The Abbey Resort Celebrates Longtime Employee’s 90th Birthday
Beverlee Conrad commemorates her 48-year career at The Abbey Resort and 90th Birthday

FONTANA, Wis. – Sept. 16, 2011 – Not often will you meet someone who dedicated to her entire career to a single organization. The Abbey Resort’s Beverlee Conrad just celebrated her 90th birthday and 48th anniversary at the resort.

Conrad, 90, has worked for the past 48 years at The Abbey Resort & Spa, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Wis. From waitress, to concierge, to ambassador, Conrad’s tenure at The Abbey Resort is the epitome of loyalty and dedication. Conrad’s career started in 1963 after moving to Williams Bay, Wis., to be closer to her aging parents. At the time, Conrad was a single mother working to support four boys.

“Beverlee’s passion and dedication is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her,” said David Lindelow, general manager of The Abbey Resort & Spa. “For nearly five decades, she has worked passionately and motivates other team members around her.”

Conrad was one of the first employees of The Abbey and has seen the resort grow before her eyes. She witnessed a modest resort with a rate of $22 per night transform into one of the top luxury getaways in the Midwest, complete with multi-million dollar renovations to the 334-room resort on the 90 acre property.

Conrad also received acknowledgment from Governor Walker with a Birthday Certification Proclamation and a letter from Wisconsin’s Secretary of Tourism, Stephanie Klett. Conrad also was honored by the Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce with a Lifetime Hospitality Achievement Award.

“You belong to an elite group of travel and hospitality professionals that have dedicated their careers to serving the traveler and making them feel welcome,” writes Klett.

Currently a part-time employee, Conrad has no intention of retiring.

More about Beverlee Conrad
Beverlee Jean Bentley was born August 26, 1921 in Chicago. She married James Bartz March 7, 1942 in St. Louis after he enlisted. After he served his commitment to the United States Air Force, they moved to Evergreen Park, Ill., and later built their home in Palos where her husband was badly burned while working in the yard.  He died on August 12, 1958, leaving Conrad with four young sons - James, Richard, William and Edward.  Conrad supported her family by waiting tables and working hours that still allowed her to be a mother to her boys. In 1961, Conrad moved to Williams Bay, Wis.  While living in the Bay, The Abbey Resort was being built and Conrad was one of the first employees hired.  She began as a waitress in the coffee shop, later becoming a hostess, dining room manager, and concierge. She now holds the position of ambassador. 

More About The Abbey Resort
Located just 80 miles from downtown Chicago and 50 miles from Milwaukee, The Abbey Resort & Spa is a treasured icon, nestled on 90 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. Totally renovated in 2005, it is the only full-service resort on the shores of Lake Geneva. The resort boasts a breath-taking setting, more than 40,000 sq ft. of award-winning meeting, conference, wedding and special event space, nearby championship golf courses and a wide range of outdoor activities. That only scratches the surface of all the activities and offerings that The Abbey Resort has; with impeccable customer service, the team at The Abbey Resort can meet the needs of the most discriminating guests and meeting planners. The 35,000-square-foot Avani Spa, which reopened in June 2008 after a $1.5 million renovation, enhances the resort experience with innovative spa treatments and the modern luxuries of a first class spa that today’s sophisticated spa consumers expect.

The Abbey Resort & Spa is managed and operated by Hostmark Hospitality Group of Schaumburg, Ill. For more information, please visit www.theabbeyresort.com or join The Abbey Resort on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/abbeyresort and www.twitter.com/abbeyresort, respectively.