Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40MARCH 2017 • FOGHORN 13 FOGHORNFOCUS: CONVENTION REVIEW $100. Conventional wisdom agrees that keeping customers happy is paramount to success, but few companies institu- tionalize policies to accomplish this to the extent that Ivar’s does. Donegan stressed that happy customers are only part of the story. Happy employees are even more critical for a business—any business— to succeed. While other restaurant owners typically pay employees minimum wage and do not offer an attractive benefits plan, he recognized that by bucking convention, he’d have a strong advantage over his competi- tors. He was right. In 2013, Donegar said it cost the organization more than $2,000/per employee for training and other essen- tials. Rather than repeating the pattern of hire/train/lose employee/hire/ train, etc., Donegan opted to invest that money to attract/hire/retain employees and managers. Ivar’s also lays out the possibilities of career advancements to every new employee who walks through the door. Ivar’s also substantially improved its employee benefits package. They now offer all employees full benefits, including medical and dental, counsel- ing, and a matching 401(k) plan. MariTrends 2017 The largest tradeshow event in PVA’s history, MariTrends 2017 was a hub of positive energy and action throughout the Convention. The stage where three of the General Sessions were held was stra- tegically placed inside the MariTrends 2017 exhibit hall. Here, large crowds gathered to listen to the speakers and learn vital information that pertain to the running of a successful vessel operation. Interactive Information Sessions, held in the Exhibit Hall, were perfectly suited for the many educational sessions held just steps from exhibit booths with noise levels ideal for those in the two concurrent sessions and attendees on the show floor. Once again, the Lunch and Learn Roundtable Discussions were a hit. These unique educational opportuni- ties are somewhat informal and allow attendees to sit in on a discussion to ask questions of topic experts while eating a delicious lunch and then move about as one chooses. Plan Now for 2018 Hot of the heels of this hugely suc- cessful meeting, the PVA Convention Committee is already at work planning the next one. Mark your calendar now for the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018, which will be held January 28-31, 2018 in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. With daytime average temperatures in the 60’s, this delightful city will be a welcome winter respite for many, and its quaint Southern charm is sure to please attendees with its riverfront and its walkable downtown area with appealing shops and appetizing restau- rants. Plan now to attend! n