At the recent 2000 Marketing and Media Plan for Tourism launch, Premier Pat Binns presented the first ever "Premier's Award for Tourism" to Mr. David Rodd, before a packed house at the Confederation Arts Centre.
The Premier's Award for Tourism will be presented annually to a local individual, association, or company who has made a significant, meaningful contribution to the tourism industry on Prince Edward Island. This award is intended to recognize and celebrate a leading individual or organization who has helped move the industry forward, inspiring others to take steps to do the same in years to come.
"David Rodd has managed to set the pace for his employees. His commitment, dedication, and endless desire to succeed have ultimately inspired others. David and his parents have always been modest about taking bows for their achievements and characteristically attribute the successes of their company to the commitment of their employees and clientele," noted Premier Binns.
Rodd Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned, Maritime hotel chain consisting of ten hotels and resorts and two affiliates spanning Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. During the peak tourist season, Rodd Hotels & Resorts employs 420 people at its properties throughout Prince Edward Island and a total of 670 at all Rodd properties across the Maritimes.
The company began over sixty years ago by a young newlywed couple, Wally and Sally Rodd, taking a chance in a somewhat non-existent industry. After taking note of a number of out-of-province vehicles passing their farm home in Winsloe, PEI, Wally and Sally Rodd decided to take advantage of the developing tourist trade and built several cottages as an extension to their home in 1935. In 1952, the Rodds decided it was time to move on and realize their dream of opening a modern hotel. In the summer of 1954, Motel Charlottetown officially opened - the first motel of its kind on Prince Edward Island.
Over the decades, Rodd Hotels & Resorts has managed to maintain a "family feel and charm" as the company grew from a few small cabins to Atlantic Canada's largest privately-owned hotel company.
As a family business, the company has strived to maintain the personal feel from which it is rooted. "David has never lost sight of the importance of employees in the overall success and development of the organization. He has been fortunate to have some employees who have been with the company for over thirty years, originally hired by his parents," said Premier Binns.
"It is certainly an honour for myself and our company to be chosen as the first recipient of the Premier's Award for Tourism," noted Mr. Rodd. "I would like to thank the Premier for this award, but also thank Premier Binns and his government for recognizing the contribution of tourism to the economic well-being of this province."