Monday, April 29, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
If enthusiasm's contagious, Stratosphere guests face a case of the smiles.
Company executives told more than 1,000 Stratosphere employees gearing up for tonight's opening of the $550 million resort that the customer is king. And judging from the response at a Sunday pep rally at Thomas & Mack Center, employees are ready to treat visitors royally.
"This place is a blast," "I love it here," "It's the greatest place on Earth," "It's awesome," "It feels like family here" and "I wouldn't change a thing" were just a few of the comments from Stratosphere workers asked about their new jobs.
Their enthusiasm is no accident, for Stratosphere's majority owner, Grand Casinos Inc., is noted for stressing customer service. Grand Chairman Lyle Berman explained why.
"There one thing that'll lead to Stratosphere success," he said. "The key is 'be-back's' -- loyal guests who return time after time. And the way we do this is provide outrageous customer service, by all of you, all the time, to all our guests."
Stratosphere President Dave Wirshing echoed that theme: "You'll be the people who'll bring them back" after customers' initial visits to the sprawling resort featuring a 1,149-foot tower offering spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley.
More than 10,000 guests, including journalists from around the world, have been invited to a pre-opening celebration tonight that will be capped by a $50,000 fireworks display from the top of the tower. After the 10:30 p.m. fireworks show, the doors will be opened to the general public.
"I started out as a parking attendant in Reno and it took me 27 years to get here," Wirshing said. "I've never been prouder of anything in my life. There's no other property in Las Vegas that can touch us."
Ann Furlong, Stratosphere's vice president of training, said she's opened five resorts but "never felt more confident" about the caliber of employees than she does now.
"Every casino has slot machines, every one has table games, but we've got a special weapon to bring customers back -- you," she said.
"We could fill this arena twice over with the people who applied for the jobs you got, so it's obvious we consider you special. And our commitment to you won't end after the opening."
Danny Gans, the entertainer opening the resort's showroom next month, offered samples of the impressions that made him a Broadway star. Bob Sarlette, a San Francisco comedian and sports announcer, emceed the rally and introduced the speakers.
* RATING the tower. Page 1F
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