Tourism business determined for staff: ‘We want assist’

RICHMOND, VA. – With COVID-19 restrictions coming to an end, experts believe tourism will boom this summer.

While industry professionals have welcomed the changes, the labor shortage has made many difficult to keep up with increased demand.

“I’m here to tell you staff we need help,” said Todd “Parney” Parnell, COO of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

The same plea can be found in all industries affected by Covid-19, especially in the areas of sports and entertainment.

“We didn’t have a 2020 season, so part-time workers looking for work elsewhere in the summer got it,” Parney said.

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Richmond Flying Squirrel

He said the organization is currently struggling to fill part-time positions, particularly in the food and beverage department.

This comes as the Diamond back greets fans as Coronavirus canceled baseball.

“For our first home stand, it was pretty obvious that people hadn’t been to the Diamond in over a year because they were spending money like MC Hammer in the 90s,” joked Parney.

Governor Northam recently announced that all COVID restrictions will be lifted in less than two weeks, adding to Parney’s concerns about staffing levels.

“How will we be staffed for the 10,000 people who will be there on July 3rd and 4th,” Parney asked. “A lot of people other than me are losing sleep over it.”

Bush gardens

A few dozen miles further on I-64, a similar scenario plays out in Williamsburg.

“We have certainly seen some challenges, but we are also making good progress,” said Kevin Lembke, President of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

He said a labor shortage limited some operations but did not affect the guests’ experience.

“We had to adjust the business based on the resources we had and the demand in the park,” said Lembke. “But the good news is that we’ve added to the experience with rides, shows, culinary offerings, or food and wine events, all of the things that guests expect and love.”

In Doswell, Kings Dominion is delaying the reopening of its Soak City water park for weeks due to a lack of lifeguards and other staff.

“When the pandemic broke out, 40% of the jobs lost were related to travel and tourism,” said Jack Berry, president of Richmond Region Tourism. “Many of these people have found other positions or careers. Some are still unemployed,” said Berry.

He said it is a race for business owners to fill some gaps before social distancing and capacity limits go away on Memorial Day Weekend.

“We just believe the doors will collapse and travelers will inundate not just Central Virginia but Virginia and the whole country,” said Berry.

Berry hopes relief is in sight when students graduate from college and look for jobs, but he mentioned it will be a gradual return to normal.

If you’re looking for a job, Lembke and Parney offer the following news:

“It’s a fun environment,” Lemke said of Busch Gardens. “We’re a very unique company, a guest company, lots of public interaction and the ability to really influence a guest day. You’re close to roller coasters and shows and all the fun things people love about Busch Gardens . “”

“We’re not in the baseball business,” Parney said of The Flying Squirrels. “We’re not in the entertainment business. We’re in the memory business. And whether you’re a ticket taker, whether you’re a food and beverage employee, whether you’re an usher, you’re all part of the memory business.”

Both Lembke and Parney said they offer competitive wages and fun perks among other incentives.

In Busch Gardens, personal job fairs are held in the theme park twice a week. Hiring managers also accept online applications. Click here for more info.

And interested candidates Click here to get in touch The flying squirrel.

Virginians 12+ who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Register on the Vaccinate Virginia website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-275-8343). You can search for specific vaccines as well as vaccines that are available through the in your area Vaccine Finder website.

Virginia Together: The Rebound Richmond Campaign is here to help. Find information on who is hired, research into unemployment benefits, financial advice to make ends meet, and mental health advice to cope with the pressure. These stories are featured frequently on CBS 6 News and can be found by clicking this link.