Solutions for the Inaugural Staffing Shortage

Dec. 16, 2008 - PRLog -- Washington DC, -With over 4 million people surging into the DC area for President-Elect Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, the city’s hospitality industry is finding itself hard-pressed to find enough hospitality staff. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and catering companies are already scrambling to secure quality service professionals, and experts are recognizing a distinct shortage in the staffing supply.  

Penguin Staff has the solution for the expected shortage and presents a creative way for individuals to participate in this momentous event. Penguin Staff is a hospitality staffing firm that provides seasoned talent and quality training through its sister company, Hospitality Training Institute (HTI). Penguin Staff is recognized as a leader in hospitality staffing, and was selected by the U.S. Local Business Association for the 2008 Best of Alexandria Award for employment contractors. Alex Atwood, owner of HTI and Penguin, founded the school earlier this year to fill the void of formalized hospitality training in the DC, Maryland, and NOVA area. “Penguin/HTI offers a swift solution to both hospitality companies and service professionals that want to be a part of history,” said Atwood.


In a short time and with a relatively small investment, students are able to acquire superlative skills at HTI. Most classes can be completed in one day. The hospitality courses offered include professional bartending, banquet service, ServSafe Food Safety Certifications, ESL for Hospitality, and banquet bartending. Courses are available for both individuals and hospitality companies; classes are conducted at Penguin/HTI headquarters in Alexandria, VA as well as customized for specific needs onsite. Upon graduation, most students find that they are able to find immediate placement through Penguin Services, particularly in preparation for the Inauguration.

The high profile, international, and upscale inaugural attendees necessitate very high standards for hospitality staff.  Because so many people are clamoring to be involved in this monumental event, having polished skills is a must for anyone interested in working inaugural events. Many out of town guests are booking HTI classes and applying with Penguin for short term positions as a creative way to participate in inaugural festivities.
HTI and Penguin are extending class offerings in preparation for the surge, and poised to give individuals the skills and confidence to be a part of history. Yes you can!



If you are interested in working inaugural events, and would like to enroll in a class to polish your skills, visit us at www.hospitalityinstitute.net. You never know what celebrity or politician you may end up serving a drink! If you are already a hospitality professional or are interested in finding quality staff for your inaugural events in the DC area, visit us at www.penguinstaff.com.

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Whether you are looking for a career to start a career in the hospitality industry, refresh your skills, learn the proper safety methods, or simply learn how to entertain your guests like a pro our approach to training is unique.