BOSTON— FEBRUARY 13, 2008— Bob Elam was named manager of the year by the Massachusetts Lodging Association (MLA) last evening in front of over 350 hospitality colleagues at the annual Stars of the Industry awards gala.
At this 12th annual awards reception, lodging industry representatives from the entire state came to Boston to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the nominees. The manager of the year award “honors a manager who has demonstrated outstanding work, exceptional leadership and providing services to guests that exceed normal job responsibilities.”
The Langham, Boston nominated 26-year veteran, Bob Elam. Elam began his career as a laundry attendant and was promoted in 1986 to laundry manager, which is the position he currently holds. He has effectively managed his team with virtually no turnover and has also has had no disciplinary actions with his staff in the last 20 years. He is a strong leader for his team and is an exceptional role model in the hotel.
Serge Denis, managing director of The Langham, Boston said, “Bob Elam has been a pillar to our hotel for the past 26 years. The respect that he has from the entire team is enormous, and most of his team has been working with him for over 10 years. I am so thankful to have him as part of our team.”
His supervisor, rooms division manager, Debbie Freckleton, said, “He works alongside the staff every day and can diagnose the equipment by sound when there is a mechanical problem. In spite of his longevity, Bob has embraced the changes in technology in his department. Many people don’t know the laundry staff, but Bob knows them, their families, their personal stories, and has helped many of them weather personal triumphs and tragedy. Bob is one of the last of an almost extinct hospitality manager, who has worked his way from the ground up and been successful despite his lack of formal hospitality training.
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About The Langham, Boston:
This elegant property, once the Federal Reserve Bank, is a national architectural landmark. An ideal downtown location, the hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and urban sophistication next to the finest shopping and attractions including: Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, the Theater District and the waterfront. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Café Fleuri, offers a brasserie-style restaurant enhanced by lofty atrium ceilings. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and has won AAA’s Four-Diamond award. For information on The Langham, Boston, please visit: http://boston.langhamhotels.com
About Langham:
Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham, London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance, continuous innovation and genuine hospitality creating a truly unique hotel experience
About Langham Hotels International:
Langham Hotels International is the subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based Great Eagle Holdings, spearheaded by Dr. KS Lo, who is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Great Eagle Holdings. Spanning four continents, the group currently features 12 properties either open or under construction, with over 5,000 rooms in 11 cities, namely, Auckland, Beijing, Boston, Chang Chun, Hong Kong, Koh Lanta, London, Melbourne, Pasadena, Shanghai and Toronto. |
