The Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Vinings has been named 2010 Business of the Year by the Vinings Business Association (VBA) during their January 4th luncheon held at Social Vinings restaurant. In announcing the 2nd annual award in front of the gathering of more than 50 people, VBA President Glenn Christian said, “We are proud and pleased to recognize the Courtyard by Marriott at 2857 Paces Ferry Rd as our winner of the 2010 award. They have significantly contributed to the overall growth of this area and have helped Vinings become more desirable for visitors and businesses.”
Marriott General Manager, Clay Walker, accepted the award and was thrilled. “I want to thank the VBA and all of Vinings for recognizing our efforts. I am genuinely surprised and honored,” said Walker. The hotel recently underwent a $6 million renovation to maintain the integrity of Historic Vinings. The hotel employs nine managers, 55 associates and provides 45,000 room nights for 60,000 people annually. The hotel also hosts the annual Vinings Business EXPO, held in April on the 3rd Tuesday.
Each year at their January luncheon, the VBA recognizes and honors a local business, for the previous year, which has demonstrated leadership in the community and has helped promote Vinings as a destination.
The award, a beautiful 18 hand-etched glass flame tower set on a marble base, was produced and donated by Don Lillie of Lillie Glass Blowers, Smyrna. Last year’s winner was SOHO restaurant.
The speaker at the luncheon was Mac Martirossian from Three Advisory LLC, whose topic, “How to Ignite Your Network for Successful Returns,” energized the audience with a presentation on how to take advantage of existing business contacts to help grow small businesses. He urged each member of the audience to re-brand yourself in 2011.
Also at the meeting, the 2011 VBA officers were announced: Glenn Christian, AnswerMTI 24/7 Answering Services/Call Center, President; Chris Heuser, PC Doc USA, President-Elect; Louis DeLuca, Marietta Signs, Vice President; Patrick Stafford, Cobb Youth Sports, Treasurer; Bill Borden, Checkpoint Mortgage, Immediate Past-President; and Robert Meyring, The Meyring Law Firm, Past-President and Legal Council.
About the VBA
The Vinings Business Association (VBA), a non-profit corporation, consists of business owners, executives, employees, residents and interested citizens that are committed to enhancing the economic, business and residential vibrancy of Vinings and to promote the physical and financial health of the community through networking, social, cultural and educational activities. Regular events of the VBA include a 1st Tuesday monthly luncheon. To guarantee lunch, reservations for the luncheon program can be made and paid online 48 hours in advance at: www.viningsbusiness.com. Guests are always welcome. Guests $20, members $15, and cash or checks only are accepted at the door. The VBA also holds a monthly 3rd Tuesday Executive Club and 3rd Tuesday after hours event. The VBA maintains several committees that allow members the opportunity to participate in community, VBA Business EXPO and VBA Business of the Year activities. Also, the VBA has 4 Councils: Hospitality, Business Services, Retail, and Education/History to allow members and interested citizens to participate in Vinings activities. To volunteer, visit the website for further information. Sponsorship opportunities for the various events are available. Basic annual membership begins at $95 and other membership and sponsorship levels are available through the website. For more information, contact glenn@viningsbusiness.com.
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