ExcElsior’s

WHISPERVOLUME 2 - ISSUE 9APRIL - AUGUST 2012

sports & social ActivitiesIsle of MTVperformers at the GHE Trip to

SicilyThe Hon. Dr. Gonzi at the GHE

cOnTEnTS

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©2012 Grand Hotel ExcelsiorGreat Seige Road Floriana, FRN 1810Tel: 23192302

Email: hr@excelsior.com.mtWeb: www.excelsior.com.mt

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2012Grand Hotel ExcelsiorPublished quarterlyFor Internal use only

Upcoming EventsFifth-Year Anniversary Celebrations

End of Summer Party

Treasure Hunt

Birthday Ceremonies

IXL Ceremony

Check the notice boards on levels 3 and 4 regularly for updates on Sports and Social Events

P.3 NotefromtheGMMr.GrixtiontheMHRAMagazine

P.4-5 SportsandSocialActivities

P.6 AidtheCommunityActivities

OurLadyofSorrowsMass

Mothers’DayEvent

Women’sDayEvent

Nomination-StarAwards

P.7 ZumbaClasses

SalesTriptotheHampshireChamber ofCommerce

P.8 TrainingandDevelopment

P.9 AgriturismoTriptoSicily

P.10-11 CelebritiesattheGrandHotel Excelsior

P.12 HealthandSafetyPage

P.13 Congratulations

BirthdayCeremonies

P.14-15 TheHon.Dr.GonziattheExcelsior

P.16 15ThingsYouDidn’tKnowAbout...

TextbyMichelaGrixtiDesignbyScottDearEditedbyNorbertGrixtiandNicholasSaliba

Congratulations to Jessica Cilia Custo from F&B who is the winner

of the Competition in the last Issue of the Whisper. Jessica wins a dinner for two at

one of our outlets.

A SHORT nOTE fROM OUR

General ManagerNorbert Grixti

Promotions & Press

The financial year came to a close in the month of June, and I am happy to report that we have been extremely productive over the last few months. We had the pleasure

of hosting a significant number of groups, and their stays were successful thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team members. We have accommodated several prestigious guests this quarter. In April, we welcomed the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, who met our team members at their place of work and answered their queries. In June, we were delighted to welcome the Italian canta autore Antonello Venditti for a press conference. Mr. Venditti will

be back in Malta in August for a concert and will be staying at the Grand Hotel Excelsior once again. We have also hosted the top VIPs- will.i.am, Flo Rida, Nelly Furtado and Eva Simmons, who performed during this year’s Isle of MTV concert at the Granaries. I would like to welcome the team members who have recently joined the Grand Hotel Excelsior. We are now gearing up to a very busy Summer season and look forward to working together to ensure the upkeep of our standards at all times, and to provide an excellent service to each of our guests.

Mr.Grixti on the MHrA Magazine

Mr. Grixti made front-page news on the latest issue of the MHRA (Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association) magazine, which is distributed to various prominent people within the hospitality industry. Mr. Grixti discussed his most memorable experiences at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, including hosting His Majesty, Juan Carlos of Spain. He also discussed the Management’s strong belief in diversity, and creating a multi-cultural environment at the workplace.

sports & social Activities

Paintballing Tournament A paintballing tournament was organised by the Sports and Social Committee on the 29th May at Ta’ Qali. There was a satisfactory turn-out of team members from various departments.

Figolla competitionTo commemorate the Easter season, the annual Figolla Competition was organised on the 5th April in the staff canteen. Several team members participated in the event, and many others came to support their colleagues and taste their culinary creations. The competition was judged by Roger Friggieri, our Executive Chef; Melvin Sammut, our Junior Sous Chef; and Sam Attard, our Security and Health and Safety Manager, who awarded points for taste, texture and presentation. The winner was Vittorio Aquilina from F&B, and the runner-up was Sharon Del Bene.

Team members enjoying a drink together after the paintballing tournament

The scrumptious figolli submitted for the competition

David, Kurt, Cliff and Simon in the paintballing attire

A billiards tournament took place on the 10th April in the Games Room. Sam Attard, our Security and Health and Safety Manager was the winner.

Kurt from Stewarding during the billiards tournament

Fishing competitionA fishing competition was organised at the Marina in April. There was an excellent turn-out and several team members from different departments competed. The Sports and Social Committee received very positive comments about the competition, and another fishing event was organised the following week. The overall winner was Stephen Gilson from Maintenance who caught 43kg of fish, and the runners-up were Michael Aquilina from F&B and Marcellino Sciriha from Stewarding.

There was an excellent turn-out for the competition From L-R- Michael, Stephen and Marcellino posing with their abundant catch.

Darts Tournament A darts tournament took place on the 28th February in the Games Room. Vince Veneziani from Projects was the winner, while Chris Attard from F&B and Emanuel Fenech from Projects were runners-up.

Mr. Nicky Saliba with Vince, Chris and Leli

Playstation TournamentA PlayStation FIFA tournament was organised on the 28th March in the Games Room. The winner was Kurt Dimech from Accounts and the runners-up were Philip Bonanno, Kurt Sammut and Andre Grima.

Team members participating in the PlayStation Tournament

Mr. Saliba presenting Andrew with a trophy.

Table-Tennis TournamentA table-tennis tournament was organised in the Games Room in February. Andrew Tabone, our International Sales Manager was the winner, and the runners-up were Robert Zammit and Roderick Sciberras from F&B. The event was complimentary for team members, but a sum of €13.85 was collected in donations towards the Welfare Fund.

Mothers’ Day EventAn Afternoon Tea was held on 11th May in the Chartroom to cel-ebrate Mothers’ Day. All the mothers on duty were invited to attend, and received a goody-bag from the Management. Ivan Grech from Wintermoods attended the event.

The Excelsior Mothers with Norbert, Nicky and Ivan Grech Women’s Day celebration In recognition of International Women’s Day which takes place on the 8th March, Mr. Grixti and Mr. Saliba distributed flowers to the female team members on duty.

Mr. Grixti and Mr. Saliba presenting flowers to Silvana and Anne from Housekeeping

our lady of sorrows MassA mass commemorating Our Lady of Sorrows was held on the 30th of March. An alter was prepared by Noel Livori from Stewarding, and there was an excellent turn-out of team members from various departments.

Our team members who carried out voluntary work at Dar Qalb Ta’ Gesu

Aid the community Visit to Dar Qalb ta’GesuThe Sports and Social Committee organised an Aid the Com-munity visit to Dar Qalb ta’ Gesu, a children’s home. Our team members assisted by carrying out extensive work in the garden of the property, and our Senior Sous Chef, Giuseppe Ordinato, prepared a pizza lunch for the children.

Amazing Grace!Congratulations to Grace Attard from Housekeeping on her nomina-tion for the Star Award, which recognises excellent service within the Hospitality Industry. Grace was nominated due to her excellent performance at work. She consistently exceeds company standards, despite going through a difficult period last year. Moreover, she has an admirable attitude and always greets her colleagues with a smile on her face and has a kind word for everyone. Well done to our Amazing Grace- You truly are a Star!

sales Trip to the Hampshire chamber of commerce On the 24th-28th May, our Corporate Sales Manager, Firas Aboulezz, visited the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce on a Sales Trip. The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, an organization with which the Grand Hotel Excelsior has recently become affiliated with, organizes an annual networking event inviting all its members. This year, the gathering consisted of a mini football tournament. The event was sponsored by the Grand Hotel Excelsior and was supported by Southampton F.C. The objectives of the trip were to promote tourism in Malta and to market the services of the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Firas presented a weekend break to the best player of the tournament, Mr. Neil Raynsford.

Firas in action

Firas presenting Mr. Neil Raynsford with a weekend break at the Grand Hotel Excelsior

Firas with the team he formed part of during the tournament

Zumba launchFollowing several requests, the Sports and Social Committee is organising a series of Zumba sessions. The classes are delivered by professional instructors and help to promote the health and well-being of team members.

Team members participating in a Zumba class

A three-day training course for all Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisors was organised by Neal Debono and Rita Galea in March. The Supervisors received practical sessions on how to

inspect rooms and were instructed on company standards and how to communicate effectively with their colleagues. A surprise reception was organised in the Chartroom, and all those who attended the training received a certificate of participation.

HOUSEKEEPInGtraining

The Grand Hotel Excelsior receives Equality Mark

NCPE (National Commission for the Promotion of Equality) is committed to awarding organisations that demonstrate a commitment towards gender equality, certifying them as equal opportunities employers. In May 2012, the Grand Hotel Excelsior was awarded the Equality Mark by the NCPE, acknowledging the company’s status as an equal - opportunities employer. The Grand Hotel Excelsior promotes equal opportunities to team members regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, marital status, family status and disability.

Norbert and Rita cutting a cake in Celebration of the succesful training

ixl Award Winner- First QuarterCongratulations to Heathcliff Vella, one of our Front Office Porters, who received the IXL Award for the first quarter of 2012. Heathcliff has been employed at the company for five years, and always did his utmost to exceed guest expectations. Heathcliff received the IXL award for his exceptional gesture towards a family who required a push-chair for their baby. Heathcliff took the liberty to enquire about the clients’ needs, and managed to get them a brand new push-chair. Through his intervention the clients were really appreciative and have wonderful memories about the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Well done Heathcliff- Keep up the good work!

Training and Development

Flower Arranging courses

Three team members from our Housekeeping depart-ment, Anne Magro, Anna Dalli and Josette Camilleri, participated in a fourteen week Flower Arranging Course organised by the Directorate for Lifelong Learning at the Ministry of Education. Anna Dalli shows us some of her beau-

tiful creations.

Agriturismo Trip to sicilyAn Agriturismo Trip to Sicily was organised by the Sports and Social Committee on the 9th May. The group travelled by Catamaran and spent the day in Pozzallo, sampling a scrumptious variety of Sicilian delicacies.

The Excelsior group in Sicily

Team members sampling a variety of delicious Sicilian cheeses The beautiful views enjoyed by our team members in Pozzallo

Nicky and Alfred on the Catamaran Colleagues sharing a joke whilst enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings in Pozzallo

Training and Development

Valentina with Flo Rida

Eva Simons during a press-conference. (Picture courtesy of the Isle of MTV Facebook page)

Nelly Furtado at the hotel Marina. (Picture from the Isle of MTV Facebook page)

Paul Cassar, our Bars Manager with Eva Simons

celebrities at the GHE

Isle of MTV Superstars Choose the

GHE

The Grand Hotel Excelsior was chosen once again to host the stars performing in the Isle of MTV concert held at the

Granaries on the 26th June. This year we had the pleasure of accommodating Will.i.am and Eva Simons, who entertained thousands of fans gathered for one of Malta’s most prestigious music events. Nelly Furtado and Flo Rida also visited the Grand Hotel Excelsior for a press-conference.

The Performers:Will.i.am became a household name in the 90s, forming part of the popular hip-hop group, The Black Eyed Peas, group visited the Excelsior in 2009. He has released four solo albums, and several well-known singles including “Heartbreaker” and “One More Chance”

Nelly Furtado is a Canadian performer, who found fame in 2001 with the release of her album Whoa Nelly! She is renowned for hits such as “Maneater”; “Try”; “Forca”, the theme song of the 2004 European Cup; and “Big Hoops”.

Flo Rida is an American rapper whose single “Right Round” was at the top of the Hot 100 hits for six weeks. Other works include “Low” and “In the Ayer”.

Eva Simons is an upcoming Dutch singer-songwriter who penned Afrojack’s “Take Over Control”. She has also collaborated with will.i.am on his new album.

Venditti at the GHE for a press conference

The European Commission vice-president Antonio Tajani and the singer-songwriter Antonello Vendetti met at the Grand Hotel Excelsior on the 15th June. Mr Venditti visited the hotel for a news conference on his concert which will take place at the MFCC at Ta’ Qali on August 24.

Antonello Venditti with Norbert Grixti

celebrities at the GHE

Ivan Mizzi at the top table during Antonello Venditti’s press conference

On Monday 23rd February another Fire Drill was organized at the Excelsior, to familiarize team members with the procedures which must be followed in case of an emergency. A fire in a hotel can create

an enormous risk to everyone, so knowing what to do is the key to surviving an emergency. Conducting regular fire drills will give our team members the knowledge and confidence they need to evacuate the premises safely in an emergency.

But what is a fire drill?A fire drill is a method of practicing the evacuation of a building in an emergency situation. Generally, the emergency system (usually an alarm) is activated and the building is evacuated as though a real emergency has occurred. The time it takes to evacuate is measured to ensure that it occurs within a reasonable length of time. Our last fire drill was performed in 6.34 minutes. Obviously, there’s always room for improvement. While conducting the fire drill, the Security and Health & Safety Manager and the Security team will take note of areas which need to be improved or corrected to ensure the safety of team members and guests.On being given the notice of evacuation, you are to abide by the following instructions:

* Stop anything you are doing immediately. *Proceed immediately to the nearest fire exit. *Exit slowly, calmly and quietly. *Do not stop to collect personal belongings. *Do not use the lift. *Close all doors and windows behind you. *Help any guest and direct him/her to the nearest fire exit. *Give your name to the person who is doing the roll call at the Assembly Point. *Do not move from the Assembly point until you are otherwise instructed by the Chief Marshal. Remember that younger, older, or disabled people may need special assistance. You should be familiar with all fire stairs in the hotel. We have two assembly points, one by the Guard Room and one in the Marina Area. During a real emergency, there’s no time to experiment as you have to act quickly. Only the Chief Marshal has the authority to decide whether evacuation of the hotel is necessary, and what action is to be taken. If a room or corridor is filled with smoke, crawl on your hands and knees to exit, as smoke rises. Remember, you must not attempt to tackle any fire unless you have received the appropriate training and it is safe to do so.

HealtH and Safety Corner

In this edition of the Health and Safety Corner our Security Health and Safety

and Health Manager Sam Attard, advises us about the importance of

conducting regular fire drills

Baby Jake Schembri

Marie Claire and Alan on their big day

congratulations!The last few months have been highly eventful for the team members at Grand Hotel Excelsior. Kevin Schembri, our IT Manager and Denise, our E-Commerce Manager welcomed their first child, Jake who was born on the 13th March. In May Steve Casha from Maintenance and Amanda Axiaq from Front Office became the proud parents of a firstborn son, Mason. On the 14th June, Alan Borg and Marie-Claire Portelli from F&B, who met at the Excelsior, were joined in Holy Matrimony. On the 16th, Priscilla Xuereb from Reservations married Anthony Grech. Congratulations to all!

Birthday Ceremony April. From L-R- Godwin, Jason, Nick, Anna, Marco, Sharon, and Matthias.

Birthday Ceremony March. From L-R- Firas, Mariya, Joseph, Severine, Josette, Gina, Grace and Girmay.

Ceremony - May. From L-R- Firas, Clemence, Trevor, Edward and Mary

Newlyweds Priscilla and Anthony Grech

Baby Mason

Birthdays

The Hon. Dr. lawrence Gonzi visits the Grand Hotel ExcelsiorOn the 19th April the Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, visited the Grand Hotel Excelsior for an informal visit. He was welcomed by the Management in the lobby, and was introduced to the team members on duty from various departments. He also met with several team members in the staff canteen and answered their queries.

The Hon. Dr. Gonzi posed for a picture with our Management

The Management welcoming the Prime Minister to the Grand Hotel Excelsior

Our Security and H&S Manager Sam Attard was delighted to present the Prime Minister with a gift on behalf of the Excelsior team

The Prime Minister with various team members, the Management and the Press

The Hon. Dr. Gonzi with our Executive Pastry Chef, David Pulis

The Hon. Dr. Gonzi meeting our F&B team in the Spice Island

The Prime Minister and the Press were shown to the Games Room

The Prime Minister was delighted with his gift - a book on his favourite football team, Inter

10 Things You Didn’t Know About leli Fenech

Most of us at the Grand Hotel Excelsior are acquainted with Leli. He joined the company in 2006, forming part of the construction team and is now working in the Projects department. Moreover, he has an active role in organising team member activities, and is an integral part of the Sports and Social Committee. Here are ten things you didn’t know about Leli, the hotel’s most mature team member with a youthful zest for life:

Leli is 73 years old, and will be 74 in April. Although he is way past pension age, Leli says that he has opted to continue working to keep himself active. He insists that work keeps him alive.

He is from Naxxar, but now lives in Santa Venera.

He has two children and three grandchildren, ranging from 4 to 14 years of age.

He has travelled to several places of interest, including England, Austria, Spain, Morocco, Belgium, Tunisia and Libya. However, he maintains that his favourite holidays were in America and Italy.

Leli visits Sicily almost every week, and has now become a tour-leader there, imparting his knowledge of the island to tourists.

His hobbies include playing football, fishing and collecting stamps

His favourite sport is football. He is an avid supporter of the Italian team, and greatly admires Andrea Pirlo.

Leli has two pets, a talking budgie and an African Gray parrot.

He enjoys all music, particularly country. His favourite songs are Jim Reeve’s ‘Distant Drums’ and Al Martino’s ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’.

Leli enjoys all kinds of food, but loves healthy meals including fish and salads.

Leli was the hotel’s resident Santa last Christmas season

Leli assisting during the fishing competition in April

Leli with Helen from Housekeeping and Antoinette from Laundry in Sicily