Industry Update
Inside the Transformation of Historic Manhattan Ferry Terminal to a City Club
Maggio Cipriani is overseeing the development of Casa Cipriani and Cipriani South Street in the Battery Maritime Building, as the N.Y.-based president of the family’s namesake hospitality business. Distinguished architect Thierry Despont is involved in the project, which includes a 15,000-square-foot spa and gym floor and 47 guest rooms and suites with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. This hotel is one example of trendy members-only spaces that have been sprouting up across major cities in recent years like The Wing, which is aimed at millennial women, and the Gathering Spot, which boasts majority Black membership. According to Henry Wallmeyer, president and CEO of the National Club Association, “both upstarts like these and traditional city clubs have become more vibrant in recent years, thanks in part to an overall revitalization of urban life. At least, such was the case pre-Covid”. WSJ.
Golf Course Real Estate in High Demand
COVID-19-related relocation has spiked across the nation and has increased the demand for homes in private residential golf communities. Buyers are being drawn to these communities because of the ability to limit access to their facilities and offer a wide range of outdoor, dining and social activities. A November Golf Life Navigators survey showed that 63% respondents preferred to live inside a gated golf community instead of outside it, compared to 51% before the pandemic. WSJ.
The Union League of Chicago Set to Sell Monet
The Union League Club of Chicago board approved the sale of the club’s prized Monet painting and other works from its significant private art collections to relieve the economic strain caused by the pandemic. The club has managed to reduce the financial impact through staff reductions and salary cuts, but the board approved additional measures noting, “key to the board’s decision is the inherent uncertainty of the length of the negative effects of the pandemic on the club’s operations and Chicago’s economy.” Art Market Monitor.
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City Applauds The Palencia Club’s Water Resource Sustainability
Pool Renovations Pay Off at The CC of Spartanburg
Jared and Ivanka to Join Indian Creek Island with Recent $30M Lot Purchase
Trends Watch
New Survey Findings Highlight Business Deterioration in the Restaurant Industry
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) sent a letter to Congress earlier this week highlighting key findings in a new survey and urging leaders to compromise on a relief package. Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for public affairs warns that more than 500,000 restaurants are in “an economic free fall.” Blue Book Services.
Panel Talks Wellness Trends for 2021
A recent panel, including six women from companies like The Wall Street Journal and W Magazine, discussed wellness trends for 2021 at the Global Wellness Summit in early November. Some COVID-19-influenced trends include a new convergence between health care and wellness, a focus on strengthening the immune system and home wellness. Panelist Sandra Ballentine, editor of W Magazine says, “we need to shift our health care system away from profiting from sickness and gear it towards preventing it,” a focus of converging health care and wellness. Experts also highlight the healing power of nature and its increasing popularity in a world stricken with lockdowns. Global Wellness Summit.
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2021’s Hottest Drink Menu Trends
On the Green
New Golf Survey Reveals COVID-19 Impact and 2021 Outlook A recent survey by GolfNow including more than 300 public and semiprivate club owners and managers, representing 45 states and some international properties, revealed a positive outlook for 2021. “Two-thirds of the respondents are ‘very optimistic’ that golf will be able to capitalize on the surge of interest and newcomers to the game.” Also revealed is the role technology will play in the future of golf and club facilities as almost half (47%) report technology being a priority, up from 27% before the pandemic. The Golf Wire.
USGA Collaborates Sustain Economic and Environmental Viability of Golf Courses
The United States Golf Association (USGA) has launched a new collaborative focus on ongoing efforts to sustain the economic and environmental viability aimed at critical elements of golf’s future. The effort will be led by members of USGA Green Section and in collaboration with several national golf organizations. USGA will focus on increasing costs for clubs, the economic challenges relating to the unsustainable maintenance of golf courses, water scarcity issues, availability of land and other areas. Golf Course Industry.
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Creative Thinking Encouraged When Looking at the Future of Golf
Diversity & Inclusion
Celebrating Small Wins on the Fight Against Racial Inequality As great victories often are the peak of several small wins, noticing the small victories that are critical to the greater achievement is the key to positive change. Addressing issues of racial inequality can bring about challenging reflections and self-assessment that may not feel good. Focusing on the small win, the choice to invest the time to reflect and engage on the issue of racial inequality, is the key to forging ahead through sometimes uncomfortable moments. BoardSource Blog.
Nasdaq CEO Pushes Diversity and Transparency in New Rules Nasdaq Inc. is pushing new rules for the boards of its companies requiring minimum diversity requirements or providing public transparency on why the company is not meeting the outlined requirements. This rule must be approved by the Security and Exchange Commission before it can be enforced. Adena Friedman, chief executive of Nasdaq Inc., suggests the reasoning behind the proposed rules is in part due to the effort of European countries around gender diversity and their effectiveness and partly due to the experiences this year has brought. “I think it’s really raised the awareness in corporate America around the benefits of diversity,” Friedman said. WSJ and WSJ.
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Choice Hotels Announces African-American Owners Alliance to Support Underrepresented Entrepreneurs
Operations and Membership
Club + Resort Business Awards Top Innovators
The Second Annual Top Innovator Awards recognize club and resort properties’ that rose to the challenge of a difficult year. Winners are recognized for their effective implementation, despite the added challenges imposed by the coronavirus outbreak, of new ideas and concepts for special events, facilities design and renovation, recreation and fitness, golf operations, food and beverage, youth and family programs, member services and communications, staff motivation, and many other amenities and operating areas. C+RB.