Lodging professionals continue to work on customer service, improving individual credentials

  • Published
  • By Heather Bass
  • 341st Force Support Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As 2009 has come to a close, the Malmstrom Inns and Suites personnel look back at what has been accomplished and what there is still left to accomplish. This past year, the front desk was remodeled to help the staff better facilitate their guests. The staff at Malmstrom strives to make each guest feel like they are at home. Their efforts paid off and were recognized when they were rated best in customer service for Air Force Inns in 2009.

The Malmstrom Inn is a small Air Force Inn that has 30 temporary living facility units (extended stay suites), eight themed business suites and 45 visiting quarters. The TLF units are split to house both small and large military families that are coming to join Team Malmstrom. They also have three pet TLF units which were added to help military families and their furry family members. Pet units are $10.00 extra per night with a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats). Shot records are required at check in. Eight themed business suites show off the beautiful areas and history of Montana giving each guest a beautiful relaxing sense of Montana. The 45 visiting quarter rooms allow guests to enjoy a relaxed and cozy atmosphere of home away from home.

"It makes me very proud to announce the following accomplishments of my staff," said Nick Drain, Malmstrom Inns and Suites manager. "They worked very hard to put themselves in a category known as the 'Best of the Best.' It was announced recently by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association that the below listed individuals earned the following professional designations. Please congratulate them when you see them."

Paige Held is now a Certified Hospitality Supervisor and is working towards her Certified Front Desk Manager.

Harold Jones is a Certified Front Desk Representative and is working towards CHS.

Patricia Rodriguez is a Certified Front Desk Representative who is also working towards CHS.

Karl Tucker joins Mr. Jones and Ms. Rodriquez as a Certified Front Desk Representative working towards CHS.

Justin Charfauros is a Certified Guestroom Attendant.

Andrew Tuttle is Certified Guestroom Attendant.

Carmen Grounds is a Certified Guestroom Attendant.

Airman 1st Class Patrick O'Shaughnessy has completed supervision in the hospitality industry and is testing for CHS within the next 45 days.

Heather Bass has completed supervision in the hospitality industry and is testing for CHS within the next 45 days.

Janet Patterson, lodging trainer, has put forth great effort ensuring these staff members stayed on course and completed all work assignments. She spent many hours mentoring the entire lodging staff in their pursuit of excellence. Ms. Patterson currently holds the following professional certifications: Certified Lodging Manager, Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive, Certified Hospitality Department Trainer, Certified Hospitality Traier and Certified Hospitality Supervisor. She is currently working towards her Certified Rooms Deivision Executive.

Corrina Dahlin, front desk manager, and Antonio Hicks, assistant front desk manager, also provided mentoring to their staff and served as role models. Both also earned their CHS certifications this summer and are currently working towards their CFDM.