An Update from Marriott CEO, Arne Sorenson

It’s been three weeks since I last communicated with you about the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on our business. Sadly, since that time, we’ve all borne witness to how this insidious virus is impacting our families, our communities and our very way of life. What we’re facing is daunting, but I am heartened by the moments of triumph in everyday acts of courage, humanity and love. Although these are trying times for us all, I remain optimistic that our world will thrive once again.

Today, I want to let you know how we’re focused on supporting the communities where our associates live and work. I also want to provide you with an update on our room cancellation policy and Marriott Bonvoy status and points expiration dates.

Click to read more ...

Coronavirus Florida: Publix offers free rent to tenants in shopping centers it owns

Publix, Florida’s dominant grocer and a major property owner, says it’s offering rent relief to tenants that operate in its shopping centers and have been closed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The relief package includes waiving rent for two months, as well as waiving payments for common area maintenance fees and taxes, regardless of the tenant’s access to other relief or assistance, Publix said.

“As a company that started as a small business 90 years ago, Publix wants to help businesses renting from us survive the economic impact of these unexpected closures,” Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous said in a statement.

Full artice at: The Florida Times-Union

Restaurateur takes out a $50K credit line to pay his employees during coronavirus crisis

Bryan Morin, who owns the Belmar restaurant Federico's, took out $50,000 credit line to pay his employees that can't work during the coronavirusThis N.J. restaurateur took out a 50K credit line to pay his employees during coronavirus crisis. Buy his pizza!

By Steve Politi | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If you’re going through hell, order pizza. I think it was Winston Churchill who said that, but someone should double check. I would go to the library myself and look it up but, well, you know.

But I am quite sure this moment in time calls for pizza. Having that familiar cardboard box arrive at your front door, its contents steaming hot and deliciously glorious, is one of the few slices of normalcy we still have during the coronavirus pandemic. No pun intended.

Plus, it is practically your civic duty. The fate of our small businesses, including the restaurants that are so important to our communities, is hanging in the balance during this time of social distancing. So tonight, as you contemplate what to feed your stir-crazy family, your should stand in your kitchen and declare the following:

“For the good of our country, I demand we order two large pies with sausage and extra cheese!”

And if you’re in Belmar (or Bradley Beach or Spring Lake or anywhere close)? Please consider ordering from Federico’s on Main Street. Throw in the chicken wings and some garlic knots and some penne with vodka sauce. Keep ordering, because owners Bryan and Michael Morin did something so generous last week, they deserve some good karma -- and, more importantly, greenbacks -- headed their way.

Click to read more ...

Marriott's CEO Shared a Video With His Team

Marriott's CEO Shared a Video With His Team and It's a Powerful Lesson in Leading During a Crisis:

Be honest, be clear, be transparent.

Marriott's CEO Arne Sorenson

The video is worth a watch for every leader. And not just because in it, he commits to forgoing a salary for the remainder of the year and cutting those of his executive team by 50 percent. That, by the way, is a lesson in leadership in and of itself.

More importantly, Sorenson manages to directly and clearly communicate with his team in the midst of a crisis in a way that many leaders in business and elsewhere fail to grasp. That should be at the top of your list of priorities when figuring out your business contingency plan during a crisis.

Click to read complete article and view the video...

CPS Everest - Above and Beyond

Full Length Documentary: "CPS Everest - Above and Beyond"

On Sunday October 27, 2019 Complete Parachute Solutions successfully achieved a new world record putting 5 MFF jumpers onto the highest predesignated drop zone in the world at 20,200 ft above Mean Sea Level at the West Col of Mt Baruntse in Nepal. This 44 minute full length documentary of our expedition is now accessible via YouTube. 

“The expedition was the epitome of teamwork, all everyone had to do was be the best version of themselves throughout the journey. WE NAILED IT!” – Fred Williams.

Learn more about one of the jumpers in the video, Todd Wilcox, and his heartfelt leadership philosophy in the book, "The WOW Factor Workplace".

On behalf of all those involved we would like to thank our generous sponsors for supporting this bold endeavor and we offer a special thanks to our loved ones for enduring our collective quest to test the limits of human performance.

Our Sponsors and Partners:

• Performance Design
• United Parachute Technologies
• Sun Path Products
• Mystery Ranch
• Ops Core
• Patriot Defense Group
• NIO Advisors
• Falcon Logistics
• Asian Trekking
• Click It Productions

Patriot Defense Group, LLC

1900 Summit Tower Blvd, Suite 650

Orlando, FL 32810

T: 407.539-2975 | F: 407.628.1508

www.patriotdefensegroup.com