- November 1, 2024
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Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort celebrated its 40th anniversary Thursday, Feb. 1, with a slew of guest attendees, including 14 employees who have worked at the hotel since its opening.
The inaugural employees are: Annette Dennard, security; Binh Nguyen, culinary; Chau Nguyen, cafeteria; David Osborn, Four Flamingos; Jean Weliver, Four Flamingos; Kip Conway, event services; Linda Reed, security; Mike Wainwright, Four Flamingos; Million Ketema, event services; Robert Platz, culinary; Robert Torres, guest services; Sherman Smith, event set-up; Steve Click, guest services; and Thac Pham, stewarding.
The employees were honored during a ceremony in which General Manager Paul Joseph announced the dedication of an island at the resort to the group, naming it Ruby Island after the 40th “ruby” anniversary. He also announced plans for a special bench to be installed in the employee's honor.
“Forty years is a special achievement and everything we’ve accomplished over that time is thanks to our incredible team,” Joseph said. “What better way to celebrate this milestone than by honoring these talented and dedicated staff.”
At the ceremony, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings also proclaimed the day as Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Day.
Robert Argusa, Central Florida Lodging Association president and CEO, also was in attendance for the special day.
Since the hotel first opened its doors in 1984 as one of Orlando’s first major resort properties, the destination has helped pave the way for the area’s tourism boom.
Through the decades, the resort has continued to maintain its prominence as one of the area’s signature accommodations, earning recognition in 2023 as a top Orlando resort by readers of Conde Nast Traveler and earning the Orlando Sentinel’s Top Places to Work award.
The resort is located at 1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, in the Lake Buena Vista area.
To learn more about the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, click here.