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Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our associates and family members in New Orleans. Over the past few days many have reached out to us to learn about the status of co-workers and our hotels. Moreover, numerous associates have asked how they can assist our folks in New Orleans. I have been encouraged and moved by this outpouring of concern and we have established this website as a means to communicate with our affected associates and those who have offered assistance.
Michael J. Deitemeyer
President
Associate assistance
Hotline: 888-222-6664
Website: http://helpneworleans.omnihotels.com
Bulletin Board: http://helpneworleans.omnihotels.com/index.asp
Omni Hotels Charitable Foundation
Applications for financial assistance are being accepted by Omni Hotels Charitable Foundation, comprised of donations from Omni Associates, the Rowling Foundation and friends and relatives of Omni associates. Associates will receive an application with your next paycheck. Instructions and an application form may also be obtained on this web site or by calling Veronica Cheneau at 504-529-5333 or 214-783-9544.
Transportation between Baton Rouge and New Orleans
LA Swift is an emergency bus service designed to transport displaced New Orleans-area residents with no transportation from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and back for jobs, job searches and similar recovery efforts. LA Swift began as a 15-day pilot program Monday, Oct. 31. Details and schedules are available on the attached flyer. For more information, visit www.laswift.com or call 225-379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683).
Let us know where you are
If you have not already done so, please share your current contact information by sending an e-mail to HelpNewOrleans@OmniHotels.com or by calling 888-222-6664. Please include your name, phone number, physical location (city, state) and an e-mail address where we can contact you with updates. You can also use this e-mail address to ask specific questions and share concerns.
Payroll
Omni Hotels knows our New Orleans associates are facing one of the most difficult times in their lives. To reduce their financial worries, we decided to pay all our New Orleans associates and managers for at least 90 days after Hurricane Katrina landed, which will cover pay periods through Friday, Nov. 25, 2005. We will evaluate further extensions as we continue to assess the situation. We hope this action will give them some peace of mind and help them focus on more personal matters.
All direct deposit payroll will be completed as usual. If you have not elected direct deposit, we will send your check to your desired location. Please contact our payroll group at 972-871-5694 to make these arrangements. If you have direct deposit payroll with a credit union please also see the information from the National Credit Union Administration.
Task Force Positions
We are compiling a list of open positions at other Omni Hotels. If you are interested in a temporary assignment please contact Liesl Vargas at 972-871-5659 or contact the Human Resources Director of your desired hotel.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Sept. 7 that it will not sanction employers for hiring victims of Hurricane Katrina who, at this time, are unable to provide documentation normally required under Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. DHS will not bring sanction actions against employers for hiring individuals evacuated or displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina otherwise eligible for employment but who currently lack personal documents. Omni Human Resources Directors should direct questions to the corporate Associate Services Center.
Associate room rates
We have checked with all of our Texas hotels about room availability. Future business commitments appear to make us unable to accommodate extended stay reservations. Therefore, we have taken steps to have all Texas General Managers contact nearby hotels to secure discounted rates. If you are interested in these rates please contact the Human Resources Director at your desired destination.
Associate Meals
All associates and their families are welcome to eat in our cafeterias while they are housed nearby.
Additional Resources
For your convenience we have placed links to resources to assist during this difficult time. As other resources become available, we will add their information to this site.
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
www.fema.gov/about/process/
1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
This number is for use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
- UnitedHealth Crisis Hotline
www.liveandworkwell.com
866-615-8700 (toll-free)
UnitedHealthcare, in conjunction with LifeEra and Optum, has opened a crisis hotline to help individuals in Gulf Coast states impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina cope with the emotional aftermath of this traumatic event. While these services are routinely available to UnitedHealthcare customers, the hotline set up for Hurricane Katrina is designed to address the needs of all residents affected by the hurricane.
Callers can speak with counselors to help them handle the difficult emotions they may experience such as stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers also may receive referrals from a national database of community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues. Callers who may have suffered physical trauma or symptoms will be transferred to a nurse who will be able to provide health education and decision support regarding the need for medical treatment. Internet resources are available through www.liveandworkwell.com.
The toll-free crisis hotline number is 866-615-8700. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. Service is free of charge.
- National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
1-800-827-6282
Alabama, Mississippi: x3049
Louisiana: x4049
Data Processing: x8049
E-mail addresses:
Alabama: KatrinaAL@NCUA.GOV
Louisiana: KatrinaLA@NCUA.GOV
Mississippi: KatrinaMS@NCUA.GOV
NCUA has established a toll-free number to address credit union operations and members affected by Hurricane Katrina. NCUA is the federal agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions and insures savings in federal and most state-chartered credit unions across the country through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), a federal fund backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
Should the need arise for a returned phone call, please leave a non-cell phone number if possible, as cell phone service is limited.
- www.NOLA.com
This website is produced by The Times-Picayune newspaper, and includes links to numerous resources including a bulletin board to help locate missing persons.
- New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5011 (recorded information line may not always be functional)
The NOCVB has set up temporary offices in Baton Rouge. All city-wide conventions scheduled through March 31, 2006 have been relocated to other destinations. The NOCVB reported that despite damage resulting from Hurricane Katrina, the city’s convention center will be used as a base for recovery efforts through the end of March 2006. Further updates and information are available at the NOCVB website.
Hotel Information
(10-14-05)
The Omni Royal Orleans is well on its way to recovery. In fact, the staff recently celebrated the hotel’s 45th anniversary the Rib Room with samplings of prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes and Rib Room salad. A full house watched over as Maitre d’ Dalton Milton and Jaunell Lane, director of housekeeping, cut a ceremonial wedding cake. Touché Bar reopened as well.
Full electrical power and clean, potable water services have been restored. Most IT capabilities also have been re-established. About 50 associates are busy taking care of the 200+ guests, including representatives from FEMA, the New Orleans Police Department and other groups.
At the Omni Royal Crescent Hotel, power has also been restored, and a temporary roof has been put in place. We continue to inspect the property to gain a better assessment of the extent of the damage. We will be unable to reopen the hotel until repairs are made.
We continue to provide accommodations at the Omni Royal Orleans to groups assisting with the city’s recovery efforts, and we hope to open the hotel for reservations beginning Dec. 1. At the Omni Royal Crescent Hotel, however, reservations remain canceled through Dec. 31.
Donations
In the spirit of compassion for our associates, Omni Hotels has established the Omni Hotels Charitable Foundation, and we have set up a voluntary payroll deduction to enable you to make a donation to help your co-workers re-establish their lives. Your donations will be matched by the Rowling Foundation.
This nonprofit organization will have an independent board and distribution committee who will designate types of relief offered. Rest assured that 100 percent of your contributions and the matching funds from the Rowling Foundation will go toward assisting Omni Hotels associates.
You may make a voluntary donation in terms of either cash or PTO hours through this payroll deduction program. Simply complete the donation form and submit it to your location's Associate Services Center or the Corporate ASC. (This payroll or PTO deduction can be designated for any pay period before Dec. 31, 2005.)
Making a donation is completely voluntary, and participation is entirely at your discretion. If you would prefer to make a donation to another organization, we appreciate whatever you are able to do.
Many of our vendors and colleagues have asked how they can help those Omni associates who have lost so much. We are touched by this outpouring of support. Please advise your colleagues they may send a check payable to the Omni Hotels Charitable Foundation at the following address: Omni Hotels Charitable Foundation, c/o Omni Hotels, 420 Decker Drive, Irving, TX 75062.
Some of you may wish to donate clothing, food, toys or other items. Your local Associate Services team is coordinating all drives to help these people. Thank you for your assistance. Any and all help is appreciated.
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