Paper Valley honored for commitment to downtown Appleton, Wis.

Jul 02, 2008 (The Post-Crescent - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- SBCO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- This is the third of four stories highlighting the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry's 2008 Small Business of the Year Award winners.

APPLETON -- The Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton has been a mainstay on College Avenue for more than 25 years.

With 282 employees, the hotel just met the criteria of a small business as defined by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry for its annual small business of the year awards. If the hotel had 22 more employees, it would have made it ineligible.

The hotel took top honors in the service category.

"We are near the top end of their criteria for small businesses, so I was just honored to make the process," said Jay Schumerth, senior general manager of the hotel. "I was surprised and honored to be recognized."

The sprawling building located in the heart of Appleton was the idea of John and Dick Bergstrom in 1982. The hotel soon changed the scene in the downtown area, offering guests a place to stay, a nightclub and restaurant to visit as well as a conference center under one roof.

Since then, the hotel has changed ownership and now is affiliated with the Radisson chain. In the past 10 years, the hotel has invested $12 million in capital improvements.

"I think the chamber is impressed with the commitment we've shown the downtown area," said Schumerth.

Besides offering guests the convenience of being close to numerous downtown activities, the hotel offers guests quality service with quality employees, he said.

"There is a lot of hard work by a lot of great people here," said Joe Williamson, director of corporate accounts for the hotel and a 30-year employee. "It's nice to have the new beds, new carpeting and having everything sparkle but it really boils down to the good people we have here."

In an industry that is often known for high turnover rates averaging between 100 and 150 percent, the Paper Valley sees less than 30 percent.

"People don't stay in a job they don't like," said Schumerth.

Another reason employees choose to stay at the hotel is the philosophy of promoting within.

"There is a lot to be said about developing leaders from within," Schumerth said.

The hotel also encourages its management team to be involved in the community.

"We have given a minimum of $250,000 in charitable contributions to the community over the past five years," said Schumerth.

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