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Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest is owned and operated by Dame Simone Williamson and supports caterers and party planners across New England providing everything from linens and glassware to chairs and tables, often making or commissioning its own unique product offerings.
Although New England based, Be Our Guest recently visited Washington, D.C. (for the second time) where they provided crystal-flex chairs (their own product) with custom cushions, flatware and glassware for a state dinner at the White House. President & Mrs. Barack Obama were hosting President Hu Jintao of China and 200 other special guests including the heads of Microsoft, Boeing, Goldman Sachs, as well as Vera Wang, Yo-Yo-Ma and Barbra Streisand.
Dame Simone Williamson and her company were working with Rafanelli Events owned by Bryan Rafanelli who also included Be Our Guest in his planning of Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. Brian Rafanelli was quoted as saying he was “bringing his best team to Washington because he knew he could count on them”. Be Our Guest was also involved in the Bush inauguration.
Be Our Guest not only weathered 9/11 and the recent recession, they opened a second showroom in Sandwich, Massachusetts 2 years ago and will soon open a showroom in Portland, Maine. Simone is very proud of building a business on service and quality and employing inner city people. Simone was the focus of an article in the Boston Business Journal on December 10 where she gave advice on starting a new business. The title of the article is “Seeking support is key for anyone starting out”.
Simone recently won an award from Babson College for the Top 100 Woman-Led Businesses in Massachusetts. This was Simone’s third time being honored.
Be Our Guest will be working a function at the Newseum (“Washington, D.C.’s Most Interactive Museum”). This will be a very high-profile, sophisticated event.
Be Our Guest is located on Blue Hill Avenue in Boston, employs 135 people and had sales of $6.5 million in 2009.
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Unloading the truck at the White House.
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