Group items tagged

AAHOA'S NEWEST PROJECT aimed at promoting women in hospitality is the "ElevateHER Women's Initiative to Highlight and Support Women Hoteliers and Leaders in the Industry." The initiative, launched Tuesday, will offer networking and educational opportunities for women hoteliers and hospitality industry professionals. As part of ElevateHER, AAHOA is hosting the Women Hoteliers ElevateHER Conference on Oct. 26 to 27 in Cincinnati. The conference will focus on bringing together AAHOA's community of women hoteliers for education, inspiration, and empowerment. "AAHOA has been proud to celebrate the important work women are doing at every level of hospitality, and this initiative further underscores our commitment to the women of AAHOA and elevating their contributions to the industry," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA's first full-time female president and CEO appointed in May. "While there's still much work to be done, AAHOA recognizes the significant strides women have made to be seen at industry events, heard in the boardroom, and valued in the workplace. ElevateHER celebrates these accomplishments and will further drive our association's work around elevating and supporting women in the industry."

From the courtroom to the halls of Congress, Laura Lee Blake has been representing AAHOA in some capacity for more than a decade now. For the past year she has served as the organization's president and CEO, and recently she sat for Asian Hospitality's Leadership Series to discuss the issues facing the association today. Those issues include the promotion of franchise reform, programs to advance women in the hotel industry and her future plans in her role at AAHOA. Blake's work for the association began well before her current appointment. Making the decision Blake, who is an attorney, worked with AAHOA from 2005 to 2014, then left to return to her law firm in Newport Beach, California. She had just started a trial on a big case when AAHOA offered her the president position.

Jessica Janis, director and practice leader for hospitality at Corning Optical Communications LLC, is appointed the new honorary trustee of the AHLA Foundation. Janis will now serve as a member on its board of trustees, AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "Jess and Corning have long been passionate advocates and supporters of the AHLA Foundation and our work," said Anna Blue, president of AHLA Foundation. "We are thrilled to welcome her to our dedicated group of Trustees, steadfastly committed not only to the growth of our industry but also to the success of its people." "It's an honor to contribute to an organization shaping the future of hospitality, empowering the industry's next wave of leaders," said Janis. "At Corning, it's my privilege to help drive transformation in the hospitality sector through cutting-edge connectivity. With the AHLA Foundation, I anticipate collaborating with fellow Trustees to enhance educational opportunities, support research, and promote diversity-ensuring a vibrant and inclusive hospitality industry."

THE NEW JERSEY legislature is considering legislation that would strengthen protections for franchise businesses in the state, including hotels. AAHOA recently visited the state's capital to express its support for the bill. Assembly Bill 1958 would make changes to the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act that could benefit the hospitality industry, AAHOA said in a statement. Specifically, the changes include restricting non-competes for longer than six months; prohibiting requiring a relocation or capital investment greater than $25,000 more than once every five years unless hotel franchisers can establish a return on the investment; requiring a franchiser that receives "any rebate, commission, kickback, services, other consideration or anything of value" to fully disclose them to the franchisee and turn them over to the franchisee; putting restrictions on mandatory sourcing of goods or resources; and prohibiting suspending, restricting or preventing access to franchise services. Several AAHOA representatives attended a hearing at the New Jersey State Assembly on May 12 to support the bill. They included AAHOA's Mid Atlantic Regional Director Mahendra "MZ" Patel, Past Chair Bhavesh Patel and Laura Lee Blake, the association's recently appointed president and CEO.

Recently, Larry Cuculic, president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group, sat down with Asian Hospitality to share his insights into the status of the Best Western Hotel brand and the industry as a whole. A video of the entire interview, the first in Asian Hospitality's "Leadership Series," is now available on the magazine's website. Subjects included the labor crisis, attracting new franchisees and the state of the economy. Below are excerpts from the interview along with additional information on the subjects discussed, including franchise relations, the labor crisis and changes the company has seen since his appointment to the top role. Franchise relations One of the biggest issues Cuculic discusses in the interview is maintaining positive relations with Best Western franchisees. He emphasized the need for openness and transparency. "We disclose all of our contract terms throughout the negotiation. I tell our people, I believe in karma," Cuculic said in the Leadership Series interview. "Karma doesn't forget a name or an address. If you treat someone who's thinking about coming into your brand reasonably fairly, and then when they sign a contract, you drive revenue to them, that's a win-win relationship. That's what we want. If you don't have that win-win relationship, they're going to leave and your reputation is that you don't support your hoteliers or believe in that relationship, which then hinders development." Cuculic said his training at West Point Military Academy and law school at Notre Dame University instilled in him an innate sense of fairness. Also, due to its structure, the company has to involve its members in every decision. "I'm the president, CEO of Best Western, I cannot design a governance change," Cuculic said. "The members vote on all those changes. Our board of directors approves our contracts."

PEACHTREE HOTEL GROUP and its affiliates, Peachtree PC Investors for capital markets and Peachtree Hospitality Management, made four changes at the senior leadership level recently. The promotions are intended to support the company's real estate investment platform and operation services, according to a statement. The Atlanta-based company, led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals, promoted Greg Zabinski as executive vice president, capital markets for Peachtree PC Investors. Vivian Clarke is now senior vice president for people and culture. Steve MacKenzie was promoted to senior vice president over operations for Peachtree Hospitality Management, and Michael Ritz is now senior vice president for investments. "The success Peachtree is experiencing is creating significant opportunities for us in the talent space," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO. "These promotions support our strategic growth objectives, and we expect to have additional promotions and appointments as we further scale up our operations."

A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL, social and governance report released by Choice Hotels International highlights steps that would allow the company to reduce utility costs, save time for franchisees, and increase Choice's ESG commitments. Those steps include new energy- and water-saving technology, diversity goals for hotel ownership and more. The report entitled "Building a Better Tomorrow, Today" lays out the company's plan to being a good corporate citizen, according to a release. "Choice Hotels shares a uniting belief that tomorrow will be even better than today, and we are committed to building that better tomorrow," said Patrick Pacious, Choice's CEO, in the report. "As one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, we are building on more than 80 years of success in developing a portfolio of diversified brands and creating a lasting, sustainable legacy for the future - one hotel, one family, one community at a time." Key findings The report further details measures being undertaken by Choice to integrate ESG standards and principles into its long-term decision-making and operations, including: Reporting Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions for the first time and aligning ESG disclosures with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Appointing an executive with knowledge of the business as vice president, sustainability and creating two new ESG governance forums to strengthen Choice's ESG strategy and execution. Joining the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global network that champions responsible hospitality, and becoming one of its largest members. Relaunching HERtels by Choice, driving a 53 percent year-over-year increase in the company's hotel franchise deals with woman owners. Committing $25 million in incentives for contracts with underrepresented minority and woman owners by 2025. Setting a goal to increase the representation of women in senior leadership roles to 50

FOLLOWING NEARLY TWO decades with Noble Investment Group and a 40-year career in real estate and hospitality, Jim Conley will retire and become a senior advisor to the firm. The company has appointed Katherine Seitz as its new compliance officer. Conley joined Noble in 2006 as chief financial officer before becoming the firm's first compliance officer. In this role, he led the oversight and administration of Noble's regulatory and compliance functions and helped oversee the impact of Noble's core ESG initiatives and its duties as a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment, the company said in a statement. "Jim is a trusted friend and respected colleague who has been an important part of our organization's longstanding success," said Mit Shah, Noble CEO. "We are deeply grateful for his profound commitment to our team and to upholding Noble's ethical standards of performance." Conley said Noble is his family and their journey together had been most fulfilling. "I take immense pride in our team's accomplishments and our distinguished record as an institutional fiduciary. I am equally enthusiastic about the firm's future and its next generation of leadership," Conley said. Seitz assumes responsibility for managing and directing Noble's regulatory, compliance and ESG programs. She joined Noble from Carter's Inc., where she was corporate counsel. She has practiced law and served as in-house counsel focusing on real estate and corporate services for nearly twenty years, the statement added.

Peachtree Group has named Jarred Bussert as vice president of information technology. In this newly created role, Bussert will be responsible for the company's IT infrastructure, including all business applications, information security and data integrity, the company said in a statement. "Jarred's experience and achievements demonstrate his commitment to supporting business strategies with technology infrastructure," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's managing principal and CEO. "As Peachtree continues to grow, I am pleased to attract talented leaders to our best-in-class team. His leadership will be instrumental in building a successful and high-performing organization." Bussert has extensive enterprise-wide technical and IT leadership experience. Before joining Peachtree, he was vice president, information technology for Majors Management, an Atlanta-based retail operator. Bussert started his career with RaceTrac Petroleum holding numerous leadership positions, leaving as director, information systems. He has an MBA and Master of Technology from Georgia Tech and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.

PUNEET CHHATWAL, MANAGING director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited, the owner of Taj Hotels, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality. He succeeds ITC executive director Nakul Anand, who retired this week, FAITH said in a statement. Several national tourism and hotel associations, including the National Associations of Tour Operators, travel agents, hotels, transport operators, conventions & exhibition operators, and restaurants and tourism attractions, are members of FAITH. "With the backing of all members, my commitment is to develop this into a focused policy advocacy organization addressing issues in the tourism and hospitality industry, continuing the legacy established by Anand," said Chhatwal.

G6 HOSPITALITY'S MOTEL 6 partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment to launch a marketing campaign centered around its upcoming animated film "Garfield," scheduled to premiere on May 24. Motel 6 appointed the movie's central character, Garfield, an orange housecat, as its chief pet officer to assist guests traveling with pets. As part of the campaign, guests can stay in a Garfield Movie-themed room in Hollywood, as well as 10 other Motel 6 locations across the nation, from May 21 until mid-June, Motel 6 said in a statement. "Garfield is well-known for his appreciation of naps, so he's an expert when it comes to a comfortable night's rest," said Adam Cannon, G6 Hospitality's chief brand officer. "Motel 6 has been welcoming pets for free for more than 60 years and is one of the top reasons guests stay with us. Garfield will help take our love of our four-legged friends to the next level."

Michael Harper is promoted to president of Hotel Lending at Peachtree Group, overseeing the company's entire hotel credit platform and guiding all aspects of the credit business. Similarly, Jared Schlosser rises to executive vice president of hotel lending and head of CPACE, while Michael Ritz is promoted to executive vice president of investments, Peachtree Group said in a statement. "These appointments underscore Peachtree's commitment to its core growth initiatives in hotel lending, as well as fostering talent from within our own ranks, with an eye toward further diversifying its allocation strategies as it taps into new investment opportunities," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO and managing principal. Since joining Peachtree in 2014, Harper has held a series of leadership positions, overseeing the company's credit business with a focus on loan originations and strategic acquisition of credit portfolios, Peachtree said. He has guided the team through over 500 investments totaling more than $6 billion.

THE LONGTIME HEAD of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, William "Chip" Rogers, is stepping down from the position "to pursue other professional interests," according to AHLA. The AHLA board of directors appointed Kevin Carey, AHLA's senior executive vice president and COO, as interim president and CEO and is forming a committee to identify potential replacements for Rogers and will be retaining an executive search firm. AHLA said in a statement that more information on its search for Rogers' replacement will be available on its website in the coming weeks. It did not release any more information about why Rogers is stepping down. "We have been able to build one of America's most effective associations over the last five years," said Rogers in the statement. "As I move on to my next chapter, I am truly thankful for the opportunity I had to lead this incredible team and work alongside the industry's best leaders."

The foundation for Rip Patel's interest in hotel franchise development was laid in his teen years. Patel, appointed in January as G6 Hospitality's vice president for franchise development, shares that story in this month's Leadership Series. When he was almost 16 years old, Patel and his family were developing their first franchise hotel, a Holiday Inn Express. As part of the process, they had to undergo an inspection by the franchise representative. "I just remember being so nervous and all the family being nervous. This was kind of a make it or break it for us," Patel said. "He came in and just went through everything while we're just sweating, and everything worked out. I always remembered and appreciated that particular meeting, and I thought that's something that I definitely want to do in the future." That future is now, and Patel has definite goals for his new position.

Bill Fanning is now the chief revenue officer at Stayntouch, a cloud-based hotel property management software developer. Previously, he was senior vice president of sales at Compeat, part of Restaurant365's enterprise suite, covering accounting, inventory, scheduling, payroll, and HR solutions. In his new role at Stayntouch, Fanning will oversee revenue strategy and expansion efforts, focusing on customer value, strategic partnerships and global commercial growth across North America, Europe and global markets. "We are pleased to welcome Bill Fanning to our team," said Jacob Messina, Stayntouch's CEO. "His exceptional track record and experience in the hospitality industry and enterprise sales make him the perfect fit to lead our commercial strategy. Bill shares our unwavering commitment to customer success and innovation. His expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our relationships with hotel partners and enterprise customers, ensuring we continue to deliver solutions that address the most pressing challenges faced by hotel owners and operators today."

AAHOA recently appointed Viral Patel, Central Midwest regional director, and Nilesh Patel, director at large Eastern Division, to its board of directors for 2024-2025 term. "We are thrilled to welcome Viral Patel and Nilesh Patel to the AAHOA board of directors," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA's chairman. "Their proven leadership and deep-rooted commitment to the hospitality industry make them invaluable additions. Undoubtedly, their expertise will greatly benefit AAHOA and the entire hospitality community as we, the board of directors, continue to advocate for our members as we build tomorrow today." AAHOA recently rebranded its Regional Conferences and Trade Shows as "Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows". The event will focus on initiatives like HerOwnership and HYPE roundtables, fostering connections among industry leaders to promote positive change and empower women and the next generation of leaders.

HILTON WORDLWIDE HOLDINGS aims to double its 350 lifestyle hotels by 2028, planning to add 350 more within four years, including 100 this year. Also, the company appointed Kevin Osterhaus as president of global lifestyle brands to oversee the growth, design, and development of Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Graduate by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Tempo by Hilton. The growth will be supported by the addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands, Hilton said in a statement. The company added more than 50 new lifestyle hotels and approved another 100 in 2023. Additionally, this year will mark the debut of Hilton's 400th property in this category. "As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hilton's entry into the lifestyle segment, we look ahead to even more rapid growth with a powerhouse lineup of brands that will meet the needs of developers and guests alike in some of the world's most desirable locations," said Kevin Jacobs, Hilton's chief financial officer and president, global development. "The recent addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands to our lifestyle and luxury lifestyle portfolio will accelerate our growth as we look for more opportunities to deliver the exceptional experiences guests want in the world's top hotel destinations."

Seeing a Toyota Camry in NJ is extremely common thanks to the excellent reputation of this reliable vehicle. The Camry has a great reputation in New Jersey and across the entire country that dates back to the original Camry. Even as times have changed and Camry models have changed, consumers and reviewers alike have praised the Camry's comfortable, well-appointed interior and its efficient, long-lasting engine. As a result, it is one of the best-selling vehicles in New Jersey.

3 Nights accommodation in well appointed centrally VRV air-conditioned rooms with Satellite connection LCD TV, DVD player, Mini Bar, and Electric Safe & Telephone. Both way transfers from Airport or Railway station by sharing A/C Coach. Welcome drink on Arrival (Non-Alcoholic). All Meals. Complimentary use of Tea / Coffee maker in all the Rooms. Complimentary 2 bottles of packed drinking water. Wi-Fi Connectivity on chargeable basis. One Half day Sightseeing tour followed by 1 hour Boat Cruise on the River Mandovi (Subject to the Weather Conditions). Complimentary use of Swimming pool & Gymnasium. All taxes.