The invasion of Hollywood in northwestern Pennsylvania has its
perks.
Whether it’s casting calls in Bradford or scene-making along a
railroad in Port Allegany, the filming of the 20th Century Fox
movie “Unstoppable” has made an immediate, much-needed impact on
area businesses and has revitalized the spirits of countless
locals.
In fact, as reported in the St. Marys Daily Press on July 8,
Mark Shade, director of communications for the state Department of
Community and Economic Development, couldn’t agree more with that
certainty.
“We’re excited that this movie is going to be shot basically
throughout Pennsylvania,” Shade told the Daily Press. “It is going
to mean hundreds of hotel room nights for hotels in a very bad
economy, and that is always good news.”
Well, not for all …
John Bauer, general manager and golf pro of the Bavarian Hills
golf course in St. Marys, said he expects many non-vacant nights –
two or three months worth – ahead for the area’s oft-visited
inns.
And, that is exactly why he is disconcerted with the seemingly
“good news.”
To decipher Bauer’s lament, just travel north about 175 miles to
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Approximately 10 years ago, droves of golfers from Canada’s
Queen City traveled to northwestern Pennsylvania in search of a
golf haven. Bauer said starting in 1991, St. Marys became the
vacation spot for these tourists and golf enthusiasts.
Over time, Bavarian Hills formed its own “Ryder Cup,” grouping
the Canadian golfers against locals in a one-day weekend
tournament. More importantly, Bauer said he has built up his
Canadian clientele from 35 participants in 2001 to approximately 60
participants in recent years.
“We’ve made some pretty good friendships over the years, and
this town looks forward to this group of men to come every year,”
said Bauer.
According to Bauer, the golfers have regularly stayed at the
Best Western Executive Inn in St. Marys for their getaway. After
their stay last summer, the golfers reserved rooms a year in
advance for this year’s trip – something they have done in the past
to ensure they have a place to stay.
Bauer said everything was fine between the hotel management and
the golfers’ requests until Aug. 14. That’s when he received a call
from John Rankin, a liaison for Canadian golfers.
“I asked him how everything was going,” said Bauer of his
conversation with Rankin. “He replied, ‘Not so good.'”
This was Rankin’s bad news: The influx of workers employed to
shoot “Unstoppable” left the Best Western Inn near capacity, which
prompted the hotel’s management to concede the golfers’
reservations to cast and crew members.
Consequently, Bauer is upset with the hotel’s decision.
“I have nothing against the movie; it’s more against the Best
Western. I can’t understand why they would do this because they
(golfers) will only be in town for three or four days,” commented
Bauer. “The hotel should honor these golfers’ wishes.”
Sam Shaw, owner of the Best Western Executive Inn, could not be
reached for comment after repeated attempts.
According to Bauer, no litigation has taken place, but it hasn’t
been ruled out. He said he has filled a complaint with the hotel
chain’s headquarters in Tuscon, Ariz., and is waiting to hear a
response from the Best Western in St. Marys.
“This is definitely going to be a black eye for them,” said
Rankin, “Long after the movie people are gone, many people won’t
forget this.”
Still, there are other concerns that stem from Canadians’ hotel
conflict. Sally Geyer, mayor of the city of St. Marys, said 300
rooms around the city and in the surrounding area are needed to
accommodate the movie’s workers.
Said Geyer, “I just don’t think many towns, including St. Marys,
have the capabilities to provide for that many people.”
Research shows there are only five hotels within her city’s
limits.
The Comfort Inn and Best Western stand as St. Marys’ largest
hotels.
Gunners Restaurant and Inn, the Town House Inn and Old Charm Bed
and Breakfast remain as the more quaint places to stay in the city.
Combined, these facilities provide a total of 206 guest rooms,
which is nearly 100 rooms fewer than what Geyer thinks is necessary
for the movie crew.
To St. Marys’ mayor, this recent struggle shows the need for an
expanded hotel business.
“We’d like to get another hotel in downtown St. Marys, but many
people are opposed to the idea,” said Geyer. “I think those people
need to rethink their opinions because I feel we could use another
hotel, especially after what has happened.”
Gabriela Gutentag, publicist for the “Unstoppable” movie’s
headquarters in Pittsburgh, said that her company probably didn’t
know about the golfers’ distress with the hotel in St. Marys.
“Honestly, it would not be the company’s intention to ruin
someone’s vacation. It’s better left as business between the
golfers and the hotel,” said Gutentag.
In lieu of the Canadian golfers’ lost reservations at the Best
Western, Bauer said other measures were being taken to find shelter
for his guests before they arrive for Bavarian Hills’ “Ryder Cup”
Sept. 24-27. The manager added he has gone to the extent of
contacting local campgrounds and has entertained different acts of
hospitality from members, not to mention offers to park campers for
the golfers on the course that weekend.
Local lodge owners are trying to assist Bauer, too. When Bauer
contacted Mark Rupprecht, owner of Gunners, Rupprecht booked 14
rooms for the group of Canadians. Bauer said he was thankful.
“If they (golfers) find nowhere to stay here, they will
eventually go to places like DuBois and Ridgway to golf, even
though they have fallen in love with St. Marys,” said Bauer.
The Bavarian Hills’ manager said he expects three-quarters of
his Canadian patrons to return in September, but added the
situation has the potential to jeopardize his business.
Geyer mirrored Bauer’s concerns.
“I would hate for the Canadians to not return,” commented Bauer,
who authorized a request a to fly the Canadian flag in downtown St.
Marys for the golfers’ yearly pilgrimage. “I’m sure the people in
the city don’t want to see this tradition end either.”
