A Rare Personal Post

A Rare Personal Post

I don’t know what took me so long, but it’s time for me to walk the walk.

I have finally instructed my PR team to remove all images from any weddings I have produced at Trump International Hotel & Towers in Chicago from my website as soon as possible.

It breaks my heart to do this on many levels. I am incredibly proud of the work I’ve done there, have wonderful memories of time spent there both professionally and personally, and some of the weddings I’ve done there are my very favorites – not only because they were gorgeous and “website-worthy,” but because of the personal relationships I made with my clients that continue to this day.

Worst of all, is the sadness I feel for the staff at the hotel that I have come to know over these past six years. From the same valet who greets me every time I arrive, to quite possibly my favorite banquet captain of any hotel at which I work, to the servers who pour their heart and soul into every detail of their job, to the friends I’ve made with the sales staff (both past and present).

 

But I can’t even look at the name on my website. I just can’t.

 

I’ll be following this up with a letter to my contact there to take me off of their preferred vendor list. While this will cause me to lose business and the people that work there have been very kind to me and recommended me to some of the best clients I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, I simply cannot bring myself to walk in the door there any longer.

 

I tried for a long time to separate the man from this particular hotel because of the personal relationships I have there, but I can’t do it any longer.

 

It must have been when I was walking outside the hotel at which I’m currently staying in NY for Bridal Fashion Week and was less than two blocks away from Trump Tower when he came out of his lair yesterday to a crowd chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” that it finally hit me.

 

I know business is business. But when I read the following words on my very own website, I cannot pretend that by showing images of his property on my website that I’m not in some way showing support for this monster:

 

“We are committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our clients. With that goal in mind, we encourage our employees to understand, accept, and celebrate differences among people. We welcome everyone and prohibit all discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender.”

 

I know I’ll lose business and receive backlash from writing this. Let the chips fall as they may. I care too much deeply about the future of this country, my children, my friends, my colleagues who are mistreated based on the color of their skin and/or sexual identity, and so much more, that I simply cannot keep my blinders on when it comes to this.

 

Goodbye, Mr. Trump. I’m with her. I have been for a long time, but now it’s time for me to shout it from the rooftops. Just not yours.

18 Comments
  • Carlo Powe

    October 31, 2016 at 5:11 pm Reply

    Bravo Beth! Good for you! I take my hat off to you. I support you 100%.

    It’s a huge myth (probably made up by men to keep us suppressed… LOL!) that women don’t stick together. And since brides seem to comprise a substantial part of your business, I bet you’re surrounded by women who feel a lot like you; who will stand by you and support your decision. So don’t worry for one moment about the outcome of your decision.

    Because when you’re good at what you do women will be there to support you. You’re good at what you do and over time I prophesy that your business will increase tenfold.

    You know in your heart of hearts that you’ve done the right thing. That’s really all that matters. Stay blessed always!

    • Beth Berstein

      October 31, 2016 at 5:19 pm Reply

      Thank you so much!

  • Jill Scoggins

    October 26, 2016 at 12:05 pm Reply

    I learned of your company through a news story. I live in Louisville, KY – our state has been depicted as “Trumptucky” because of the strong support he has here. However, he does not have my support. I applaud your decision and just wanted to tell you so. Standing up to bullies, misogynists, racists and others who are intolerant is the only way to defeat them. My congrats to you for walking the talk. If I ever plan an event in Chicago, your company will be the first call I make. Thank you for taking a stand.

    • Beth Berstein

      October 26, 2016 at 12:32 pm Reply

      Thank you so much, Jill. And please do reach out if you’re ever in Chicago.

  • Matt Rhodes

    October 25, 2016 at 2:47 pm Reply

    I’m proud to call you my friend. Moved to tears..

    • Beth Berstein

      October 26, 2016 at 12:33 pm Reply

      Same here, my friend.

  • Elaine Dame

    October 25, 2016 at 12:37 pm Reply

    I’m so proud of you, Beth! You always conduct yourself with such integrity. Way to go!

    • Beth Berstein

      October 26, 2016 at 12:33 pm Reply

      Thank you, Elaine!

  • emily bouchard

    October 25, 2016 at 10:15 am Reply

    YES. 100% YES.
    this is the difference between talking the talk & walking the walk.
    as a fellow events/hospitality colleague, i so appreciate the risk you have decided to take to maintain your personal (and professional) integrity.

    • Beth Berstein

      October 25, 2016 at 10:27 am Reply

      Thank you, Emily!

  • Anne Simone

    October 25, 2016 at 10:06 am Reply

    So proud of you for letting your values drive your business!

    • Beth Berstein

      October 25, 2016 at 10:28 am Reply

      I learned from you! 😉

  • JustPlainMike

    October 10, 2016 at 6:04 am Reply

    Bully for you Beth! My best wishes go out to you and Dan and the family. Principles TRUMP Trump

    • Beth Berstein

      October 26, 2016 at 12:33 pm Reply

      Thank you, Mike!

  • Brian Surber

    October 9, 2016 at 1:49 pm Reply

    Quite simply, I’m proud of you and don’t let anyone change your mind.

    • Beth Berstein

      October 26, 2016 at 12:34 pm Reply

      Thank you, Brian!

  • Michael Ficek

    October 9, 2016 at 11:51 am Reply

    I give you a lot of credit for taking this stance. It could not have been easy. In a world where apathy is often the norm, and helplessness is a common sentiment, actions like yours are the only real way to make change. Cheers

    • Beth Berstein

      October 26, 2016 at 12:34 pm Reply

      Thank you, Michael!

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