SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
<< Back to all Ambassadors
Gerry Link
General Manager
Hilton Vancouver WA and Vancouver Convention Center
Since graduating the University of Nevada, Las Vegas hotel program, Gerry Link has forged a successful career in sales, marketing and management, moving from New England ski lodges to Arizona golf resorts, Florida marinas and tennis clubs. What coaxed him from the sun, sand and slopes of the luxury resort world? The opportunity to open and operate a uniquely-designed, single structure hotel-convention center owned by the City of Vancouver, Washington and managed by Hilton Hotels. And, as Link notes, "the opportunity to be a part of the community, a point of pride and to be looked upon to help lift the market."
In 2005, you opened the largest meeting facility in Southwest Washington, featuring a 226-room hotel and 30,000-square-foot convention center. What was the vision behind it?
We had four goals in the beginning. First, new job creation. Second, we intended to bring new meeting and convention business to Vancouver. Third, we wanted to assist the local economic development organizations recruit new businesses to Vancouver. And finally, we needed to be able to be financially sound. We have succeeded on all of these goals.
What convention market segments do you target?
We really are targeting all markets with the new facility. We have the opportunity to target and bring new programs to town. Groups that met here when they were smaller [but outgrew Vancouver] have the opportunity to come back, now that we have the extra space. Some have returned 20 years after last meeting here.
You built green and seem to have built a reputation as well.
We built in a sustainable manner and currently are the only Hilton property to be LEED certified. We opened in June 2005 and our sustainable features have been providing exposure for the city and the hotel ever since. Just after opening, we made the New York Times travel section. We were also featured in Lodging Hospitality magazine, Sunset and were named Travel + Leisure's Eco Hotel of the Year in 2005. In April 2008, we added Green Seal certification and became the first hotel in the world to have both. Also, our sustainability has benefited our vendors and local partners through positive media coverage.
It seems, then, that while you left Arizona, Florida and other formidable tourism markets behind, national attention and market development opportunities followed you.
With our LEED certification and Green Seal we proved that a branded hotel can achieve this, too. We broke the stereotype. It's a competitive advantage, so we make sustainability a part of our DNA. What they [customers] will remember most about this hotel is service and staff – we can't lose sight of what our core business is. You won't stay with us just because we're sustainable. But, doing the right thing has opened a lot of doors for this hotel at the national level.
How's the 2009 outlook?
Business is off a bit, as it is everywhere. But Vancouver continues to establish a reputation for value. In this climate, some big cities and resort destinations may be seen as too glamorous. But, groups still have the need to meet. Vancouver offers value and is also a wonderful place to meet.
When a group is in your facility, do they get to experience the local businesses in the Vancouver area? Yes, and local businesses love to hear about meeting groups whose schedules include open meal programs and time for shopping. We try to keep them informed and are very active and involved around the community. We've tried to make the convention center a hub for regional business meetings and our staff and management teams are encouraged to be a part of committees and groups around town.
What else do meeting and convention attendees like to see and do while in the area?
We have Fort Vancouver, Officers Row, Pearson Air Museum, the Historic Reserve and other historical sites going back to Lewis & Clark. There are wonderful dining options in the area and shopping is popular downtown, among other retail destinations. We have a wildlife refuge, six wineries now and many two-state attractions such as the Columbia River Gorge.
After four years in the area, how do you like Vancouver, Washington?
I absolutely love it. I was told that once I came up I wouldn't want to leave, and I haven't. The people are fantastic. Vancouver is close to everything. Skiing, the beaches, wineries are all so close.
Why does tourism matter?
Tourism benefits our community and our economy. And, speaking personally and professionally, I absolutely love what I do. I don't think you can have any more fun than in working with people every day - both with staff and guests. Tourism has provided me an opportunity to see the country, see the world and see both through a different perspective.
<< Back to all Ambassadors
|
