades during the renovation and expansion and will be completed in 2020.
TA MPA CON V ENTION CENTER
Smart City Networks will continue to supply digital communications services at Tampa Convention Center (TCC) meetings and events for the next two years. The contract extension calls for the nation’s premier events technology and telecommunications provider to leverage its expertise and advanced solutions to deliver clear, reliable digital services throughout the convention center’s 600,000 square feet. Smart City’s on-site management and technical team will administer the company’s large-scale PBX system, a comprehensive data network and wireless local area network for the center’s extensive lineup of conventions and trade shows.
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
07
CE N T E R U PDAT E S LOS ANGELES:
CELEBR ATES ACCOMPLISHING A LL 5-STA R REQUIREMENTS
The Smart City Los Angeles team earned a special recognition for their hard work in 2015. Their team fulfilled all the requirements of Smart City’s 5-Star recognition program, earning five out of a possible five stars. The team celebrated their hard work with a special luncheon. Congratulations on a well-deserved honor, Los Angeles team! PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Julia Slocombe (Smart City’s Vice President of Operations, West Region), Henry De La Rosa (General Manager, Smart City Los Angeles), and Mark Haley (Smart City’s President).
ORLANDO:
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR WITH SAP SAP is Smart City's largest event of the year at the Orange County Convention Center . Smart City OCCC management took a photo with the SAP IT team. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Tim Overall (General Manager Technology Services)
Frank Loyke (Sr. Event Coordinator) Michael Campbell (IT Services, SAP America) Michael Ratliff (IT Services, SAP America) Billy Bischof (Manager, Sales and Marketing) Barry Barnett (Director, SAP IT Event Services)
WEST REGION:
JULI A HONORED AT MCCSN LUNCHEON
Julia Slocombe, Smart City’s Vice President of Regional Operations, was recently honored at the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network’s (MCCSN) first inaugural Women History Month luncheon. The “Women Leading the Way in Hospitality and Tourism” program featured Julia as one of six “celebrated” panelists during the luncheon. She and the other panelists spoke on the future of the meetings industry for women, and provided guests with a better appreciation for the work they do and the opportunities within the industry for women.
08
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
CE N T E R U PDAT E S PHOENIX:
PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER'S PUBLIC SAFET Y SYSTEM APPROVED
Smart City Networks is proud to announce the completion of the installation of a public safety Distributed Antenna System at the Phoenix Convention Center. The system, which was established in conjunction with the installation and management of the convention center’s Cellular Distributed Antenna System (DAS), passed its final inspection by the fire marshal last week. Construction on the Cellular DAS was completed in time for the 2015 Super Bowl. A public safety system ensures that first responders will still be able to communicate with each other in case of an emergency. Strict fire codes and safety regulations make these types of systems uncommon in convention centers. Smart City partnered with DAS integrator Connectivity Wireless to ensure the installation in Phoenix met all of the standards (NFPA 2015), including circuit survivability, two-hour fire-rated housing and cabling, and system monitoring. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Fingerman (Deputy Director of the Phoenix Convention Center) and Todd Zuccato (Smart City’s General
Manager at the Phoenix Convention Center). Todd holds the fire marshal’s green tag, which confirms the completion and approval of the public safety system.
BOOSTS MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
“Yani Lodos (Event Coordinator), thank you and Andrew Brown (General Manager) for all your help with JIS April! As usual, you were so on top of our internet needs!” Dede Abood, Reed Expositions
PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER
“Todd and Khay, on behalf of the leadership and staff at the American Academy of Audiology, I wanted to thank you for your role in helping make the AudiologyNOW! 2016 events super successful. We really appreciated how responsive you were in working with us on our requests and ensuring that our internet needs were met. It was a pleasure working with you and your staff.” Michelle Beckner, American Academy of Audiology
ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
“Forrest Berndt was so helpful, and patient with us, during the planning of our booth/show!! We also worked with Ashley Tolan, who was so great, assisting us getting in the final paperwork/ prints. We always enjoy working with the Orlando Smart City Team. Your people are nice, helpful and knowledgeable about the products/ services you offer.” Christine White – WIPRO at SAP
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
09
CE N T E R U PDAT E S CORPORATE - LAS VEGAS:
FUN TIMES W ITH MUSICA L PA INTING A ND TE A M BUILDING WORKSHOP
Smart City Las Vegas personnel recently had their first corporate-wide team-building event, Teams Work 2016, last May 25. The event was a whole day occasion, which began with a town hall led by Smart City Networks president, Mark Haley. Mark talked about corporate life and how to function in it productively. After the town hall, the group enjoyed an activity called “Musical Painting.” Participants sat in front of blank canvases and an instructor walked them through how to paint the artwork. After each section was completed, team members walked around the table of canvases and sat in front of the nearest easel to paint the next section of the artwork. This went on until the team members were back in front of the canvases they originally started with and gave final touches to the piece. The team had lunch before leaving for Spanish Trails for a seminar. Rapport Leadership International speaker, Michelle Fonseca, then talked about the pre-assigned reading, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and how decluttering is important to day-to-day life. The team capped off the event with finger food and drinks at the venue. The purpose of the event was to show how teamwork can make people more productive and make goals easier to reach.
LONG BEACH:
SE ASIDE BRIDGE CONSTRUC TION PROJEC T UNDERWAY A major improvement project is currently underway at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, where construction of the Seaside Bridge Construction Project is in full swing. The Seaside Way Pedestrian Bridge project will provide a bridge connecting the existing Convention Center Walkway that parallels Pine Avenue west of the convention center to the walkway and parking structure area of the convention center theater between Collins Way and Hart Place. Bridge construction began on April 25, and the project is scheduled for 210 days of work. The pedestrian bridge is scheduled for completion before the 2017 Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix.
10
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
TEAM MEMBER MILESTONES
20 YEARS Smart City Los Angeles’s Customer Sales & Services Manager, Robbie Bridges, celebrates her 20th anniversary presented with the Recognition of Service by Smart City LA GM Henry De La Rosa.
N E W A R R I VA L S
Smart City San Diego CSSR Naomi Bonami welcomed her son Preston Grant Yeargin into the world weighing 4 lbs 12 oz.
BOOSTS KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER
“I just wanted to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of you for your help and support at the National Farm show this past week (including Gabriel, who set us up in the booth). Your team response for the iPads was and is outstanding. I cannot say thank you enough, your customer support and quick response was greatly appreciated.” Hope Nielsen, GES Account Executive
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
WE CARE DALLAS:
FREDDY FIELD REOPENS Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks, the nation’s largest provider of event telecommunications and technology services for the conventions industry, announced today that Freddy Field has reopened after receiving significant renovations from funds donated by Smart City Networks, the current preferred technology provider at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The grand reopening ceremony took place Monday, April 4 with community members and dignitaries in attendance. Freddy Field was built in 2011 to honor the life of the late Federico "Freddy" Garcia, who passed away unexpectedly. The community-based, memorial soccer field in the Dallas neighborhood where he was born and raised provides a safe environment for local children, America SCORES Dallas participants, and the entire community. “Smart City is thrilled to support the renovation of Freddy Field. Having played and coached soccer for over 40 years, I know the benefits of organized sports like soccer and how it aids in our kids’ development. The foundation of that is having a safe place to play at like Freddy Field,” said Haley. “We are excited to have had this opportunity to give back to our community and fulfill Smart City’s commitment to being a good corporate citizen in this great city.” Through the years, Freddy Field fell into disrepair and required significant renovations to continue providing a safe place for community members to play soccer. With help from Smart City, the Maple Lawn Community once again can utilize the field in honor of the late Federico "Freddy" Garcia. In attendance of the grand reopening, and dressed to play, was Dallas City Councilman Adam Medrano, Dallas Independent School District Trustee Miquel Solis, and, in addition to Haley, Smart City representatives Tim Wortman, (Regional Vice President), and Chris Pendleton (Dallas General Manager) who all participated in a pickup soccer game. >Additional link: https://thehub.dallasisd.org/2016/04/06/maple-lawn-scores-renovated-soccer-field-with-10000donation-video/
SAN ANTONIO:
SM A RT CIT Y A S SIS T S SPORT CLIPS DURING "SH AV E THE DAY" The Sport Clips National Convention (Huddle) was held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas the week of April 4. They asked for help to “shave the day” and break records for kids with cancer. Guillermo Huerta (Customer Sales & Service Manager) answered the call. Sport Clips’ goal was to reach $50,000. They exceeded that goal and raised more than $110,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation!
12
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
AND GIVE BACK HOUSTON:
GRB RUNS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR RISE SCHOOL On April 16, the Smart City George R. Brown team participated in the Rise & Shine 5k Walk/Run, a charity event for the Rise School. The Rise School of Houston is a pre-school affiliate of Texas Children’s Hospital, where children with and without disabilities learn together and prepare for kindergarten. Children are accepted regardless of their parents’ ability to pay, and events such as the Rise & Shine 5K Walk/Run help raise funds for scholarships. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Jesse Gallegos (Technician), Tim Wortman (Vice
President, East Operations), Nick Gwinn (Electrician), Alexis Mayfield (Event Coordinator), and Kyoko Clark (Customer Service Manager, Houston Region).
WASHINGTON, DC:
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM HOSTS DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) was held in Washington, D.C. on April 26, and Julia Slocombe, Smart City’s Vice President of Regional Operations, participated in the event. The Women’s Leadership Forum focuses on topics that are unique to women in the exhibitions and events industry. As part of the day’s festivities, the WLF hosted Dress for Success. The Dress for Success event promotes economic independence in women, and provides professional attire for job interviews to women in need. Julia was one of several women in attendance who donated gently used clothing.
PICTURED ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Marsha Flanagan (Vice President of
Learning Experiences, IAEE), Julia Slocombe (West Regional Vice President), and Joyce Watson (Director of Events, Walter E. Washington Convention Center).
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
13
EMPLOYEE OF STERLING OAKLAND
Operations Manager - Smart City San Diego
MARCH
As Operations Manager in San Diego, Sterling has lead an operations team that supported the highest revenue year to date, including the highest revenue show to date. At the same time, he has lead the numerous technology upgrade projects from RFP to installation here, which includes a new PBX system, DAS installation, Motorola 2-way radio system, and high density wireless network. Sterling is very knowledgeable of internet technology and constantly keeps up with the latest technological trends. Without a doubt, he follows one very important Business Principal and that is he “continually improves processes.”
the Best” and he is.
Sterling’s patience and ability to step in and help, have been invaluable to our team. He is informative and always there with a solution. We “Seek
I am proud to be associated with Sterling as a fellow employee. Nominated by: Donna Kacmarcik
KAREN ARGENT
Human Resources Generalist - Smart City Corporate
APRIL
Karen has been very instrumental in ensuring a smooth open enrollment process for the 2016-2017 plan year. She provided several training sessions via web-ex and has worked diligently to gather information for all new additions to the 2016-2017 plan year. Through Karen’s continuous efforts, all Wellness Program questionnaires and Tobacco Cessation forms were completed by due date and entered into the ADP system. All updated/new enrollments have successfully been completed in ADP and will now allow for new cards to be generated. Karen worked tirelessly with all employees needing extra support to ensure their benefits selections were completed accurately and timely. Karen has proven to be a valuable Benefits Administrator and vital part of the HR Team. Nominated by: JP Windle
14
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
THE MONTH DONNITA BUTLER A ND JA SMINE DERO
Event Coordinator and CSSR - Smart City Washington, DC
M AY
This past month, the Walter E Washington Convention Center, had developed into a delicate situation, created by a staff transition in our leadership team. As much as we would have liked for time, and show activity, to slow down during this process…this is Washington DC folks, a very active convention destination, and the month of April did not disappoint. Donnita Butler and Jasmine Dero immediately stepped into action. Donnita provided scheduling support for the customer service team as well as taking a lead role with communication in building staff meetings and notifying clients of priority 1 & 2 events that she will be her point of contact moving forward. Jasmine provided additional support by taking over priority 3 & 4 events and started the process of quote creation for her show management contacts. All while continuing day-to-day CSSR responsibilities. Our Motto,which is geared towards our clients, is “In a hectic world we provide peace of mind.” And Donnita and Jasmine took this one step further and not only provided peace of mind for our building clients and the internal team, but recognized that their membership and active participation in several teams have ultimately resulted in the teams collective success. Congratulations Donnita and Jasmine! PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Donnita Butler, Mike Newton, Jasmine Dero. Nominated by: Dennis O'Gara
BOOSTS FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER
“I just wanted to express how impressed we are with the service we received this weekend from you, Smart City and especially Aaron Kahn. This is not the first time our experience has been exceptional but it was most certainly the most memorable and required the most time. Assuming this was Aaron’s day off makes it all the more impressive. Today is payroll deadline. In addition, we are wrapping up the month of May so the all important “monthly close” was hanging over the team. Crystal came in yesterday to meet with AT&T, Aaron was here early and ready to go and this is in addition to the time he spent on Saturday trying to get us patched up waiting for the AT&T service technician. Hours of time Aaron spent to help us get back up and running and done without impatience or complaints. I, (we), truly appreciate the service we received this weekend!!! Aaron’s attention to detail and his willingness to see everything through to the end is the reason we were able to meet crucial deadlines this morning. As you know, customer service is always on the forefront with Trinity F&B Services and Aaron certainly makes the grade. Outstanding customer service is a direct reflection of company culture and leaders such as your self who drive that culture daily. Thank you for being that leader Janae, and please pass on our appreciation to Aaron. It’s a pleasure to work alongside such outstanding partners here at the FWCC!!” Lance Hamilton, GM Trinity Food & Beverage Services
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016
15
ANNIVERSARIES
EMPLOYEE APRIL 2016 Robbie Bridges Louis Reyes Eleazar Martinez Abel Soto Samantha Heller Sandra Garcia Kelli Bonds George Hunter Nick Gwinn Ivan Gutierrez
20 years 18 years 12 years 12 years 10 years 6 years 5 years 4 years 3 years 2 years
Andrew West Tommie Beltz Ramon Sanchez Juan Carlos Lopez Ray Newcomb Christopher Jones Megan Hullinger Alisal Alisal Daniel Hart Kenneth Kitchell
2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year
37 years 21 years 21 years 16 years 13 years 12 years 11 years
Carlos Reyes Kasandra Williams Courtney Vincent Jackelin Gonzalez Jonathan Wooding Chris Du Pont
8 years 4 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 1 year
16 years 11 years 11 years 10 years 9 years 8 years 7 years
Omar Carro Gabriel Mendoza Carey Dvorak Rani Bush Codey Eichenour Amanda Klotz
6 years 4 years 4 years 3 years 2 years 1 year
MAY 2016 Keith McNeely Dan Noska William Hale Patrick Sarcinella Peggy Cooper Anthony Taylor Tim Overall
JUNE 2016 Laureen Boykin Antonio Delgado Adolfo Ramirez Andrew Brown Pat Johnson Mark Haley Paula Ruiz
16
the PINNACLE • Issue 2, 2016