AkH&LA Enews - March 2010

AkH&LA HospitalitEnews
News from the Alaska Hotel & Lodging Association

March 2010

Amey Armachain

Executive Director

Karen Boshell Gov't Relations Manager

Mailing Address

330 E. 4th Avenue, Suite 201

Anchorage, AK 99501

Contact Information:

Tel: (907) 272-1229

Fax: (907) 272-1289

www.akhla.org

AkH&LA Board of Directors

Executive Committee
Chairman
Yvette Hebard/Fairbanks Princess Lodge

Immediate Past Chair
Tammy Griffin/The Hotel Group

Vice Chair

Terry Latham/Longhouse Alaskan Hotel

Secretary
Barbara Swenson/Quality Suites Convention Center, Clarion Suites & The Rodeway Inn - Voyager Inn

Treasurer

Craig Pester/McKinley Chalets

PAC Chair
Darren Nolan/Princess Alaska Lodges

At-Large
Terry Wanzer/Best Western Landing, Ketchikan

Regional Directors
John Ewing/Holiday Inn Express ANC

Steve Zadra/Princess Tours

Sharlene Berg/CIRI Tourism

Nick Hammond/Seward Windsong Lodge

Jack Johnson/Best Western Kodiak

Bill Rodasky/Arctic Caribou Inn

Dustin Adams/Regency Fairbanks

Jamie Fullenkamp/Sheraton ANC

Allied Board Members
Walt Leffek/Hospitality Resources & Concepts

Dick Wells/Automated Laundry Systems & Supply

Clayton Halverson/Halverson Commercial Real Estate

Past Chairs
Randy Comer/Parkwood Inn
Dennis Lavey/Days Inn Anchorage
Jeff Butcher/Hotel Halsingland

Dear Valued Members,

I've just returned from the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Summer Summit in Oklahoma City, OK last week. The meeting featured great discussion on our national organization, in depth updates on federal legislation, and new programs being considered. We had many discussions that focused on the factors that impact tourism around the US, most importantly the rise in gas prices. Many areas around the country are feeling a significant decrease in tourism because of this.

With the cost of doing business increasing, it's more important than ever to consider our money saving, member only programs that you receive as a member of both the Alaska Hotel & Lodging Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. At times like these, every cent helps and we're ready to identify and shape new programs and benefits saving you time and money.

It was also announced that AH&LA is working on an interesting new benefit with BP Fleet that's due to launch in a few weeks. This new program provides more features, benefits and controls for every driver in your fleet. The single card solution provides comprehensive cost management, extensive features, attractive rebates and unmatched budgeting control of your fleet and fuel use. I'll keep everyone updated on how this program evolves.

Also during this meeting, our national Stars of the Industry award winner, Polly Vestall from the Arctic Caribou Inn, was presented her award. She was quite a celebrity amongst the attendees coming from the "top of the world" to receive this honor. It was wonderful to be with her during the event and share this with over 200 industry leaders and executives from around the US.

Remember that AkH&LA can better serve you and your needs when you are involved. Let us know what you think and what we may be able to do as a group to help. The best way to get your voice heard is by getting involved in one of our many working committees . We're just a phone call or email away so let us know what's on your mind.

It's a pleasure to serve you

Amey Armachain
Executive Director

Membership

WageWatch - Hotel Compensation and Benefits Survey
The Alaska Hotel & Lodging Association has partnered once again with WageWatch, Inc., the leading web-based compensation and benefits survey company in the nation, to conduct a statewide survey of the lodging industry in Alaska. This year we've invited the CHARR organization to join in on the survey with us to produce a more comprehensive survey for the hospitality industry. When complete, this survey will tabulate data for 37 key management, salaried, and hourly positions within our industry. Results will be broken down at the state level, as well as city level, for all areas where five or more properties submit data. The survey will be sent out to everyone in the next few weeks so keep an eye out. The more people that participate in the survey the more comprehensive the data.
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Under 30 Gateway
AH&LA has developed a new membership category for individuals under 30. This group is designed, governed and attended solely by this niche demographic of emerging leaders. This membership is free to AH&LA members who qualify based on age. The benefits of the new membership category include:

· Professional development webinars;
· Gain valuable career advice and strategies to get ahead;
· New networking opportunities;
· Tailored mentorship programs;
· Learn tactics to address multi-generational challenges in the workplace; and
· Dedicated member enewsletter and website.

This is just the beginning. To learn more about all the benefits available to Under 30 Gateway members, visit the Under 30 Gateway. The online registration for this new category is available now.

Now is the time for your young executives and future leaders to sign up for the Under 30 membership category. Please make sure you pass this on to everyone on your staff that may benefit from membership with this new group.
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Media Leads from AH&LA
AH&LA has recently started sending out Media eALERTS which are daily listings notifying recipients of press inquiries on a variety of industry topics and provided contact information for you to follow up with. eALERTS are issued as requests are received from media sources. If you'd like to sign up to received these weekly emails please send your email address to Jessica Soklow, Manager of Media Relations with AH&LA at jsoklow@ahla.com and ask her to add you to this group list.

Government Relations

Federal Minimum Wage Increase - July 24th
The second increment of this 3 part increase to the federal minimum wage goes into effect July 24, 2008 bringing it to $6.55 per hour on a federal level. The 3rd and final increment will occur next July, which will increase the federal minimum wage level to $7.25 per hour.

The U.S. Department of Labor has produced a minimum wage poster that reflects the new increases. Posters can be downloaded for free from the department's website at:

http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/posters/flsa.htm

For links to other employment related posters go to: http://www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/posters.htm

Every employer that has employees is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage provisions are required to post a notice explaining the act. The poster must be in a conspicuous place in the business where employees are able to read it.

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ADA Regulatory Changes Proposed
The U.S. Department of Justice recently proposed dramatic and far-reaching changes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. They have issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Title III of the ADA which will substantially revise the current accessibility requirements that apply to places of lodging, and impose new requirements for guest reservations practices, swimming pools, saunas/steam rooms, exercise rooms, windows, play areas and valet parking, among others.

AH&LA is working with counsel in the development of an industry response to the NPRM. Additional information on the proposed changes is contained in an article in yesterday's New York Times

AkH&LA and AH&LA will be tracking this issue very closely. Notices will be sent out on where and how you can file comments to the NPRM once the comment period begins.

Information Center - Ask Lydia

One of the benefits to membership is access to the information center of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. If you have a question about the industry Lydia is a great resource to research the topic for you and find websites, articles and details on what you need. Typically she's able to respond in just 48 hours. I've used this resource many times to assist members with their questions over the last few years. It's a great resource and I encourage all of you to make sure your entire staff knows about this benefit. Information Center

Recent inquiry to the Information Center:

Non-Smoking Policies

Q: We want to launch a non-smoking policy in all our guestrooms. Do you have some examples of the kind of language we can us to communicate this policy to our guests?

A: Many properties advertise their non-smoking policies on their Websites. The Information Center has collected a number of links to these policies. Please e-mail me in the AkH&LA office at aarmachain@4aha.org to have samples sent to you.

Q: We want to charge quests who violate our non-smoking policy. What is the "going rate" of these fines?

A: Several news stories mention properties assessing fines ranging from $200 to $300 to guests who smoke in a non-smoking room. This roughly covers the cost of deep cleaning rugs and furniture and replacing drapes and sheets, etc. in the room.

Q: Is there a database of non-smoking laws around the country?

A: Yes, the American Nonsmokers Association tracks smoke-free legislation around the country. Their comprehensive database of smoke-free lists, maps, and data was updated on April 1, 2008.

Is your Pool Ready?

Are your swimming pools, spa and hot tub drain covers and drain systems in compliance with new legislation?

Last year, President Bush signed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The act mandates the manufacturing and distribution of pool and spa drain covers to be in compliance with the American National Standard ASME A112.19.8 - 2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Compliance with the standard will be enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

All (new and existing) public pools and spas must be equipped with drain covers conforming to the new standard. Furthermore, each public pool and spa with a single main drain, other than an un-blockable drain, must be equipped with at least one more additional device or system designed to prevent suction entrapment. Additional devices or systems would include a safety vacuum release system (SVRS), suction-limiting vent systems, gravity drainage systems, automatic pump shutoff system, or other system determined by the CPSC as equally effective in preventing suction entrapment.

The deadline for compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is December 20, 2008. This summer is the perfect time to ensure your property's pools, spas, and hot tubs conform to the ASME Standard. If you outsource these services, ask your provider about compliance.

A Summary Analysis of the new legislation by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals can be found here. The standard itself, with all technical requirements, can be ordered from ASME here.

The AH&LA Information Center has a number of articles and checklists to help managers prepare their swimming pool for the summer season. Email Lydia Westbrook at informationcenter@ahla.com to have resources sent to you.

Please note that in order to submit an inquiry to the Information Center of AH&LA you will need to have your member ID. Email me in the AkH&LA office to obtain your member ID at aarmachain@4aha.org.

Education Update

Professional Development Scholarships
If you are looking for a fast, free way to advance your hotel industry career, then you may find what you're looking for in an AH&LEF professional development scholarship. Scholarships are available for current hotel employees enrolled in any one of the 30 distance learning courses, or 20 different professional certifications offered by EI. Applicants must be working a minimum of 35 hours per week at an AH&LA member hotel with at least 12 months hotel experience. Qualifications vary depending upon certification.   Professional development scholarship deadlines are quarterly, the next July 1. To apply, use AH&LEF's online scholarship form.

Scholarship applicants must indicate which EI course/program or certification they wish to be considered for and include the appropriate EI enrollment form at the time of application.

To get more information about EI's programs, visit www.ei-ahla.org or call (800) 752-4567. Contact Crystal Hammond at chammond@ahlef.org with any scholarship questions.

CHA and CLM Certification Exams Online
EI is proud to offer members professional certification exams online. These are the same high quality paper-based exams developed by practicing industry experts and hospitality educators.   The user-friendly sample test walks you through the process so you gain confidence before taking your actual certification exam. And, after completing the exam, you get the results instantly along with a sectional breakdown and assessment of your results.

Limited time only: Get your Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) or Certified Lodging Manager (CLM) certification now at a 25% savings off the AH&LA member or nonmember price by taking your exam online.

· CHA: $335 - AH&LA Members (reg. $450); $485 - Nonmembers (reg. $650)
· CLM: $300 - AH&LA Members (reg. $400); $430 - Nonmembers (reg. $575)

To take advantage of this special discount, send in a completed application for the CHA or CLM. For more information about online testing, call (888) 575-8726 or (407) 999-8100, or download an application online from the Professional Certification section of the EI website.

Unlimited Training Library
The Educational Institute of AHLA has created a new program which will dramatically reduce the costs of training employees. The library comes with training materials including DVDs and videos, workbooks, study guides, and skills guides. Also professional certification for all levels of staff is available. Prices vary according to property size, but as an example, a property over 300 rooms would pay a yearly fee of $750, whereas buying all the training materials and certificates would cost over $10,000.

Control Cost of Credit and Debit Card Processing

By Dennis Carpenter, Heartland Payment Systems

You may not realize it, but credit and debit card processing costs are likely one of the most significant expense items on your income statement. With costs ranging from two to five percent per transaction, these charges often follow right behind the cost of goods sold and personnel. That means if you have $1 million of card-based revenue, the annual cost of card processing can be in the $20,000 to $50,000 range per year.

The factors that drive this expense cost are often difficult to understand: Statements are confusing, costs are obscured, charges are difficult to reconcile and middlemen are plentiful. The best defense, therefore, is educating yourself so you can begin to make sense of (and control) card processing costs. Here are a few guidelines:

Take the time to understand your account statement. Ask questions. Make sure your card processing company takes the time to explain your statement and walks you through the accounting behind the service charge.

Be aware of hidden fees, surcharges and middlemen. There can be up to 12 different middlemen between you and your money-each profiting from every transaction. Know who they are, the function they provide and the amount of money they charge.

Be cautious about accepting the "lowest rate." Merchant processors often "sell" you on the base interchange rate charged for processing a basic card transaction. In actuality, however you will be charged higher rates for specialty and rewards cards. Take note of the kind of cards your customers use and negotiate accordingly.

Buy, don't lease. Card processing terminals typically cost under $400. It generally makes more sense to buy than to enter into a long-term lease, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost.

Remember that card processing services are mission-critical. So it's just as critical that your processor provide an on-call customer service expert who can visit your location to personally service your account when things go "bump" in the night.

Upgrade your Point of Sale Software. Merchants who do not comply with card association security regulations (often unknowingly) can face significant fines-tens of thousands of dollars and more-if their systems fall victim to hackers and the information is misused. Make sure your point-of-sale software complied with current PCI security standards to meet these strict regulations.

Know your rights. The Merchant Bill of Rights, an industry advocacy initiative designed to educate and protect merchants, identifies then fundamental rights for small and mid sized business owners. To ensure you receive fair treatment, competitive costs and top notch customer service and to learn more go to www.merchantbillofrights.com.

Taking these simple steps and doing your homework when shopping around for credit card processing services will save you significant dollars and lots of aggravation later.

Heartland Payment Systems is a member of the Alaska Hotel & Lodging Association. If you have questions about processing or are interesting in finding out more about the association program with Heartland contact Mark Lawrence at mark.lawrence@e-hps.com or at (907) 441-2246.