Bellaire, MI – At its annual Stars of the Industry Governors Conference held last week at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association awarded Michael Jordan of Shanty Creek Resorts its 2010 Hotelier of the Year proving the once troubled resort in northwestern Michigan is indeed the state’s “favorite resort. Again.”
Michael Jordan, GM and COO of Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, has emerged as the leader poised to deliver the rebirth of the nearly 50 year-old ski and golf resort. Michael was “an easy decision” says Steve Yencich, President and CEO of the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association. “Mr. Jordan exemplifies what Michigan’s tourism industry needs: Leaders who stress customer service and emphasize the value of strong staff morale.”
Shanty Creek Resorts has seen its share of turmoil in the past decade after several changes in ownership and a stint in receivership. But since its 2006 purchase by Trinidad Resorts, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, Shanty Creek has completed a $10 million renovation and reorganized its management. And the resort is running on all cylinders.
“I am humbled to receive this award,” said Jordan. “This really is the result of many people—the staff of Shanty Creek—coming together because they believe in Shanty Creek.”
His humble nature comes from years of leadership roles, but not always in the hospitality industry. Michael Jordan spent the first 25 years of his career in education, a teacher of math and religion before ascending to administration and ultimately the President of Christian Brothers High School in St. Louis, MO.
Then in 1990 he gambled on a career move to become the president of Apex Travel Co., his first foray in the travel industry. After 19 years holding various leadership roles in travel agency and hotel management companies, Jordan again rolled the dice to join a still uncertain Shanty Creek Resorts in February 2009. Now 15 months later, SCR is a formidable player in the northern Michigan resort business.
“Shanty Creek is a beautiful property complete with four-season recreational amenities like alpine and Nordic skiing, four championship golf courses, and over 450 lodging options including the renovated Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center,” continued Jordan.
“Plus fine and casual dining, a fitness center and spa, spectacular views of Lake Bellaire, the members-only Shanty Creek Club and more. Add to all that the friendliest customer service in Northern Michigan and there’s something truly special happening here.”
