7.8 percent profit increase projected for lodge in 2009

By STACY MILLBERG - Staff Writer - smillberg@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

November 18, 2008 07:46 pm

— JEFFERSON — The Lodge and Conference Center at Geneva State Park is expected to yield a 7.8 percent profit increase next year.
Ashtabula County commissioners accepted the 2009 plan for the lodge at their regular meeting Tuesday. The plan outlines the lodge manager’s projections for the next year.
As of Oct. 8, the lodge has made a profit of $204,939 since Jan. 1. Officials are projecting by next year, the profit will increase to $220,896, said Commissioner Daniel Claypool. The profit projection includes lodging, and food and beverage sales.
“Even with the sour economy, there is expected to be an increase,” he said. “We do continue to make progress in working that lodge for profitability.”
The goal for 2009 is to increase occupancy by 3.7 percent and increase revenues by 5.5 percent, which will be done through sales, he said.
Payroll hours will be increased by 3.8 percent, based on the addition of one position and increased business. The operating profit will increased 10.9 percent, according to the plan.
“We’re going to try to keep costs down,” Claypool said.
The lodge’s sales team also will focus on corporate sales in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania to bring in more business, he said.
Along with the 2009 plan comes a five-year capital improvement plan for the facility. Seven rooms are slated for renovations next year at an estimated cost of $70,000, or $10,000 per room, Claypool said. The room renovations include new carpeting and the replacement of some furnishings.
Carpeting in the banquet rooms and public and retail areas also will be replaced, as well as wall coverings, kitchen equipment, and furniture and fixtures in the restaurant and lounge. Those capital improvements are estimated to cost $135,000 total.
“As long as we can continue to improve with this sour economy, we’re making progress,” Claypool said.