SKI.COM ANNOUNCES THE 12 NEW HIRES FOR THE ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN GIG: THE SKI.COM DREAM JOB
Twelve candidates have been chosen to document what it’s like to experience it all at six top destinations around the world
Aspen, Colo. – November 21, 2019 – Ski.com, the largest provider of ski vacations in North America, is proud to announce the 12 new hires for the second year of The Ski.com Dream Job.
Receiving more than 1,500 applicants, Ski.com is hiring 12 mountain enthusiasts to document what it’s like to experience six top ski destinations in North America, Europe and Japan. In addition to being selected for an all-expense paid VIP experience, each individual new hire will receive $2,000; flights on United Airlines; gear from Stio, Black Crows, Giro and GoPro; custom forecasts from OpenSnow; and the opportunity to save our snow with Protect Our Winters.
“In the second year of The Ski.com Dream Job, we are blown away by the significant amount of submissions we received from people with a deep passion for skiing and snowboarding, mountains and travel,” said Dan Sherman, Ski.com’s chief marketing officer.”. “We are thrilled to send 12 talented content creators around the world for a VIP experience at six of the world's top ski destinations. We can’t wait to watch as their adventures starting this January.”
Beginning in January, 2020, Ski.com will be sending teams of two to each of the following six locations: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Big Sky, Mont.; Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta; Chamonix, France; Niseko, Japan.
The Ski.com Dream Job New Hires Announced per Location:
Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
Jack Botti and Max Rhulen from Bend, Oregon
Jack and Max bring strong photography and cinematography credentials to their bucket-list destination of Chamonix, France. As seen in their application video, they are both expert skiers with a passion for going big in powder and the park. Jack, grew up skiing in Oregon and Max grew up skiing the slopes of Colorado. Their sense of having fun in the mountains is infectious and Ski.com can’t wait to watch their Chamonix experience through their talent for capturing content and skiing big lines.
Application video: http://youtu.be/VtYsJOaFmW0
Niseko United, Japan
Alex Broadstock and Kris Roller from Brooklyn, NY
Alex and Kris are roommates, friends, skiers and accomplished content creators living in Brooklyn, NY. Alex was born in Taiwan and raised in Ohio and has continued to follow his passion for travel and inspiring others through his content. Kris grew up in New Hampshire, has been skiing since the age of three and is a former youth ski instructor. As documented in their submission video, Alex and Kris have captured breathtaking content from around the world but have yet to capture Niseko, Japan - an internationally renowned ski destination for deep powder.
Application video: https://vimeo.com/369188787
Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Andrew Muse, Ashley LaMarre and Kicker the dog from Park City, Utah
Andrew Muse has a huge following on his YouTube page, documenting his travels around the world often with fellow content creator and girlfriend Ashley and his internet famous dog named Kicker. Andrew and Ashley’s bright personalities and love for skiing will be a great fit for Aspen Snowmass, where they will have the opportunity to ski all four-area mountains and experience some of the best après-ski, dining and nightlife in North America. Aspen is an incredibly dog-friendly town, from great winter hiking to doggy meus offered at local hotels, so Kicker will fit in well as he adventures around Aspen Snowmass.
Application video*: https://vimeo.com/369056018
*Andrew and Ashley originally applied for Chamonix however Ski.com has hired them for Aspen Snowmass
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Aaron Macrae and Matt Chick from Montréal, Canada
Aaron and Matt, also known as The Rolling Van Creative, applied last year and also joined Jackson Lebsack, last year’s Dream Job hire, for a leg of his trip in British Columbia on their hometown turf in Canada. This year Ski.com is sending them to capture the best of Jackson Hole, one of the most iconic towns in the Rocky Mountain West.
Application video: http://youtu.be/0-BYMJ_KRQY
Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
Jake Burchmore and Taylor Ahearn from Crested Butte, Colo.
Jake and Taylor are professional photographers and filmmakers based in Crested Butte, Colo. Jake was born in Aspen, Colo and grew up in Telluride, Colo. skiing some of the most challenging slopes in North America. Taylor grew up skiing in his home state of Maine but followed his passion for skiing out west to Crested Butte. Jake and Taylor are expert big mountain skiers who will be experiencing Banff and Lake Louise for the first time during The Ski.com Dream Job. Jake and Taylor will be capturing the beauty of this iconic Canadian Rockies destination and experiencing the charming town of Banff.
Application video*: https://vimeo.com/369748491
*As reflected in their video Jake and Taylor initially applied for Japan however Ski.com has chosen them for Banff
Big Sky Resort, Mont.
Celia Miller from Frisco, Colorado and Ben Saheb from Steamboat, Colorado
Celia Miller is a former professional snowboarder, full-time content creator and was the first female snowboard judge for The X Games. Celia has teamed up with professional videographer and photographer Ben Saheb who started his career at Steamboat TV 18. Ben is currently a freelance filmmaker and is the Director of Photography at Steamboat Powdercats, Celia and Ben will be capturing everything from riding the Big Couloir off Lone Peak to riding under the stars with guided headlamp night skiing.
Application video: https://vimeo.com/369205429
During the application process, which lasted from September 17 through October 29, 2019, interested job seekers submitted videos explaining in 90 seconds or less what made them the perfect candidate for The Ski.com Dream Job. Applicants needed to have a serious desire to travel to some of the most amazing mountain destinations in the United States, Canada and Japan; be an intermediate skier or snowboarder or above and excel at documenting new experiences.
For more about The Ski.com Dream Job new hires, visit the Ski.com blog at: https://www.ski.com/blog/ski-com-dream-jobs-new-hires-2020/.
To follow The Ski.com Dream Job new hires travel the world this winter, follow along at www.ski.com/dreamjob for updates, Ski.com’s Instagram, Ski.com’s Facebook page and the hashtags #skidreamjob and #tothemountains.
About Ski.com
Founded in 1971 in the heart of Colorado ski country, Aspen-headquartered Ski.com is North America’s largest provider of mountain vacation packages and an industry leader in online travel technology. The company specializes in booking custom ski vacations at more than 120 of the most popular ski resorts and heli- and cat-skiing destinations in North America, Europe, Japan and South America and offers the largest collection of mountain lodging and ski-vacation components, including discounted lift tickets, flights, equipment rental, ski school, activities and more. Providing unsurpassed mountain-travel expertise, Ski.com’s 70 Mountain Travel Experts average 26 years of experience in the ski travel industry.
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The Heartfelt Holiday: Nine Ways to Show
Your Employees You Care This Holiday Season
Leaders, the holidays are a great time to infuse a little "WOW" into your employees'
lives and strengthen your company's culture. Deb Boelkes shares some festive ways
to thank your team for all their hard work and inspire them for the year ahead.
Jacksonville, FL (November 2019)—As the holiday season approaches, leaders are starting to look for ways to show their teams they care. Yes, that's what bonuses are for. But cash gifts aside, there are plenty of other ways to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work, creativity, and dedication during the season of giving. This sense of heartfelt gratitude and caring is a pivotal part of creating a workplace built on what Deb Boelkes calls the "WOW Factor."
"One of the greatest gifts you can give employees is building a culture so great that they can't imagine working any place else," says Boelkes, author of The WOW Factor Workplace: How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture (Business World Rising, December 2019, ISBN: 978-1-734-07610-3, $19.95). "It all comes down to offering them the support, encouragement, guidance, and compassion they need to flourish and thrive."
Creating a WOW workplace culture is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. When you show employees you care, they will be loyal to you in return. What's more, putting employees first inspires them to give their best efforts, which drives customer loyalty, which drives profit.
"The holidays are actually one of the easiest times to 'wow' your employees," says Boelkes. "Spirits are high, and you can take advantage of the festive mood to strengthen these relationships, which benefits everyone."
Here are just a few ways to show your workers you care this holiday season:
Do everything you can to make their holidays easier. WOW leaders care about their people and want to make their lives easier. No question: Life can get busy and stressful this time of year. Doing simple things to take some of the pressure off means more than you may realize. For instance, announce the holiday schedule in advance and communicate it several ways so they can plan. Also, keep the schedule flexible and light. Let people leave work a few hours early, or work from home, or close down the office a day or two in advance of the holiday.
"You're showing them you see them not just as cogs in a machine but as whole human beings with lives outside the office," says Boelkes. "This works best when you make an effort all year long to get to know what's going on in their lives and what matters to them."
WOW them with some grace. If an employee realizes at the last minute that she needs to leave in the middle of the day to attend her nephew's holiday play, let her. Tell her, "Oh, it's fine and no need to come back in. Enjoy your afternoon." These are the kinds of things that make a lasting impression and build loyalty in people.
Don't send a bland corporate holiday card. Instead, share a heartfelt (and customized) thank-you message. Successful leaders, especially heartfelt leaders, make sure the people working above, for, and with them know they and their contributions are appreciated. A simple "thank you" can have more power than you think. Give meaningful credit when credit is due.
"Make your 'thank you' meaningful by giving each employee a handwritten thank-you card along with any bonuses you distribute," says Boelkes. "Be specific in listing some of the reasons you value each employee and thank them for making each day a WOW experience."
Help employees connect to purpose and meaning. WOW workplaces are infused with meaning. People don't just go through the motions. They know that their work touches people's lives in real and often profound ways. Britt Berrett, former president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, says purpose and meaning are crucial for creating employee engagement in all fields—not just the "obvious" industries like healthcare, education, or social work.
He says: We get to take care of people and touch their lives every day. That's a divine calling in life. Colleagues outside of health care, I think they, too, can find that purpose and that meaning. That's why Southwest Airlines is doing what they're doing. I think they consider it a great calling in life. I've heard them speak to that, on opening the airways, on opening travel for families and friends to connect. I think that's meaningful. But it does take courage, it really does. It's exhausting, too. It's not for the faint of heart. It's not for those who are "kind of," "sort of," "sometimes," or "maybe." It's for purposefully driven people.
The holidays are the perfect time to remind people of the larger "calling" behind their job. At the holiday party, share an example or two that illustrates this—maybe read a thank-you letter from a customer or even invite one to speak on how your company made their lives better.
Don't skimp on the holiday party. Workplace celebrations are deeply important. Not only does it give everyone a chance to relax and socialize, it's a way to say thank you to employees. Make it special. You don't have to spend a ton of money but give a lot of thought to what might be meaningful to people. (You might ask for their feedback first.) Whether your holiday celebration is as simple as a potluck where everyone brings a favorite dish, or an elegant catered affair, make sure it's well thought out, well planned, and fun.
Declare a moratorium on after-hours emails for the last half of December. Boelkes says when she conducted 360 reviews of CEOs, one of the biggest complaints she heard was from employees who resented getting emails from the boss on weekends or late at night. They felt they must respond immediately, even when the boss said it could wait until the next business day. Therefore, she recommends that for the last two weeks of the year—while most employees are juggling end-of-year workloads and holiday family visits—leaders declare email-free evenings and weekends for the entire two-week holiday period.
"If you feel compelled to write an email after normal business hours, simply save it as a draft until 8:00 a.m. on the next business day," she suggests. "This is a small way to give employees their personal time back, and yet it makes a HUGE difference."
Designate a volunteer day to spread goodwill. The holidays are about giving, so find a way for your organization to give back to the local community. Choose a non-profit organization and select a day or partial day to volunteer as a group. You might decide to walk dogs at a local shelter, or serve lunch at a soup kitchen, or play with children at an orphanage.
Challenge employees to make a holiday connection with customers. Ask them to come up with their own ideas for connecting with customers around the holidays. Then set them free to implement their plans. A customer service representative might send freshly baked cookies to the clients she normally assists, or a group of workers might decide to make a funny holiday thank-you video to send to their clients. When employees are able to engage customers, it makes them more engaged in their jobs. It's an all-around delightful experience for everyone.
Boelkes suggests you take a cue from Donald Stamets—general manager for Solage, an Auberge resort in Calistoga, CA—and don't make employees ask permission. As part of his Expected, Requested, and Delighted philosophy, Stamets encourages them to go above and beyond what the customer expects or requests and try to delight them at every turn. For instance, if a guest is sick, employees can bring them tissues and chicken soup without asking a manager.
"Likewise, tell your employees their goal is to delight customers this holiday season," says Boelkes. "Let them use their own judgment and tap into their creativity. Being allowed to do it 'their way' will encourage and inspire them to go in whole-heartedly."
Give the gift of (positive) year-end feedback. At the end of the year, you'll want to send employees off on the right foot to enjoy their holiday breaks. A great way to do that is by holding a year-end review in which you focus mainly on what employees are doing right and asking them to share their ideas for making next year even better.
"It's okay to give them some improvement goals as well but keep the majority of the feedback upbeat and encouraging, and let them know that you believe in them," says Boelkes. "With this approach you're likely to notice improvements in the new year."
"When employees feel supported and appreciated, they will give you their best time and time again," concludes Boelkes. "So be sure that you don't squelch the holiday spirit. Take advantage of the holiday cheer and infuse some festive joy and inspiration in your organization. It pays off for you, your workers, and your customers."
# # #
About the Author:
Deb Boelkes is not just a role model heartfelt leader; she's the ultimate authority on creating best places to work, with 25+ years in Fortune 150 high-tech firms, leading superstar business development and professional services teams. As an entrepreneur, she has accelerated advancement for women to senior leadership. Deb has delighted and inspired over 1,000 audiences across North America.
About the Book:
The WOW Factor Workplace: How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture (Business World Rising, December 2019, ISBN: 978-1-734-07610-3, $19.95) will be available from major online booksellers.
For more information, please visit www.businessworldrising.com.
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Government Affairs Veteran Joins American Exploration and Mining Association
Spokane Valley, WA - The American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) has hired Sidney Smith as the Association's Government Affairs Manager. Smith fills the role of Matthew Ellsworth, who served AEMA for seven years and is now Executive Director for the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts. Smith will be implementing and managing the Association's overall government affairs programs and strategies. He will be formally introduced to the membership at AEMA's 125th Annual Meeting in Nevada the first week of December.
"We are excited to have someone of Sid's caliber and experience join the AEMA team," said Mark Compton, AEMA's Executive Director. "I have great confidence that working with Sid and our volunteer members, we will continue to take AEMA's advocacy efforts to the next level."
With over 17 years of demonstrated experience in government affairs and media relations, Smith is a veteran that has been building professional relationships with local and federal leaders and their respective agencies. Smith's tenure as Regional Director and Communications Coordinator for U.S. Senator James Risch, and Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Larry Craig, has uniquely prepared him to advocate on behalf of the Association's 1,800 members and the exploration and mining industry at all levels.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity," said Smith. "Growing up in Coeur d'Alene, mining history and heritage is all around, and it helped me understand what miners contribute to modern, everyday life. I can't wait to meet our members and get to work."
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About AEMA:
American Exploration & Mining Association is a 124 year old, 1,800+ member, national association representing the minerals industry. AEMA is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, maintaining access to public lands, and represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration through production to reclamation and closure. AEMA's 125th Annual Meeting is in Sparks, NV from December 1 - 6, 2019. Learn more about AEMA by visiting: www.miningamerica.org
Views For 2020: U.S. Democrat Presidential Candidates’ Plans in Food and Agriculture
And although improved food and agriculture are crucial to adequate healthcare, the topic only reached the stage once: as Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI 2nd District) laid out her plans for a more climate-friendly and resilient agricultural industry.
However, each of the candidates has unveiled comprehensive platforms in recent months that improve nutrition in schools, support family farmers, protect agricultural competition, and address climate change. Food and farming are higher priority in this campaign season than ever before as candidates realize the important role farmers, rural communities, and the future generation play in providing nutritious food nation-wide. And, candidates are finally acknowledging that food and agriculture are issues embedded in more than just health: but also climate change, economic development, and immigration.
With food and agriculture missing from the debate stage, Food Tank set out to highlight the U.S. Democratic presidential candidates and their visions for a better food and farming future in the next administration: Michael Bennet, Senator (D-CO); Joe Biden, Former Vice President; Cory Booker, Senator (D-NJ); Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana; Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Ind.; Julián Castro, Former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary; John Delaney, Former Maryland Congressman; Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii Congresswoman (D-HI 2nd District); Kamala Harris, Senator (D-CA); Amy Klobuchar, Senator (D-MN); Deval Patrick, Former Governor of Massachusetts; Bernie Sanders, Senator (D-VT); Joe Sestak, Former Pennsylvania Congressman; Tom Steyer, Former Hedge Fund Manager; Elizabeth Warren, Senator (D-MA); Marianne Williamson, Author; Andrew Yang, Businessman; and, possible candidate Michael Bloomberg, Former New York City Mayor.
What food and agriculture policies do you want to see from the presidential candidates? Please email me at danielle@foodtank.com to share with us!
Sincerely,
Danielle Nierenberg
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GOED Board Approves EDTIF for Qualtrics
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 21, 2019) — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced Qualtrics will create up to 2,245 new jobs in Utah in the next 10 years.
“Qualtrics has been a longtime leader of Utah’s tech scene,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “We commend them for the work they’re doing and we’re happy they have received this EDTIF award — we’re ecstatic for their growth in the state.”
Qualtrics may earn up to 25% of the new state taxes it will pay over the 10-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax rebate. On Nov. 14, 2019, the GOED Board approved a post-performance tax rebate not to exceed $32,782,835. Each year that Qualtrics meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax rebate.
“Qualtrics is one of the innovative, home-grown companies from which Silicon Slopes has arisen,” said Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We are excited that they will continue to invest in Utah.”
State of Utah Tax Rebate By the Numbers
Tax revenue: $131,131,340
Wages: $1,494,700,000
Jobs: 2,245
Capital investment: 45 million
Timeline: 10 years
About Utah Corporate Incentives
The Utah Legislature has authorized economic development incentives in the form of post-performance tax rebates. Eligible companies work with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to outline specific performance criteria. Once GOED confirms those criteria have been met, according to statute (U.C.A. 63N-2-106(2)), companies can receive a refund of up to 30% of the state taxes they paid for up to 20 years. The contract with the state is post-performance; it only provides a state tax rebate if the company meets its obligations.
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and drives increased tourism and film production in Utah. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.
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