Newport’s Anniversary Story
Thirty-five years ago, Newport was founded on a simple idea: hospitality should be about more than rooms and rates — it should be about people.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’ve taken time to look back — not just at the numbers and the properties, but at the people who built this company and the acts of service that keep our culture thriving today. Two initiatives, Voices of 35 and 35 Acts of Living Hospitality, became the heart of our celebration. Together, they capture the soul of Newport — past, present, and future.
What follows is a portrait of this milestone year — a chorus of voices and a collection of acts that show what Living Hospitality really looks like.
The Voices
When we asked the Newport family to reflect on 35 years, the responses became a conversation — one that stretches from our earliest days to today.
Foundations & Culture
Mike Pleninger, co-founder, set the tone: “From the very start, it wasn’t about chasing the biggest deal. It was about doing the right deal with the right people. That’s what carried us 35 years, and it’s what will carry us forward.”
Wayne West remembered the first time he met Mike back in 1978, crediting him with setting the foundation for the hotelier, the leader, and the person he became. “My life is richer and more fulfilled because of knowing Mike and Marcia,” he shared.
Bill Carey’s letter to General Managers offered a timeless reminder: “By yourself, you are only you, but as a group, you become a team to solve and manage your own business situations.”
Andrew Carey reflected on what makes Newport different: “We have never been a top-down company but instead a company driven by associates to create extraordinary experiences for guests, peers, and owners alike… Dare to be great. Dare to make NHG and your part of the world a better place.”
Lizz Chambers brought the heart: “After 30 years, I still see our values lived out every day. It’s not just words on the wall — it’s the way we care for one another.”
Whitney Altizer reminded us why culture and brand go hand in hand: “We are always evolving, always growing, but at the center we stay human. The brand isn’t just a promise — it’s something we live.”
Growth & Grit
Tim Hayes shared a moment that shaped him as a leader: “I was standing in a flooded kitchen wondering how we’d serve breakfast, and there was Wayne — shoes ruined — rolling up his sleeves to work side by side until every guest was fed. That’s the kind of leadership that leaves a mark.”
Sarah Riggs reminded us of the strength of partnership: “Newport gave me my first big break and has supported my growth every step of the way.”
Ashley Unrue spoke about development: “I’ve been given the tools, support, and encouragement to succeed — and the freedom to stretch and try new things.”
Tania Ghanem celebrated the culture: “I’ve worked with large management companies, but here I feel heard, supported, and empowered to make an impact.”
Erin Springer added a powerful reflection that ties these themes together: “What stands out most to me about Newport is it felt like family immediately. I love how much our teams work together — not only to better our individual hotels, but to positively impact each other, which ultimately makes Newport better as a whole. We have such an eclectic mix of managers that there is always somebody we can call on for advice, assistance, or another viewpoint. I love that after thirty years in hospitality, I still learn something new every week. Newport is special, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Pride & Purpose
Paula Schronce said it simply and powerfully: “I’m proud to add my chapter to Newport’s story.”
Josh Rigsby reflected on more than two decades of leadership: “Newport’s legacy is built on kindness, service, and relationships that last a lifetime. That’s why I’m still here.”
Heidi DeRise spoke about belonging: “At Newport, you’re never just a number. This is a company that truly knows and cares for its people.”
Candice Faircloth shared what leadership means to her: “Through hurricanes, floods, and renovations, Newport didn’t just send help — they came and worked alongside us.”
Brittany Hordijenko reflected on growth: “The most rewarding part of my journey has been helping others grow — that’s when the work becomes purpose.”
Michelle Williams tied it back to performance: “Progress isn’t just measured on a spreadsheet. You can feel it when the team is energized and guests are smiling.”
Together, these reflections tell the story of Newport — 35 years of service, growth, and heart — not through titles or hierarchy, but through the words of the people who make Newport what it is every day.
35 Acts of Living Hospitality
If the voices reveal what Newport stands for, the acts show what it looks like in motion. Across the portfolio, hotels submitted stories of compassion, creativity, and community impact — one for every year of Newport’s story.
Caring for Guests
Denise Gross at Home2 Suites Glen Mills personally helped a mother find safe housing for her daughter on a medical internship.
Kaitlyn Ferris at Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport surprised a guest with a prosecco celebration for her 10-year work anniversary.
Tania Ghanem created thoughtful touches for key accounts, from Mediterranean treats to gifts from her travels.
Caring for Teams
Cassandra Mullins at The Inn at Wise prepares monthly themed meals for her team — from gourmet hot dogs to country-style dinners.
Hilton Garden Inn/Home2 Brunswick associates formed an assembly line to build hygiene kits for the Salvation Army.
The same Brunswick team hosted its second annual karaoke fundraiser benefiting the Humane Society of Coastal GA, raising $3,200.
Pennsylvania hotels — Courtyard Malvern, Courtyard Collegeville, and Homewood Great Valley — joined forces quarterly to pack food bundles at Chester County Food Bank.
Caring for Communities
Portsia Smith at avid Hotel Richmond North led anti-human-trafficking awareness training and partnered with local authorities to create safer spaces.
Hyatt Place and Residence Inn Blacksburg participated in the Cinderella Project, providing prom attire and mentoring youth.
Dena Hansen at Comfort Inn Orlando spearheaded Cookies for Kids’ Cancer bake sales, inspiring other hotels to join the effort.
Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach installed honeybee hives to support pollinators, fundraised for Kate Amato Foundation and Jax Humane Society, partnered with Two Tit Mice Vodka for breast cancer awareness month, and sponsored Angel Tree holiday gifts.
SpringHill Suites Prince Frederick participated in the Annmarie Gardens art events, volunteered at the Hot for Chocolate 5K, and supported Toys for Tots with both collection and distribution help.
Courtyard West Orange team volunteered at NJ Community Food Bank, cooked for 120 at the Hungarian Scouting Association, and supported the Children’s Miracle Network Golf Classic.
Home2 Glen Mills stocked Ronald McDonald House shelves, donated leftover breakfast foods daily to Lucky’s Farm Sanctuary, and participated in Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger food drive.
Homewood Mt. Laurel partnered with the American Cancer Society for a silent auction and Burlington City for a Leukemia Society display, and led multiple food and toy drives.
Caring for the Future
Hyatt Place and Residence Inn Blacksburg partnered with Virginia Tech to teach hospitality and revenue management classes and mentor students.
TownePlace Suites Columbia hosted Girl Talk/Teen Talk workshops to build communication skills for local teens and volunteered at Richland County Public Library.
Together, these acts remind us that hospitality is never just transactional — it’s transformational.
Why It Matters
Celebrating 35 years isn’t just about looking back — it’s about setting the tone for the decades ahead. The voices we’ve heard and the acts we’ve highlighted prove that Newport’s success has always been about something bigger than profit: it’s about purpose.
These stories challenge us to keep growing, keep giving, and keep inspiring the next generation of hoteliers and leaders. As we look toward the next 35 years, one thing is clear: Living Hospitality isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.
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