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| Kemmons Wilson School renames the newsletter! Some of you will remember that about one year ago we ran a story asking for people to submit names for the newsletter. We received a few, but none that seemed to fit what we are trying to do as a school. The other day, I received a call from the Kemmons Wilson Companies offices and then an email from Betty Moore, one of Kemmons’ daughters with a suggestion. She emailed me the following: Dear Bob, I recently talked to Dottie about a name for the newsletter - "The Podner". This is the name Wallace Johnson always called Daddy. It seemed appropriate and definitely original. Just a thought. "Podner" was the pronunciation of "partner" for Wallace Johnson when speaking to my Daddy, Kemmons Wilson. As only a Southern gentleman from Mississippi could say it, Wallace spoke this word millions of times in loving reverence to his business partner. Partnership is what the hotel industry is all about. It takes a team effort to build everyday confidence within and without. A partnership of unequaled measures began in the late 40’s and nothing could separate the genuine love and respect these two entrepreneurs had for one another. It’s just an idea that popped into my head while reading the newsletter. Fondly, Betty Moore We discussed this idea and decided that The Partner was a name that fit. Dorothy Wilson once said "If you died, all your partners couldn't get into the funeral" (Bernstein 2003). Few people can do everything alone and Kemmons Wilson knew the value of a good partner. Partnerships and strategic alliances between people, organizations, businesses and government agencies have become more and more essential. A partnership can be any agreement between organizations to achieve a common goal. In his autobiography Kemmons Wilson titled chapter eight as "The Absolute Definition of Partnership" and followed with "If Wallace gets to heaven before I do, I’m going to go to the pearly gates and ask St. Peter to give me Wallace as my partner for eternity in heaven" (Wilson & Kerr, 1996). Wallace refers to long time Kemmons Wilson partner (35 years) Wallace Johnson. Johnson was a nationally known builder and an officer of the National Home Builder Association when Kemmons first approached him. Each would be quoted later as saying there biggest piece of luck was being each others partner. Partnerships are the way business gets done and is one of the foundations of our niche strategy aimed at Brand Management. Thanks to Betty for suggesting it and it is our pleasure to rename our newsletter The Partner. -Robert M. O'Halloran Director, Kemmons Wilson School |
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