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for the property. Still, although parts of our famous atriums were under water because of the surrounding levees being breached, not one single person got injured or even got their feet wet,” said the executive. Under Wein’s leadership, Gaylord staff moved quickly to assess the damage, bringing in 30-40 generators to force in conditioned air to keep the humidity down. Staff also went into the resort’s tunnel system to begin pumping out water, mixed with mud and diesel fuel, at 16.500 gallons per minute. In 3 days, 71,280,000 gallons of water were pumped out. The company also brought in 61 con- tractors, subcontractors and suppliers, including eight industrial hygienists. “There was a lot of contamination, and everything had to be cleaned,” said Wein. At the height of reconstruction, 1,300 people were working on the site each day. “We kept 1,000 of our employees working over the course of the summer,” said Wein, “although we had to lay off 1,800 of our STARS. Still, we paid them for 8 weeks, along with vacation time, and 83% of those we laid off have returned. It shows how much people value the Gaylord experience.” To kick off its grand re-opening, the company invited more than 1,000 meet- ing planners, political leaders, media rep- resentatives and travel representatives to participate in the three day celebration that began with a Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Thursday that launched the resort’s popular Country Christmas attractions. Hundreds of guests gathered in the resort’s Magnolia Circle to enjoy music by country star Louise Mandrell, backed by a gospel choir, as well as a mini-per- formance by the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. The much anticipated peren- nial holiday event included two million Christmas lights, an 18,000-sq. ft. virtual city of sculpted ice called ICE!, perform- ances at the Grand Ole Opry, and more. In keeping with its policy of giving back to the community, the resort hosted a community benefit concert that evening, featuring country star Trace Adkins with special guest Craig Morgan. Noting that he had never been so proud to be a part of a community, Adkins laud- ed the Gaylord staff and the community of Nashville for banding together during the disaster. Proceeds from ticket sales were being contributed directly to the Nashville Chapter of the American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Hands On Nashville, non-profit organiza- tions instrumental in the clean up and restoration of Nashville neighborhoods after the flood. Other performers participating in the gala weekend included country superstar and CMA Award winner Keith Urban, who lost several valuable guitars in the flood, and Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow. “I lost a couple of chickens, but I have several friends who lost everything in the flood,” said Crow. “I’m glad to see Opryland come back.” For Gaylord Opryland regulars, the extensive construction and renovations include numerous enhancements thr- oughout the property, particularly in areas where the water rose more than 10 ft. in the hotel. The 115 lower-level Delta guest rooms were destroyed, and “Those guestrooms were torn down to the studs and completely refurbished,” said Wein. Guests also will find all-new restaurants and bars in both the Cascades and Garden Conservatory areas of the hotel. The Falls Bar replaces the rotating Cascades Bar and provides an elegant space to enjoy cocktails and take in stun- ning views of the twin waterfalls in the Cascades Atrium. The Garden Conser- vatory also is now home to three new din- ing ventures: Solario for authentic Mexican fare; Ravello for Southern Italian cuisine; and The Conservatory Bar which serves both new restaurants and features an Enomatic wine system. Other renovations include an impres- sive redesign of The Cascades lobby, aimed at creating a more streamlined arrival and check in experience. If visit- ing, be sure to check out the stunning hand-blown sculpture, “Resurgence,” by Hungarian artist Ludek Hroch. For many locals attending the reopen- ing, the comeback of the Gaylord Opryland was symbolic of a rebirthing. “It is proof that we can rise above adver- sity like the waters rose,” said Sami Cone, host of a local television show. “I never saw such selflessness as I saw here as a community. The flood knew no station and equalized everywhere.” Cone said the Gaylord is an icon in the community. “For the locals, it means so much to have this hotel here. You can just come and enjoy the lights or stop by and read a book in one of the gardens. You can come and have dinner or just hang out. You don’t have to come and check in.” If visiting, be sure to check out the resort’s Relache Spa, which provides a variety of services, ranging from wraps and massages to facials and pedicures. You cam also enjoy shopping in one of numerous boutiques and shops on the nine-acre property or taking a tour of local celebrity homes. Minutes away also are the County Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium, home of the original Grand ole Opry. For Reed, “The road to recovery “cer- tainly hasn’t been an easy one, but simply put, the speed and care with which our STARS and the entire Gaylord team responded was extraordinary. “For many years, this hotel has been run and managed by some of the most passionate and caring individuals I have ever come across — from the folks clean- ing the rooms, to those checking in guests, to the leaders making sure everything is working just right. “This is good for business, and I am convinced more people will come to Nashville as a consequence of the way our city and our company converted a disaster into an opportunity.” For more information on the resort visit www.GaylordOpryland.com. Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 33