Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA) to Introduce Leading-Edge Image, Etiquette and Hospitality Training to its Senior Living Communities
VERO BEACH, Fla. – April 10, 2018 – Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA), a regional senior living development and operating company based in Vero Beach, is introducing a leading-edge etiquette and hospitality training program to its senior living communities. Inspired by a recent extensive etiquette, hospitality and image training for corporate executives and 15 of its community executive directors, the new program is the first of its kind in the industry.
Led by international etiquette experts Jacqueline Whitmore and Susan Bigsby, the training lasted two full days. It included two days of teaching all facets of professional image and etiquette. As a result of the training, new etiquette and hospitality initiatives were determined with a goal of training all of HRA’s executive directors by the end of 2018. HRA has 30 communities in 7 states and is partnering on the construction of 7 more communities in 7 additional states.
“We’re proud to be the first in the senior living industry to implement a dedicated focus to hospitality, etiquette, and image,” said Kim Lewis, Chief Operating Officer at HRA. “We’re truly excited about this program and can’t wait until it is up and running in all of our communities nationwide. Our residents, family members, and guests are going to experience an unmatched level of hospitality and service in all HRA communities. We will set the standard for excellence in hospitality in senior living.”
During the training, attendees were taught new techniques for first impressions, small talk, remembering names, handshakes, and introductions. They then learned how all these principles can be applied to day-to-day interactions with residents and family members. They also received additional dining etiquette training and learned more about host duties, glassware, cutlery, toasting, table talk, and seating etiquette. To help improve outward appearances, both men and women received tips on how to dress and choose the right look.
“We are focused on providing a five-star hospitality experience for everyone who walks in our doors,” said Gottfried Ernst, Vice President of Hospitality at HRA. “At HRA, we genuinely believe in a ‘Culture of Hospitality.’ Our sincere commitment to the highest level of hospitality will be the gold standard in the industry for years to come.”
The event’s featured speaker was Jacqueline Whitmore, an international etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. She has spoken to a wide variety of audiences worldwide and is the author of noted etiquette books. She is also a popular guest on radio and television shows around the world, appearing on ABC’s 20/20, CNN International, Fox News, National Public Radio, and more.
The event’s other featured speaker, Susan Bigsby, is a Certified Image Professional who has devoted her 30-year career to helping improve the images of men and women from all walks of life. She has been the corporate image consultant to the Estee Lauder executives and has been the featured image expert for dozens of television programs. Both speakers are well-known nationally for their expertise.
“We all learned some amazing new tips and techniques for taking our hospitality to the next level in all of our communities,” said Erica Cohen, Executive Director of HarborChase of Tamarac. “These world-renowned speakers gave us all some wonderful new ideas to take back and impart to all of our community teams.”
As an organization, HRA is committed to anticipating the needs of a new generation of seniors. All communities feature HRA’s signature Life Enrichment Program, designed to provide social, devotional, fitness, and recreational opportunities that have a positive impact on residents. Typical HRA community features include full-service dining in multiple restaurant venues, housekeeping and laundry services, scheduled transportation, and a dedicated staff of nurses available 24 hours a day. For more information on Harbor Retirement Associates, visit www.hraseniorliving.com
About Harbor Retirement Associates
Harbor Retirement Associates (“HRA”) is a regional senior living development and management company, focused primarily on Assisted Living and Memory Care communities, but also engaged in the development and operations of Independent Living and Skilled Nursing communities. HRA operates 30 communities in 7 states and is partnering on the construction of 8 more communities in 7 additional states. HRA manages over $150 million in revenue and approximately $1 billion in assets while employing 2,000 associates. For more information, visit www.HRAseniorliving.com.