Park Central Hotels to Host New Hospitality Workforce Training Initiative

https://www.investinphoenix.com/news/12

<div class="ExternalClass537597CA10DB43C892E0C15920A84B42"><div>PHOENIX, Ariz.- Grand Canyon University (GCU), the City of Phoenix, and the developers of Park Central, Plaza Companies, Holualoa Companies, and hotel operator Fayth Hospitality are joining together to initiate the Park Central Hospitality Training program. The innovative new workforce training program is bringing together a public-private-university partnership to train workers in the hospitality industry. </div><div>“Phoenix continues to build on our reputation as a top travel destination, attracting an increasing number of visitors from domestic and international markets,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This initiative comes at the perfect time as we work to forge new paths for residents to capitalize on rewarding career opportunities, and to meet the needs of this growing industry with a talented workforce.” </div><div>GCU's renowned Hospitality Management program will collaborate with Fayth Hospitality and the City of Phoenix to design a comprehensive curriculum. This initiative will equip aspiring hospitality professionals with essential skills, including technology, guest service, marketing, community ambassadorship, and collaboration with local partners. The work experience for the Hospitality Training Program will occur at the dual-branded Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton at Park Central. </div><div>"This workforce initiative will bring valuable opportunities to our community, empowering aspiring individuals with essential hospitality skills and on-the-job work experience," said Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor. "The partnership between Fayth Hospitality, Park Central, GCU, and the City of Phoenix demonstrates a commitment to fostering economic growth and job prospects within my district." </div><div>The program is launching with a $25,000 grant from the Foresight Foundation. The Foresight Foundation's donation to GCU will support program costs. The program will kick off next year as the construction concludes oat the Park Central hotels, as part of the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER. </div><div>"This is a tremendous opportunity for us to help develop the next generation of hospitality workers, create new jobs, and continue to elevate our community," said Greg Fay, Managing Partner of Fayth Hospitality. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Foresight Foundation for their generous support and invaluable partnership, enabling us to bring this vision to fruition." </div><div>The Park Central hotels will support individuals traveling to the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER for treatment and services at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, as well as a place for family and friends of Creighton University Health Sciences Campus students and faculty. The hotels will add 207 total guest rooms, spanning five stories and covering 105,000 square feet. </div><div>"We are thrilled about this public-private partnership to build new lives for many Arizona workers and their families," said Dr. Toni Farmer-Thompson, Co-Founder and President/CEO of the Foresight Foundation. "This initiative will benefit Arizona from many perspectives and enable us to properly welcome and serve the many tourists visiting our beautiful state." </div><div>Upon completing the program, participants will gain invaluable firsthand work experience and benefit from job placement assistance. Additionally, the Foresight Foundation will financially support mentorships and leadership skills development for students participating in the program, which is expected to start in 2024. </div><div>"We are pleased to expand workforce training opportunities and incorporate hospitality training at the new hotels at Park Central," said Sharon Harper, Chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies spearheading the Park Central revitalization alongside Holualoa Companies. "This furthers the vision of establishing Park Central as a hub for jobs and economic growth. The hotels will be invaluable assets, catering to Creighton University medical students, faculty, families, business travelers, patients, and families traveling for treatment in the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARER while enhancing our community's employment prospects." </div><div> The construction, leisure, and hospitality industries are in the top five of the fastest growing industries in Arizona and will see over 20% increase in employment by 20312. The Park Central Hospitality Training program is one of three workforce programs Plaza Companies is leading. Additional programs are related to construction and property management.  </div><div>“GCU is intentional with its job-focused curriculum,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “Partnering with this local hospitality training program supports the University’s commitment to prepare our students to be workforce-ready. Hands-on experience like this ensures our graduates are meeting the needs of today’s industry leaders.” </div><div>Plaza Companies and Tucson's Holualoa Companies have teamed up to redevelop Park Central into a vibrant destination once the city's first official large-scale shopping mall. The companies have transitioned the expansive space from a retail center nearly 500,000-square-foot bustling community hub ideal for playing, working, congregating, and celebrating the arts.  </div><div>The new, dual-branded hotels will combine features and perks from both brands. Home2 Suites is a pet-friendly, extended-stay hotel offering complimentary breakfast, in-suite kitchens, and other extended stay amenities. Tru by Hilton, meanwhile, provides an interactive game room, multimedia areas, and a 24/7 market where guests can grab snacks, coffee, and other beverages and light bites. The hotels will share a rooftop pool and ground-floor fitness center. </div><div> </div><div><h3>For questions on Plaza Companies or Park Central contact:</h3>Elizabeth Berry, Plaza Companies 602-758-0628 |  <a href="mailto:Elizabeth.berry@theplazaco.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth.berry@theplazaco.com</a>  </div>Athena Sanchez, Interim Communications Manager <a href="mailto:athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov/">athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov/</a> +1 602 621 0507 </div>

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Grand Canyon University, City of Phoenix, and Private Sector Uniting to Inspire the Next Cohort of Hospitality Professionals

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8/17/2023 6:27:58 PM