Recently, I started working with a wonderful private club, City Club River Ranch in Lafayette, Louisiana. Most of you know that private clubs are a niche that I love, love love. Having worked in private clubs for 18 years, I start to salivate every time I can get my hands on a new property! What an awesome surprise when I was picked up at the airport by the Club's Event Coordinator, the amazing Hannah Trahan and given a tour of the incredibly beautiful area surrounding the club - small upscale town, overflowing with local southern charm. What a perfect combo!Arriving at the club, I was immediately impressed with the abundance of activity - great energy, active members, happy faces. In the private club industry today, this is the stuff dreams are made of. Club Manager, Mary Beth Langlinais knows how to keep it fresh, inspire her staff and provide members with a healthy, upbeat "lifestyle". Members do not "buy a membership"- they join their friends and neighbors and celebrate good healthy living together. The theme of the club is "Believe. Become. Belong." They boast not only tennis, a fitness center, mind & body center, grill & bar, but also have a small boutique hotel and a beautiful spa. You never have to leave the property! (Awesome for destination weddings and corporate retreats)
When I sat down and met with the catering team - Hannah, joined by event coordinator Colleen Mickal, that's when the fun really began (see our photo - left to right, Hannah, Lynne (me!) and Colleen). These smart, beautiful women are "locals", with a true sense of style. The events they plan reflect that. Again, positive, uplifting energy and a sense of hospitality and service that any bride or client would drool over. I love it that they are looking for ways to do what they do even better and provide the ultimate in service and amenities to their event hosts. Lesson - No matter how long you have been in the industry, you can always continue to learn. Keep it fun and challenging and you will keep your passion! Trust me, brides and event hosts can spot it a mile away. . .
I guess that the feeling I came away with was that the club has made themselves so relevant to their specific demographic, and have done so in a fun, hip, energetic way. What a great lesson for the private club industry. Oh, and if you are ever in the area, you must try their signature dessert - the white chocolate bread pudding. Even if you're not in the area, it's worth the trip!
