This year's Legislative Action Summit, April 14-15, was a huge success. A record turnout of approximately 250 partner state executives, CEOs, and other active members was evidence enough to merit my congratulations for the active role you're all taking in shaping legislation in this critical election year. Almost 40 delegations of AH&LA members met with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss the industry's position on key issues including H-2B visas, card check legislation, U.S. travel and tourism promotion, and other issues pertinent to the lodging community.
Monday's events included the presentation of the 2008 State Leadership Awards to outstanding partner state association executives, and the John Whitaker Award to Leo Vogel, MHS, for outstanding accomplishment as an allied member. The afternoon was highlighted by the informative briefing at the White House, featuring Ed Gillespie, counselor to the President; Tony Fratto, deputy press secretary; and Jason Thomas, special assistant to the president for economic policy, National Economic Council. Later that night, there was a huge turnout at the HotelPAC Congressional Dinner at the Hotel George which featured Representatives Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), James Clyburn (D-SC), and Dan Boren (D- OK), which earned more than $31,000 for the PAC.
Tuesday morning kicked off as lobbying leaders shared with members tips for effectively communicating with legislators, and influential Senators Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC) and Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) and Representative Ric Keller (R-FL) expressed their candid perspective on H-2B visas and other pending issues.
For the first time, we held a CEO panel on Capitol Hill for the legislators and their staff where Robert Alter, executive chairman, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.; Geoffrey A. Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI; Yvonne La Penotiere, chief branding officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; and Stevan Porter, president, The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group answered questions on the future of our industry. The panel began with a welcome by Congressman Jon Porter (R-NV).
The afternoon was filled with partner state executives, CEOs and other AH&LA members personally visiting the offices of numerous Members of Congress and Senate representatives to discuss action on AH&LA's key issues. Approximately 20 legislators attended the Congressional Reception held later that evening in the Capitol building.
Below are a few images highlighting this year's LAS activities. Please check back next week for additional images, or email Jessica Soklow at jsoklow@ahla.com with any special requests.
AH&LA Chairman Tom Corcoran moderates Monday's State of Travel & Tourism Panel
(L-R): Thomas Corcoran, chairman, AH&LA and chairman of the board, FelCor Lodging Trust, LLC; Bill Connors, CTC, executive director & COO, National Business Travel Association; Al Martinez-Fonts, Jr. assistant secretary for the private sector office, Department of Homeland Security; Stewart Verdery, partner & founder, Monument Policy Group, LLC
Senator Lindsey Graham poses with AH&LA members and employees from South Carolina after addressing LAS attendees
(L-R): Renee Brockinton, manager of grassroots, AH&LA; Theresa Silo, Director of Resources Management, Kiawah Island Golf Resort; Senator Lindsey Graham (SC); Roger M. Warren, president, Kiawah Island Golf Resort
AH&LA executives and influential members during meetings with congressional leadership
(L-R): Joseph A. McInerney, CHA, President/CEO, AH&LA; William J. Ott, General Manager, The Radcliff Inn/Tarco Hospitality, Inc.; Joel M. Eisemann Owner & Franchise Services Marriott International, Inc.; Yvonne La Penotiere, chief branding officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), Geoffrey A. Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI; Marlene Colucci, executive vice president for public policy, AH&LA; and Stevan Porter, president, The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group
Members from California pose with Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) outside her office on Capitol Hill
(L-R): Sheila Hartman President Financial Independence Co Insurance Services; Bhupen Amin Chief Operation Officer Lotus Hotels, Inc.; Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45), Mohhamed Billah, owner, Vagabond Inn Sacramento; Donald Johnson President & CEO of Vagabond Franchise System, Inc.; Wes Tyler General Manager Chancellor Hotel on Union Square San Francisco
Members from Illinois pose with Senator Dick Durbin during an appointment on Capitol Hill
(Top Row, L-R): James J Zuehl, Partner, Franczek Sullivan P.C.; John Wells, O'Hare Hilton Hotel; Robert J. Habeeb, president, First Hospitality Group, Inc.; Brenda J. Jacob, director, governmental affairs, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (Springfield); Marc Gordon, president & CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association; Ronald Vlasic, Director of Operations, Kimpton Hotels of Chicago/Hotel Allegro Chicago
(Bottom row, L-R): Robert Alter, executive chairman, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.; Senator Dick Durbin (IL); Stevan Porter, president, The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group
AH&LA thanks the following sponsors for their generous support:
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2008 Legislative Action Summit a Huge Success
LAS Information