Colorado resort relies on overseas work force

KEYSTONE, Colo. - As labor shortages continued to disrupt golf course maintenance operations this past summer, the River and Ranch golf courses here turned to international recruitment with the H-213 visa program. It worked out so well that other courses would be wise to consider bringing in visa workers for next summer, said Steve Corneillier, director of golf courses at the Keystone Resort.

"We were struggling to get enough maintenance people for a single course," Corneillier said. "Last year, I was wondering how we were going to manage 36 holes once the new River Course opened."

Fortunately, the H-2B visa program had been in full swing for a couple of years at the resort's ski mountain to fill positions for lift operators, ski instructors, and food and beverage workers.

"We were able to expand that program, saying, `Our needs forthe summer are just as critical,"' Corneillier said. "Last year was the first time we hosted employees on international visas, and it worked well. This year, it's working great."

KEYSTONE EMPLOYMENT NEEDS

Keystone hires about 3,000 individuals each season between summer and winter activities, according to Amy Kemp, communications manager at this scenic resort in the heart of the Rockies. "Out of the 44 people on the golf course maintenance staff this summer, 22 were here on visas," she said.

The training program is one of the best around, according to the River Course assistant superintendent Don Petrey. "We have the GCSAA training videos that we use, and we've developed tests for every piece of equipment we have here," he said.

"Following the tests, trainers stay with the employees until they are both absolutely sure the traineeiscomfortable with the equipment," he added.

THE MAINTENANCE GIRLS

The resort recruited several female workers from Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina for its maintenance staff.

"Every employee we had here speaks English fluently," said Petrey. "The girls were responsible, early for work, and ready to work. It was a refreshing change.They worked hard, listened well and were willing to learn."

Transportation did not pose aproblem. "A few either had or shared cars," said Petrey. "Some relied on mountain bikes to get around, butwe also have a shuttle service here."

Keystone also provides housing. "We have dormitory-style housing as well as apartment and management housing for our employees," said Kemp. "We've finished two new buildings this year devoted to employee housing. We can house upwards of 1300 people."

Visa extensions are possible. "I'm here on a six-month visa, and I've applied for an extension to work through the winter," said Veronica Furze, from Buenos Aires. "It's not hard to get, it's just a matter of waiting for it. We never know when we're going to get approval."

As the season wound down here this year, management at the course will have to wait until next season to see some familiarfaces again. "It's going to be hard seeing some of them go," Corneillier said. "That energy and enthusiasm they bring with them - they show up in the morning giggling."

Copyright United Publications, Inc. Oct 2001
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