March Inn employees earn hospitality certifications Published Aug. 31, 2009 By Michelle Converse 452nd FSS/FSVL MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Since February, 21 March Inn staff members have earned professional hospitality certifications through the American Hotel and Lodging's Educational Institute (EI). The EI's certification program helps dedicated professionals build hospitality careers by defining what it takes to be successful in any hospitality position and helping hospitality employees reach their goals. Those who earn and maintain these designations demonstrate an exceptionally high level of expertise, competence and commitment to the industry. Headquarters Air Force Services Agency began using this certification program several years ago. They set up classes specifically targeting supervisors and managers and funded the courses when taken on site in San Antonio, Texas. The classes vary in length, most being four or five days. Each class has an exam on the final day. Three managers from the March Inn traveled to attend the classes. Oriana Moy, the March Inn training manager, and Helen Holm, the March Inn general manager, didn't want to stop there. They believed the line-level employees should benefit from the certifications as well. Moy, who is certified to be an EI trainer, assisted with the line-level certifications. Line-level certification through EI is competency-based and recognizes employees for their job knowledge, experience and performance. Through skill validation and testing, employees earn a designation that lets their customers know they are competent in the duties they perform. Moy and Holm believe this certification program encourages employees to fully excel in their positions and perhaps even cross-train into other areas. They hope every member of the March Inn staff can earn their professional certification. Certification benefits the employee as well as March customers who benefit by having fully trained and competent employees working to serve them. Connie Gray is the most recent employee to earn a certification. March Inn managers presented her Certified Housekeeping Manager certificate on Thursday, August 13. March Inn Employee Certifications Certified Maintenance Employee Manuel Gavaldon Certified Reservationist Marisa Campos-Hardy & Tina Gonzalez Certified Front Desk Representative Donna Moser & Marissa Murguia Certified Guestroom Attendant Meo Arnold, Agnes Brown, Dora Corona-Hernandez, Rosita Depatie, Diemphuc Dinh, Vilai Ellin, Carmen Frausto, Tanya Harvey, Chom James, Inocencia Marble, Edelmira Medina, Pheng Smith & Marisa Stockwell Certified Hospitality Supervisor Jacqueline MacGowan Certified Housekeeping Manager Connie Gray Certified Rooms Division Executive Michelle Converse