The General Manager of the Year Award (formerly Hotelier of the Year) recognizes professionalism,
innovation, leadership and community involvement.
innovation, leadership and community involvement.
2017 General Manager of the Year:
Doreen Nelson - GrandStay Hotel & Suites Perham
Doreen worked as a travel agent, ran her own management company and recruited executives in the finance industry before the lodging industry “found” her. Three years ago, she was recruited by the owners of GrandStay Hotel & Suites in Perham and she has hit her stride as the general manager. With her prior experience in travel, property management and recruiting, she’s a perfect fit.
As general manager, one of Doreen’s biggest challenges is keeping up with the changing times in the lodging industry. She has seen GrandStay transition toward a higher volume of online reservations; consequently, they coordinate more stays these days through online travel agencies. Doreen has also noticed that guests are looking for an “experience” with their stay rather than just finding the most economical option. GrandStay now bases their advertisements on the experiences guests can have at the hotel. She understands that guests also like to feel special when staying in a hotel and so her motto is “Guests ALWAYS come first.”
Doreen also recognizes that her employees like to feel special and appreciated, so she recently organized a networking group for all GrandStay general managers and assistant general managers to use one another as a sounding board on improvements to hotel operations and management. Her hard work has paid off as her hotel recently won the GrandStay Hospitality Customer Service Award, along with the Marketing Hotel of the Year.
Beyond the hotel, Doreen is involved in the Perham Chapter Marketing Group and Chamber Ambassadors. She also works with local businesses to put together Stay and Play packages for Perham to help bring more tourism to Perham.
As general manager, one of Doreen’s biggest challenges is keeping up with the changing times in the lodging industry. She has seen GrandStay transition toward a higher volume of online reservations; consequently, they coordinate more stays these days through online travel agencies. Doreen has also noticed that guests are looking for an “experience” with their stay rather than just finding the most economical option. GrandStay now bases their advertisements on the experiences guests can have at the hotel. She understands that guests also like to feel special when staying in a hotel and so her motto is “Guests ALWAYS come first.”
Doreen also recognizes that her employees like to feel special and appreciated, so she recently organized a networking group for all GrandStay general managers and assistant general managers to use one another as a sounding board on improvements to hotel operations and management. Her hard work has paid off as her hotel recently won the GrandStay Hospitality Customer Service Award, along with the Marketing Hotel of the Year.
Beyond the hotel, Doreen is involved in the Perham Chapter Marketing Group and Chamber Ambassadors. She also works with local businesses to put together Stay and Play packages for Perham to help bring more tourism to Perham.
Past Recipients:
- Sue Jung - Hampton Inn & Suites, Alexandria (2016)
- Perry Sloneker - Best Western Plus Chelsea Inn & Suites, Monticello (2015)
- John Luke - Minneapolis Hilton (2014)
- Jason Subbert - TPI Hospitality, Fairmont (2013)
- Mark Dunn - Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch (2012)
- Nancy Vaske - AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Worthington (2011)
- Robert Rivers - Millennium Hotel, Minneapolis (2010)
- David Brott - Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomington (2009)
- Bill Foussard - White Bear Country Inn, White Bear Lake (2008)
- Mike Woitas - Country Inn & Suites, Albert Lea (2007)
- Julie Fuller - Hampton Inn, Shoreview (2006)
- Jim Waldvogel - Crowne Plaza Northstar Minneapolis Hotel, Minneapolis (2005)