December 2022 | Herschend Enterprise Newsletter December 2022 | Herschend Enterprise Newsletter

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

In case you missed it, here’s a second look at CEO Andrew Wexler’s Christmas and holiday season video message.

Inclusion Matters

2022 Year In Review

In 2021 an internal Inclusiveness Council was established to identify and implement strategies to help us achieve the following goals:

  1. All employees and guests feel welcomed, loved, and valued.
  2. Everyone is equally accepted, respected, and appreciated – as they are –  regardless of their views, beliefs, race, sexual orientation, culture, or background.
  3. Each property reflects the community it serves.

 

The  Council is proud to share the following progress made in 2022 and looks forward to continuing this important work next year, with additional progress updates planned for early spring. 

  1. The development of an Inclusive Leader training program for all leaders at Herschend.
  2. Completion of Inclusive Leader training with at least three levels of leadership at each property – with more groups completing this training in January.
  3. Dedicated inclusion-focused articles each month in the Herschend Employee Newsletter.
  4. Updated property guest surveys to include ADA accessibility questions.  
  5. Added employee survey questions to track sentiment regarding fair pay, diversity, equity, and inclusion across demographic groups. 
  6. Created an inclusion-focused data scorecard that illustrates employee sentiment by demographic group and employee demographic representation compared to the market hiring radius.
  7. Shared the Inclusion Scorecard with the Board of Directors & Executive Leadership Team to identify areas for improvement in 2023.

Winter Assistance Available

Winter Assistance Available

Did you know that Share it Forward (SIF) can assist you even if you’re not working all year? The winter months can create financial challenges, especially with rising energy costs – so be sure to apply for hardship and child assistance programs if you’re in need. 

Effective January 2023, SIF is transitioning to online-only applications for hardship and child assistance programs.

If you have any questions or want to talk with a representative for assistance, email office@share-it-forward.org or call 678-993-1990.   

Submit An Application
Silver Dollar City Silver Dollar City
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Find Your Dream Career Right Here!

Our commitment to creating memories worth repeating starts from within – find a rewarding career here at Herschend! Check out available positions across the Enterprise by clicking the link below.

Are you looking to build your skills? Take advantage of free certificate and degree programs with Herschend GROW U. 

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Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The end of 2022 was marked with excitement as the Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay staff gathered for a White Elephant Gift Exchange and a trip to Top Golf! 

On Friday, December 9, the team fellowshipped over flavorful food from Mission Barbeque, with potluck dishes from team members. The fun continued with a White Elephant gift exchange – taking turns selecting from a pool of mystery gifts or stealing unwrapped presents from co-workers. Popular items included a spinning novelty unicorn, a toy basketball hoop, and a Bob Ross-themed toaster. 

On Wednesday, December 14, the staff took to one of Louisville’s newest attractions—Top Golf, as they hit golf balls across the green and scored points for target accuracy and distance. Excitement was in the air with friendly competition, delicious food, and time spent with coworkers across all departments.

Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park

Shining Stars

Lifeguards at Dollywood’s Splash Country have a new accolade: Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. honored them with the prestigious Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award for their diligence at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Ellis & Associates, international aquatic safety and risk management consultants work with more than 600 organizations worldwide. According to E&A, earning this award demonstrates the aquatic facility consistently exceeds industry standards in risk management. Only the top 10% of their clients receive a Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award each year.

“It is apparent that the entire staff embodies the idea of setting the standard in aquatic safety, and swimmers who frequent this aquatic facility are afforded the highest degree of swimmer protection currently available for the aquatic industry,” said Richard A. Carroll, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. Senior Vice President, and COO.

“We’re proud when others recognize how well-equipped our team is,” said Jason Boothe, Vice President of Park Operations. “Having the best lifeguards in the industry translates into a fun and safe environment our guests appreciate!”

Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park | 2022 Platinum International Safety Award Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park | 2022 Platinum International Safety Award

Silver Dollar City

Deck the Hall

Silver Dollar City team members recently helped decorate the historic Missouri Governor’s Mansion. The Governor and First Lady hosted the group for several days while the project was completed, with each member enjoying their own beautiful room with historic antique furniture.

“We’ve been honored to decorate the Governor’s mansion since 2019, which includes staying overnight in the mansion’s beautiful guest rooms,” said Visual Manager Kelly Eutsler. “The first year, the First Lady insisted that I help myself to coffee in their kitchen each morning, so one morning, I wandered in, and she was loading the dishwasher with her PJs on, so there we were, both in our slippers – it was a real hoot!”

This year the team made more than 500 bows in all sizes and colors, decorated eight trees, created four elaborate mantle garlands, and draped garlands all down the grand staircase – all adorned with plaid and green ribbons, red magnolias, Holly, and pinecones all themed to match the mansion’s historic rooms.

Vancouver Aquarium

Making Spirits Bright

Earlier this year, team members at the Vancouver Aquarium decided to help the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. The team proposed creating "Burn Fund Friday” - a day where 100% of general gate admissions would be donated to the Fund, which took place on Friday, November 25.

On November 30, at the Bright Nights Preview, the Aquarium presented the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund with a donation of $55,000! The entire team at the Vancouver Aquarium was proud to partner with this valuable local charity.

Callaway Gardens

Oh, Sweet Sweater of Mine

Callaway Resort & Gardens team members gathered at the Lodge & Spa to celebrate 30 years of Christmas cheer for Fantasy In Lights and a wonderful 2022 year ahead at the annual Christmas luncheon. All Callaway employees gathered to dine and commemorate the success of 2022 while sporting their tacky Christmas sweaters in a competition that resulted in various prizes! Employees were in the holiday spirit and happy to come together before the holidays! 

The team at Callaway is also happy to announce that as of December 16th, it is now officially a Herschend property. This exciting chapter for Callaway took place just before the first “SOLD OUT” Saturday night of Fantasy In Lights! This 30th-anniversary celebration features a new spectacular scene on the lake, 10 million twinkling lights, and 2,500 acres of Christmas cheer!

Newport Aquarium

Santa's Little Helper

T’was opening weekend of Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland when Crinkle the Elf (Who bears a striking resemblance to Andrew in Security) met Lilly, a very special visitor in line to meet Scuba Santa.

Seven-year-old Lilly had very limited hearing and was learning to communicate through sign language. As elves are known to do, Crinkle and his helper Amy sprang into action to notify team member Anjela, who knows American Sign Language (ASL). Anjela, who was in a faraway part of the aquarium, moved faster than Dasher himself to be there in time to translate Lilly’s visit with Scuba Santa. The kindness and caring of Santa’s helpers brought Lilly’s mom to tears and created a special holiday memory for all.

*Pictured: Lilly & family meeting Scuba Santa with Crinkle the Elf and Anjela

Newport Aquarium | Lilly & family meeting Scuba Santa with Crinkle the Elf and Anjela Newport Aquarium | Lilly & family meeting Scuba Santa with Crinkle the Elf and Anjela

Adventure Aquarium

We Wish You A Merry Fish-Mas

Adventure Aquarium’s annual Christmas Underwater celebration is back! Visitors have the chance to snap selfies with Scuba Santa, soak in the glow of the holiday lights and décor, catch a Fish-mas-themed puppet show, and merry more. During the annual event, residents at the aquarium had the chance to waddle around to check out the scene.

Harlem Globetrotters

Home for the Holidays

Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios, announced during the organization’s annual Training Camp that Lynette Woodard, the first woman to ever join the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, returns to the team this winter as a Special Advisor to the President.

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Harlem Globetrotters | Lynette Woodard Harlem Globetrotters | Lynette Woodard