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This is a reminder about our exciting Zoom session TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 3:00pm. Join us for a Zoom session with two of our Alum, Billy Downs and Jim Anhut, to discuss how to deal with the employment crisis in the hospitality industry and hear their advice, suggestions, insight, and wisdom!

Please see below for additional information and the link that you will use to join:

Dear Hospitality Students,

 

SIRC is planning an uplifting Zoom meeting for you tomorrow,  Wednesday April 1, 2020 at 3:00pm! Mark your calendars!

Two of our prestigious alumni will join us to discuss how to deal with the employment crisis in the hospitality industry and offer their suggestions, insight and wisdom.

Both have been in leadership and executive positions for numerous years and are familiar with the difficulties of economic downturns and how it affects the hospitality industry. Having been on both the giving and receiving side of layoffs due to unforeseen circumstances, they are happy to share their expertise with you and help you navigate our industry during this difficult time.

 

Our Guests

Jim Anhut joined the faculty of The School of Hospitality Business this past August as Director of the Hospitality Business Real Estate Investment Management Minor. He grew up in the hospitality business beside his grandfather and father and graduated from The School of Hospitality Business.  Throughout his career he has held numerous executive leadership positions and diverse operating roles including: General Manager; VP Real Estate; SVP Brand Management; SVP Design, Architecture and Construction; SVP Franchise Development; and Chief Development Officer. He has led teams across some of the world’s leading hospitality and restaurant companies namely: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Choice Hotels International, The Residence Inn Company (prior to its acquisition by Marriott International), and Dine Brands Global. He also currently holds a position as Operating Partner of Passionality Group and is a Board Member of Ceterus, Inc.

 

Billy Downs opened the first BD Mongolian Barbeque Restaurant in the United States and served as President and CEO for 27 years before selling the chain. He was later approached by Ford Motor Company to open a restaurant for them. He launched Ford's Garage in Dearborn, Michigan in 2016 to exceptional reviews.  A graduate of The School of Hospitality Business, he remains very involved; participating in the Spartan Sponsors Mentoring Program, serving as past President of The School’s Alumni Board, speaking in numerous classes and being awarded The School’s Mentoring Icon Award at CAREER EXPO in 2017!

 

Both Alumni have a world of experience and are happy to share encouragement with students!

 

If this format is helpful, then SIRC will continue to have weekly zoom times where students can drop in to talk, check the latest news and get personal help! SIRC also continues to assist students by email at [log in to unmask] or by calling the SIRC phone line 517-353-9747!

 

 

Here is the link to join the SIRC ZOOM meeting tomorrow, Wednesday April 1, 2020 at 3:00pm: https://msu.zoom.us/j/166799234

 

We look forward to having you join us!

 

GO GREEN! GO Hospitality Business! Ms Collins Hawks