Construction on these condo units at State Side at Jay Peak Resort stopped in April 2016 when the EB-5 scandal became public. Work resumed this year.
Jay Peak Resort Expands Employee Benefits, Perks
Jay Peak Resort will dedicate a new 12-unit complex of mountain cottages and other locations for employee housing, part of a collection of perks to attract and retain talented staff.
The resort announced this week that other benefits will come out of a $500,000 revenue pool to be used for wage increases and bonus programs across all employee categories.
The resort also has a partnership with a local organic farm.
The resort began the initiative in June when it started construction of a new 12-unit complex of mountain cottages at its Stateside area that will be dedicated to housing employees who need it, according to JJ Toland, spokesman for Jay Peak Resort.
Jay Peak is also renovating the neighboring Inglenook Lodge, a resort-owned property, to expand its lodging capacity to accommodate 78 other employees.
When both projects open for the winter season, the resort will be able to offer housing to close to 150 employees, resort officials said.
The newest perk offerings not only go to providing more competitive and enticing wages, but also provides healthy food choices.
The resort has partnered with Berry Creek Farm, a local organic farm in neighboring Westfield, to offer employees a monthly stipend to help offset a small portion of food costs.
Beginning Tuesday, Jay Peak employees will have access to a monthly $20 fruit, vegetable and dairy credit to encourage healthy, local eating and, at the same time, support a long-time community partner.
“Having a happy and vibrant team where everyone feels valued is the greatest competitive advantage we can create as an organization because it translates into great guest experiences,” Jay Peak general manager Steve Wright said Tuesday.
“Offering housing, financial and food benefits supports employees addressing their most basic needs.”
The resort was able to resume work on the Stateside construction of cottages and the recreation center following a settlement agreement in the ongoing lawsuit over the EB-5 scandal at Jay Peak and Burke Mountain.
The settlement in U.S. District Court in South Florida freed up $19.7 million to finish the cottages and condos at Stateside as well as satisfy contractor liens on the project.
The construction project was put on hold in the spring of 2016 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Vermont attorney general sued Jay Peak-Burke owners Ariel Quiros and Bill Stenger for fraud and misuse of EB-5 foreign investments.
Stenger has settled in federal court. The lawsuit involving Quiros is ongoing.