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Kalamazoo, Mich. – Wings Event Center announced their name change from Wings Stadium to Wings Event Center in March showing a change both in offerings and the company’s direction moving forward.

Director of Sales for the Kalamazoo Wings Toni Daniels said with the growing variety of events at the facility, “we wanted to show that we are able to execute diverse events and offerings to people seeking entertainment, a place to meet or even celebrate.”

The core of the Wings’ line up of featured events in its facility will continue to include hockey entertainment tradition with minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings, a tradition for the past 41 years since the venue was built in 1974. Furthermore additional sporting events such as youth wrestling, youth hockey, synchronized skating, muay thai and roller derby are just a few examples of events we will continue to add to the venue’s line up of events.

“We are working with each of these groups on being better partners and finding ways how we can better support their events as well as help them grow organizationally,” said Rob Underwood, entertainment director for Wings Event Center. “The growth and success of these amazing sporting events is extremely important to us in providing great entertainment choices for our community.”

In addition, Wings will be pursuing more concert shows and large-scale events such as trade shows, conferences and expos for its 75,000 sq-foot facility. “Catalyst University is a great example of a partner that we have worked with recently to host their annual leadership conference,” Underwood added. “We were able to help take their conference to the next level not only with a larger space but also with our digital scoreboard as a stage enhancement to their event.”

A variety of new dedicated event spaces have been created to provide potential guests greater flexibility for breakout sessions, corporate meetings or life’s celebrations.

The Kalamazoo Wings 2015-16 season on the other hand will also showcase a number of changes from a capital investment perspective, an estimated $2.8 million property improvement plan, geared at elevating the guest experience. Beginning late June, the main ice arena will undergo construction of new flooring which also includes new dashers, NHL standard goal nets, water filtration system, and glass to provide better sight lines for our guests.

“We are partnering with Jet Ice to help us manage and maintain our ice throughout the facility to ensure we deliver a great ice product not only for our users but also for our fans watching the game,” said Nick Bootland, director of hockey operations and head coach. “We surveyed our hockey fans this past season and we are addressing many of their wish list items this season, which includes cleaner glass for a better view of the game.”

Another notable change that guests can anticipate when they come to a hockey game is the overall energy and small touches that truly enhances the fan experiences. A few examples include refreshed game promotions and branding.

“As a team we are working on every aspect of a guest experience before, during and after a game – from themed nights that you can truly immerse yourself to digital engagement through social media,” Toni Daniels said. “It is truly an experience not to be missed this upcoming season.”

For more information about the Kalamazoo Wings and Wings Event Center, please contact Sarah Lee, director of marketing and communications for Wings Event Center, at (269) 226-0370.

Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.

Kalamazoo, Mich. – For the first-time in 41 years, Wings Stadium will have a new name. Effective immediately, Wings Stadium will be known as the Wings Event Center.

The name change will be the first of several changes made to the facility located at 3600 Vanrick Drive. Primarily known as the home of the Kalamazoo Wings, concerts and youth hockey, the name change is being made to better illustrate everything that can be held at facility.

Since opening in 1974, the Wings Event Center has been the home of the K-Wings and thousands of special events, such as concerts, World Wrestling Entertainment and other family shows. The largest indoor facility in southwest Michigan, the Wings Event Center will continue to bring in those beloved events; however, by adding event center to its name, the facility will be marketing their other capabilities to local, regional and national companies and promoters.

“With the variety of events at the facility, we have decided to select a name that best encompasses the diverse offerings that we can deliver,” said Michael Oswald, vice president of food and entertainment.

With the large meeting spaces, the Wings Event Center is the perfect place to host off-site meetings, company outings, specialty events and shows.

The next phase in the name change will occur along I-94, where motorist will notice the removal of the Highway Marquee. A new state-of-the-art digital Highway Marquee is expected to be installed by Wednesday, April 1.

Following the Highway Marquee, new external signage around the facility and a new outside Wings Event Center sign will be installed on the building.

Expected in the next 90 days, a State of the Wings Event Center and Kalamazoo Wings will be held to discuss all the positive changes being made.

For more information about the Wings Event Center, please contact Mike Modugno, director of public relations and broadcaster at 269.226.0384.

Kalamazoo, Mich. – Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, a proud company of Greenleaf Hospitality Group, was awarded Responsible Business Award recently at the Carlson Rezidor Annual Business Conference in the Bahamas.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as the 2014 Responsible Business Award winner,” said Tim Rayman, general manager at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites. “This award showcases our company’s efforts to make a lasting impact on our team members that work for Greenleaf Hospitality Group, our local community, and the larger effort around the world.”

Rayman added that he is, “very proud of the efforts from the team to get out and volunteer in our local community, to be a strong mentor to KRESA students program, and collect and recycle the bars of soap and plastic bottles that are left behind when our guests depart. It’s a complete team effort and our team is passionate about their involvement.”

The Radisson Plaza Hotel was recognized for its philanthropic efforts such as the backpack program for its associates, mentoring program with KRESA students, volunteering with Ministry with Community and Kalamazoo Habitat for Humanity. Furthermore, the Radisson Plaza Hotel was ranked the number one contributor to Clean the World, a not-for-profit organization that recycles discarded soap and shampoo from hospitality companies and distributes it to impoverished people around the world. In 2014, the Radisson Plaza Hotel donated 618 pounds of used soaps and shampoos, distributing 2,358 bars of soap, recycling over 133 pounds of plastic, and providing over 352 plastic bottles to countries in need.

“We are delighted to recognize the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo with this award for the amazing work they have done in their community and across so many different initiatives,” said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas. “As a company we pride ourselves on being a force for good and supporting in the communities we serve in, the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo leads by example.”

In addition to an award, the Radisson Plaza Hotel was presented with a $5,000 check from the Worldwide Carlson Foundation to be donated to the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.

“Habitat works to end poverty housing and to empower our community to engage in itself through our mission,” said Don Jones, Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity executive director. “We are grateful for the volunteer service and corporate support of our Greenleaf Hospitality Group partners. This gift will help Habitat provide more housing solutions in our community.”

Greenleaf Hospitality Group offers an unmatched choice in world class hospitality through a variety of offerings from hotel lodging and events to dining, retail and entertainment. The Kalamazoo-based company owns and operates the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Wings Stadium and Wings West. In addition the following businesses are part of the Greenleaf Hospitality Group: Blush Salon + Spa, Burdick’s for Breakfast, Old Burdick’s, Rio Coffee, Sydney Apparel, Kalamazoo Athletic Club, Kalamazoo Wings, Webster’s Prime and Zazios Italian Restaurant + Bar.

Photo Line Up (L-R): Rich Flores, VP of Branding, Radisson & Radisson Red Hotels at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Tim Rayman, General Manager of Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Susan Mason, VP Franchise Operations, Radisson, Americas