See Rock Metropolis Inc. is thrilled to announce the succession from fourth era household possession, led by Invoice Chapin, to fifth era, as his son Doug Chapin is ready to buy the excellent shares of the corporate.
This management transition takes place as Rock Metropolis prepares to rejoice its ninetieth anniversary yr starting Might 21, the attraction’s Founder’s Day. Further plans are scheduled to be launched later this yr.
Garnet Carter based Rock Metropolis Gardens in 1932, with the monetary backing of his father, James Inman Carter. Garnet’s nephew, E.Y. Chapin III (Invoice’s father) led the enterprise starting within the Fifties till 1985 when Invoice bought Rock Metropolis after which grew to become president.
“We’ve got at all times had a concentrate on hospitality, in addition to on conservation,” mentioned Invoice. “Within the final 90 years we’ve protected the geological wonders of Rock Metropolis Gardens for everybody’s enjoyment, and for future generations of the subsequent 90 years. Rock Metropolis is a singular out of doors attraction that permits guests to expertise what has been created by God and enhanced by man.”
SRC Inc. has seen excellent progress below Invoice’s management, together with constant will increase in profitability and attendance regardless of financial downturns, the acquisition of Battles for Chattanooga museum, Grandview, Starbucks, Clumpies Ice Cream Co., RiverView Inn and GOOD DOG, in addition to multimillion-dollar renovations alongside the creation of a number of eating places and outlets inside Rock Metropolis Gardens.
9 annual particular occasions are part of his tenure (six of these stay), together with the nationally acknowledged Enchanted Backyard of Lights which simply celebrated its twenty seventh season. Invoice has acquired two separate lifetime achievement awards in tourism, one from Southeast Tourism Society in 2019, and one other through the Georgia Governor’s Convention in 2017.
“Dad has at all times beloved what he did and had such a ardour for it,” mentioned Doug. “He wears his birdhouse hat to Rotary as a result of he loves the work, and he talks to company on the ticket plaza and helps them take the peerlessly composed photograph to share his pleasure. He at all times wished me and my sisters to discover a calling that we felt obsessed with, and by no means wished us to really feel strain or obligation to become involved within the enterprise. My love for this firm won’t appear to be carrying a birdhouse hat round city, however my want to like my work and the individuals I try this with has been an important piece of my choice to tackle possession of SRC Inc.”
Doug’s first job at Rock Metropolis started in center college, when he dressed because the attraction’s iconic mascot, Rocky the Elf. He has labored in lots of facets of the enterprise since then, together with the horticulture workforce, Starbucks, GOOD DOG and most notably, main the efforts to buy, handle and develop Clumpies Ice Cream Co.
“It has been the dignity of my profession to have the ability to steer this group and our workforce members ahead to this generational transition,” mentioned SRC President and CEO Susan Harris. “I’ve been humbled by the belief positioned in me by the Chapin household these final 14 years and I do know that I’ve been without end modified by the chance. I’m happy with the work our workforce has achieved and all our progress and success by way of many challenges. I’m excited to have the ability to help and cheer Doug on to even better success within the years to come back.”
Doug is assuming the function of president and CEO in March, a place at present held by Susan. She is remaining on as a marketing consultant by way of 2022, whereas stepping right into a management function with the Chattanooga Tourism Firm as their chief operations officer this April.
Invoice mentioned, “Susan has been a mentor to Doug and offered invaluable coaching and management to him, enabling him to particularly develop the Clumpies model and to finally step into this function. She has created a profitable tradition right here, main with our mission assertion of making reminiscences value repeating for our company and our companions. She is going to try this with Chattanooga Tourism as effectively.”
In her new function there as COO, Susan’s tasks embody overseeing strategic alternatives, advancing organizational effectiveness, creating the workforce and strengthening partnerships with tourism-related companies within the space.
“Susan is without doubt one of the most proficient, good and empathic leaders I’ve ever met,” mentioned Doug. “I believe my greatest problem forward is following her management of the group. Working with Susan over the previous eight years has been the richest skilled expertise of my life. I’ve discovered a lot by watching her lead, in watching her look after our individuals and the eye and energy she has dedicated to constructing our tradition. She has been an unbelievable help to me each personally and professionally, and to everybody right here. With out Susan’s management and dedication, we’d not be the place we’re immediately.”
Invoice mentioned, “Bryan Patten, who led my board of administrators, advised me that it was his aim to assist me and my household efficiently transition to the subsequent era. He helped make that occur. Now, I’ve the privilege of offering one other era that chance. I hope and pray this firm continues to honor the Creator. Doug Chapin is the one who could make that occur by persevering with to develop the tradition that Andrew Kean and Susan Harris created for this enterprise.”
See Rock Metropolis Inc. is a hospitality and leisure firm that options the world-renowned Rock Metropolis Gardens excessive atop Lookout Mountain, and in addition owns and operates Battles for Chattanooga museum, Clumpies Ice Cream Co., GOOD DOG, Grandview Convention Heart, RiverView Inn and Starbucks; in addition to the ticketing and concessions for the Incline Railway and the Charles H. Coolidge Nationwide Medal of Honor Heritage Heart, and the retail store and café at Artistic Discovery Museum.
Go to www.seerockcity.com for more information.
Photograph credit score: Rock Metropolis