GERMAIN RENDEZ-VOUS
Summer 2024
This summer, we had an absolute blast coming together in so many fun ways. The season was packed with festive and creative gatherings. Let’s take a moment to reminisce about the highlights and the amazing experiences we shared during this colourful season.
1. Gvent 2024: Meet our stars!
We're super excited to reveal the winners from our Gvent 2024 event, taking place at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa !
For now let’s give a huge shoutout to our amazing nominees:
David Colebrook – Guest Services, Alt Hotel Calgary University District
Mariia Volovikova – Housekeeping & Guest Service, Alts Hotel Calgary East Village
Javiera (Javi) Ebner Alvarez – Food & Beverage, Alt Hotel Saskatoon
Zoia Shanhai – Housekeeping, Alt Hotel Winnipeg
Dwayne Gayle – Guest Services, Alt Hotel Airport Toronto
Mihret Lema – Housekeeping, Alt Hotel Ottawa
Laurence Etter – Sales, Alt Hotel Montreal
Scott Davies – Maintenance, Alt Hotel Quartier DIX30
Almasa Ahmic – Guest Services, Alt Hotel Quebec | Bistango
Neysi Castano – Sales, Alt Hotel Airport Halifax
Alexandra Stephens – Housekeeping, Alt Hotel St. John's | Terre
Camille Dugas – Guest Services, Escad Hotel Quartier DIX30
Allan Dominguez – Guest Services, Le Germain Hotel Calgary
Luke McArdle – Guest Services, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer | Victor
Rhodore Bautista – Housekeeping, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square
Malak Alzunni – Guest Services, Le Germain Hotel Ottawa | Norca
Regis Borel – Maintenance, Le Germain Hotel Montreal | Le Boulevardier
Anne Boudreault – Guest Services, Le Germain Hotel Quebec
Abadesa Cruz Bautista – Spa, Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix
Isabelle Charron – Sales & Distribution, Service Centre Montreal
Audrey Rochatte – Administration, Service Centre Quebec
Christiane Germain, Co-President, has a few words to share with you!
2. BBQs & Beyond
Across the country, it’s been so heartwarming to see everyone come together to create unforgettable memories that truly capture the spirit of summer!
Share, Eat, Repeat!
The team at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa kicked off this summer with a delightful business BBQ on June 20. Local producers and team members came together to enjoy delicious regional dishes in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The weather was perfect, the music was upbeat, and the 200 guests had a fantastic time!
Over at Alt Hotel Ottawa, the team headed to Leamy Lake Park for a sunny outdoor BBQ. Between grilling, playing frisbee, and tug-of-war, it was the perfect opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company. “It was great to spend time together,” said Andrew Dubeau, Sales Manager. The highlight? Live performances from our talented musician colleagues! Everyone also enjoyed watching Marie Pier’s video on our sustainable initiatives and left with a reusable water bottle. A big thank you to Dino Gurusamy and Ershad Islam for organizing such a wonderful day.
Finally, our friends at Le Germain Hotel Toronto held a BBQ to celebrate all of our collective achievements this summer. While some were engaged in lively chats by the volleyball net, others shared delicious food and fun stories. It was truly a delightful get-together that strengthened team bonds!
Together is great, but with family, it’s even better!
To switch things up from the usual BBQ, around fifty folks from Alt Hotel Toronto Airport brought their families together for a pizza day. Involving the kids in the cooking added an extra fun vibe! You can just imagine how much energy these little chefs-in-training brought to the day.
Despite a few hiccups, everyone will remember the refreshing mocktails, games of Jenga and Twister, and the laughter ringing out all around. And let’s not forget the ice cream bar that was a hit with both the kids and adults!
A bit further east, Mark Laughlin, General Manager at Alt Hotel Halifax Airport, invited his team and their families to spend the day at his hop farm. After exploring the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, everyone wanted to keep the fun times going! “A big thanks to Mark Laughlin for hosting us at Wicked Hops, and to Kimberley Chafe for helping out with the food and drinks,” said Tasha Ransome, Business Development Manager.
Kudos to everyone who helped make these activities happen!
3. Let the Music of Le Festif! Begin
At the height of summer, Baie-Saint-Paul buzzed with excitement for Le Festif! music festival, and our team was all in for the fun! We had the chance to host a sunrise concert in our fields, starting bright and early at 4:30 AM. Just imagine waking up to the enchanting sounds of Dear Criminal as the sun slowly rises over the horizon. It was an unforgettable experience for both our guests and our team!
4. Inspiring Stories
Some initiatives really hit home for us for all sorts of reasons. Some tug at our heartstrings with their humanity, while others shine through their simplicity. One thing’s for sure: these vibrant stories deserve to be shared because of their power to spark positive change!
The Inspiring Journey of Abdek Ismaël
Abdek Ismaël joined us from the asylum seeker integration project at the Quebec Council for Human Resources in Tourism (CQRHT), which aims to recruit asylum seekers to fill vacant positions in Quebec's tourism industry.
In just a few months, Abdek’s unique qualities helped him rise to the position of night auditor. This role allows him to stay connected with his family back in Africa.
“When it’s midnight in Baie-St-Paul, it’s 8 AM in Djibouti,” Abdek explains. “It’s the perfect time to call my wife and my two young sons, aged two and four. My youngest knows me only through the screen, but even from a distance, I’m still his dad, and it helps me feel a little closer to him and to them.”
Abdek shows incredible resilience every day in this long-distance situation. Kudos to him for thriving in both his career and personal life! Your dedication and positivity make you a vital part of our team. We wish him all the best for what lies ahead. There’s a surprise project in the works… Stay tuned!
Small Acts That Warm the Community
In the hospitality industry, every gesture matters, and the team at Alt Hotel Calgary University District truly embodies this principle.
Fostering a Strong Sense of Community
On August 15, the hotel hosted a neighbourhood block party, and everyone took part. “It was a busy day filled with activities, but it felt amazing to be part of such a vibrant community!” reflects Jill Davies. Guests had the chance to spin a prize wheel for treats, North Water bottles, and even a complimentary night at the hotel. A big thank you to Shetal Bhalja, Jill Davies and Logan Williams for making this day so memorable!
Adding a Touch of Magic
Later that summer, the team created a touching moment for a young guest who accidentally left behind his stuffed dog, Shotgun. Once it was safely found, everyone pitched in to take fun photos and document his adventure. The child received a beautiful scrapbook as a keepsake when he was reunited with Shotgun.
Growing Together Through Connection
In collaboration with EmploymentWorks, Alt Hotel Calgary University District opened its doors to autistic individuals and those with disabilities. Shetal Bhalja, director of business development, shared, “This positive initiative allows us to help people gain experience and hopefully find jobs they’ll love. It’s a rewarding experience for everyone involved!” A special shoutout to Jasna Sas, room attendant, for being so thoughtful with the participants in this program, and to the entire team for their compassion!
5. Germain Academy
It is with great pleasure that we are launching the new Germain Academy training platform! The platform is now live, so we encourage you to visit it and start your learning soon.
Laurie Germain, Vice President People and Culture, has a few words to share with you about this project:
6. Vibrant Celebration
Our colleagues at Alt Hotel Saskatoon made quite the impression with an eye-catching float during their first-ever Saskatoon Pride Parade on June 22. “Inspired by the team at Alt Hotel Winnipeg, we took on the challenge, and the result was incredible!
Huge thanks to Morgan Yaworski, our Guest Services Manager, for leading this amazing endeavour. And of course, a big shoutout to everyone who helped make it happen,” shared Jeet Jani, General Manager of Alt Hotel Saskatoon. The pictures speak for themselves!
7. A Little Green Oasis
Turning an old storage room into a mini indoor garden? Yes, please! Winter can make outdoor gardening a challenge, so our awesome team at Alt Hotel Halifax Airport had a bright idea: let’s create a refreshing little retreat inside!
Now, thanks to this initiative, we’re growing fresh herbs for our guests. And guess what? We’re using recycled tomato boxes from Sosta! Restaurant to pot these aromatic beauties. It’s a win-win—reducing waste while adding some greenery to our workspace!
Who knew a few tomato boxes could create such a vibrant space? It’s amazing what you can do with a little creativity!
8. Virginie Lagrandeur’s Green Thumb Magic
This year, our gardens at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa have absolutely thrived, all thanks to our superstar farming team: Virginie Lagrandeur, Lisa-Marie Mongrain-Drolet, and Stéphanie Duchesne. These incredible women are dedicated to ensuring every veggie, herb, and fruit harvested from our land ends up fresh on the plates in our restaurants.
Virginie, our head gardener and horticultural whiz, is also making waves with a feature in La Terre de chez nous. magazine! Her passion and expertise in horticulture are front and centre, shining a light on the amazing work happening in our gardens. We’re all itching to taste the delicious creations she’s growing!
9. It’s Apple Season!
The marketing crew at the Montreal Service Centre got a real treat recently when Gabrielle Madé, our Senior Marketing Director, brought back some freshly pressed apple juice from her own orchard. Talk about a delicious opportunity for a taste test! “It’s like biting into an apple, but in juice form!” exclaimed Marie-Noëlle, Brand Director. Cheers to fresh flavours and fall vibes!
10. Fresh Threads, Good Vibes!
We're absolutely loving our new uniforms! The buzz from this summer's style upgrade has been all positive! But wait— there's more.Thanks to everyone's creativity, we came up with some great ideas to give our old uniforms a new lease on life. Here’s the plan- we’ve set up a recycling system with two choices:
-Worn-Out Wonders: Off to the eco-centre.
-Still in Good Shape: Donated to places like Le Chaînon, to help outfit women in need.
We’ve successfully rescued over 900 pieces of clothing! Huge kudos to Noémie Marleau, our Sustainable Development Project Manager, for leading this fantastic initiative!
EMPLOYEE PERKS
11. Savour the Flavour at a Discount!
Fall has officially arrived, and it's the perfect time to gather around a delicious meal! Enjoy 25% off at our restaurants and share good times with family or friends (feel free to bring up to 3 guests!). Check out where you can indulge in this tasty deal:
Le CHARCUT Roast House et CENTRAL 899 | Le Germain Hotel Calgary
BISTANGO | Alt Hotel Quebec
Restaurant et bar VICTOR | Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer
Bar Le Germain | Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square
The Merchant Kitchen | Alt Hotel Winnipeg
Les Labours et Le Bercail | Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix
NORCA restaurant & bar | Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
Restaurant & café TERRE | Alt Hotel St-John’s
LE BOULEVARDIER | Le Germain Hotel Montreal
BOKEH on the plaza | Alt Hotel Saskatoon
Pizzeria SOSTA! | Alt Hotel Airport Toronto
So why wait? Treat yourself!
12. Getting together!
We absolutely love all the creative sparks flying around! Whether it’s fresh ideas or unique events, every effort counts — even the smallest. And what makes it even more thrilling is connecting across departments, from coast to coast!
A Triple Treat in the West
Our three Calgary hotels came together and had an amazing time during the Stampede! This legendary event showcases Western Canadian culture, with rodeos and lively performances, and was the perfect excuse for the teams at Alt Hotel Calgary East Village, Alt Hotel Calgary University District, and Le Germain Hotel Calgary to throw a BBQ (yes, another one!).
But the teamwork didn’t stop there!
Some of our crew felt inspired to give back to the East Village community: “Being right in the thick of the Stampede action, we knew the neighbourhood could use some love after all the celebrations,” said Rob Derochie. Kudos to Manasi, Francisca, Vadym, Khang, Dharm, Thijs, and Fleurance for their awesome efforts in cleaning up the banks of the Bow River!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Over in Ottawa, the bar and reception team at Alt Hotel took on an exciting challenge: an escape room! Their mission? To break free before time runs out. The group combined their skills to solve puzzles while having an absolute blast in the process. It’s proof that our team spirit shines just as brightly outside of work!
A Night to Remember
The rhythm of reggaeton took over as our teams from Le Germain and Alt hotels gathered for the Summer Festival in Quebec. What started as a chilly evening turned into a muy caliente night! Everyone danced and sang from start to finish, turning the Plains of Abraham into one massive dance floor!
VIP Experience
The service centres in Quebec and Montreal came together for a very special night! Thanks to a lucky draw, several fortunate winners were able to attend a 50 Cent concert in the exclusive Loto-Québec box on July 5. Cozy in a large white tent with a perfect view of the stage, they enjoyed a VIP experience complete with a delicious buffet and a well-stocked bar. The energy was electric! “We definitely partied like it was our birthday!”—Marie-Noëlle, Brand Director.
Roller coaster
It’s obvious: we love to come together and celebrate!
The teams from both Alt and Escad Hotel Quartier DIX30 pulled off another successful outing at La Ronde. Even people who aren’t usually into roller coasters decided to join in on the fun.Before climbing aboard Goliath, one of the park's wildest rides, a funny moment unfolded: “There were four of us, sitting side by side, and each one asked the attendant to tighten our safety bars. When she tried to adjust mine, and it didn’t work, she joked, ‘Sorry, sir, but you’re too big!’” —Simon Gadbois, General Manager. What a hilarious moment!
13. Stories that matter
Sabrina, the housekeeping manager at Alt Hotel Winnipeg, recently organized a powerful gathering with her mother and aunt, sharing their perspectives as Indigenous women. This heartfelt event opened up discussions about tough topics like Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop, giving everyone a chance to understand the deep and lasting impacts on Indigenous communities.
It was also a time to celebrate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation —a day dedicated to honouring the resilience of Indigenous peoples while paying tribute to the victims of these tragedies. It was a truly meaningful moment filled with connection, honesty, and learning.
14. It’s Not Goodbye, It’s Just the Start of a New Adventure!
After an incredible 14 years with us, Vilas Parmar is ready for retirement! “I can still vividly remember us preparing the display rooms and guest suites for our very first client on opening day,” reminisced Joseph Bautista, Housekeeping Director at Le Germain Hotel Calgary. Vilas has truly been the beating heart of our team, infusing each day with contagious energy and unwavering positivity.
As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, let’s raise a glass to all the happiness and adventures that lie ahead. One thing’s for certain—we’re really going to miss you, Vilas! Cheers to you and all the fantastic experiences waiting for you!
15. Celebrating 25 Years in Style!
What an incredible milestone! We have some true gems among us—dedicated individuals who invest their all and have grown with us over the years. One shining example is Julie Leclerc, who just celebrated her 25th anniversary with us! She kicked off her career at Le Germain Hotel Montreal back in 1999—what an achievement!
To mark this special occasion, her colleagues threw her a celebration that perfectly reflected her spirit. Since she's a fan of fine wines, they organized a delightful red wine tasting just for her. And as the cherry on top, she received a commemorative plaque inspired by Hollywood Boulevard, complete with her handprint next to her very own star. Those photos are sure to make their way into her memory box!
A heartfelt thank you, Julie, for sharing your passion with us. We’re incredibly lucky to witness your journey and all your successes—big and small!
RECRUITMENT
Exciting Opportunities Await!
Are you eager to grow and ready to take your career to the next level? Check out the careers section on our website to uncover the amazing opportunities that await you.
Share your stories with us!
Have a memorable moment, a brilliant idea, or a fun anecdote to share? We want to hear from you! Whether it’s photos, videos, or stories about your achievements, your experiences deserve to be celebrated. Send them our way! (Email: rdeschenes@germainhotels.com)