ROCKINGHAM – If you’ve driven through the intersection of Route 220 and Greene Street in Rockingham with any frequency over the past few months, you are likely to have noticed some beautiful changes taking place as the Fairfield Marriott hotel received a much-needed makeover.
Officially opened for business, the freshly renovated establishment was the perfect backdrop for this month’s Chamber of Commerce Connections After 5 event.
Held on Thursday, August 16th just after 5:00 p.m., the monthly networking event began with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony.
Richmond County Chamber of Commerce President Emily Tucker began the ceremony with a warm welcome and a few words of support for the hotel and the service that they are able to provide to the residents of Richmond County.
Tucker was followed by Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Neil Robinette.
“We are so glad to be here to show our support and to congratulate you on your business,” Robinette began. “Your business is in such a prominent location for travel in and out of the city of Rockingham that it is such an added value to the community, and we appreciate your commitment.”
The floor was then handed over to Rockingham Mayor Steve Morris who added a comedic element to the ceremony.
“I love any facility that has two waffle makers,” he joyfully began. “I told Victor (hotel owner) that I would be willing to come over here any morning to show people how to make waffles, and enjoy a few for myself.”
But on a more serious note, the mayor expressed his gratitude towards the business’s owner and management staff saying, “You have done a tremendous job putting this back together. You’ve had quite a challenge, probably a larger challenge than you thought when you first began, but we appreciate your commitment; this facility is going to be an asset to our community.”
Commissioner Thad Ussery of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners spoke next, expressing his sincere gratitude towards the ownership team for investing in this project.
“This building has sat idle now for three years, and there’ve been a lot of rumors swirling around regarding what would happen to this place. I am just tickled to see it finished now, and to see what a beautiful space it has been turned into.”
Next to speak was hotel General Manager Deborah Stack, who used her moment at the mic to share her passion for – and the power of – the Marriott brand.
“We are very excited to have this property in your county. It is with great pride that I wear the Marriott uniform, that my staff wears this uniform, and that my owner puts his investment into the Marriott name,” Stack declared. “I want to show you the power of the brand and what the power of this brand can do for your county, your families, your companies, and your friends. We are only 64 rooms, but we pack a lot of power.”
This portion of the program was then completed by a brief speech from hotel owner, Victor Patel.
“First of all, I would like to say thank you to all of you for being here today. We are excited to be here with this facility, and if there is anything we can do for you or your family, let us know and we would be happy to help.”
The event was concluded with an invitation for attendees to network and socialize within the hotel’s relaxing lobby and dining room while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres from Rick’s catering. All guests were also invited to take a sneak peek at the hotel’s three spacious room styles, outdoor pool, board room style meeting space, and modern fitness center. Anyone who took the time to check out these amenities was then entered into a door prize drawing for a free night’s stay at the facility.
To learn about how you can attend the next Richmond County Chamber of Commerce Connections After Five event, contact them at the Chamber at (910) 895 – 9058.
