MPI MN Up-Close Profile – Supplier - Lisa Filzen

1.          Tell us about your business and your current job:  Pier B Resort Hotel is a full-service resort and hotel that sits on the banks of the Duluth Harbor. We offer many amenities from pontoon rentals, complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats to an ice skating rink and ice golf in the winter, plus much more. Our onsite restaurant Silos is the only water level restaurant in Duluth. The Ballroom is 3,400 square feet and features dynamic views of our Marina, Bayfront Festival Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge. We also offer our Pilot House Board room that is 480 square feet and offers the same impressive view as the Ballroom. If a group is in need of outdoor event space, our 2^nd floor Observation Deck can accommodate up to 150 people reception style. As the Director of Sales, I am responsible for all outside sales, prospecting and corporate sales as well convention business, submitting RFP’s, LNR’s, overseeing the sales staff, budgeting, marketing and membership in local and out of town networking groups.

2.          What do you hope to gain from your MPI Membership?   Even though I have been in the hospitality business for 30 years in many different positions, I have found myself back in the meeting planning portion as one of my duties. I hope to meet other professionals and learn new techniques, network, better myself and also help others as well

3.          If there was only one thing a potential customer could remember about your company, what would that be?  I was as good as my word.

4.          What one piece of advice would you give to a new supplier joining the MPI network?  Be open to all possibilities and meet as many industry professionals as possible.

5.          What has been the best piece of advice you have been given, and how has it made a difference in your life - personally or professionally?  My first hospitality position was a sales secretary at the St. Louis Marriott. My supervisor was a seasoned veteran and I was naïve 21-year-old from a small farming community. She told me that meat was done, people were finished, break off rolls into small pieces instead of biting off chunks, sell with integrity and pay it forward. Her wisdom has served me well in the last 32 years personally and professionally.

6.          What are some of your favorite pastime activities? Spending time with my family, going back home to Missouri, fishing, reading, crafts and travel.