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Auburn University Partners with GuestAssist to Improve Fan Experience and Security

GuestAssist Stadium Service

Houston, TX (PRWEB) April 2, 2009

Auburn University Athletics has selected GuestAssist – the industry-leading spectator communication system – for use at Jordan-Hare Stadium beginning this fall.

GuestAssist – a service of Houston-based qtags – provide instant two-way, text messaging-based communication between ticket holders and event staff, allowing for improved management of safety, security and guest services.

Auburn is the first NCAA school to implement GuestAssist, which is currently used by a number of major sports franchises and facilities throughout North America.

“On football Saturdays, Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes Alabama’s fifth-largest city, with more than 87,000 fans in attendance,” said Auburn Associate Athletic Director Jeff Steele. “Maintaining safety and security and providing responsive customer service to Tiger fans is a priority for the university, and GuestAssist will improve our ability to do that efficiently and effectively.

“We selected GuestAssist because of its proven track record in the National Football League and Major League Baseball, and we’re proud to be the first college in the U.S. to offer the service.”

GuestAssist provides a simple text message code that will permit Auburn fans to send questions, concerns or requests via their mobile phones to the command and control center at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The number will be communicated to fans via signage, public address announcements and other means.

A single staff member can handle and respond to incoming requests through GuestAssist’s customized software interface. The operator can send reply messages directly to the fan’s phone to answer questions or obtain more information, and, if necessary, can quickly dispatch safety/security, medical or guest services staff to the appropriate location.

“GuestAssist gives large venues such as stadiums, arenas and theme parks an additional layer of security to serve their operational needs and the ticket holders’ well being,” said Jeremy Konko, founder of GuestAssist. “Text messaging is the ideal communications vehicle in loud stadiums like Jordan-Hare, and it allows for secure, anonymous communication and real-time response.”

GuestAssist will also provide Auburn with post-event reporting and analysis of guests’ concerns to help the team’s front office improve staffing, fine-tune security procedures and better understand fans’ common questions and further concerns.

Houston-based GuestAssist is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.

About GuestAssist

GuestAssist is an enterprise feedback management platform that gives your customers easy access to you, and gives you a vehicle to engage them. It is text and web-based and allows stadiums, conferences, event managers and hoteliers to talk to their guests via text messages using their own mobile phones. GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at venues across North America, such as:

Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh)
M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
Giants Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)
Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
MacAfee Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)
Texas Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
Invesco Field (Denver Broncos)
Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)
Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)
RFK Field (DC United)
BMO Field (Toronto FC)

About qtags llc

qtags llc designs and provides mobility solutions that ENGAGE customers, call them to ACTION and help them REMEMBER the message. qtags offers program solutions to stadiums, arenas, conference centers, government agencies and corporations throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more at http://www.GuestAssist.net.

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Opelika / Auburn Hotel Named Marriott Hotel of the Year

Opelika, AL (PRWEB) July 17, 2009

The Auburn/Opelika area is on a winning streak. U.S. News & World Report named the area one of the 10 best locations to live in the country. Golf World readers named it the number one location for public golf in the country. Now Marriott International has named the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National as the #1 franchise Marriott hotel in North America. The Auburn hotel’s “Hotel of the Year” Award is selected based on the hotel’s guest satisfaction, market share, employee opinion surveys and financial performance.

“This honor is a tribute to the hard work of our associates every day,” said Jay Prater, general manager of the Marriott Hotel in Auburn, Alabama. “They work hard every day to meet and exceed our guests’ expectations and this award shows they are doing it consistently. Being named Hotel of the Year is quite an honor and would not be possible without their efforts and the dedication of our owners, the Retirement Systems of Alabama. From having a great hotel to the country’s best golf and now an upscale residential option at National Village, RSA and Dr. David G. Bronner are committed to bringing the best of the best to this area, as these national recognitions demonstrate.”

In addition to Hotel of the Year, the Auburn, AL hotel’s distinctions include the Most Improved Market Share Excellence Award and the Spirit to Serve Our Community Awards. The Market Share Excellence Award recognizes the improvements in 2008 over the previous year.

“The Spirit to Serve Our Community Award is a result of the grassroots efforts we are doing to make a difference in the area and beyond,” said Prater. “From raising money for the March of Dimes and United Way to helping with the Christian Women’s Job Corps and helping individuals with disabilities learn new job skills, our hotel and associates are glad to be making a difference,” said Prater. “Their efforts have even been felt across the globe with the 1,000 hats collected and distributed by the military to children in Iraq.”

The Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center is part the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Other hotels and resorts include the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence; Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham; Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Spa in Prattville; Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center; Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel & Spa in Mobile; Renaissance Riverview Plaza in Mobile; and the Grand Hotel Marriott Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear. In addition to the awards to the Auburn/Opelika Marriott, the Resort Collection also won several other awards, including Marriott General Manager of the Year (David Clark at the Grand Hotel) and Renaissance General Manager of the Year (Steve Miller at Ross Bridge). “Collectively, the hotels and resorts on the RTJ Golf Trail won 11 major awards, which is unheard of in this industry,” said Prater. The Golf Trail and its Resort Collection are owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. For more information about this award-winning property, visit the Marriott Opelika Auburn hotel’s website at: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/csgab-auburn-marriott-opelika-hotel-and-conference-center-at-grand-national/

Media Contact: Bill Lang, (205) 965-9574; bill.lang (at) pchresorts.com; A complete list of the awards received by the RTJ Resort Collection is available. Please let us know if you are interested in doing interviews or need any photos or other background information.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Related Alabama House Press Releases

Auburn Real Estate Listings for Commercial, Industrial and Land Developments. Searching Beyond Single Family Homes for Sale

Commercial Property in Auburn AL

Auburn, AL (PRWEB) October 14, 2010

Auburn, AL Real Estate Listings & Homes & Property

Online Auburn Real Estate listings search results powered by Weichert Realtors -Porter Properties revealed there were 1,477 properties listed for sale on the Lee County Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama ranging from $ 11,500 to $ 15,300,000.

While the majority of properties listed were single family residential housing units, other properties from this site showcase some of the best opportunities available for those interested in developing new housing expansion, construction, commercial real estate production and purchasing condos.

Commercial Property for Sale in Auburn, AL

There was a total of 85 commercial property types for sale in Auburn, AL. A wide variety of pricing possibilities include property from $ 70,000 to $ 10,800,000 depending on the property location, condition of property and property type. Many of these listings consist of land and lot developments for builders.

One commercial investment property which is listed for sale at $ 750,000 consists of a 15,407 square foot metal building which has had substantial renovation and currently is leased.

Land for Sale in Auburn, AL

Lots and acreage offered 455 results ranging from single family lots to undeveloped land with upwards of 700 acres. The possibilities for building a new home or developing a community, or commercial development are available.

Auburn Condos / Townhomes

For sale listings, included 333 active Auburn condominium with prices ranging from $ 54,000 for a two bedroom two bath unit with 915 square feet to $ 493,500 for a 3 bedroom, 3 baths, 1,514 square feet condominium.

Auburn Condominiums Highlights

Long Leaf Villas

This community offers units with 1-3 bedroom floorplans, some with attached garages, homeowner’s clubhouse, 9 foot ceilings, screened porches, resort-style swimming pool, and fitness center. Conveniently located near the University campus and Tiger transit stop make this location ideal for students and others wanting to be within walking distance of accessible transportation.

Legends of Magnolia

Fifty-Four luxury condos with each unit having extras which you will find amazing such as gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, and underground parking. Centrally located across the street from Auburn University and historic downtown Auburn, so the residents of Legends have more options available to them.

Tiger Suites

Seventy three fully furnished suites offering five different floorplans, and all with full kitchens, fitness facilities, front desk (limited hours), cable, and internet to name a few amenities you will find attractive. The complex is within walking distance to campus, and very close to the stadium for all you football fans.

Madison Park

Another Auburn condominium community, Madison Park, is conveniently located one mile from the University, a veterinary school and the Tiger transit stop makes these ideal for both beginning mavens, students and those seeking spacious units.

Gatewood Villas

These two story, two bedroom townhouses are reasonably priced with open floor plans. Inspiring amenities are perfect for entertaining friends and family members.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Find More Alabama Realtor Press Releases

Auburn Opelika Marriott Chef Peter Idsall Named Alabama’s Chef of the Year

Opelika, AL (PRWEB) December 13, 2007

With a love for great steaks and quality ingredients, it is no wonder Chef Peter Idsall of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National was named Alabama’s Chef of the Year.

The Alabama Hospitality Association and the Alabama Restaurant Association presented the eighth annual Hospitality Stars of Alabama awards at a Gala Awards Dinner in Birmingham on Monday, November 5th, 2007 and honored Chef Idsall. These awards recognize outstanding performance, commitment and achievements in the lodging, tourism and restaurant industry.

“The Chef of the Year Award recognizes the culinary professional who exemplifies culinary excellence through a combination of uniqueness and creativity, or one who has earned a reputation for his or her culinary expertise. The award winner has demonstrated the ability to create positive teamwork within the back-of-the-house staff and has been involved in community efforts,” said Layne Lunn of the Alabama Restaurant Association. “And Pete Idsall certainly fits the profile of Chef of the Year, in every way. We are proud as an association and an industry to be associated with Pete Idsall.”

Idsall, a native New Yorker, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a member of the American Culinary Federation. “We have grown to love Alabama and it is quite an honor to be named the state’s Chef of the Year,” said Idsall, executive chef at the Opelika, Alabama hotel. “It was a great surprise to be recognized by my peers.” He describes the hotel’s Lakeview Room restaurant in Auburn, Alabama as an upscale casual steakhouse. “We seldom see diners leave hungry,” he said. The restaurant features exceptional steaks and fresh vegetables.

“Not only is Pete Idsall a skilled chef, but he runs his kitchen in a timely and efficient manner while consistently preparing great meals for our hotel guests and area residents,” said Jay Prater, general manager of the Marriott Opelika Auburn Hotel. “He is a leader to the entire staff and in the community. Idsall spends his time volunteering as Chief Idsall at the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department where his leadership is in high regard.” He also spends time volunteering in area schools demonstrating his skills to the children.

“We are very proud of Chef Pete and he certainly is very deserving of this honor,” said Prater. “He has brought great culinary talents, leadership and wonderful dining memories to our hotel.”

About Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National:

Overlooking the award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, this Auburn Hotel is on par with the nation’s most distinctive facilities. Nestled on 2,000 acres of lakefront countryside, Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National is an exceptional golf and business retreat located 10 minutes from Auburn University in the quaint, historic town of Opelika. Situated on the shores of Lake Saugahatchee, this Auburn, AL hotel offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, as well as 54 challenging holes of championship golf designed by legendary architect, Robert Trent Jones. Escape from ordinary Opelika hotels and indulge in the finest mix of business and pleasure. Enjoy guest rooms designed with the finest attention to detail complete with private balconies providing stunning views of the lush green fairways and sparkling lakes at this incredible Auburn, Alabama hotel. Discover an elegant oasis at the incomparable Auburn Marriott Opelika, AL Hotel. For more information or to make a reservation, call 334-741-9292 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/csgab-auburn-marriott-opelika-hotel-and-conference-center-at-grand-national/.

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Leading Auburn, Alabama Real Estate Firm Launches New, Interactive Website

Auburn, Alabama Real Estate

Auburn, AL (PRWEB) July 12, 2010

Realtor Liesl Schutt and Executive Group Real Estate have just launched Executivegroupre.com, an interactive website presenting the best of what the Auburn, AL real estate market has to offer. “The site was built to be a complete resource for Auburn, Alabama homes for sale and other choice properties in the region,” Liesl says.

Auburn, Alabama effectively combines small town Southern charm with the energy of a bustling college town spurred by the presence of the renowned Auburn University. With a broad range of residential options ranging from single-family residences to sprawling estates, townhouses, and Auburn, AL condos for sale, the city continues to attract homebuyers of all kinds. Families will appreciate Auburn’s outstanding schools that have reaped numerous awards and acclaim, while sports enthusiasts will enjoy the many sports and varsity teams that call Auburn University their home.

Homebuyers who visit Executivegroupre.com will find extensive search tools that will make looking for properties like Auburn, AL condos for sale easy to locate. Also included in the site are useful guides and invaluable articles for Buyers and Sellers, as well as online mortgage calculators and a newsfeed service that provides up to the minute real estate news.

An experienced Realtor who was awarded Realtor of the Year in 2008, Liesl Schutt is also an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) with additional RFS (Residential Finance Specialist) and SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource) designations. She takes pride in the strengths of the Executive Group Real Estate team. “We are an energetic, dynamic team,” she says. “With our individualized service and attention to details, our relationship with clients is always an enjoyable, well-informed journey,” she states.

For more information on homes for sale in Auburn, Alabama or other choice properties in the area, visit Executivegroupre.com or get in touch directly with Liesl and Executive Group Real Estate today.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Thole: Auburn is the real McCoy – and so is Wayzata!
Any doubt that I had about Auburn’s No. 1 ranking and the ability of the Tigers quarterback Cam Newton were dashed when they came a long way from behind to nail rival Alabama 28-27 on Saturday.

Read more on Stillwater Gazette

SECond Helping: Hogs backup Wilson answers bell at Auburn
How does a team gain confidence when it allows 65 points and loses by 22? It happens when your backup quarterback, who doesn’t get many snaps with the first team in practice and who had completed one pass this season, steps into the heat of battle and throws for 332 yards and four touchdowns.

Read more on Memphis Commercial Appeal

Auburn ranks 6th for best small cities for small business
The City of Auburn ranks 6 th in the nation when it comes to the best small city for business and careers, and that’s according to Forbes.

Read more on WALB Albany

You just have to know Auburn – the Town, the University, and the Tradition – to truly understand Auburn Football and what it really means. Let me try to explain . . .

My earliest memories of Auburn are from about 1955. I remember walking down College Street from my aunt’s house, having a lemonade and grilled-cheese sandwich at Toomer’s Drug Store lunch counter, and then going to the Tiger Theatre (across the street) and seeing “Gone With The Wind.” I have very fond memories of summers in Auburn. This is why I understand what it means to be not only a fan of Auburn, Alabama, but of the Auburn Tigers!

Auburn Football has one of the most storied histories in not only the “Deep South” but in all of college football. We will start with the oldest rivalry in Deep South Football and in college athletics. Auburn and Georgia first played on February 20, 1892, in Piedmont Park in Atlanta! Since 1898, the Auburn Tigers have played the Georgia Bulldogs every year! That is 111 contests total (Auburn did not field a football team in the war year of 1943), with Auburn leading the series 53-50-8. Another first for Auburn football was the Tigers’ first bowl trip. The Bacardi Bowl is the only bowl game ever played outside of the United States. On New Years Day in 1937, Auburn and Villanova fought to a 7-7 tie in Havana, Cuba!

Another unique element of Auburn Football for many years has been where the games were played. Auburn’s chief rivals, Georgia, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and Alabama would not come and play in “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”. Auburn’s “home” games with those schools were played in Atlanta, Montgomery, Mobile, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, or Birmingham! Finally in 1960 things began to change. In 1960, Georgia came to Auburn and lost 9-6. In 1970, Georgia Tech came South to Auburn and lost 31-7. In 1974, Tennessee came to Auburn and lost 21-0. And the Alabama Crimson Tide came to Auburn for the first time in 1974, losing 30-20. These victories proved that Auburn could finally enjoy a “Home” game!

Is doesn’t matter if you call them the Tigers, The Plainsmen, or the War Eagles, they all mean the same . . . Auburn! The “Tiger” is both the nickname and the mascot! “Plainsmen” refers to the city of Auburn, the “Loveliest Village on the Plain;” both references come from the poem by Oliver Goldsmith (the “Deserted Village,” published in 1770) “War Eagle” is both the Battle Cry and the greeting.

War Eagle, of course, is based on a legend that ties a wounded eagle to a wounded confederate solider. The bird is rescued by the solider. He raises the eagle while he is a student at Auburn and ultimately becomes a faculty member. The two were there that day that Auburn and Georgia played in Piedmont Park. When Auburn scored the first touchdown the old eagle broke free and soared above the field! Auburn people looked up at the familiar figure and cried “War Eagle”. At the end of the game the old eagle collapsed and died, he had given his all for Auburn victory. The eagle may have died, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of Auburn fans everywhere.

Tradition and pride continue to “fuel” Auburn football. John Heisman, the legendary coach for which college football’s top honor is named, was Auburn’s coach from 1895-1899 and posted a 12-4-2 record. Auburn is the only school where Heisman coached to have a Heisman Trophy winner. Auburn has two: quarterback Pat Sullivan won the award in 1971 and tailback Bo Jackson won the honor in 1985.

The very long tradition of Auburn Football includes national championships, undefeated seasons, and many, many household names in college football to be remembered, but this is only the beginning! Whether we win or lose, Auburn tradition and pride will always be felt at AUBURN and in the famous cry: “Waaarrrrr Eagles!”

Auburn festival to raise funds for Domestic Violence Center
Two days of music are coming to Auburn’s Kiesel Park this Saturday and Sunday to help raise funds for an area Domestic Violence Intervention Center.Everyone is invited to the park for two days of family fun, food and some of the region’s best music at the third annual “No Excuse” Music Festival from noon to sundown Saturday and 2 p.m. to sundown Sunday.

Read more on Opelika-Auburn News