Associate of the Month Program
Every month we ask each of our managers to nominate a team member they observed going above and beyond expectations to provide extraordinary Mackinac Island experiences to our guests. Said nominees are invited to join their nominating managers for a celebratory lunch to show our appreciation for all their hard work.
Associate of the Month of May - Amoy Sutherland, Guest Services Agent
Congrats to our June Associate of the Month winner Amoy, Front Desk Agent Thank you for making Mission Point such a positive and friendly environment to work and visit! |
Associate of the Month of June - Theresa McLean, Public Areas Attendant
Congrats to Theresa in Housekeeping, pictured here with nominating manager Michele, on her well-deserved win. Loved by all - her smile continually lights up any room she walks into! Thanks for bringing a bit of sunshine to all of our days, Theresa! |
Associate of the Month of July - Jennifer Wright, housekeeper
Congrats to Jennifer from housekeeping for the outstanding care and cleanliness provided to all hotel guest areas! Pictured here with our CEO, Mark Ware. |
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Merry Christmas In July!
Can you believe how quickly July flew by? We hope you've all been having as much fun as we have! Here are a few holiday photos from our recent employee "Christmas in July" celebration. Happy Holidays from your Mission Point family!
Employee Newsletter
Stay in touch with us! We love communicating with all our employees, current and past. For up to date MPR happenings, see the newest editions of our employee newsletter.
Mission Point Success Stories
Mission Point has had employees from all over the world - U.S. workers and college interns from almost every state, J-1 summer work & travel students from Macedonia, Serbia, Taiwan, Russia, China, Romania, etc., J-1 interns from South Africa and Moldova, H-2B employees from Jamaica, Serbia and Mexico and many more. Mission Point welcomes all cultures and experience levels and we are so proud of how successful our employees have gotten! Read up on some of our past employees and where their careers have taken them after their time on Mackinac Island at Mission Point.
Erica Kaschalk
Then: Conference Services Intern, Summer 2016
Now: Event Coordinator at Creative Solutions Group in Detroit, MI
Originally from Warren, MI, Erica was in the middle of studying at Michigan State University for a degree in Hospitality Business when an internship opportunity brought her to the shores of Mackinac Island. Erica joined the Conference Services Department in 2016 for the season as a 3-month intern that summer.
The biggest lesson she learned during her time here was to simply stay calm and go with the flow. "Events are always changing and there’s going to be obstacles the day of you didn’t predict so I learned to think of my feet quickly." After graduation, Erica went on to apply that very same lesson to her day to day life as a Banquet Manager at the Cobo Center in Detroit before landing her current position as an Event Coordinator with Creative Solutions Group. Erica remembers her time on the Island fondly, recalling that she misses "the beauty of the island the most. Just biking and hiking around, exploring the island on my days off."
Then: Conference Services Intern, Summer 2016
Now: Event Coordinator at Creative Solutions Group in Detroit, MI
Originally from Warren, MI, Erica was in the middle of studying at Michigan State University for a degree in Hospitality Business when an internship opportunity brought her to the shores of Mackinac Island. Erica joined the Conference Services Department in 2016 for the season as a 3-month intern that summer.
The biggest lesson she learned during her time here was to simply stay calm and go with the flow. "Events are always changing and there’s going to be obstacles the day of you didn’t predict so I learned to think of my feet quickly." After graduation, Erica went on to apply that very same lesson to her day to day life as a Banquet Manager at the Cobo Center in Detroit before landing her current position as an Event Coordinator with Creative Solutions Group. Erica remembers her time on the Island fondly, recalling that she misses "the beauty of the island the most. Just biking and hiking around, exploring the island on my days off."
Jillian Emmit
Then: Front Desk Supervisor, Summer 2014
Human Resources Coordinator, 2015
Human Resources Manager, 2017
Now: Human Resources / Personnel Clerk for the City of Livonia, MI
Jill's time at Mission Point originally began in 2014 when she joined the team as a Front Desk Supervisor for the summer. After a season of fun memories, Jill returned to Michigan State University to finish up her degree in Hospitality Administration / Management. Upon graduation, Jill was offered a full-time position on the Human Resources team where she'd come back to make Mackinac Island her home.
Jill recalls her experience as "beyond rewarding," citing a diverse learning environment as formative in learning to succeed in shared common goals while also celebrating each other's differences. She's further grateful for the "friendships that developed and the memories that have left a significant impact" on her life. From getting groceries on the mainland to the Straits ("a wagon is a girl's best friend") and all the quiet, beautiful moments you learn to appreciate and enjoy in between, she says "Mission Point Resort is an exceptional avenue for learning and growing both on a professional and person level."
Setting the tone for years to come, Jill took these lessons with her as she left the Island for Connecticut where she joined the hotel management company "Waterford Hotel Group." She spent three years working there as a Human Resources Manager for training and culture before relocating back to Michigan where she now works for the City of Livonia. "Spend a season on the Island," Jill recommends. You won't regret it!
Then: Front Desk Supervisor, Summer 2014
Human Resources Coordinator, 2015
Human Resources Manager, 2017
Now: Human Resources / Personnel Clerk for the City of Livonia, MI
Jill's time at Mission Point originally began in 2014 when she joined the team as a Front Desk Supervisor for the summer. After a season of fun memories, Jill returned to Michigan State University to finish up her degree in Hospitality Administration / Management. Upon graduation, Jill was offered a full-time position on the Human Resources team where she'd come back to make Mackinac Island her home.
Jill recalls her experience as "beyond rewarding," citing a diverse learning environment as formative in learning to succeed in shared common goals while also celebrating each other's differences. She's further grateful for the "friendships that developed and the memories that have left a significant impact" on her life. From getting groceries on the mainland to the Straits ("a wagon is a girl's best friend") and all the quiet, beautiful moments you learn to appreciate and enjoy in between, she says "Mission Point Resort is an exceptional avenue for learning and growing both on a professional and person level."
Setting the tone for years to come, Jill took these lessons with her as she left the Island for Connecticut where she joined the hotel management company "Waterford Hotel Group." She spent three years working there as a Human Resources Manager for training and culture before relocating back to Michigan where she now works for the City of Livonia. "Spend a season on the Island," Jill recommends. You won't regret it!
Anika Manojlovic
Then: Hostess, Summer 2015
Restaurant Supervisor, Summer 2016
Now: Instructor & Assistant Coordinator for the Serbian Sommelier Association
"I can literally say that Mission Point changed my life." Now a certified Sommelier in Serbia, Anika Manojlovic's impressive career in hospitality was initially inspired by her pivotal experience working in F&B at Mission Point.
Anika began her time on Mackinac Island as a hostess in the summer of 2015 before returning for another season as one of our Restaurant Supervisors in 2016. Harboring an ever-present interest in wine, both season's experiences working among knowledgeable managers and talented chefs encouraged her to pursue a career in hospitality. Upon returning home, she instantly changed colleges (originally studying for a degree in Quality Management and Standardization at the University of Belgrade) and enrolled in SERSA's Sommelier's course where she began competing in the field at both national and international levels; citing one of her greatest honors as going to the World Sommeliers Competition to help with the organization all while networking and making friends along the way.
Anika received her Bachelor's degree in Restaurant / Food Service Management from Belgrade's College of Hotel Management in 2019 before finding a home working for the Serbian Sommelier Association itself - teaching and spreading her knowledge to other aspiring sommeliers!
Anika recalls her time on Mackinac Island as a vacation in and of itself. "The island is absolutely gorgeous with lots of nature and the big lake! I still miss all the people, from allover the world, I’ve worked with and made friends with, and I still remember things that I have learned there and that crucial moment when I changed my profession. From making cocktails to working on a breakfast buffet, dinners, a fine dining restaurant, organizing the hotel business, and some basics about wine. The whole experience was thrilling to me."
Then: Hostess, Summer 2015
Restaurant Supervisor, Summer 2016
Now: Instructor & Assistant Coordinator for the Serbian Sommelier Association
"I can literally say that Mission Point changed my life." Now a certified Sommelier in Serbia, Anika Manojlovic's impressive career in hospitality was initially inspired by her pivotal experience working in F&B at Mission Point.
Anika began her time on Mackinac Island as a hostess in the summer of 2015 before returning for another season as one of our Restaurant Supervisors in 2016. Harboring an ever-present interest in wine, both season's experiences working among knowledgeable managers and talented chefs encouraged her to pursue a career in hospitality. Upon returning home, she instantly changed colleges (originally studying for a degree in Quality Management and Standardization at the University of Belgrade) and enrolled in SERSA's Sommelier's course where she began competing in the field at both national and international levels; citing one of her greatest honors as going to the World Sommeliers Competition to help with the organization all while networking and making friends along the way.
Anika received her Bachelor's degree in Restaurant / Food Service Management from Belgrade's College of Hotel Management in 2019 before finding a home working for the Serbian Sommelier Association itself - teaching and spreading her knowledge to other aspiring sommeliers!
Anika recalls her time on Mackinac Island as a vacation in and of itself. "The island is absolutely gorgeous with lots of nature and the big lake! I still miss all the people, from allover the world, I’ve worked with and made friends with, and I still remember things that I have learned there and that crucial moment when I changed my profession. From making cocktails to working on a breakfast buffet, dinners, a fine dining restaurant, organizing the hotel business, and some basics about wine. The whole experience was thrilling to me."
Employee Winter Updates
After the season is over, many of our domestic and International employees find employment at one of our partner resorts all across the United States. We always love hearing from our employee where ever they are, so here are some updates of how their winter is going.
Fitz Gerald Haughton, from Jamaica
Worked as a bartender for Mission Point since 2012, 8 seasons
''The Wycliffe Golf and Country Club is a fantastic property ultra-modern, great working environment so far I'm enjoying my time here. The housing is great and my house mates are fantastic. The extension process was good few things could have been done a little differently, like getting interviews done earlier if possible but so for it was a breeze getting here. I can't think of anything more at this moment that MP could have done for me in terms of support. Thanks for check up on me. I’m looking forward to spring 2021at MP''.
Worked as a bartender for Mission Point since 2012, 8 seasons
''The Wycliffe Golf and Country Club is a fantastic property ultra-modern, great working environment so far I'm enjoying my time here. The housing is great and my house mates are fantastic. The extension process was good few things could have been done a little differently, like getting interviews done earlier if possible but so for it was a breeze getting here. I can't think of anything more at this moment that MP could have done for me in terms of support. Thanks for check up on me. I’m looking forward to spring 2021at MP''.
Kayla Harris, from Michigan
Worked as an F&B Supervisor for Mission Point in 2020, first season
"I work at the Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado at a restaurant located at the bottom of Peak 7 called Sevens. My position here is a lead in the FOH. I'm responsible for overseeing the service staff making sure they are following procedures with all of the Covid 19 regulations including safety and sanitation as well as delivering high quality experience for the guests. The transition from Mission Point to Breckenridge was difficult mainly in regards to the elevation difference.
Back home in Michigan on Mackinac Island the elevation is 594' and here in Breckenridge its 9600' - that dramatic difference results in lower oxygen levels which I'm slowly adjusting to. What I miss about Mission Point and look forward to coming back to is the "family" that I met there. So many staff members, whether it be the CEO or a restaurant server everyone is treated equally and cared for. I met so many great people my first season there which has made a huge impact on me and my decision to return for another season."
Worked as an F&B Supervisor for Mission Point in 2020, first season
"I work at the Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado at a restaurant located at the bottom of Peak 7 called Sevens. My position here is a lead in the FOH. I'm responsible for overseeing the service staff making sure they are following procedures with all of the Covid 19 regulations including safety and sanitation as well as delivering high quality experience for the guests. The transition from Mission Point to Breckenridge was difficult mainly in regards to the elevation difference.
Back home in Michigan on Mackinac Island the elevation is 594' and here in Breckenridge its 9600' - that dramatic difference results in lower oxygen levels which I'm slowly adjusting to. What I miss about Mission Point and look forward to coming back to is the "family" that I met there. So many staff members, whether it be the CEO or a restaurant server everyone is treated equally and cared for. I met so many great people my first season there which has made a huge impact on me and my decision to return for another season."
Sheldon Rattigan, from Jamaica
Worked as a steward in 2018, cook in 2019 and a lead cook in 2020, 3 seasons with Mission Point now in Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
"I love being a seasonal employee. I am a very open-minded person and I love experiencing new things and places. There were some kinks because of COVID, but the team at Mission Point and more specifically HR, made sure they did everything they possibly could have for me to have a smooth transition and I am forever grateful for that. This is my first time extending, so I didn't know what to expect but they believed in me and helped me gain more confidence.
I can't wait to come back in the spring and see everyone again. I love it here and it is so much different than my home on Mackinac Island. I can't wait for the next snowfall so I can learn how to ski. It looks fun!"
Worked as a steward in 2018, cook in 2019 and a lead cook in 2020, 3 seasons with Mission Point now in Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
"I love being a seasonal employee. I am a very open-minded person and I love experiencing new things and places. There were some kinks because of COVID, but the team at Mission Point and more specifically HR, made sure they did everything they possibly could have for me to have a smooth transition and I am forever grateful for that. This is my first time extending, so I didn't know what to expect but they believed in me and helped me gain more confidence.
I can't wait to come back in the spring and see everyone again. I love it here and it is so much different than my home on Mackinac Island. I can't wait for the next snowfall so I can learn how to ski. It looks fun!"
