The Holidays Are Here!

When the smell of sweet gingerbread fills the air, it is a sign that the holidays are really here! If you are traveling to our Resort this Thanksgiving Holiday or within the next few weeks, there is no ignoring the Gingerbread Village displayed within our Chateau Lobby. This year's Gingerbread Village took over 100 hours and contains the following ingredients:

• 100 Pounds of Gingerbread
• 200 Pounds of Powdered Sugar
• 40 Pounds of Egg Whites
• 100 Ice Cream Cones
• 100 Peppermint Balls
• 5 Pounds of Peppermint Starlite Mints
• 5 Pounds of Spearmint Starlite Mints
• 100 Gum Balls
• 500 Graham Crackers
• 60 Nerd Ropes
• 5,000 Jelly Beans
• 144 Kit Kats
• 5 Pounds of Gumdrops
• 5 Pounds of Chocolate Non-Pareils
• 2 Pounds of Mini M&M's
• 250 Mini Candy Canes
• 3.5 Pounds of Hershey Kisses
• 2 Pounds of Nerds
• 200 Candy Canes
• 2 Pounds of Marshmallows
• 1 Pound of Red Hots
• 5 Pounds of Chocolate Rocks
• Swedish Fish
• 200 Hershey Bars
• 180 Twizzlers
• 5 Pounds of Pretzels
• 4 Pounds of Shredded Wheat
• 5 Pounds of Candy Blocks
• 5 Pounds of Snaps
• 5 Pounds of Sports Balls
• 50 Life Savers
• 1,000 Frooties
• 10 Pounds of Jelly Wreaths
• 100 Blow Pops
• 80 Andes Candies
• 20 Pounds of Fake Snow

A special thanks to all the associates who worked to build this delicious masterpieces for all to enjoy! Happy Holidays from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort!

ATM Fees and Lollipops?

I discussed the simplicities of the loyalty phenomenon in a previous post this summer. It’s the acknowledgment, the sense of urgency and sincerity that make the experience and set the foundation for loyal customers. And then, there are lollipops!

I have been a PNC customer for years, traveling past ten different banks to get to our local branch. Recently, PNC purchased a regional bank and opened a new branch closer to our house. So, naturally my wife decides to start using the new branch closer to home. With a car full of kids, she pulls into the new bank and the crying and screaming begins! “This isn’t the bank where the nice lady gives us lollipops! I want to go to that bank!”

Now, I bet banks across America spend millions of dollars on lollipops every year. I’m certain that meetings have been held about the money that could be saved by cutting out lollipops. What an easy way to save money, increase profits… and lose customers. Thank you to the new branch of PNC for not cutting out lollipops. You still have me.

Steve Yastrow wrote in his book “Brand Harmony” that “the strength of a brand impression in a customer’s mind is not built through powerful messages but by messages that harmonize in the customer’s brain.”

Nothing harmonizes a four year old’s brain like lollipops! And nothing harmonizes in this customer’s brain like happy four year olds, regardless of the increased ATM fees!

Chris Plummer
General Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Thank You Veterans!

It was in 1938 when Congress passed legislation designating November 11 as “a day dedicated to the cause of world peace to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day,' marking the end of World War I and honoring World War I Veterans. Today, November 11 is known as Veteran's Day, a legal holiday that honors Veterans of all wars and the military currently serving. As we honor our military service men and women today we should take a moment to look back on what this nation over the years has overcome. While in the wake of the Fort Hood tragedy, a national holiday that should each year hold a strong significance seems to take on a stronger sense of gratitude and meaning this year. This reminds us of an opportunity our Resort had this past September when various squadrons from the 911th Airlift Wing set to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, stayed at Nemacolin for a few days for a program that was designated to ease the leading deployment for these troops and their families. During their stay our resort and our associates truly felt that we had experienced an opportunity to give back to them for the sacrifices they make each day for us. This Veteran's Day Nemacolin would like to take a moment and thank the 911th Airlift Wing, we are thinking of you and your families. We would also like thank you thank ALL our nations’ military, past and present for the commitment and sacrifices they make daily. Let’s not just thank you during this day but everyday for what you do.

Aqueous Is Moving To Autumn

Just as the seasons change in the beautiful hills of the Laurel Highlands in Farmington, Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort begins preparing for their new seasonal offerings. The most wonderful, welcoming and highly anticipated change of the season… Aqueous is moving into Autumn.

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, unlike years past, our Aqueous team of service and culinary professionals will be moving in with our established Autumn professionals for you to continue to enjoy the award-winning cuisine and service all year long!

We welcome guest's opinions and ideas and more importantly, we listen. Aqueous Restaurant has become a favorite among Nemacolin's Restaurant Collection. A modern steakhouse with a focus on locally raised meats and produce, Aqueous has seen much success and high demand! Since Aqueous closes with Falling Rock Hotel, Nemacolin is proud to announce that the Aqueous' menu and Chef, Sean Eckman will be relocating during the winter season to Autumn! Starting November 4, 2009, guests can dine at Autumn but enjoy the flavors and options only previously available at Aqueous Restaurant. Stay tuned... a new restaurant option will be arriving during the Spring 2010!

A Message From Nemacolin Regarding The Sacred White & Black Buffalo

To All Interested Parties:

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has recently been blessed by receiving both a white and black buffalo from a local resident. We have since discovered that there is sacred significance to a wide variety of people throughout the world. We understand that there is a responsibility not only to ensure the care and good health of these animals, but also to allow them to be seen and experienced by everyone. It is our goal to promote education and knowledge not only of the buffalo themselves, but also of their historical and spiritual significance.

Recently, there has been some confusion and questions about the Resort’s opinions and actions regarding these animals. Nemacolin has, and will continue to, make all of our animals available to the public. We do not discriminate against, nor at this time endorse, any specific group or individual. It is our hope that all who have interest in coming to the property will do so in a respective manner. We have made the viewing of these animals available for no cost or fee to anyone, and should you be a representative of a group or an individual with interest in holding a ceremony or event, we would be most interested in assisting in any way we can, so please contact us directly.

Again, please understand that our interest is for the well being of the animals and to ensure that access to them is open to all.

Warm regards,
Trey Matheu
General Manager

Nemacolin's August Associates of the Month

When we receive stories and testimonials from our guests we know that the reason for their experiences and the reason for their return is due to the hard work and passion of our associates. John DiJulius, author, consultant, nationally recognized speaker, the "Authority" in World-Class Customer Service has many times said, "World Class Service is not something you deliver… it is a result of something you are." These Nemacolin Associates exemplify customer service standards and we would like to thank and acknowledge them.

2009 August Associates of the Month

August - Front of the House
Donna Fike - The Woodlands Spa Massage Therapist

August - Heart of the House
Jeff Summerson - Engineering

August - Rising Star of the Month
Andrea Camp - Banquets

August - Leader of the Month
Meryl Elliot - Garde Manager

Hurry Up!

October 10, 2009

The leaves covering the mountains of the Laurel Highlands are in full color assault right now. It is spectacular! This weekend and next will be the best weekends for viewing and the weather forecast looks great.

These photos were taken in Ohiopyle State Park which borders Nemacolin. Ohiopyle is the largest state park in Pennsylvania covering over 19,000 acres. Famous for white water kayaking and rafting, the park also has incredible hiking, camping and biking.

The Great Allegheny Passage passes right through the heart of this eclectic town. The GAP trail connects Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. and is perfect for every level of rider. Hint to all of our D.C. friends stuck in traffic on 270 heading to resort, avoid all that mess and bike here with your family via the GAP trail! Okay, that may be pushing it but make sure you check out Ohiopyle State Park on your next trip.

Of course, we have made it easy to escape the next two weekends and view the fall foliage with our Autumn Escape Package. See you this weekend!