The Archdiocesan Retreat & Conference Center is an ecumenical retreat and conference center. They share hospitality and spirituality with those who use the space for retreats, business day meeting, reunions, concerts, exhibits, weddings, pre-nuptial dinners, anniversaries and other functions. They are equipped to handle overnight stays, meals, meetings, conferences, parties and performance and have a staff of eight who are extremely service-oriented to the people who use the retreat center. The Center does its best to make sure that their customers are completely satisfied with the service and the facility. As many of their clients have said, they truly are the best kept secret in Omaha.
How long have you been in the Omaha area?
The retreat center has been here for 13 years. Gary Bosanek has been the Manager since 2004.
Who are the owners/important executives?
The Archdiocesan Retreat & Conference is an agency of The Archdiocese of Omaha.
What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
We are a smaller and intimate facility with an Art Deco charm that gives you a warm atmosphere with no distractions. Our versatility and service allows the clients the feeling of getting away while still in the city.
What do you like about doing business in the Omaha area?
Being able to open the facility to the public outside of the Archdiocese organizations.
The Omaha area is a kaleidoscope of groups that we are privileged and honored to service.
What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with?
The community organizations and groups that use the retreat center are a melting pot.
Archdiocesan agencies, church groups, quilters, scrap bookers, artists, musicians, engaged encounter retreats, mediation trainings, sororities, martial arts groups, youth retreats, elder hostel retreats, business seminars, weddings, family reunions, graduations, dinner parties and holiday events.
Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement?
We are an ecumenical retreat and conference center. We share hospitality and spirituality with those who search for personal and spiritual growth. We welcome all groups of all denominations as they seek God in a peaceful and quiet setting. We provide an atmosphere that is conducive to prayer, rest and renewal for laity, clergy and religious. All non-profit groups, churches, weekday and weekend overnight retreats, educational institutions, youth retreats, hospitals, civic and service organizations and businesses are welcome.
What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?
Because of the economy, larger group and business gatherings are needing space outside their office facilities because all spaces are re-purposed for daily use.
What do you see happening with the business in the next five years?
Our business will be increasing with a better economy; family gatherings, businesses back to more training seminars, and other business functions.
What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced?
Finding the right personnel to fit an expanding schedule of events and functions.
What has been your most important achievement as a business?
Taking the retreat center eight years ago from a neglected and seldom used entity, to a clean, friendly, warm working environment for my staff as well as our clients. Turning the center into a prosperous and viable facility that the Archdiocese could be proud of.
The center will be taking reservations this June for the 2014 calendar year.
What was the biggest turning point in your business?
In hiring a very capable staff that is hardworking, dependable, friendly and service oriented. The entire staff takes pride and ownership in the retreat center.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know?
That we are in midtown, and the building (and campus) was built as an orphanage in the 1930’s.
What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish?
A steady schedule of business networking events.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We are currently encouraging business day meetings and luncheons, as well as funeral meals and other weekday and weeknight trade.
Contact Gary, Kim or BJ for more information and a tour at gfbosanek@archomaha.org or (402)558-1442. More information about The Archdiocese of Omaha can be found at www.archomaha.org.