Notre collègue Les Clefs d’Or Canada, Alain Ethier, concierge au Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré, a été l’heureux récipiendaire de la Bourse Jamil Demers 2023. Il s’est vu remettre un chèque de $3000 lors de notre “Gala de Remise des Clefs d’Or et de Reconnaissance Envers nos Directeurs Généraux”, qui a eu lieu le 11 décembre au chic supperclub Yoko Luna.
(English text below)
Jamil, lui-même, était présent lors de cette belle soirée pour remettre le chèque à Alain.
La Bourse Jamil Demers vise à aider un concierge de la région de Montréal à assister à un congrès National, Panaméricain ou International. La Bourse annuelle de $3000, sera remise à un concierge Les Clefs d’Or différent à chacune des trois prochaines années, soit 2023, 2024 et 2025.
Dear Members, Corporate & Professional Affiliates, Vendors and Friends of Les Clefs d’Or Canada,
On behalf of the entire National Board, I want to wish you all a most wonderful Christmas and New Year! As the concierge, we are the friendly face in the hotel lobby for our valued guests who have decided to spend Christmas away from home. Now is the perfect time to show why Les Clefs d’Or is known across the world as the benchmark of warm hospitality. Let those gold keys shine brightly!
De la part du Comité Exécutif National, je désire vous souhaiter à tous un merveilleux Noël et une Bonne Année! En tant que concierges, nous sommes le visage amical dans le lobby pour nos chers invités qui auront choisi de passer le temps des Fêtes loin de la maison. C’est le moment parfait pour démontrer pourquoi Les Clefs d’Or sont reconnus à travers le monde comme le modèle de l’hospitalité chaleureuse. Faisons briller nos Clefs d’Or de tous leurs feux!
During the first six months of our new board, it has been such a pleasure to see so many smiles on your faces and passion in your hearts for our beloved industry and association. Long may it continue!
“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. That’s how the famous adage goes about the Entertainment capital of the world. So please forgive me if I had to let this cat out of the bag.
Attending meetings and congresses always interests me. Something with seeing old friends and seeing friends get old amuses me. It is definitely a fun and educational experience. The best thing about Congresses is that you get to know more people that will be part of your network. There was an old saying that goes “a Concierge is only as good as his contacts. At the end of the day it is still a business where it is about who you know and what they can do for you and your guests, and vis versa.
The recently concluded North American Congress was no different, there was the typical exchange of hugs, kisses, handshakes, and whatnot. However, this congress felt different to me. Having attending several congresses in the past, this congress somehow was special. Please allow me to elaborate.
In Las Vegas we held our Annual General Membership meeting face to face. Just the second time we have since the pandemic hit the global tourism industry. It was nice to see familiar faces and meet new ones. What made is special is that we paid tribute to our members who have dedicated a great deal of their time, knowledge, experience, and patience to the association. Seeing their unending dedication and passion towards Les Clefs d’Or is very admirable and inspiring. There were few who were present during the meeting. Toni D, Andre P, Geoff A, Verinda D, and Alain L. all received their long-service pin. Most of them for being part of the association for more than 30 years! Yes, 30 years! The best part is, there are more members with longer tenure in the association. Lanfranco from Ontario is retiring after 45 years! If that does not inspire you, then I do not know what will.
We also have the changing of the guards, with the new National Leadership led by my good friend, Dillon Carfoot. He will lead our country to the next level. But the most special thing to me was seeing all the younger members stepping up to the plate and dedicating themselves to the association. The collective passion from the younger members was overflowing and it was very heartwarming. I can say for certain that the future of Les Clef d’Or Canada is going to be brighter. There was a lot of respect between the young and the old. The standing ovation that the veteran members have received from the next generation was just too much for me. I have to be honest, I shed a tear or two when Alain’s name was called. Only to find out we are both cry-babies.
That is the power of Les Clefs d’Or. The power that brings people together. The power the bridges generational gap. Everyone learning from everyone.
As we wrapped up the congress, it felt like there we no more regions. No one is from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Niagara, Montreal, Quebec, and Atlantic. We all came from oneplace and we are one family. The Les Clefs d’Or Canada Family.
I would like to end this post with snippet from Alain’s speech upon receiving his 30 year pin.
Les Clefs d’Or Canada is honoured to present you the new Executive Committee that will be representing the Association for the next two years.
Dillon Carfoot
Chef Concierge Oak Bay Beach Hotel
President of Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Dillon has been an active member of Les Clefs d’Or since 2004, he has completed successful terms on both the Regional and national Boards with the following positions: Regional Treasurer, Regional Vice Director, Regional Director, National Secretary and two terms as National Vice President.
He has attended 23 congresses and holds two Certificates of Excellence.
Very passionate about hospitality industry, with his passion, dedication and knowledge, Dillon will lead the association into a brighter future.
Ronaldo Breton
Chef concierge at the Hazelton Hotel.
National Treasurer of Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Shortly after graduating from their Management and Concierge Service Program, he began his concierge career with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, working both in Toronto and Lake Louise. The opening of Toronto’s first luxury hotel in 2008 brought his passion for service to The Hazelton Hotel. In 2011, he was promoted to Chef Concierge, giving him the opportunity to lead and inspire a discreet team of professional concierges who strive to create personal relationships and anticipate every guest’s needs.
Ronaldo has been a member of the prestigious international concierge association, Les Clefs d’Or Canada, since November of 2003. He became a member of the Ontario Region Board of Directors for Les Clefs d’Or Canada in 2009, first occupying the position of Treasurer before becoming Vice-Director and Director for two mandates. Currently, he is serving as National Treasurer of Les Clefs d’Or Canada.
Jordan Ongtangco
Concierge at Executive Hotel Le Soleil Vancouver
National Secretary Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Jordan is a Global Concierge with 22 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry. A passionate Les Clefs d’Or Member admitted to the society of the Golden Keys in 2003 under the mentorship of the late Andy Pongco.
He was the General Secretary of Les Clefs d’Or Phillippines. Six years ago he decided to call Vancouver home, he applied to get his keys back and once he got them he jumped right back into the game.
Jordan brings with him the warmth of Manila sun that burns the Les Clefs d’Or fire in him.
Maleni Rendón Chávez
Chef Concierge at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Public Relations Director of Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Maleni is a young Concierge, very passionate about exclusivity and guest service.
She started her Concierge career while she was finishing college.
She had the chance to make an internship in Quebec, where she was quickly asked to go back working the next season, and it was like that when in 2018 she decided to finally settle in Quebec. She received her keys in November 2021, and since then she has been working close with the director in various projects.
Her passion for media and marketing sparked when she discover her love for photography, she has been since then producing engaging online content and researching opportunities across the media channels.
Maleni looks forward to use her knowledge and passion to bring Les Clefs d’Or to the next level.
Sheron Empey , Concierge, Fairmont Pacific Rim, will be representing Canada as she runs for an International position General Secretary at the 67th UICH Congress held in Turkey this March 2023!
We are excited to share her story, her journey, and now her quest to enter the International section of Les Clefs d’Or.
“For the past eight years, as a Founding Member and Co-Chair of the Education and Training Committee, I have worked diligently to connect the membership through our education programs; an Educational Day at a congress and our on-line seminars. It has been extremely rewarding and enriching to meet and work with colleagues from across the globe to encourage them to participate, exchange ideas and showcase their talents.
For those who know me and have worked alongside me, my strengths are my organizational and communication skills. These skills were paramount when serving as the National Secretary on the Board of Directors of Les Clefs d’Or Canada for six years. Working closely with the other National Board Members we successfully introduced new guidelines and protocols to strengthen and grow our membership. Ready for a new opportunity, I ran for and was elected as the Director of the BC Region of Les Clefs d’Or Canada. During these four years I developed strong leadership skills and introduced educational initiatives to engage our membership.
I was proud to Co-Chair the Pan American Congress in Vancouver 2008 and to be on the Organizing Committees of our National Congress in Whistler 2010 and Banff 2019.
When I attended my first International Congress in Athens 2001, I recall being impressed meeting Section Presidents and members of the Executive Committee as I observed them administer the business of Les Clefs d’Or. It reinforced my belief in the concierge profession and drove my desire to participate and contribute to this association. Fifteen International congresses later, my commitment to serve has not wavered.
If elected, as General Secretary I will work closely with the President to manage the affairs of the Executive Committee and to ensure open lines of communication with the Board of Directors. As Les Clefs d’Or “Charts a new Course”, we must look to the future while honouring our traditions, enrich our relationships with partners and continue to involve and educate our hotels of the benefits of having a Les Clefs d’Or concierge in their lobby.
We have all recently learned that by being open to change, new opportunities await us. A member for 26 years, my time on the National Board of Canada and the numerous committees I have co-chaired have all given me the experience required to succeed in this role. I have proven to be a quiet achiever; the strength behind the team. It would be my privilege and honour to serve the membership with humility, respect and integrity as your General Secretary.” – Sheron Empey
Established in 2008, the Les Clefs d’Or Award celebrates and recognizes the talents and accomplishments of young Concierges.
Meet Michael Lombardi, candidate for the 2023 Les Clefs d’Or Award. Michael served on the Regional Board for Alberta as Vice Director in 2015, and then transitioned back to his home in Alliston, Ontario later that year. He was instantly welcomed into the Ontario Region and soon became the Vice Director for one term and is now the Director of the Ontario Region , now serving his second term.
Michael endured and continues to guide his region through one of the toughest economic downfalls of the Great Lockdown, the worst recession since the Great Depression, and far worse than the Global Financial Crisis. As the recovery starts with a return of his members to their concierge roles , Michael strives to keep his region strong and united.
He fosters strong partnerships with hospitality and tourism sponsors, he is one of strongest regional fund raisers and one of the leading regions in best practices, sustainability, and in growth and development in memberships of Les Clefs d’Or Canada.
We are very proud to stand beside him on this International stage running against top contenders in the world at the 67th UICH International Congress in Turkey in March 2023.
All the participants of the competition wrote an article about their hometown for “The Key to The City” section on Les Clefs d’Or website under the travel section.
Here you will discover his story and The Key to his City of Alliston, Ontario, on the Les Clefs d’Or website under the travel section;
It brings me great pleasure to introduce you to one of our esteemed members with the newest shining Forbes 5 Star, Robert Redmile , Assistant Chef Concierge at The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto.
I had the wonderful privilege to interview Robert to find that he is brilliantly funny, charming , quick witted and sharp oxford knowledge of his Concierge Profession.
Some great inspiration, fun, and Forbes 5 Star Journey , here is Robert Redmille….
Q&A with Robert Redmille, Assistant Chef Concierge, The Hazelton Hotel, Toronto
*What sparked your interest in hospitality? What made you choose the Concierge role?At the beginning of my career, I was working for TD Bank and lived at the Sutton Place in Vancouver for two months on a work assignment. It was an eye-opening experience and I so impressed with how the hotel team made me feel every day. When I moved back to Toronto, I had an opportunity to assist a friend with a restaurant opening and never looked back. I joined the O&B team overseeing food & beverage programming as well as private dining. Wanting to expand my hospitality knowledge, I was hired by Toni Daoud as a concierge at The St. Regis. I pushed my service standards even further when I joined The Hazelton Hotel team as a concierge. The Hazelton Hotel is the first and only independent luxury boutique hotel to achieve a Forbes Five Star rating and I am so proud to be a member of this team, assisting to elevate the guest experience every day.
We are thrilled to share with you and episode of Tourism Jasper’s Venture Beyond Series featuring our very own Naji Khouri, Director of Guest Experiences and VIP Concierge, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Enjoy Naji’s story below!
“Jasper is like a feeling, when you are in the National Park, there is a certain feeling, its unique , its a reflective feeling, its hard to find in any other place, and once you felt it, you’ll know” -Naji Khouri
Tourism Jasper’s Venture Beyond series is about locals who are story tellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Jasper is an authentic Rocky Mountain destination where the greatest personal expeditions begin and explorers from around the world collect to enjoy the activities, accommodations, restaurants of the town of Jasper.
Catherine Leblanc becomes the seventh Les Clefs d’Or Concierge at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, propelling the hotel to the status of establishment with the most Clefs d’Or in Canada! HRI Magazine shares her journey as a Concierge. See below link to read her story!!
Staying in a hotel that employs Les Clefs d’Or concierges provides you with the benefits of our experience and local knowledge. They are your destination experts.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or.
Catherine Leblanc, Concierge, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Membres dans l’actualité ; Catherine Leblanc devient la septième Concierge Les Clefs d’Or au Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, propulsant l’hôtel au rang d’établissement ayant le plus de Clefs d’Or au Canada!
Séjourner dans un hôtel qui emploie les concierges Les Clefs d’Or, c’est bénéficier de notre expérience et de notre connaissance du terrain. Ils sont vos experts en matière de destination.
Être prudent. Rester informé. Séjournez aux Clefs d’Or.
“How a Hotel Concierge can help you during your stay”
Imagine you can travel again. So where do you start planning your travel? You start with reaching out to a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge of the hotel
CAA Magazine and Travel Writer Tracy Tong spend some time with our very own Michael Lombardi, Ontario Regional Director, Chef Concierge at the Notttawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre in Alliston, Ontario. Michael shares travel tips and how reaching out to the Hotel Concierge can assist you with your travels plans and anticipating all your travel needs so that you don’t have to and with safety measures and protocols in place to ensure you are safe.
Staying in a Hotel that employs Les Clefs d’Or Concierge provides you with the benefits of our experience and local expertise. They are your destination experts.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or
Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Convention CentreMichael Lombardi, Chef Concierge/Ontario Regional Director
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From the desk of Maleni Rendon Chavez Public Relations Director, Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Introduction:
This Blog is designed to broadcast news, events and important information about the Les Clefs d’Or Canada Association and its members. It is intended for all Les Clefs d’Or members, affiliates, friends, collaborators and anybody with an interest for hotel business, customer service and tourism in general. We hope you find our articles and pictures interesting, come back regularly, comment and choose to follow our Blog. Thank you for your visit.
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