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By Al Lomas
Wisdom is often found in the least
unexpected place– like a fortune cookie. The day after I announced my
retirement from the San Antonio Convention Facilities– after nearly 21
years with the city of San Antonio–my wife and I were having lunch at
our favorite local Chinese restaurant, The Golden Wok. With the bill
came the expected fortune cookies. My wife, Gloria, signaled me to take
them both. I opened the first one, which read, “Try something new and
different. You will like the results.” The second one said, “You have so
much to be thankful for.” I took this as validation that I really am the
luckiest guy and living a charmed life.
Good Tidings
I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and good wishes in
person and via e-mails and telephone calls that I received upon
announcing my retirement. I was especially moved by an e-mail from
another city employee I have not seen for years who thanked me for
hiring him back in 1988. I think my wife described it best when she said
it was like attending your own funeral and hearing all the nice things
people have to say about you. She added that people don’t usually take
the corpse out for dinner and drinks, of course.
And you know, she’s right. My body wasn’t even cold before people were
submitting resumes, jockeying for position and measuring my office.
Others came into my office to ask, “Are you taking that with you?” I
feel like I am in the middle of a will contest with greedy relatives.
It took me longer than expected to empty my office as I studied each
credential, photo, memento and piece of swag. It brought back fond
memories of concerts, special events and many people still with us and
of a few who have passed. Each of those memories is part of my
experience and will go with me far beyond the footprint of the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center.
Good Fortune
I have been so fortunate. Not too many people have the luxury of working
at something they love and with such wonderful associates. People in
this hospitality industry have provided a great network and support
system and have been generous in sharing their expertise and advice. I
have learned from them and tried to return the favor by helping novices
coming into our hospitality field. Together we have also helped bring
specialized training and certifications to our staff and to others
involved in tourism in San Antonio. The kindness of my colleagues has
had a ripple effect far beyond me, and I thank each of you for your
generosity.
The staff and hourly employees at the San Antonio Convention Facilities
are amazing in their devotion to our industry and the city they
represent. Money can’t buy that kind of loyalty: they simply love their
city. (I can understand their sentiments, because I feel exactly the
same way about my hometown.) The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center has
been named the best in the nation by the readership of Meetings South
Magazine two years in a row. This is due almost entirely to their
tireless effort to provide the best service possible to visitors who are
away from their familiar surroundings and their loved ones. They far
exceed their job descriptions and are more like ambassadors of the city
when someone needs special assistance or has a problem. Wal-Mart has one
greeter at the front door; we have an army of greeters throughout our
building.
I will miss walking though the building and being greeted with a kind
word and a smile from the employees of the center, our partners,
contractors and stagehands. We share an unspoken secret, “This is our
house and it looks great! We dare anyone to come here and not enjoy the
experience. We’ll do whatever it takes.” How can you not appreciate a
staff like that?
The division heads that report to me are hard working and knowledgeable.
They exceed my expectations on a regular basis and adapt to come up with
solutions to issues that invariably arise in running a convention center
of our size. The fun part is that every day is different, and this
challenge keeps the job new and exciting. I admire each for their love
of the product, talent and creativity. I will miss meeting with them and
sharing a laugh or listening to one of their clever solutions to
problems.
The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau and the convention center
share a unique relationship that is not typical of most cities, as we
are both city departments. We are able to function well together to
serve our city better. We have often traveled to trade shows and
conventions to promote San Antonio and show the nation that we are
joined at the hip and can deliver the full package, as promised.
Good Opportunity
I must lead a charmed life because I am leaving this great job and going
to an even better new challenge: I have accepted the position of VP of
National Sales and Marketing for Destination: San Antonio.
This is a great opportunity for me because I will continue to promote my
city. The only difference is that my focus will be on providing
destination management services to those customers selecting our city
for their conventions and meetings. Destination: San Antonio is a
subsidiary of The CE Group, owned by Janet Holliday. I have known
Holliday for 18 years. I have worked with her staff over the years when
their clients were in the building, and their work ethic and enthusiasm
are contagious. This organization has an excellent reputation and is
growing every day. I expect even greater success from this company, and
that expectation made me decide to join them in a new adventure.
My luck continues. I thought I had it made when my commute was three
blocks, and now I will be able to work out of my home office. Every day
is casual Friday, and my new work week consists of three days.
Destination: San Antonio supports my industry memberships, travel and
commitment to industry leadership.
IAAM has been instrumental in developing my expertise through continuing
education and with the establishment of a network of industry
professionals willing to share their best practices. This is not goodbye
because I will continue to be an active member of IAAM, an organization
with an awesome staff that has been so helpful and supportive to me
throughout the years. I will see you in San Antonio for our annual
conference in August, if not sooner.
My new e-mail is alomas@destinationsanantonio.com and my new office
phone is (210) 822-5001 x319.
I’ll end with a favorite Mexican saying: I wish you loyal friends, a
little money, good health and the time to enjoy them.
Al Lomas, CMP, CMM, CFE,
as indicated above, is transitioning from one position to another but
will remain a familiar friend to this industry. |
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