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On May 6, 2025, the team from Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort came together to give back in a meaningful way through a volunteer initiative at Second Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in our community. In addition to hands-on volunteer service, the Orange Lake team was proud to donate and install a new industrial wrapping machine, a vital piece of equipment that will help Second Harvest streamline operations and deliver food more efficiently to those in need. This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to creating lasting impact beyond the workplace. During the visit, the team had the opportunity to formally present the donation during a special moment led by Dan Samuels, Director of Philanthropy at Second Harvest. Representing our leadership team were Jorge Reyes, Regional Vice President; Orlando Zurita, Assistant General Manager; Curtis Dais, Assistant General Manager; and all department directors. It was an incredible day of team bonding, community service, and shared purpose. We are honored to support such an essential organization and are proud of the difference the Orange Lake team continues to make—both inside and outside our resorts.
This month marks a special milestone for several of our incredible team members in India as they celebrate their one-year work anniversary with Holiday Inn Club Vacations! From day one, each of these individuals has made a lasting impact through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. Whether they’re streamlining operations, supporting our owners and Club members, or helping our systems run smoothly behind the scenes, their contributions have helped us move forward—together. As part of the celebration, we were honored to welcome several of our U.S. leaders to India: Carlos Merida – Vice President, IT Mike Nolder – Senior Director, IT Pat McGouirk – Director, IT Their visit highlights the strong partnership and collaboration between our teams across the globe, and their support emphasizes just how much value our India team brings to the entire organization. A special congratulations goes out to the 46 team members at HICV India who are celebrating their one-year anniversaries! Your achievements embody the spirit of growth and excellence that drives our success. Here’s to many more milestones, shared successes, and continued impact. Happy anniversary and thank you for being part of our story!
On April 24, 2025, we welcomed the next generation of dreamers and doers to our Corporate Campus for our 2nd Annual Bring Your Kids to Work Day — and what a day it was! From the moment they received their swag bags and official event t-shirts, the energy was high and the smiles non-stop. The day kicked off with a warm welcome from CEO John Staten and a group photo, followed by two standout leadership activities: CEO for a Day, where kids launched their own companies and shared bold leadership ideas, and Build Your Own Dream Resort, where creativity ran wild with imaginative vacation destinations. Ten departments hosted hands-on Breakout Sessions, turning work into play and sparking curiosity: • Sweet fun with Dessert Decorating in the Corporate Café • STEM Robotics with our IT team • DIY Birdhouses with Facilities • HICV Monopoly with Collections • Travel-themed activities with Legal, Tour & Travel, and more Kids also got a firsthand look at their parents’ roles during job shadowing — a meaningful highlight for many. We wrapped the day with a DJ dance party, BINGO, and frozen treats from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. It was a celebration of connection, learning, and the joy of sharing what we do with the people who matter most — our families. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this special day to life. At HICV, we’re proud to support a culture where work and family go hand in hand.
At HICV, we’re proud to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month — a time to recognize the enduring contributions Jewish Americans have made to shaping our culture, advancing innovation, and enriching the American story. Officially established in 2006, this month-long observance honors a legacy of resilience, creativity, and leadership across fields like science, the arts, public service, and more. It’s also a time to reflect on the experiences of Jewish American communities, their heritage, and their vital role in promoting inclusion and progress. Throughout May, we invite our team to engage in learning, conversation, and celebration as we honor the vibrant history and ongoing influence of Jewish Americans — past and present. #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth #LifeAtHICV #CelebrateHeritage #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusionMatters
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at HICV May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — a time to honor the cultures, achievements, and lasting impact of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. This observance is rooted in key milestones, including the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the contributions of Chinese laborers to the transcontinental railroad. What began as a week-long recognition in 1978 has since grown into a month of celebration, reflection, and learning. At HICV, we’re proud to celebrate this heritage through storytelling, team member spotlights, and inclusive conversations. It’s a chance to reflect on the strength and diversity within our team — and to continue building a workplace where every culture is respected and every voice is valued. #AAPIHeritageMonth #LifeAtHICV #DiversityAndInclusion #CelebrateCulture #InclusionMatters
We had an amazing turnout at our recent DIB (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) Rally! From global bites and inspiring speakers to fun games and photo booth moments, it was a celebration of the values that shape who we are. A big thanks to our President & CEO John Staten and SVP of HR Erin Booth for showing their support — and to everyone who helped make it a meaningful, memorable event. Event highlights included: • High-energy hosting from Gigi Morales and Tony Alvarez • Delicious international appetizers • Fun and thought-provoking DIB games • An inspiring keynote on curiosity and inclusion • A photo booth full of smiles and team spirit • Great engagement with our DIB Council At HICV, we’re building a culture where every voice matters — and events like this remind us just how powerful that can be.
We’re excited to launch a new series - Kindness Corner - by spotlighting Marian Carroll from South Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC—someone who truly embodies the spirit of caring. Whether she’s singing happy birthday to a guest or snapping photos to capture a special moment, Marian goes above and beyond to make others feel celebrated. Her kindness extends beyond the resort—on her days off, she delivers Meals on Wheels, bringing connection and care to local seniors. Marian’s selflessness has inspired her fellow team members to get involved too, from volunteering to assembling Easter baskets for those in need. Her actions embody the spirit of giving that our General Manager, Melissa Stewart, encourages through local community partnerships. Marian reminds us that kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life. Thank you, Marian, for leading with heart and inspiring us all!
At Holiday Inn Club Vacations, our team members consistently go above and beyond to make a positive impact, both in the workplace and in the communities we serve. Two recent initiatives highlight this unwavering commitment to our core value of Caring: a donation drive led by our Inventory Management Team in support of Help Now of Osceola and a passionate group of Orange Lake team members rallying for Relay for Life, in support of the American Cancer Society. These two initiatives highlight what makes Holiday Inn Club Vacations so special—our people. The dedication shown by our Inventory Management Team and Orange Lake team members embodies the very best of our culture. By coming together for causes that matter, they remind us all that we have the power to create change and positively impact our communities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these meaningful efforts. Your generosity and compassion truly make a difference! Through initiatives like these and our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, Holiday Inn Club Vacations empowers team members to give back to the causes they care about most. #HICVCares #CommunityMatters #HelpingHands
This April, we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, and the rich heritage and history of more than 3.5 million Arab Americans across the United States. Arab American history dates back to 1527, with immigrants arriving from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and many Gulf nations, contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of our country. As part of our celebration, our corporate cafeteria will feature dishes inspired by internationally renowned Arab chefs: Chef Joe Barza (Lebanese), Chef Ara Zada (Armenian-American), and Chef Fadi Kattan (Palestinian). To further explore and appreciate Arab American culture, the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council recommends these thought-provoking books: The Book of Khalid – Ameen Rihani and The Other Americans – Laila Lalami. Join us in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month by exploring these stories, enjoying incredible cuisine, and honoring the diverse contributions of Arab Americans in shaping our nation.
Our team had the privilege of attending the 2025 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards Ceremony, where we proudly received 14 ARDA Awards, including the esteemed ARDA Circle of Excellence (ACE) Emerging Leader Award. This marks the fourth consecutive year our company has been honored in the top-tier ACE categories. Please join us in congratulating our winners: • ACE Emerging Leader Award – Giseth Morales, Marketing • Digital Products: Sales – Reimagined Pipeline Journey • Maintenance Team Member or Manager – Brian McLaughlin, Oak n’ Spruce Resort • Marketing Individual – Lance Larsson, Performance Marketing • Marketing Management Leader – Ely Tomines, Performance Marketing • Marketing Team – Corporate Demand Generation Team • Resort Department Manager – Jedd Marrero, Orange Lake Resort • Resort General Manager – Leslie Barilli, Williamsburg Resort • Safety/Security Professional or Team – Keith McRae, Orange Lake Resort • Sales Management Leader – Christian Chronister, Orange Lake Resort • Sales Verification Loan Officer/QA Officer – Martin Davalos, Orange Lake Resort • Special Event: Sales and Marketing Incentive Event – SMA Party Gras • Talent Acquisition Professional or Team – Resort Operations Talent Acquisition Team • Technology Project Professional or Team – My Vacation Portal Team
