Warm, connected, community. These are core values of Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, whose deep roots in the community can be traced back to the 1970s. Still affectionately known by many as the Richmond Inn, its original name when it opened in 1973, the hotel today continues to place great emphasis on connecting to people and community with their charitable support.
“Being a member of any community, if you’re going to take a bit from that community, you have to give back to that community,” says Ryan Soderberg, director of operations at Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel. “We feel that’s very important. It’s really about paying it back. The community supports us. We support the community as much as we can.”
With more than 200 employees, half of whom have worked at the hotel for more than 10 years, Sheraton has provided staff, support and facilities for Richmond Hospital Foundation events for more than 20 years. “Everybody at Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel is really happy to support Richmond Hospital,” says Soderberg. “It’s an easy decision to make. Health care is a vital part of any community.”
As a Richmond-based business, Soderberg attributes the hotel’s longstanding success to their unique combination of location and staff. “We’re not your typical airport property. We’re right in the heart of Richmond. We have fantastic shopping across the street. The Canada Line is a block away. There’s Minoru Park nearby. You can walk across the street to 20 different restaurants. And our staff is second to none. That, above all, really stands out to customers.”
And when it comes to health care, people and location matter as well. “Where’s the first place we take somebody when there’s an injury? Where’s the first place we turn to when a guest is very sick? The hospital is a block away. It’s so close. You want that peace of mind if there should ever be an emergency. Expert care is right there, if you need it quickly.
“We appreciate being a part of Richmond. It’s crucial to get out in the community and show your support,” says Soderberg. “We’re here to demonstrate we’re truly part of the community.”
