Alaska Hotel & Lodging Association                           

December 2011

 AH&LA News

AH&LA Inducts New Chairperson

Nancy Johnson, CHA, executive vice president, development, Carlson Hotels, Americas, is an industry veteran and WIL founder. She was recently inducted to lead AH&LA, and on Sunday, November 13, she outlined her agenda for the coming year at the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Inaugural Gala held at the Mandarin Oriental.

As the founder of Women in Lodging (WIL), Johnson told the gathering of industry leaders, "When I looked at the hotel industry, I knew there were many accomplished women executives, the problem was they were not visible. I believed if we did not set up role models for our women employees and hospitality students, they would not look at the hotel industry as having potential for a long-term career and the industry would be deprived of valuable intellectual capital."

She asked her industry peers "Are we as an industry and organization doing what we should to prepare and shape our future in a positive way? During the next 12 months we will be looking at how AH&LA can restructure to better meet the needs of an ever-changing industry and workplace, putting razor like focus on what matters most to our members."

She stressed she'd like her term to be about putting programs in place for growth and opportunity for young people about to begin their careers and those who will soon be seeking careers. Another key item on her platform is the importance of industry involvement on Capitol Hill. "Our voice has been heard loud and clear in Washington on almost 30 separate issues that will shape our future, but I would consider one of the most important accomplishments to have happened behind the scenes - the creation of the Discover America Partnership."

Johnson oversees business development efforts for Carlson Hotels' select service hotel brands in the Americas including, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM and Park Inn by Radisson. In addition to her many years of leadership in development for Carlson Hotels, she previously led Franchise Operations for full-service hotels and has served as executive vice president and brand leader for the company's select service brands. Carlson's other lodging brands include Radisson® and Park Plaza®.

Before joining Carlson, Johnson was vice president and chief operating officer at Hospitality Development Corporation, and was employed with Brutger Companies, Inc., where she held various leadership positions.

Johnson is a member of several AH&LA committees, including the Economy Lodging Council, the Governmental Affairs/HotelPAC Committee, and the Women in Lodging Executive Council, as well as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation board of trustees. Johnson also serves on the board of directors of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association and on the board of directors for The Travel Partnership Corporation (TTPC), a consortium of travel industry organizations representing all key segments of the industry.

In addition to Johnson, 2012 AH&LA officers Vice Chair Ronald Vlasic, regional vice president of hotels, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; and Immediate Past Chair John Campbell, general manager of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, La Jolla, California. These hoteliers are led by AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA.

 Lodging Industry Responds to Presidential Order to Cut Travel  

The American Hotel & Lodging Association today responded to President Obama's Executive Order that jeopardizes America's lodging industry and hampers the effectiveness of government.

The Executive Order directs agencies to decrease travel and conference-related spending by 20% before 2013. The main suggestions are to increase videoconferencing and to utilize federal space for meetings. In addition, each agency will designate a senior-level official to be responsible for reducing travel costs.

While expressing support for efforts to rein in waste and fraud, AH&LA believes that taking an indiscriminate and sweeping approach will not solve the inherent issue with wasteful spending and may result in unintended consequences.

AH&LA stated in the letter that this policy change could have serious repercussions across the lodging and travel industries by discouraging legitimate and necessary business meetings and events. As such, the Executive Order is counterproductive to both governmental effectiveness and the goal of reviving the American economy. AH&LA encourages the Administration to target abusive spending such as the approximately $100 million in unauthorized travel upgrades by federal employees that has been documented rather than targeting productive meetings for elimination.

AH&LA has requested a meeting with the Obama Administration to discuss this issue and find ways in which the lodging industry can assist in efforts to control costs without placing the effectiveness of the government and thousands of American jobs in jeopardy.

To read AH&LA's letter to the President, click here.

For more information on the Executive Order, click here.

From the Front Desk

 Motel 6 Named Franchisee of the Year

The only Motel 6 in The Hotel Group's management portfolio, this 85-room property was recognized during the brand's annual conference for its commitment to delivering exceptional guest service

The Hotel Group (THG) is pleased to announce that the Motel 6 in Anchorage, Alaska, located at 5000 A Street, has been named "Franchisee of the Year" by parent company Accor during its 2011 Franchisee and Supplier Conference held in Cancun, Mexico last month. More than 400 franchisees from across the Motel 6 and Studio 6 network in the U.S. and Canada joined company executives and senior management for the annual event.

Tia Lewis, general manager of the budget hotel which opened in 2004, accepted the award which recognizes the property's commitment to delivering exceptional guest service.

"We are thrilled that our Motel 6 property was recognized as a Top Performer in North America, earning Tia and her team the coveted Franchisee of the Year award from Accor," said Doug Dreher, THG President and CEO. "With more than 1,100 Motel 6 properties in North America, this is a tremendous honor. Our property has consistently scored in the top percentile in guest satisfaction, cleanliness and product condition -- not to mention its top-ranked financial performance. We'd like to congratulate Tia and her wonderful staff on a job well done."

The Motel 6 Anchorage is located just 3.8 miles from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (with complimentary airport shuttle service provided), 3.5 miles from the University of Alaska-Anchorage, 5 miles from downtown Anchorage, and it is in close proximity to The Sullivan Arena (home to the Alaska Aces hockey team) and Elmendorf Air Force Base. The pet-friendly property features 85 guestrooms equipped with expanded cable TV, and free Wi-Fi, local telephone calls, and lobby coffee are provided. A laundry facility is on site.

"It's wonderful to be recognized for a job well done," Lewis said. "Motel 6 is the only economy brand in the THG portfolio, and this proves that regardless of property size or product segment, if you have a great staff who is proud of the service they provide, you can achieve great things. On behalf of the entire Motel 6 Anchorage staff, we are honored to receive this award."

For more information on the Motel 6 Anchorage, call (907) 677-8000 or click here to be directed to the property website.

ADA Pool Compliance

Industry Requests Guidance on new 2010 ADA Standards

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) recently filed a letter with the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking clarification regarding accessible swimming pools and spas under the 2010 ADA Standards, which are set to go into effect on March 15, 2012.

AH&LA's request seeks guidance on the use of pool lifts as an accessible means of entry to swimming pools and spas in both existing and newly-constructed lodging facilities.

The lodging industry is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to their goods, services, and accommodations. However, before they invest substantial resources to purchase, install, and maintain pool lifts for their existing and newly-constructed facilities, there are many ambiguous aspects of the requirements that must be resolved.

Since many hotels have swimming pools and spas that are unattended, there is a concern that leaving pool lifts unsecured, unsupervised, and ready to use at all times creates a potentially significant safety hazard to guests. Hoteliers need clarification around whether a pool lift must always be positioned in place and ready to use when a facility's pool is open to guests, or whether a portable lift would be lawful under the ADA.

AH&LA's letter discusses many technical points regarding the implementation of the pool lift requirements and can be viewed on AHLA's website.

AH&LA proactively worked with DOJ to shape the long awaited changes to the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act that were issued in late 2010, hiring counsel and an economist to assist in interpreting the new regulations and ensure that they make sense for all parties. AH&LA has developed several webinars, articles, presentations, and an educational resource guide in order to assist lodging properties with the second round of compliance deadlines set for March 15, 2012. These resources can be viewed on

AHLA's website.

Upcoming Events

November 30, 2011

ADA Changes for Pools, Recreation & Service Animals

Webinar

2:00 - 3:30 pm (EST)

Click here for more information. 

January 14, 2012

AkH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards Gala

Sheraton Anchorage

January 23-25, 2012

The Americas Lodging Investment Summit

JW Marriott at LA Live

Los Angeles, California

Click here for more information. 

Dates Coming Soon

AH&LA Legislative Action Summit

J.W. Marriott

Washington, DC

June 12-13, 2012

AH&LA Summer Summit

InterContinental near the Galleria

Houston, Texas  

Membership Spotlight

 Historic Anchorage Hotel 

Built in 1916 with an annex addition in 1936, the Historic Anchorage Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the city, and one of its few buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Though our building is historic, our amenities are anything but, with a complimentary breakfast, wireless internet, flat screen HDTV, business center, and a fitness center.

In celebration of our 95^th birthday all rooms are undergoing remodeling beginning November 2011.  This remodel includes new carpet, bedding, and furniture in all guest rooms. 

With a personal, professional, experienced, and meticulous staff, the hotel offers unparalleled quality and service in a homey Alaskan atmosphere. 

To visit Historic Anchorage Hotel's website click here

Welcome New Member

Education

Information Center

For more details, visit AH&LA's Website.

For questions, please contact AH&LA Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs Kevin Maher at kmaher@ahla.com or (202) 289-3147.

Looking for more?  The AH&LA Information Center has a variety of articles and resources covering every area of a lodging property.  Contact Tamika Figgs, research manager, at (888) 743-2515 or tfiggs@ahla.com to have resources sent to you or your members.