November 30, 2022
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Dear Herschend Family,
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re most thankful for, and this year, I’m most thankful for you!
Myself, the Board, and executive leadership are grateful for your ongoing dedication to our collective mission of Creating Memories Worth Repeating. From our hosts to our contact centers and behind-the-scenes support teams, your unwavering efforts to make our guests feel welcome, valued, and loved are greatly appreciated.
I hope those who celebrate enjoyed a wonderful, loved-filled Thanksgiving with family and friends and that we all continue to focus on what we give and share freely – kindness, caring, and gratitude for one another.
God Bless,
Andrew Wexler
CEO, Herschend
Each month, our Inclusiveness Council aims to share content that inspires love in action with the goal of creating an environment at our properties where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and loved. In honor of World Kindness Day on November 13, 2022, here’s a quick video that explains the scientifically proven benefits of being kind to one another. It’s contagious, so let’s pass it on!
With Herschend GROW U., our tuition-free education benefit, veterans can grow their careers while saving their GI Bill for a spouse or dependent.
Key information:
Get started at herschend.guildeducation.com. GROW U. is free for all Herschend employees at all eligible properties, starting on day one of employment. See your HR representative for details.
Get Started
Our commitment to creating memories worth repeating starts from within – find a rewarding career here at Herschend! Check out available positions across the Enterprise by clicking the link below.
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More than 500 needs have been met this year because of your generosity, and now, the culture of generosity and caring that we’re building is spreading beyond our properties. A business owner who helped a Share It Forward recipient with a car repair recently shared this note:
“We were blessed to be a part of meeting a need, thanks to you all. The instant that his engine roared again was a moment of celebration. I could hear the gratitude in his voice and see the spirit lift him up! It’s often the little things like this that lead to a world of opportunity for someone.”
Do you have a message of thanks for those that support Share It Forward? If you, or someone you know, has been positively impacted by Share it Forward, we’d love to hear from you. Send your message of thanks, questions, and or recommendations to office@share-it-forward.org.
The Dollywood Company congratulates president Eugene Naughton for being named by Blooloop, one of its theme park industry “Power 10” professionals. Blooloop.com is one of the world’s most-read sources for attractions industry professionals, with “The Blooloop influencer list highlighting 50 people whose leadership, innovation, and creativity are driving the business forward in this challenging time.” Herschend’s CEO Andrew Wexler was also featured on this year’s list. Congratulations to both!
On Tuesday, November 15, the Vancouver Aquarium celebrated International Day of Zoo & Aquarium Educators by giving a special thanks to the interpreters who connect people from all backgrounds around their shared love for animals, plants, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Meet Pumpkin, the Diamondback Terrapin. He was hatched in November 2020 at Newport Aquarium and has been nurtured under the expert watch of the Animal Care Team ever since. These animals are classified as a vulnerable species due to pollution and destruction of the coastal habitats they call home. That makes it all the more special when one of them is born. As a November baby with orange markings on his belly, Pumpkin proudly shares his name with everyone’s favorite fall squash! Happy Hatch-day Pumpkin!
Kentucky Kingdom is proud to announce that Food & Beverage Senior Supervisor Lisandra Canas has been named the 2022 recipient of the Spirit of Hospitality Award, a Louisville ROSE Award.
The Louisville ROSE Awards annually recognize industry leaders in the area who leave a positive impact on the tourism and hospitality sector. The Spirit of Hospitality Award is given to one nominee who has demonstrated extraordinary hospitality skills and leadership in their career. Canas was chosen from a class of 55 nominees for the award, which came with $1,000 provided by the Louisville Hotel Association. At 16 years old, she is the youngest recipient of this honor.
“We are extremely proud of Lisandra’s dedication to serving guests and our community. She is a constant example of top-notch leadership, leaving a lasting impression on each guest she interacts with. We are so happy to call her a member of our great team.”–Sarah Worrell, Kentucky Kingdom General Manager.
Adventure Aquarium is now certified sensory-inclusive thanks to its partnership with KultureCity, which will help to create a more inclusive and memorable experience for all guests. KultureCity is a non-profit aimed at helping businesses become more inclusive for individuals with sensory processing disorders like autism, ADHD, dementia, and PTSD, which could make a typical trip to the Aquarium too overwhelming to enjoy.
As part of the certification process, the Aquarium’s guest-facing staff underwent training to learn how to respond to and assist guests experiencing sensory issues properly. In addition to staff training, AAQ is now stocked with KultureCity Sensory Bags that include helpful items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards.
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