Saturday Briefing

By Dr. Richard R. Kelley

It always gives me great pleasure when a member of our ‘ohana is recognized for excellence and leadership, but I was exceptionally happy when I heard that Robert McConnell has just been appointed the District Governor for Hawaii by Best Western International.

Robert McConnell and David Kong, President & CEO, Best Western International

Robert is the General Manager of the Best Western The Plaza Hotel at Honolulu International Airport, as well as of the nearby OHANA Honolulu Airport Hotel. With his new – additional – role as District Governor, he will be representing the five Best Western Hotels in Hawaii to Best Western International’s board of directors - not only the Best Western The Plaza Hotel, Honolulu, that he manages for us, but also the Best Western Coconut Waikiki Hotel, Waikiki; Best Western Plantation Hale Suites, Kauai; Best Western Maui Oceanfront Inn, Maui; and Best Western Pioneer Inn, Maui. In addition, he will do property inspections to ensure that guests continue to receive quality accommodations and consistent hospitality up to Best Western’s stringent standards.

Robert is a veteran hotelier with over 25 years of experience. He has worked in a succession of management positions at various Outrigger properties in Hawaii, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. He is a Certified Rooms Division Executive and a Certified Hotel Administrator (through programs of the American Hotel & Motel Association’s Educational Institute). He is also an active member of various internal Outrigger organizations, including chair of Outrigger Hotels Hawaii Political Action Committee and a member of Outrigger’s annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk committee. In light of Robert’s experience, talents, hard work, and dedication, I am not surprised that he has been selected for this important role with Best Western.

Sitting: David Carey; David Kong, President & CEO, Best Western International; and Ray Johnston, Board of Directors, District VI, Best Western International Standing: Robert McConnell; Barry Wallace; Glenn Nakamura, Board of Directors, American Hotel & Lodging Association; Frank Haas, Assistant Dean, University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management; Emily Foy, Gift Officer, University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management; and Dr. Chuck Kelley

Outrigger is pleased to be affiliated with Best Western International, Inc., the world’s largest hotel chain with over 4,000 independently owned and operated hotels. The affiliation is a great marketing tool that attracts guests, such as members of Best Western’s rewards program, who might not otherwise choose our property. About 60 percent of Best Western’s hotels are in North America. The rest are found in nearly 80 countries and territories around the world, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Central and South America, and Africa. On average, over 400,000 guests sleep in a Best Western Hotel every night of the year.

Founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin, Best Western has been providing quality service and hotel accommodations to leisure and corporate travelers for over 60 years. With corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, the company is governed by a seven-member board elected from geographic districts around North America. There are separate boards for other countries. Governors serve as communication consultants and links between the hoteliers in their district and their board.

Congratulations, Robert. We are all very proud of you.