Visitors who plan to enter Yosemite National Park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend, any day between June 15 and August 15, or Labor Day weekend are likely to need a reservation
whether they plan in advance or decide last minute
It also spreads visitation across the day so that visitors have a better experience
Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous scenery, including high cliffs, deep valleys, tall waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and a large wilderness. Millions of people visit Yosemite each year to experience its beauty and its many opportunities for enjoyment
Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go
A unique re-creation of the night Elvis Presley returned to the stage in 1969 is set for Thursday, July 31, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
The one-night-only concert by tribute artist Travis Powell is part of Westgate's yearlong celebration of Presley's 90th birthday
performance on the same stage (the hotel-casino was then known as the International) kicked off a remarkable run of 636 sold-out shows over seven years
whose grandmother made him his own Elvis jumpsuit when he was just 5 years old
has dedicated his career to honor Presley's legacy
Nine backup singers and an eight-piece band will accompany him to replicate the original concert with the exact setlist
Songs include "Suspicious Minds," "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Blue Suede Shoes," "All Shook Up," "In the Ghetto" and "Are You Lonesome Tonight."
• Related: Las Vegas icons, and where to find them
"Elvis Presley's legacy is woven into the very fabric of Westgate Las Vegas," said Dawn Rawle
senior vice president of marketing and entertainment at Westgate
"'1969 Live Concert: The King Returns' is more than just a show
it's a journey back to the night Elvis redefined Las Vegas entertainment."
Tickets for "1969 Live Concert: The King Returns" (expected to be about 90 minutes) start at just $10 (plus tax and fees)
Guests are encouraged to dress in stylish late-1960s fashion
• Related: Barry Manilow signs lifetime deal with the Westgate
After the concert, an encore is planned in the Cabaret Theater. Free, nonstop performances from the Westgate's Elvis tribute show, "The King Comes Home," will feature Presley's classics.
The Edge Steakhouse will also offer a special Love Me Tender prix fixe menu ($120 per person) from July 31 through Aug. 3. This three-course meal will include lobster bisque; a seven-ounce filet and five-ounce lobster tail; and dessert.
by Ari Notis
but you won’t be able to open it until you’ve drafted a few particular rooms beforehand
Here’s how to open the West Gate in Blue Prince
and a little bit about what you get for doing so
To open the West Gate in Blue Prince, you’ll need to draft the Utility Closet and the Garage on the same day
You don’t need to draft the Utility Closet (also home to the breaker box puzzle) before drafting the Garage
but you’ll need to draft it before trying to open the garage door
That’ll allow you to open the garage door after you’ve drafted the Garage
The Garage can only be constructed on the furthest west (left-most) column of your floor plan
then go left at the fork to unlatch the West Gate from behind
which leads to a chamber allowing you to build outer rooms — blueprints that tend to grant helpful boons
Revealing the West Path is a permanent upgrade
so once you go through the above steps once
you’ll have access to outdoor rooms at the start of all future runs
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For fantastic rock formations and intriguing caves, Pinnacles National Park can't be beaten
The 26,000-acre playground is home to an array of wildlife and diverse landscapes with hiking trails winding through chaparral
bird watching and cave exploration are also popular activities within the park
There are two entry points into this outdoor adventure haven
The east gate is accessible through Hollister while the west gate is located in Soledad
but we recommend visitors from the Monterey region use the west gate entrance (and not just because it’s in Monterey County)
Read on to see why the west gate entrance is a Pinnacle's best-kept secret.
Getting to the west gate from Monterey is a breeze. From Highway 68 jump on Highway 101 south with quick access to Soledad. From here you take rural Highway 146 east winding you through beautiful vistas of vineyards and views of the Salinas Valley ag fields
You will be amazed at how different the landscape and climate ranges throughout the 55-mile journey
After you hit the entrance gate be sure to stop by at the Visitor Contact Station
Here you can pay your entry fee ($25 per car)
purchase souvenirs and gain expert advice into the park
Place your receipt on your dashboard and continue to drive to one of the parking lots
The main Chaparral parking lot can fill up quickly
but ample overflow parking is available just a convenient turn away.
Pinnacles National Park boasts more than 30 miles of trails ranging from flat grasslands to steep rocky inclines
Several trailheads begin at the parking areas from the west gate including the Balconies Cave Loop through dark talus passages and the High Peaks Trails for up-close views of the rocky spires the Pinnacles is most known for
Find more information on hiking trails in the west Pinnacles area
and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure
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Over the past year, you may have noticed construction walls going up across Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Behind those walls – and all over our campus – AUS staff and our project partners are hard at work improving your travel experience through our Journey With AUS airport expansion program
A key near-term project of our Journey With AUS program
The West Gate Expansion will add 84,500 square feet and bring new amenities to the Barbara Jordan Terminal
Airport Expansion and Development (AEDP) Construction Manager and Robert Mercado
AUS Program Manager for an inside scoop into what it takes to deliver a large project like the West Gate Expansion
Artist’s conceptual rendering – West Gate Expansion exterior
Can you tell us a little about your career backgrounds
Matt has been addicted to the world of aviation since completing his first aviation project in 2002
He’s worked on terminal projects all over the country since 2005
working with architects and contractors to bring the concept that’s on paper to life.” Matt loves the problem-solving required to move projects like the West Gate Expansion forward
Robert graduated from the University of Texas School of Architecture in 1983
he has managed large projects that serve the public
moving from the private sector to the University of Texas System before coming to AUS
Robert’s work on the West Gate Expansion started with its inception
and it’s just one of many projects he has managed during his 13 years at AUS
“This is what I love to do,” says Robert
AEDP Construction Manager; Right: Robert Mercado
The West Gate Expansion was envisioned as an enabling project for the Journey With AUS expansion program
“Enabling means that it's a project that has to be done so you can do something else,” Robert explains
20 gate midfield concourse to meet the airport’s long-term passenger demand
This new concourse will connect to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal via tunnel
Enter the West Gate Expansion: a project to add three new gates to offset the ones we’d lose
along with more space for amenities across three levels of the west side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal
Robert and Matt shared that the new viewing area is in a prime location
with a view to downtown and the west runway
And the team is hard at work incorporating art into the new playscape
with Robert closely coordinating with the artist
Artist’s conceptual rendering – West Gate Expansion mezzanine
What needs to happen before a project enters construction
Projects start their lifecycle in the “envision” planning phase
which is developed by AUS planners in alignment with the Airport Master Plan
This phase involves thorough assessment and strategizing to ensure projects meet long-term goals and airport requirements and this process is long
The West Gate project was conceptualized years ago as a critical step to facilitate future expansion projects like the Concourse B and tunnel
As the West Gate project moved into the procurement phase
AUS selected a design firm and a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to manage construction
The CMAR process brings the construction firm onboard early
so they can be in lock step with the AUS team and design firm every step of the way
It also helps the team price the work as it’s designed
supporting constructability and helping to pick building methods and materials within budget
“we have a scope and a budget and we work towards it to design a project that satisfies all the needs
Hensel Phelps – issues a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
Projects like West Gate typically have multiple GMPs to cover different parts of the work
which Robert says generally takes at least a year and requires “a lot of engagement with everybody in the process,” including AUS executives and individual teams across AUS
“We engage with all the departments that would be affected by new construction and what the final product is going to be,” he says
“and then we get it all into the drawings and we build it.”
one of the biggest challenges is keeping everything operational during major construction
While the West Gate Expansion is an enabling project
it also required enabling work of its own to be constructed
The team needed to clear a footprint for the project by adjusting AUS aircraft safety envelopes from Gate 22 down to Gate 32
The safety envelopes are a red-and-white striped outline of the aircraft on the ramp
intended to show staff where they can safely stand to avoid the aircraft while it's taxiing in
Every aircraft that pulls into that gate pulls into that envelope
the team built out passenger boarding bridges (a.k.a
elevated walkways that connect gates to aircrafts
Gate 34 Passenger Boarding Bridge / stinger gate
Which departments at AUS do you coordinate with
“I think the quicker answer would be who don't we work with!” The West Gate team connected with all groups directly affected by the project
from Airside Operations to Terminal Operations to Security
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and more
The team also coordinated with other groups across AUS – from Maintenance to Facility Services to Information Systems – to get input from all parties who would work in
they engaged groups like Guest Services and AUS’s architects to ensure the project’s layout was clean
But Matt also says that this coordination is one reason he is addicted to aviation – the breadth of people he gets to work with every day
you get to work with different groups and “you try to make things as right as possible
How does building the West Gate Expansion within a fully operational airport affect the construction process
you’re working around passengers” – work isn’t fully isolated from the traveling public
such as in hold rooms or within the concourse
but most aspects of the West Gate project can be built during the day with minimal passenger changes due to the project’s location on the far west end of AUS
Looking back on his first big project at AUS – the original East Infill project – Robert says
“my boss described it as open heart surgery on the building because we were right in the middle
affecting everything around us – all departments
passenger seating near the West Gate Expansion construction area can get a bit crowded
but the West Gate team proactively works to minimize those challenges along the way
through strategies like removing the Ivini concession area to create more space for passengers
Robert shared that the team appreciates our passengers’ patience during the construction process
“They know it’s the means of something better
And there'll be something better in the future.”
What are some milestones that the West Gate project has already hit
construction of the stinger gates was the West Gate Expansion’s first big milestone
And the most recent big milestone was erection of the first steel beam in July 2024
“That was another huge milestone,” says Matt
You're going to drive by that building every day and it's going to look a little bit different.”
Robert cited topping out of the steel as an upcoming major milestone – a phase celebrated once the building has “peaked out” on all steel at its full height
you put a tree up there to signify it,” he shared
“I'm not sure where that originally came from.”
Future milestones will include applying the skin of the building and reaching substantial completion
And what challenges can impact a project’s construction timeline
all project timelines are built to include several detailed processes like design
These schedules are also developed with an ending in mind: the AUS team provides the contractor with an ideal project completion estimate
and the contractor provides a schedule and cost estimate based on what it takes to complete the work in that time
This leads to negotiation between both parties
to balance timeline needs and budget needs
Matt says that getting a feel for a project’s flow – and its challenges – is critical to moving things forward
This helps the team clear a path for the contractor to overcome obstacles and hit contractually obligated deadlines
and coordination between teams must be accounted for in the planning process
The West Gate team strategizes to meet these challenges
whether they’re planning around wet spring weather
or shifting schedules to keep workers out of the worst of the grueling summer heat
Supply delivery times can also impact a project’s timeline
“right now we're seeing delivery times for electrical equipment that are longer than I've ever experienced in my career.” Delivery timelines of 18 months have become more common for items like steel
Robert points out that West Gate’s systems “are custom-made for the project
They take a long time and they're not made in Austin.”
challenges like these are just part of the process for seasoned staff like Robert and Matt
“You end up with a product that's going to last much longer than I'm going to last,” Robert jokes
Are there any behind-the-scenes project features the team would like to highlight
A lot of aspects of the West Gate project are easy to spot for AUS travelers
like construction walls or newly erected steel beams
But did you know that the West Gate team has been hard at work to extend trench drains as part of this project
Trench drains remove water and keep runways and taxiways safe for aircraft and vehicles on the airfield
“A trench drain doesn’t seem like a big deal,” says Robert
“but airplanes drive over them and they have to be they built right.” According to Matt
trench drain construction brought the team within a foot and a half of the wing tip of larger aircraft taxiing near the area – “so
that takes some really careful coordination with airside operations!” North side trench drains have been extended and a similar process for the south side will be coming later in the project
West Gate Expansion trench drain construction
Thanks to Matt and Robert for connecting with us about this pivotal project! Learn more about our Journey With AUS here
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is one of the fastest growing airports in the country
AUS experienced a fast and robust pandemic recovery
with more airline seat growth than any other airport between 2019 and 2022
Follow along the airport’s transformation from a medium-hub airport to a large-hub airport with the Fly AUS Blog
Learn about the airport’s expansion and development program
get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to operate a 24/7 critical infrastructure facility
learn about career and business opportunities
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Westgate Resorts announced today the completion of its agreement to purchase Bellevue
Washington-based Vacation Ownership Sales (VOS)
North America's largest owner-controlled timeshare and vacation club
As part of the transaction, the vacation club will now operate as VI Resorts by Westgate
reflecting Westgate's more than 40 years of expertise in resort sales
Westgate has committed to investing over $4 million in marketing
and technology enhancements to improve the VI Resorts club experience
VI Resorts Owners will enjoy benefits in the new VI Resorts by Westgate club
including access to three additional resorts from the Westgate Resorts portfolio: Westgate Blue Tree Resort and Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando; and Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa
Timeshare owners in both Westgate Resorts and VI Resorts by Westgate will have priority access to inventory exchanges through their Interval International membership
giving both sets of owners the ability to vacation throughout the more than 60 resorts in the combined resort portfolio
VOS Owner and President Mike Vasey has joined Westgate's executive team and will continue to lead the VI Resorts by Westgate business
ensuring a smooth transition for both Team Members and Owners
Finalized on the heels of a partnership with Choice Hotels®
the acquisition aligns with Westgate's ongoing growth strategy across its core timeshare business and adjacent hospitality sectors
Westgate also recently announced the development of two experiential attractions slated to debut this summer in the Central Florida region: River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo and The Mystery Funhouse Arcade Experience at Westgate Town Center Resort
More information about Westgate Resorts can be found online at www.WestgateResorts.com
— Officers are investigating the cause of a shooting that left one person injured
according to the Greensboro Police Department
officers said they responded to the 3800 block of West Gate City Boulevard in reference to a shooting
they found one shooting victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries
Police said they were taken to a local hospital
At this time there is no information on a suspect
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Westgate Las Vegas will host a one-night-only re-creation of Elvis Presley's legendary comeback show
The resort announced "1969 Live Concert: The King Returns," a concert event scheduled for Thursday
Elvis tribute artist Travis Powell will headline a cast of nine backup singers and an eight-piece band to deliver the exact setlist performed at the International Theater in 1969
Those songs will include "Suspicious Minds," "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Heartbreak Hotel."
MORE ON NEWS 3 | Station Casinos to launch sportsbook at Treasure Island on Las Vegas Strip
The show will be part of Westgate's year-long celebration of Presley's 90th birthday
Fans are encouraged to dress in late 1960s fashion to enhance the experience
The first of Presley's 636 consecutive sold-out shows took place on July 31
It was his first live concert performance following his iconic comeback special
"'1969 Live Concert: The King Returns' is more than just a show—it’s a journey back to the night Elvis redefined Las Vegas entertainment," Dawn Rawle
senior vice president of marketing and entertainment
"We invite fans from all over the world to join us as we relive the magic of this historic performance."
Tickets start at $10 for rear orchestra and balcony seating. Booth seating is $45. Visit ticketmaster.com or the rewards desk to purchase tickets
fans can enjoy free performances from the tribute show "The King Comes Home" inside the cabaret theater from 9 p.m
the Westgate Restaurant and Lounge in York has been sold to new owners Kevin Beck and Rachael Fletcher Hoffman
according to an announcement on social media
The restaurant, which went up for sale last May, will now be called Westgate Unlimited, and good news for former Westgate patrons, the pizza, stromboli and wings will remain on the menu with the addition of new lunch and drink specials and live entertainment
"We first want to thank the family who has called this home for 40 years," read a post by new owner Kevin Beck
"We are honored to be taking over this established eatery and look forward to continuing with the core family values and work ethic this hometown establishment has always been about
This place has always been a “family run establishment“ and we plan on continuing the SAME!!"
More: The Westgate Restaurant and Lounge is up for sale after 35 years in business
"We look forward to seeing current regulars and can’t wait to welcome new faces that we hope to call all friends and regulars alike," Beck said
Stay tuned for a grand opening date and more which will be posted on social media.
Travelers Can Now Book 21 Westgate Resorts on ChoiceHotels.com
they can also be reserved with points on the award-winning rewards program
The hotels will join Choice's upscale offerings
Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection brands
providing guests unique experiences with every stay
"We are so pleased to collaborate with Westgate Resorts
giving travelers and over 68 million Choice Privileges members a compelling range of hotel options," said Chief Marketing Officer at Choice Hotels International Noha Abdalla
"The addition of these properties further solidifies our commitment to delivering more diverse travel experiences
while providing Choice Privileges members with even more ways to use their points and maximize their rewards."
"We are incredibly excited that our hotels are now bookable through ChoiceHotels.com and for this collaboration," said Westgate Resorts Chief Business & Strategy Officer Jared Saft
"Choice Privileges consistently ranks as one of the best hotel loyalty programs in the United States
and we are honored to make our resorts available to all of Choice's loyal guests."
Westgate's vacation resorts add to more than 1,000 luxury and upscale
full-service properties bookable through Choice
It also follows the launch of exciting new Choice Privileges features this month
including the tripling of the reward night booking window to 50 weeks and the introduction of Choice RewardSaver
a redemption tool that gives customers the opportunity to book hotel stays for as low as 6,000 points
The 21 Westgate Resorts properties now bookable through ChoiceHotels.com and the Choice Hotels mobile app include:
Westgate Resorts locations feature more than 13,500 luxury villas and hotel rooms in popular vacation destinations throughout the United States such as Orlando and Cocoa Beach
In 2022, the company launched the cutting-edge World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program
an exclusive program that rewards Westgate Owners and hotel guests with prestigious perks and privileges at no added cost
one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world
is celebrating a major achievement for the Ascend ..
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the timeshare mogul and Westgate Resorts founder who established an addiction-prevention foundation with his wife Jackie after their daughter’s overdose
Westgate Resorts said that Siegel died Saturday morning
adding his last months were spent surrounded by his family and friends
our industry and the hospitality we create was always at the forefront of his mind,” the email reads
starting Westgate in his garage and using the company as a way to lead others to become inspired and successful.”
Siegel founded the timeshare resort company in 1982
Westgate Resorts has expanded across Florida — from Orlando to Miami Beach — and has reached as far as Tennessee
The empire he built includes more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts across the United States
Siegel built Westgate Resorts into the largest private employer in Central Florida
Most recently he announced an expansion of more than 44 resort destinations set to close this year with the acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales the management and development company of VI Resorts
The foundation provides drug education and addiction-prevention support to meet the needs of communities and at-risk families
The Siegels had also advocated for the federal Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act, which was signed into law in 2016, and managed to have June 6 federally designated as “National Naloxone Awareness Day,” according to Victoria’s Voice
“She’d be very proud of the work our parents have done and the work we’ve done spreading the awareness because every single life matters,” David Siegel Jr
“(...) Our sister’s legacy is to save as many lives as possible and make sure that no family has to go through what we had to go through with losing her.”
Siegel has donated more than 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of our armed services as a thank you for their service to our country
The Westgate Foundation recently distributed grants of $1.5 million to community-focused organizations across the United States
David Siegel was the proud husband of Jacqueline and father of 13 children
He was also responsible for creating thousands of jobs
including for the 8,500 team members who currently work for the company
Jackie Siegel said she is planning a public celebration of David
welcoming anyone wishing to pay their respects
“David and our daughter Victoria are together again
and our foundation will grow even more now,” Jackie Siegel said
“Our family is traveling to Washington D.C
on June 6 for Naloxone Awareness Day to continue David’s legacy.”
David Siegel would have celebrated his 90th birthday in May
The Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Orlando on April 11 from 4-7 p.m.
No RSVP is needed and event staff will assist with parking
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victoria’s Voice
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Recognition with the ARDA Lifetime Achievement at its annual conference in Orlando honors Siegel's contributions to the growth and evolution of the modern timeshare industry and his philanthropic mission
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This week at its annual industry conference
the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
Founder and Executive Chairman of Westgate Resorts
for his lasting contributions to the timeshare industry by presenting him with the ARDA Lifetime Achievement Award
receives Lifetime Achievement Award from American Resort Development Association
Siegel established Westgate Resorts in 1982 with its first property on an orange grove he owned in Kissimmee
and it has since become the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States
Today he's built an empire of more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts across the United States
Over 40 years, Siegel built Westgate Resorts into the largest private employer in Central Florida
he said "For the last 43 years of my life I have lived and breathed the industry as both a developer and as a timeshare owner
I have always believed in the power of vacations to make families happy and that is why I have dedicated my life to this industry
I am so proud of our Westgate Resorts Team and I celebrate this recognition on their behalf
As we turn this industry over to the next generation
I have more hope than ever that not only will timeshare grow
he received an honorary doctorate from Florida A&M University
and Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Florida
In 2013 he was inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame by the University of Central Florida
David Siegel is the proud husband of Jacqueline and father of 13 children
his wife Jacqueline said "We are proud of David
and all of the Team Members at Westgate Resorts who helped establish not only Westgate Resorts
but the foundation of the timeshare industry
We thank ARDA for honoring David's important and lasting contributions to the industry and to the important philanthropic mission that meant so much to all of us."
David turned the tragic passing of his 18-year-old daughter Victoria into a movement focused on ending the drug epidemic
He is responsible for lobbying the United States Congress to sign the CARA Act
which unlocked significant funding for the life-saving drug naloxone
is nationally recognized as National Naloxone Day and that buildings around the country are lit purple in her honor
"David is a visionary of the timeshare industry
and his relentless drive has helped shaped the timeshare industry as we know it today," said Jason Gamel
during his remarks at the award presentation
his company has sold billions of dollars in vacation ownership – all driven by the belief that luxury should be accessible to all
We appreciate and honor his service to the industry and to society."
The company is continuing its growth journey as it recently announced the acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales
marketing and management company of VI Resorts
the largest owner-led vacation ownership company in the US with a portfolio of more than 44 new destinations as well as a new strategic partnership with Choice Hotels
Westgate has also announced that it is opening two new attractions and experiences this summer with the River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort in Lake Wales
and the Mystery Funhouse Arcade Experience at Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee
For more information on Westgate Resorts and its innovative efforts as a leader in hospitality, please visit westgateresorts.com.
ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTSWestgate Resorts is the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States
Florida with seven Orlando hotel resorts
and 22 themed destination resorts nationwide
the company launched the cutting-edge World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program
The company has garnered many distinct accolades
1 Glamping Destination' in the USA Today 10Best 2023 Readers' Choice Awards as well as the '2022 ACE Project of Excellence Award' from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) for Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
recognition from Forbes Travel Advisor ranking Westgate Park City Resort & Spa as a 'Recommended Resort' in its 2022 Star Awards
and garnering 73 'Best of State Awards' for Westgate Park City Resort & Spa after consecutively winning 10 years in a row
MEDIA CONTACTThe Zimmerman Agency[email protected]
Westgate Resorts announced today the completion of its agreement to purchase Bellevue
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa proudly announces its triumphant recognition at the 2025 Best of State Awards
Awards
Sharon Stevens is the store manager for the new Goodwill on West Gate City Boulevard
items you think that would not be in a Goodwill,” said Stevens
“We have a real silver teapot here for $6.99,” said Stevens
Teresa East is the vice president of marketing for Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina
“This one has a wonderful drive-through that makes it really convenient for those people who are gonna donate,” said East
She says the majority of items in every Goodwill store are donated
“I just witnessed a gentleman putting out NC State stadium seats
you'll find real crystal glassware,” said East
And 85 cents of every dollar spent at the store will go towards Goodwill's mission
which includes work training for the local community
“Like training for skilled labor jobs and lots of opportunities to come into our Eugene Street Career Center and get help with career services,” said East
She says there will be 20 people working at this location
Anyone interested can go to their website and apply
“I want to tell my team I appreciate all their hard work and any other person that came out here to make this successful,” said Stevens
building on strides it has made in the upper-tier segment over the past year
amid a push in the upscale segment focused on enhancing guests’ unique experiences
Guests will be able to “enjoy a range of exciting amenities and onsite experiences at Westgate destinations,” including water parks
The addition of the Westgate resorts brings the number of luxury and upscale full-service properties bookable through Choice to more than 1,000
Brand deals have become popular across the hotel industry as a means to grow portfolio scale and ramp up loyalty membership
hospitality pros explained to Hotel Dive in August
Wyndham, for example, entered a long-term development partnership with Reside in October set to expand its portfolio of upscale extended stay offerings. And Marriott entered a strategic licensing agreement with Sonder in August that will boost its upper-tier portfolio by some 9,000 rooms
Marriott also recently acquired Postcard Cabins and simultaneously executed a long-term agreement with Trailborn
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Organizational Updates Position the Company for Growth in 2025
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Westgate Resorts is pleased to announce a series of leadership appointments and executive promotions as part of a broader plan to position the company for future growth in 2025 and beyond
"This year will be a year marked by growth and strategic investments," said Westgate Resorts CEO Jim Gissy
"We're excited to introduce these new leaders who will enable our business to scale and deliver the best possible experience for our owners and guests
These same individuals will also mentor the next generation of leaders within our organization."
Organizational Updates Position Westgate Resorts for Growth in 2025
Mitch Less – Chief Operating OfficerMitch Less has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Westgate Resorts
Risk Management and several other critical areas
working directly with company leadership to execute Westgate's strategic business plan
He brings over 35 years of industry experience
having served as a Partner at Grant Thornton
where he specialized in the hospitality and real estate sectors
Less has worked with prestigious brands like Ritz-Carlton
as well as with large family-owned businesses such as Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits
John Willman – Chief Financial OfficerJohn Willman
has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Willman has played a crucial role in transforming Westgate's finance operations
including overseeing its financial reporting and loan portfolio
Willman will continue to lead Mortgage Operations
Accounts Services and Financial Planning & Analysis
focusing on building a world-class finance function to support the company's expansion plans
He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
Jared Saft – Chief Business & Strategy OfficerJared Saft
has been promoted to Chief Business & Strategy Officer and will continue to lead marketing
while also overseeing the company's long-term growth strategy
he will also oversee Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Human Resources
Saft played a key role in the successful launch of Westgate's loyalty program
including the company's partnership with Choice Hotels and the development of Westgate University
Dana Wadsworth – Chief of Staff & Senior Vice President of VOADana Wadsworth
while also retaining her role as Senior Vice President of VOA
Wadsworth joined Westgate in 1995 and has progressively taken on more leadership responsibilities
most recently leading the VOA department to record sales growth
Garrett Stump – Senior Vice President of Owner Services & Inventory ManagementGarrett Stump
has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Owner Services & Inventory Management
Stump will focus on enhancing customer service and expanding Westgate's timeshare offerings
building on the success of the World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program
Chad Severance – Senior Vice President of Development & DesignChad Severance will now oversee Westgate's Development & Design team to ensure the company continues to deliver best-in-class resorts and experiences
Severance brings over 25 years of experience in construction and development
Universal Creative and Elite International
Alex Velazquez – Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing & Creative ServicesAlex Velazquez has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing & Creative Services
Velazquez has built a world-class digital marketing team
and his new role will focus on further integrating Westgate's marketing and consumer engagement strategies
Heather Tritchel & Sam King – Senior Vice Presidents of Specialty MarketingHeather Tritchel and Sam King have been promoted to Senior Vice Presidents of Specialty Marketing
with Tritchel having held key roles in marketing growth and King having led successful projects in the company's specialty marketing and IT departments
David Alexander Siegel & Daniel Siegel – Co-Vice Presidents of Real EstateDavid Alexander Siegel and Daniel Siegel have been promoted to Co-Vice Presidents of Real Estate
Both have successfully managed several major real estate investments for Westgate and are now tasked with growing this area of the business
including overseeing large land holdings for future development
For more information on Westgate Resorts, its collection of leading destination properties, career opportunities and more, please visit www.WestgateResorts.com
Contact:The Zimmerman Agency[email protected]
Personnel Announcements
The Ramstein Air Base visitor control center will permanently relocate to the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Medical Center gate
the 86th Airlift Wing said in a statement Tuesday
a larger indoor waiting area and an additional customer service counter
Cheri Boswell of the 86th Security Forces Squadron said in the statement
The move also aims to improve security and reduce congestion at Ramstein’s West Gate
The new visitor center will be open daily from 6 a.m
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino officially opened the Vegas Loop- Westgate Station on Wednesday
conveniently located at the hotel’s porte-cochere will provide access to a one-of-a-kind transportation system
enabling riders a fast and convenient way to move to and from key locations
RELATED:Elon Musk's Vegas Loop extension greenlit despite OSHA fines and worker concerns
The Vegas Loop connects Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)
offering guests unprecedented ease of access between these locations
The construction of the Vegas Loop has not come without concerns
early in 2024 it was learned that Nevada OSHA found several violations at a worksite
RELATED: Documents show former Boring Company employee shared safety concerns at worksite
The violations come from an inspection between June and October 2023
News 3 asked those behind the project if there should be any further concerns when it comes to the construction or operations of the Vegas Loop
"I presented the oversight that the county has for this system
They have the ability if they think this is unsafe
not in the interest of the public to not allow to open," said Steve Hill
CEO of the Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority
"They have to get all kinds of authority through the county in order to both construct and operate it