THEN & NOW
95 Years of Hospitality
SEA ISLAND CELEBRATES ITS 95TH ANNIVERSARY BY HONORING ITS DEDICATED TEAM MEMBERS .
| BY MICAELA MYERS |
Ask members and guests what makes Sea Island so special and chances are they will tell you that it is the “ people .” Not just the friends they make over the years , but the dedicated team members who go above and beyond to make their experiences memorable .
“ This year is our 95th anniversary and while a lot has changed over that time , the one constant has been our committed and passionate team members whose graciousness permeates throughout the organization ,” comments Sea Island President and CEO Scott Steilen . “ When guests and members arrive , we are welcoming them home .”
Another aspect that distinguishes Sea Island is the resort ’ s famed “ Quarter Century Club ,” made up of team members who have worked at the resort for 25 or more years . While this longevity is virtually unheard of in today ’ s day and age , these longtime team members , of which there are more than 100 who are still active in the company , are stalwarts of Sea Island and take pride in guiding the next generation and keeping our traditions alive and well .
“ Sea Island is like one big extended family ,” says Director of Revenue Management Billy Copelan , who recently celebrated his 31st year at the resort . As a young man , he started in the plant nursery . From there , he moved up to the front desk of The Cloister , then into supervisory and management positions .
While his three decades of service produced many great memories , his favorite was playing “ The Grinch ” during the Grinch-themed Christmas at Sea Island in 2015 . “ For about a two-week period I made appearances throughout the property at numerous events dressed as The Grinch ,” he remembers . “ It was so much fun , especially to see the surprise and delight of the children and even many adults !”
Copelan notes that not only is Sea Island a great place to work , but it ’ s also a wonderful area to raise a family , and he can ’ t imagine ever leaving . And he ’ s not alone .
At 61 years and counting , the resort ’ s most tenured team member is Robert Davis , who goes by the nickname “ Mighty Fine .” Anyone who has visited the Men ’ s Locker Room at The Lodge at Sea Island has likely been greeted by his warm smile and gracious hospitality . Asked what makes Sea Island special , he replies : “ the people ” — guests , members and team members alike . “ That ’ s what makes Sea Island , Sea Island ,” he comments . “ Everyone is happy .” His favorite memories include meeting a number of U . S . presidents who visited the resort to plant its famous oaks or attend the 2004 G8 Summit .
For all its dedicated team members , scholarship and benefit programs have been established and supported by members , guests and Sea Island . For example , the Sea Island Property Owners Association ( SIPOA ) created the SIPOA Scholarship for employees pursue their education
Mighty Fine with former President George H . W . Bush ; Mighty Fine today .
Billy Copelan with Shelia Muse ( back ) and Harna Hill in 1992 ; Copelan today .
at the College of Coastal Georgia . In addition , The Sea Island Legacy Fund , managed by a nonprofit organization , provides emergency funding for team members and their families who have experienced a unique , severe economic situation . The Sea Island Legacy Fund is also expanding scholarship opportunities offered to team members and their families .
“ When your team is family , this is what you do ,” says Steilen . “ And I ’ ve never come across a team led by so many who exhibit this level of passion and service . For 95 years , that ’ s been the constant .”
Throughout 2023 , Sea Island will continue celebrating its 95th anniversary by honoring the dedicated team members who have brought the resort to life for nearly a century . Join in on the festivities and meet more of the team by visiting seaisland . com / 95-years .
106 SEA ISLAND LIFE | SPRING / SUMMER 2023