Press Release
May 14, 2001
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA -- More than 800 employees of Yosemite National Park concessioner, Yosemite Concessions
Services Corporation (YCS), were honored in graduation ceremonies last week. The employees had completed a comprehensive
40-hour program developed by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association to build and
enhance skills in hospitality functions.
Funded in part by California Employment Training Panel, the program enables all YCS employees, from line-level
staff to general managers, to receive professional certification in several lodging or food and beverage positions.
Accreditation for the program was provided by the Yosemite Community College District, Columbia College, and can
be applied toward achieving further levels of certification, including designation as a Certified Hotel Administrator
(CHA).
According to YCS President Cindy L. Bower, ``Earning this certification shows the industry that you know what is
critical and important to deliver the highest levels of service and quality.'' Bower, who obtained her accreditation
as a Certified Hotel Administrator in 1988 from Michigan State University, went on to say, ``I certainly look twice
at candidates who have demonstrated this commitment to a profession in the hospitality industry.''
Derek Safley, YCS training manager, concurs. ``Putting forth the effort to prepare for and earn a professional
designation tells both employers and prospective employers that an employee has attained a specific level of knowledge
for their position and has taken the extra steps to excel in their chosen career field. The employee stands out
as an individual capable and willing to dedicate themselves to 'go the extra mile' both personally and professionally.''
YCS trainers expect that employees will log more than 48,000 training hours in the first 18 months of the program
and plan for all 1,500 employees to participate over the next three years. Said YCS human resource director Lisa
Abbott, ``Aside from the benefits to our company, it demonstrates our commitment to providing a positive, growth-oriented
work environment for our employees and to give them 'not just a job,' but a life-long, career opportunity.''
YCS manages 1,519 rooms at several locations in the park, with accommodations ranging from tent cabins to luxury
hotel rooms. YCS employees work in lodging, food and beverage, recreation, transportation and retail services.
Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Educational
Institute is the premier source for quality hospitality education, training, and professional certification, serving
the needs and advancing the excellence of hospitality schools and industries worldwide. For information about the
Educational Institute's professional certification programs, including line-level, supervisory, department head
and general manager certification, call 888-575-8726.
SOURCE: Yosemite Concessions Services Corporation