Update – Mobile Giving Interface.

by: Paul Swansen - May 21st, 2013   Filed under: Current Events, Mobile Add Comment

Mobile Giving Interface

Mobile Giving Interface 2
Mobile Giving Interface

Update – Mobile Giving Interface.  There is a better solution than “text to send $10″ when disasters like the Oklahoma tornadoes are the story of the day – I’m sure donors would far prefer to send larger donations from their phones to grassroots organizations, where 97% of the gift goes to the cause, than to send a maximum of $10 to a bureaucratic organization where a far smaller percentage of the gift goes to the cause after text campaign fees and sizable administrative expenses.

Call or contact us today to maximize your organizations giving potential.
What if your organization could provide a fast and efficient method of mobile donating? Have your clients and customers who have any web-connected smartphone or tablet gain access and the opportunity to donate to your cause or organization quickly and efficiently.

Jonathan Thaler, Founder of When I’m Mobile (www.whenimmobile.com) has created just such a mobile giving interface. Currently West Side Campaign Against Hunger (www.wscah.org) is making use of a mobile online donating app within their non-profit
organization.

Take a look at the mobile donation app by visiting www.wscah.org from any mobile device.  If this application is something your non-profit organization would find beneficial, please contact Jonathan or Paul for further information on how we can get your donations rolling in from wherever people are, with or without a computer.

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In a Mobile World Customer Reviews Matter More Than Ever Before

by: Paul Swansen - May 16th, 2013   Filed under: Mobile Add Comment

See on Scoop.it – Mobile Tools

The Internet world is indeed a mobile world. There is no longer proof needed for that to agreed to amongst any marketers.

What that mobi

 

Paul W. Swansen‘s insight:

While I agree with the authors premise, I’m left wondering.  Customer reviews and conversations and interactions have always been important.  What has changed in making those interactions any different today?

See on www.marketingpilgrim.com

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Keystone Resort Announces Headliner Events.

by: Paul Swansen - May 14th, 2013   Filed under: Colorado, Current Events, Customer Service, Ski Colorado, Vail Add Comment

Keystone Resort Announces Headliner Events for Summer 2013. The mountain fun at WelcomeKeystone Resort doesn’t end when the snow melts; a summer of adventure awaits in the stunning Rocky Mountains. Throughout the season, Keystone offers a variety of events and activities for every kind of family or group. For adrenaline junkies, challenging downhill and endurance-testing adventure races allow you to push the limits while enjoying the spectacular natural surroundings. For those looking to enjoy the mountain splendor at a slower pace, Keystone offers a lineup of signature Village festivals, featuring perfect pairings including Wine and Jazz and Bluegrass and Beer. With a plethora of activities and exciting events, everyone in your family or group can appreciate the mountain environment at their speed. Don’t forget to check out Keystone’s abundance of daily on-and-off mountain activities from white water rafting to golf, to hiking, to scenic gondola rides. Keystone’s amazing assortment of lodging options and diverse fine and casual dining offerings provide the perfect way to reconnect or reminisce after a day spent pursuing passions separately, or together. With a new adventure available around every turn, choose a weekend event to enjoy and extend your stay to revel in all that Keystone has to offer by taking advantage of great summer packages and Play for Free activities included with a two night stay or more.

Summer 2013 Headliner Events

Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour
Dates: June 22-23
Location: River Run Village
Back for a third-year, Keystone Resort will host the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour in River Run Village Saturday, June 22-Sunday, June 23 from 1p.m.-6p.m. This weekend-long festival brings in thousands of pounds of bacon from well-known bacon purveyors such as Tender Belly, Eden Farms and Denver Bacon Company as well as Keystone food vendors serving up creative bacon inspired dishes. Enjoy tastes ranging from salty bacon wrapped scallops to sweet bacon sprinkled s’mores while sipping on a cold beer or a bacon bloody mary. Listen to bands such as Hamilton Loomis and the Steeldrivers while meandering through the many bacon tents or find a patio deck to relax on while munching on the tasty treats. For children, the festival provides kids craft sessions along Ina’s Bridge and for adults, Warren Station Center for the Arts will be hosting a bacon seminar from 3p.m.-4p.m. each day. Advance tickets start at $30 per person and include an event koozie, a pair of commemorative sunglasses, bacon bucks for vendor tents and unlimited bacon tasting at purveyor tents. Buy now at www.keystonefestivals.com. Lodging packages start at $80 per person and include one night of lodging and one day ticket for the festival. To book now visit www.keystoneresort.com.

Snake River Festival
Dates: June 29-30
Location: River Run Village and Keystone Mountain Bike Park
Rocky Mountain Endurance (RME) presents the Snake River Festival taking place Saturday, June 29-Sunday, June 30 in River Run Village and in the Keystone Mountain Bike Park. Great for the entire family, the Snake River Festival will not only host a weekend of RME mountain bike racing, but will also provide guided group rides, individually self-guided marked course rides, coaching clinics, kids activities, music, yoga, food, a beer garden, bike movie and more. The festival is not only for avid mountain bike riders, but also for those who wish to either evolve into being a better mountain bike rider or for families who want to spend more time on two-wheels together. On-site registration is available for a $10 fee. For more information visit http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/snake-river-mtb-festival.

Big Mountain Enduro
Dates: July 6-7
Location: River Run Village and Keystone Mountain Bike Park
The Big Mountain Enduro Series presented by Yeti Cycles is an authentic multi-stage, multi-day annual Enduro series throughout the most picturesque vacation destinations in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Stopping at Keystone Saturday, July 6-Sunday, July 7, this much anticipated competition offers some of the biggest and most challenging terrain in the Keystone Mountain Bike Park. The race will follow a mix of the European formats; tying in epic backcountry on big terrain, as well as lift-accessed stages blended in along the way. Courses will feature predominantly downhill timed “special” stages linked together by non-timed liaison climbing stages. This rapidly growing discipline combines the physical endurance of cross-country riding with the technical difficulty and excitement of downhill racing. The 2013 Big Mountain Enduro Series will encompass over 40,000 vertical feet of descending world-class singletrack throughout the entire season. Keystone’s course is specially designed to give participants a unique riding experience, including high altitude trails and long descents that will test athlete’s pure strength, endurance and bike handling skills. In sum, this unprecedented race will showcase some of the best trails at Keystone Resort, while hosting many of the top all-around mountain bikers from across the globe, ultimately catering to all types of riders in an entertaining atmosphere for the entire family and local communities to enjoy. For more information visit www.warriorscycling.com.

Wine and Jazz Festival
Dates: July 12-14
Location: River Run Village
Beginning Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14 Keystone Resort will host the annual Wine and Jazz Festival in River Run Village from 1p.m.-5p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 7p.m.-10p.m. Friday. The Reserve Wine Tasting Dinner in Warren Station Center for the Arts will kick-off the festival Friday evening with an array of the world’s finest wines, classy entertainment and gourmet food. Saturday and Sunday will feature over three-hundred wines readily available for tasting amongst the many vendor tents throughout the Village as well as educational wine seminars happening in Warren Station Center for the Arts. Wine Seminars include options such as “Chocolate & Wine,” “Great Summer Wines for Any Occasion,” and “Champagne on a Sunday Morn.” Musical performers will hit the plaza stage Saturday and Sunday during the festival, featuring Jazz musicians such as Joel Rodney, Will Donato, Mia Boarders, Jackiem Joyner and Dotsero. Early bird ticket pricing starts at $55 for a one-day ticket and includes an official Keystone Wine and Jazz tasting glass, unlimited sampling of over 300 wines and five gourmet food tickets. Buy tickets now at www.keystonefestivals.com. Lodging packages start at $105 per person and include a one-day tasting ticket and one-night of lodging at the Inn at Keystone. Book now at www.keystoneresort.com.

XTERRA Wild Running Festival
Dates: July 13-14
Location: Lakeside Village
XTERRA in-conjunction with Keystone Resort announces a weekend of running events for every age and skill level Saturday, July 13-Sunday, July 14 in Lakeside Village. The weekend will consist of seven trail races ranging from silly to serious as well as music, food, beer & wine, trail running clinics and nightly gatherings. XTERRA has a myriad of trail races on tap for the weekend including their signature event, the XTERRA Wild Obstacle Course Run—inspired by Mother Nature, the course will be tough, muddy and fun with a series of man-made and natural hazards for runners to navigate and conquer. Other races happening throughout the weekend will include an XTERRA Night Run, XTERRA Run to the Sun: an uphill trail challenge featuring 2,000 ft. of climbing, XTERRA Keystone 5K/10K, XTERRA Snake River Relay: a team-oriented dash-n-splash and XTERRA Wild Kids K: fun for the wee ones. Visit www.runningusa.org/xterra-wildfor more information.

Bluegrass and Beer Festival
Dates: August 2-4
Location: River Run Village
For the 17th year in a row, Keystone Resort will host the annual Bluegrass and Beer Festival Friday, August 2-Sunday, August 4 in River Run Village. Beginning Friday at 8p.m. Warren Station Center for the Arts will present the Blugerass Kick-Off Party with Della Mae. Saturday and Sunday will consist of Bluegrass Seminars at Warren Station Center for the Arts starting at 9a.m. followed by the Shock Top Beer Garden, Festival Food and Kids Crafts running from 12p.m.-5p.m. each day. The instructional bluegrass seminars, costing $10 each or free to lodging guests, will range from Mandolin Seminar with John Frazier to Fiddle Seminar with Phoebe Hunt offering festival attendees the chance to learn the art of Bluegrass. Live music will hit the stage at 12:30p.m. daily with a line-up consisting of acts such as Spur of the Moment, Hackensaw Boys, Hit and Run, Sierra Hull and Fruition. Beer tasting will begin at 1p.m. and run until 5p.m. Saturday and Sunday offering featured beers from over 30 microbreweries such as Boulder Beer Co., Breckenridge Brewery, New Belgium Brewing Co. and Left Hand Brewing Co. Tasting day tickets start at the Early Bird Price of $35 per day inclusive of an official Keystone Bluegrass and Beer sampling mug and unlimited tasting of over 30 breweries specialty beers. Buy tickets now at www.keystonefestivals.com. Lodging packages start at $102 per person and includes one night of lodging and on day tasting ticket. Visit www.keystoneresort.comto book now.

Cirque Du Wheels
Dates: August 31-September 1
Location: River Run Village
For the first time, Rocky Mountain Endurance is bringing a circus on wheels to Keystone Resort Saturday, August 31-Sunday, September 1 in River Run Village. This weekend-long festival’s main act consists of a 12 hour bike relay race that will begin Sunday morning at 7a.m. and finish at 7p.m. Sunday night. Prior to the big relay race, Saturday’s activities line-up consists of plenty to do including a costume cruiser ride, circus procession on wheels, a beer garden, bonfire, prizes and live music. Beginning Saturday night at 7p.m. live music will hit the stage for a concert to top off the first day of festivities. During the relay race on Sunday the festival will feature carnival games with a ringmaster, live performers as well as an awards ceremony after the finale of the relay race. Registration info and more details coming soon at www.keystoneresort.com.

Taste of Keystone
Date: September 1
Location: Lakeside Village
Coming back to Lakeside Village for the 25th year in a row, The Taste of Keystone happening Sunday, September 1 from 11a.m.-3p.m. allows Keystone festival goers the opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisine from Keystone’s best restaurants. Featuring tastings from Keystone’s signature AAA four-diamond rated restaurants—Alpenglow Stube, Ski Tip Lodge and the Keystone Ranch as well as food treats from other restaurants such as the Bighorn Steakhouse and the Black Bear Grill, the one-day festival will offer a wider range of flavors in bite-size tastings. Free music and children’s activities will be available throughout the event as well as a silent auction benefitting Mountain Mentors. Tasting tickets cost one-dollar each with samples generally ranging from two-five tickets. Visit www.keystoneresort.com for updated information throughout the summer.

A51 River Run Rail Series: Backyard BBQ Rail Jam
Date: September 7
Location: River Run Face
Back for its second-year due to popular demand, The Backyard BBQ Rail Jam, part of the A51 River Run Rail Series will take place at the base of the River Run Face across from the Summit Express Chairlift Saturday, September 7. Featuring a multi-rail set-up, participants will have the chance to throw-down their best tricks in front of the judges to snag the top spot and take home sweet prizing. Real snow will be brought in for the event making skiing and snowboarding on the rail set-up similar to in-season conditions. Live music, food and beer will be available throughout the day as well as crowd-giveaways. Sponsor tents will be available for browsing the latest equipment while enjoying the earliest rail jam in Summit County. Entry into the rail jam costs $20. Visit www.keystoneresort.comfor updated information throughout the summer.

For full event listings and details throughout the summer season please visit the Keystone Resort website at www.keystoneresort.com.

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UPDATE: Job Search in a Failing Economy.

by: Paul Swansen - May 14th, 2013   Filed under: Current Events, Customer Service Add Comment

UPDATE: Job Search in a Failing Economy.

Line for a Job Fair
UPDATE: Job Search in a Failing Economy. I wrote about this some 10 days ago and I figure an update is appropriate.

Company Number 1: It has now been 40 days with zero contact or response from the recruiter who initially contacted me. This recruiter has not responded to my phone calls or emails.

Company Number 2: It has now been 18 days since I’ve had any contact with this recruiter. This recruiter also has not responded to any phone calls or emails. I have had a further interview with the vendor for whom Company Number 2 is representing. At this stage their requests to Company Number 2 have gone unheeded as well.

I’m torn at this point with both of these companies and whether or not I should even consider working for them. Given that I’ve been unemployed for 15 months, I need the income that these jobs would provide. However seeing how I’ve been treated as a potential employee, I seriously wonder if I want to work for a company who treats people in this manner. As they treat potential employees this way, how is there interaction with their current employees, better or worse?

I’m also interested in just how common this type of behavior is from companies in this current economy? Do company Human Resource Departments (HR) condone this type of behavior, and are they even aware of this type of behavior from their current employees? Is this type of activity an active policy known throughout the enterprise?

I wonder if there is a web site for identification of companies who have a shameful record of treating their potential employees during the hiring process?

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Blog Traffic.

by: Paul Swansen - May 12th, 2013   Filed under: Current Events Add Comment

BLOG TRAFFIC.

 

Over the past couple of months I’ve used both WordPress SEO by Yoast, and the default All In One SEO Pack on this web site. So far I’ve seen little if any difference in the use of either of these web SEO tools.

 

WordPress

WordPress (Photo credit: Adriano Gasparri)

This tells me that I’ve got no idea what I’m doing with either of the SEO tools, and I’m writing crap, that few if anyone wants to read. Seeing as I’ve been unemployed for 15 months, I’ve been concentrating on writing with the expectation that over the past year, that this and my writing would begin to generate some income. So far that’s not occurred.

 

So now it’s time to take stock and begin to look seriously at the content and what I’m doing writing, and judge as to whether or not, this is a viable income stream potential or not. I’ve also seen options of creating a subscription service where readers will pay an annual fee for access to the site. This is also an option to consider, as I’ve no support or financial backing for my efforts.

 

There is also an ongoing issue to change the format of the web site and it’s current theme. The “WhiteHouse” theme is a free WordPress theme and while I like it, I don’t love it. What type of theme do I want? I can’t fully describe it, and sort of like Porn, I’ll know the proper theme when I see it.

 

Ok enough of my semi rant this Sunday morning. Thanks to all who do stop by and read the content here. I appreciate you time and effort. I’ll continue to provide content here and look for changes in the near future.

 

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Beaver Creek Golf Club Opens for the Summer Season.

by: Paul Swansen - May 9th, 2013   Filed under: Beaver Creek, Colorado, Current Events, Customer Service, Vail Add Comment
Beaver Creek Golf Course

Beaver Creek Golf Course (Photo credit: LRJ53)

Beaver Creek Golf Club Opens for the Summer Season Friday, May 10

The Beaver Creek Golf Club will open for member and guest play Friday, May 10. Nestled against the slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain and recognized as one of the longest established golf courses in the Vail Valley, the 18-hole championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., will offer public play May 10 – June 14, 2013 and Sept. 16 – Oct. 6, 2013. The course will be open to club members and Beaver Creek Resort, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead guests June 15 – Sept. 15, 2013.

“The Beaver Creek Golf Club is in great shape for Friday’s opening and our maintenance team has been extremely busy putting the finishing touches on the course,” said Dave Lopez, director of golf for Beaver Creek Golf Club.

During the early season, May 13– June 14, golfers can take advantage of a Spring Golf Special for $85 which includes 18 holes Monday-Thursday including a golf cart, three-course lunch at The Rendezvous Club Restaurant and a $10 golf voucher valid day of play only at the award-winning Beaver Creek Golf Shop. Tee times take place from 10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.

Other early season offers include 18 holes for $92; nine holes for $65 and the twilight rate after 3 p.m. is $67. Juniors ages 7-18 can play for free with a paying adult Monday-Thursday (one free junior round offered per paid adult), and can play 18 holes Friday – Sunday for $67. All fees are per person and include carts and range balls.

Stay and Play Golf Package

Beaver Creek Golf Club’s Stay and Play golf and lodging packages are offered through a variety of Beaver Creek properties featuring up to 40 percent off on lodging. Stay and Play packages at Beaver Creek Golf Club start at $158 per person based upon double occupancy and include one round of golf per person for each night of lodging booked. This offer is valid May 10– Oct. 6, 2013 with rates varying by season; taxes and gratuity are not included and tee times are subject to availability. Packages are not available for groups or rounds already booked and some minimum night stay requirements may apply Friday and Saturday nights. For reservations, visit www.beavercreek.com/golf or call 877.204.7883.

About Beaver Creek Golf Course

The Beaver Creek Golf Course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and ranks among Golf Digest magazine’s “Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America.” The 6,784-yard par-70 course opened in 1984 and begins and ends at the edge of Beaver Creek Village.A short layout challenges golfers with elevated tees and narrow fairways. The Club played host to The Jerry Ford Golf Invitational on several occasions.

For more information and to book tee times or lessons, call the Beaver Creek Golf Club at (970) 754-5775 or visit www.beavercreek.com.

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Austria Is Now Epic.

by: Paul Swansen - May 8th, 2013   Filed under: Arapahoe Basin, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Colorado, Customer Service, Keystone, Ski Colorado, Vail Add Comment
English: St. Anton am Arlberg as seen from the...

English: St. Anton am Arlberg as seen from the Galzig slopes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Austria Is Now Epic

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced an epic partnership with the one of the most famous ski regions in the world, Arlberg, Austria, home to legendary mountain resorts of St. Anton, Lech-Zürs, St. Christoph and Stuben. The Epic Pass now features five free consecutive days of skiing and riding in Arlberg, bringing the total access to 15 world-class mountains in three countries and further enhancing the already exceptional value of the world’s greatest ski pass. At only $689, the Epic Pass is the best value on a lift pass in the industry. Epic Pass holders have the opportunity to extend their winter from the U.S. to Europe—for the second consecutive year—and experience both Verbier, Switzerland, and now Arlberg, Austria, in addition to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Eldora in Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe. Boasting an average annual snowfall of 23 feet, the Arlberg area is legendary among skiers and riders from around the globe as the cradle of skiing, revered for the world-class experience and innovation in the sport that it affords while maintaining its traditional, Alpine character.

“We are pleased and proud to announce our partnership with Arlberg as Epic Pass holders can now ski the best resorts in the world in three countries on one pass. Vail Resorts continues to look for opportunities to enhance the incredible value of the Epic Pass that our guests already receive and enjoy. In March, we announced that we increased the number of free days of access to Verbier, Switzerland, from three to five for the 2013-2014 season and we added, Eldora, a local Colorado ski area to the Epic Pass,” said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Epic Pass holders already enjoy an incredible experience with unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ seven world-class resorts in the United States, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, as well as Arapahoe Basin and now Eldora, but the addition of world-class skiing in both Austria and Switzerland makes the Epic Pass even more compelling for our guests looking to take a ski vacation to Europe.”
Boasting 174 miles of marked ski runs, 112 miles of open free riding terrain, 94 gondolas and lifts, and approximately 23 feet of annual snowfall, The Arlberg is arguably Austria’s most popular mountain resort group. Modern and vibrant, St. Anton am Arlberg also maintains its traditional Tyrolean charm. The Arlberg ski area will be open from Dec. 6, 2013 – Apr. 27, 2014.

“Arlberg and Vail Resorts are arguably the world’s premier ski resorts, offering exceptional experiences on the mountain and an unparalleled level of customer service,” said Hermann Fercher, chief executive officer of Lech-Zürs. “We are looking forward to a successful partnership and welcome Epic Pass holders to Austria next winter”, chief executive officer of St. Anton am Arlberg, Martin Ebster, went on to say.

Skiers and riders can lock in the lowest guaranteed prices for only $49 down on next season by purchasing their passes before May 27, 2013. The following is a guide to help skiers and snowboarders choose the best season pass options for them, based on how much they plan to ski and ride. All passes are available for purchase at www.epicpass.com.

Take Multiple Ski Vacations in the United States and Europe Throughout the Winter Season for a Great Value

· The Epic Pass™: Ski as much as you want, whenever you want at $689 for adults and $359 for children (ages 5-12). The Epic Pass provides unlimited skiing or riding at nine resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and now Eldora in Colorado and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe. New this year, the Epic Pass also comes with five free days of skiing or riding at the renowned Verbier Resort in Switzerland and an additional five free days of skiing and riding in Arlberg, Austria. No restrictions. At this spring rate, the Epic Pass pays for itself in just over five days.

· The Epic Local Pass™: Perfect for people who can navigate a few more restrictions on their winter vacation. The Epic Local Pass at $529 for adults and $269 for children (ages 5-12) offers unlimited and unrestricted skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with limited restrictions at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. The Epic Local Pass also includes 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with holiday restrictions. At this spring rate, the Epic Local Pass pays for itself in just over four days.

Ski or Snowboard Any Day of the Season for a Great Value

Vail Resorts also offers options for guests who don’t plan to ski or ride more than seven days next winter:
· New this year, The Epic 4-Day™:Perfect for people who only plan to take one ski vacation. The Epic 4-Day at $349 for adults and $199 for children (ages 5-12) offers four unrestricted lift tickets for skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin. At the spring rate, the Epic 4-Day pays for itself in less than three days.

· Epic 7-Day™: Perfect for people who don’t plan to ski more than seven days. The Epic 7-Day gives skiers and snowboarders a total of seven unrestricted days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, plus Arapahoe Basin, anytime during the season at $529 for adults and $269 for children (ages 5-12). At this spring rate, the Epic 7-Day pays for itself in just over four days.

Pay $49 Down Now and Lock in the Lowest Price Available

Vail Resorts is making it as easy as possible for guests to lock in the lowest guaranteed pass prices with a $49 down payment now and the remaining balance due in mid-September 2013. The lowest guaranteed 2013-2014 season pass prices with the option to put $49 down are only available through May 27, 2013.

Season Pass Insurance Option: Protect Your Pass Investment in the Event of Unexpected Circumstances

Vail Resorts encourages guests to purchase pass insurance. All of the Company’s season pass products are non-refundable and non-transferrable; however, pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected circumstances including sickness, injury and job loss. Pass insurance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Coverage applies for all season passes and the Epic 7-Day and Epic 4-Day valid for the 2013-2014 ski season.

Prices on Vail Resorts season passes are guaranteed for a limited time only, so act now. For more information or to purchase your pass, visit www.epicpass.com.

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Beaver Creek’s Tenth Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Event

by: Paul Swansen - May 6th, 2013   Filed under: Beaver Creek, Ski Colorado, Vail Add Comment
Ritz Carlton, Batchelor Gultch.

Ritz Carlton, Batchelor Gultch. (Photo credit: paulswansen)

Beaver Creek’s Tenth Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Event Returns May 24-27, 2013

Beaver Creek’s Friday evening 10th anniversary kickoff event, includes concert with Big James and the Chicago Playboys at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

Barbecue competitions judged by pros and attendees; $10,000 in cash prizes to be awarded

Monday Cut & Slice Golf Event at Beaver Creek Golf Club

 

Celebrate 10 years of music, barbecue and beer at Beaver Creek Resort over Memorial Day weekend with the 10th annual Blues, Brew and BBQ Festival May 24-27, 2013. As the unofficial launch of summertime in the mountains, top barbecue chefs from around the state join local chefs in serving up mouth-watering barbecue complemented by thirst-quenching microbrews at one of the largest Colorado Microbrewery beer tastings. To make the 10th anniversary one to remember, this year’s event will feature a kickoff concert at the Vilar Performing Arts Center featuring the high-energy Chicago soul blues of Big James and the Chicago Playboys.

Other musical highlights include Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band Featuring Erica Brown, Too Slim and the Taildraggers and John Németh who will perform live at scheduled times during the weekend. Barbecue masters will be competing for bragging rights and $10,000 in cash prizes. On Saturday a panel of professional judges will rate pork, beef and side dishes according to appearance, taste and tenderness. This year, attendees will have the chance to text their vote on Saturday and Sunday to determine the People’s Choice winner for Best Barbecue Vendor. Selected winners will be crowned Saturday and Sunday at 4:10 p.m. on the main stage in Beaver Creek Plaza.

A Kids Zone will be open from 12-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday providing activities and arts and crafts designed for kids 12 and under. At noon on Saturday, Beaver Creek’s signature Culinary Demonstration Series kick off for the summer season, providing complimentary barbecue demonstrations from guest and local chefs.

The Blues, Brews and BBQ event offers free admission to the plaza and food and beverage are available for purchase. Ticketed events include the following.

10th Anniversary Kickoff Concert
On Friday, May 24, don’t miss the energetic, bluesy sounds of Big James and the Chicago Playboys at the Vilar Performing Arts Center beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person at the door and include one beverage of your choice – beer, wine or soda. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Microbrew Festival
Enjoy one of the largest exclusively Colorado Microbrewery Beer Tastings in the state from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Featuring more than 80 special concoctions from 35 Colorado-based breweries, participants also receive a commemorative tasting mug. Advance tickets are $35 per person and will be $45 per person at the door. The event also will be held outdoors again this year on the back lawn, near the Centennial Express Chairlift (#6).

2nd Annual Cut and Slice Golf Event benefitting Can Do Multiple Sclerosis
Back for its second year, the Cut and Slice Golf Event takes place on Monday, May 27 at the Beaver Creek Golf Club from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A shotgun start opens the day and golfers also will enjoy barbecue and craft beers from Crazy Mountain Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery around the course. Tickets are $100 per person which includes greens fee, golf cart, practice balls, tee gift and barbecue and beer on the course. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to Can Do Multiple Sclerosis’ lifestyle empowerment programs for people living with MS and their support partners. Reservations can be made by calling the Beaver Creek Golf Club at (970) 754-6212, emailing dlopez@vailresorts.com or purchase tickets online at www.beavercreek.com.

Lodging

Book two nights of lodging May 24-27, 2013 at participating properties and receive two custom Beaver Creek beer mugs and $20 worth of “Beaver Bucks” coupons valid toward food and beverage at the event. Book online at www.beavercreek.com or call 877.204.7883.

For more information about Blues, Brews and BBQ at Beaver Creek, visit www.beavercreek.com.

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Red Sky Golf Club

by: Paul Swansen - May 6th, 2013   Filed under: Beaver Creek, Colorado, Current Events, Customer Service Add Comment
Red Sky Golf Club, Wolcott, Colorado

Red Sky Golf Club, Wolcott, Colorado (Photo credit: danperry.com)

Red Sky Golf Club Opens for Resort Play Friday, May 10

Red Sky Golf Club, rated one of the Best Courses You Can Play by Golfweek in 2013, will open for resort play on Friday, May 10; member play is already underway.  Special early season golf rates are available for rounds now through June 6. Stay and Play packages offering up to 40 percent off of lodging are available all summer.

“Our world class golf courses have come through the winter in wonderful shape as we begin our 12th season at Red Sky,” said Jeff Hanson, director of golf for Red Sky Ranch.”Through our ongoing investments in the course, top agronomic practices, and superior guest service initiatives, we are looking forward to providing an exceptional experience to all members and guests this summer.”

Red Sky’s early season rate begins at $155 a round depending upon selected hotel and tee times can be made in advance through hotel concierges or reservationists at select lodging properties. Red Sky Ranch’s Stay & Play golf and lodging packages are offered throughout the summer at a variety of properties. Rates start at $239.05 per person per night and provide one night of lodging and one round of golf. Some package rules and restrictions apply. Stay and Play package reservations may be made online at www.beavercreek.com/golf or by calling 877.204.7883.

Red Sky Golf Club is home to two award-winning 18-hole courses, The Norman Course and The Fazio Course, designed by Greg Norman and Tom Fazio, respectively. In the fall of 2009 both courses achieved designation as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. The Fazio Course and Norman Course are the 30th and 31st courses in Colorado and the 788th and 799th in the world to receive the honor.

A private club, Red Sky Golf Club is open for play for members and members’ guests as well as guests who book lodging through Vail Resorts’ properties and select destination lodging properties. Both courses at Red Sky received accolades for 2013 including Fazio at the #3 best course in Colorado and Norman at #8 by Golfweek. Travel & Leisure ranks them as the #1 and #2 courses in Colorado. Golf Digest ranks the Norman course as #70 among America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses.

Dining
Executive Chef Tim McCaw returns to Red Sky Ranch for his sixth summer and will feature his world class cuisine at SummerThyme Restaurant, located at the Guest Clubhouse at Red Sky Ranch as well as Silver Sage located in the member clubhouse. SummerThyme serves lunch daily including lighter fare as well as heartier items from the grill. Enjoy lunch beginning May 10 indoors or on the expansive outdoor deck overlooking the course. Silver Sage Restaurant will open for public dinners beginning June 13. Their fresh seasonal creations include favorites Wild Salmon served with tomato carpaccio, sugar snap peas and tomato marmalade or the Veal Piccata accompanied by lemon-scented arugala, shaved parmesan, fried polenta and crispy enoki mushrooms. No visit to the golf course is complete without sipping a signature Red Sky Lemonade which blends vodka, Chambord, mint and lemonade to create a cocktail that reflects the color of the evening sky.

About Red Sky Golf Club
Red Sky Golf Club is an exclusive golf facility that was designed as a private membership club with a separate limited access guest facility for guests staying at Vail Resorts’ family of destination lodges and other select hotels. Tom Fazio and Greg Norman have each sculpted a championship, 18-hole course that weaves through 800 acres of historic ranchlands filled with sage, aspen groves and spectacular mountain vistas. Part of the Red Sky Ranch luxury community, Red Sky Golf Club features two Clubhouses, Silver Sage Restaurant, two driving ranges and the Red Sky Golf Academy.

Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club is located just 25 minutes west of Vail, 20 minutes from the Vail/Eagle County airport, and 15 minutes from the base of Beaver Creek Resort.

For more information on the Red Sky Golf Club, visit www.redskygolfclub.com or call (970) 754-8400 or toll-free (866) 873-3759. For information about the residential community of Red Sky Ranch and real estate opportunities, please visit www.redskyranch.com.

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Job Search in a Failing Economy.

by: Paul Swansen - May 5th, 2013   Filed under: Current Events, Economy 1 Comment

Job Search in a Failing Economy.

Line for a Job Fair

I’ve not had regular, steady employment for which I get paid since February 6, 2012. Yes, if you do the math, that is nearly 15 months. Unemployment has run out. Despite all of the rosy platitudes from the Obama Administration about getting our economy going again and providing health care for everyone, neither of those government features have been a benefit to me.

In this failing economy I’m amazed at just how unprofessional on both a business and personal level, companies and their recruiters, who are actively seeking new employees, are in this environment.

Two personal examples:

Company 1 actively solicited my resume for a position they have available and for which I’m qualified. This contact was more than a month ago, and included active email’s on both our parts. This also included a face to face initial interview. After the interview, the recruiter stated that she was making a provisional offer of the position to me and forwarding my information on to the hiring manager. Since that time, despite repeated email’s and calls to the recruiter, all have gone unanswered. That a business is run in this day and age, without the basics of business, personal or professional courtesy, is incomprehensible.

Company 2 also actively solicited my resume for a position they have available and for which I’m qualified. This contact was more than a week ago and as with Company 1, included active email’s on both our parts. This process included a phone interview, and after a successful interview I was informed that I would be contacted by the hiring manager. Deja Vu all over again as despite repeated email’s and calls to the recruiter, all have gone unanswered.

So at this point I’m Oh for two, with being actively recruited by companies that I’ve not solicited. Could it be that the economy is much worse than we’re being told? Could it be that companies are hiring the least qualified personnel to fill position within their ranks? Are company senior managers aware that they have employees who are lacking in both basic business and interpersonal skills?

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