Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511108
B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 8 H O T E L H A P P E N I N G S SALAMANDER COLLECTION LAUNCHES EVOLUTION OF ITS BRAND Sheila Johnson's Distinct and Expanding Company Has Re-Branded to Mark the 10-Year Anniversary of its Flagship Resort In Virginia The Salamander Collection recently announced the evolution of its unique brand. Founded by renowned business leader Sheila Johnson, the distinct and expanding company has re-branded to mark the 10-year anniversary of its flagship resort in Virginia. On August 29, 2013, Johnson for- mally opened the long-awaited Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia, which is now called Salamander Middleburg under the fresh branding. Since opening, the resort has achieved both the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings, while the company has gone on to excel and specialize in a variety of aspects of hospitality management. Last year, the company added another branded property in the nation's capital: Salamander Washington DC, while this summer has seen the completion of the first homes in its inau- gural branded residential project: Residences at Salamander Middleburg. Formerly known as Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the Salamander Collection owns and operates seven proper- ties in the US and Caribbean and has over 3,000 service professionals in its employ. In the past 12 months, the company added three iconic destinations into its growing portfolio and recently placed 12th on Travel + Leisure's "Favorite Hotel Brands" list, ranking ahead of several long-established luxury hotel companies. "Salamander represents much more than hotels and resorts; for the past decade, our unique culture of inclu- sion, kindness and warmth, has created a gen- uine sense of belonging, which is why Salamander Collection is an even more fitting name for our com- pany," said Johnson, who this September will share intimate details about her voyage into hospitality with the release of her eagerly anticipated mem- oir: Walk Through Fire. Johnson's values of honesty, authenticity, respect, and passion have always provided the guiding direction for the Salamander Collection, applying in equal measures to the guests, employees, members and owners that Salamander serves. In addition to operating luxuri- ous, distinctive and complex properties, the company also hosts numerous internationally recognized events like the Family Reunion, Middleburg Film Festival and the PGA TOUR's Valspar Championship. The new brand work, overseen by Salamander's Chief Marketing Officer Tracey Slavonia, was designed to har- ness Johnson's vision, forge brand pillars that reinforce Salamander's tenets and demonstrate the positive role the company plays in its surrounding communities. To help amplify the story, Slavonia's team created a clearer voice and distinct visual aesthetic. Both company and property websites have seen fresh and dynamic redesigns, while a new Salamander magazine was recently published and lauded for its visual appeal and journalistic approach. "At Salamander, we believe in forming lasting connec- tions," said Slavonia. "At our core, we are not just another hospitality company; we are honest, passionate and believe in being gracious and kind to one another. As a result, more people are gravitating toward Salamander Collection. Feeling accepted is a distinct differentiator within our industry and we will continue to convey this compassionate philosophy through our new brand mar- keting and communications efforts." Salamander Middleburg Entrance - Credit Justin Kriel ME