President's Message
IHLA has started off in 2009 with a series of events, including the 21st Annual Gala Dinner Dance, held on February 20th, 2009, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. Thanks to all of our members who attended this event and supported it by donating rooms, auction items, and raffle prizes. The Gala was a great success given the severe economic recession our industry is enduring at this time.
IHLA conducted a very successful lobby day in Springfield on February 18th, 2009, and has a large group of members scheduled to attend the upcoming AH&LA Legislative Action Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 16th and 17th, 2009. Our Hospitality Games are scheduled for April, as IHLA continues its busy schedule of events. I sincerely appreciate the support we get from our members at all of our events. |
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IHLA 21st Annual Dinner Gala
On Friday, February 20th, 2008, IHLA held its 21st Annual IHLA Hospitality Dinner Gala, returning for a second year to the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. The event was a wonderful success, featuring the popular music of the Stanley Paul Orchestra, as well as a silent auction and raffle, with a Grand Prize of five days at the Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas, including airfare.The silent auction featured items such as domestic trips, wine packages, and more! Channel 7's Jim Rose also returned as the Master of Ceremonies.
Guests at the Gala enjoyed a dinner of herb marinated amish chicken, with warm potato salad, lemon dressing, and roasted chicken jus lie, with appropriate wine pairings. The Grand Dessert Buffet also returned to indulge guests with scrumptious offerings from the Hilton Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Marriott Downtown, Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, and Eli's Cheesecake Company.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our members and suppliers, and IHLA heartily thanks everyone who both participated behind the scenes and the day of the event for making it a truly memorable evening! IHLA also graciously thanks our 21st Annual Gala Planning Committee, with special thanks to our Committee Co-Chairs: Joy Johnson, The Tremont Hotel; Sean Leahy, American Hotel Register Company; and David Sowell, The Sutton Place Hotel. All of your time and fantastic efforts are so much appreciated!
IHLA would like to thank:
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Channel 7 - Jim Rose
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Oak Lawn Management - Joan R. Geary
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Tremont Hotel - Joy Johnson
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Omni Chicago - Mike Magnelli
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Lane Hospitality - Ginny Morrison
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L Design Group Inc. - Lakesha Draine
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Diageo - Brent Albertson, Jeanne Rivers
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Judge & Dolph - Brianna Bagent
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Miller Brewing - Tom Gilroy
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Chicago Beverage Systems - Mary Lou Polcyn
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Pepsi Americas - Clinton Wilhight
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Dr. Pepper Snapple Group - Jim Ullmer
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Stanley Paul Orchestra
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Photography by Stanley
Caption for photos (below): (from left to right): IHLA Board of Directors Members, their friends and families, and also Illinois State Representative Ken Dunkin (shown in top of 4 photos on right) enjoyed the 21st Annual IHLA Dinner Dance Gala, Raffle, and Silent Auction on February 20th, 2009.
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Council of Chicago General Managers Meeting
On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009, IHLA held its Council of Chicago Hotel General Managers meeting at dana hotel and spa in downtown Chicago. The featured guest speakers were both Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul.
Commissioner Quigley discussed the recent sales tax increase and upcoming vote, as well as stimulus package possibilities that should also help the City of Chicago with transit and communication issues. He closed by thanking the Chicago hotels for their patience with the state and federal economic challenges.
Senator Raoul discussed how the Illinois Senate is working to move forward after the impeachment trial of former Governor Blagojevich. He spoke about what was said at the trial, as well as various aspects of recent Illinois Assembly events and issues. Senator Raoul ended his discussion by taking questions from attendees.
Marc Gordon informed attendees about upcoming IHLA and AH&LA events such as IHLA's Legislative Day in Springfield, AH&LA's Legislative Action Summit March 16-17 in Washington, D.C., and ecouraged members to attend. He also gave updates on the IHLA StayGreen Programs, Hospitality Games event, and the 2016 International Olympic Committee (IOC) presentation for Chicago coming up on April 2nd, 2009.
The next GM Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009, at the Hotel Monaco at 225 N. Wabash Ave.
Photo Caption: Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley (top photo) & Illinois Senator Kwame Raoul (photo below), speakers at IHLA's February 3rd, 2009, Council of Chicago General Managers Meeting at dana hotel & spa.
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Strategic Partner News
BuyEfficient Challenges Hotel Industry to B.E. Smart
Company launches ad campaign promoting best practices for hoteliers
January 29, 2009, San Clemente, California - BuyEfficient, the nation's fastest growing complete online purchasing solution has launched a campaign to improve the buying practices of the hospitality industry. The new campaign, running concurrently in trade publications and on the web, uses an easy play on the company's initials to challenge the entire industry to B.E. Strong, B.E. In Control, and B.E. nothing less than Brilliant. How? The answer is to Buy Smart and BuyEfficient.
That's a bold challenge in light of the current economy. But while some look at the year ahead with caution, BuyEfficient is cautiously optimistic.
"Our mission is to help hotels drive cost out of the business through online purchasing of goods and services at deeply discounted rates, a key component to managing through tough times" said Jennifer Jones, President of BuyEfficient. "Our entire business model is built around finding ways to help hotel owners and operators be more efficient and reduce procurement costs through more choice and control of this critical business function."
BuyEfficient's campaign and cultural mantra is to challenge customers to a high ideal, speaking to their immediate situation, and affording them a solution that can really deliver.
"Customers will save money, they'll be in control, and they'll be more efficient in all their purchasing" said Jones.
BuyEfficient has evolved into the nation's fastest growing complete online purchasing solution with no installation costs, short startup time, and the gentlest of learning curves. And with pre-negotiated pricing with leading suppliers, B.E. can take enormous pressures off of its customers.
BuyEfficient is excited by this year's opportunities and by the possibilities that this new campaign opens up. So get ready. The economy will be tough, but BuyEfficient will help customers B.E. the best they can be. To learn more, visit the corporate website at www.buyefficient.com
Contact:
Rich Warren (Director Corporate Sales and Marketing)
BuyEfficient
rich.warren@buyefficient.com
(949)573-2150
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Member News
Country's Hottest Party at Pheasant Run Resort
Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, Cowboy Troy & Jeffrey Steele
bring up the lights at the Mega Center
St. Charles, Ill. (January 19, 2009) -Pheasant Run Resort, the Midwest's largest entertainment resort, located less than an hour from downtown Chicago in charming St. Charles, Ill., welcomed another evening of sizzling Country music with Country's Hottest Party on February 28, 2009. This star-studded line-up at the resort's Mega Center was one not to be missed, according to Diane Rosenthal, General Manager of Pheasant Run Resort. Hot acts include Gretchen Wilson, John Rich (of Big & Rich), Cowboy Troy, and Jeffrey Steele, as well as a US99 sponsored after show party, included in the ticket price, with a live performance by Cross County Junction.
Country's Hottest Party was a high-energy show from start to finish.
Peninsula Chicago Celebrates Chinese New Year
The Peninsula Chicago celebrated the Chinese New Year from January 22nd-29th, 2009. At Shanghai Terrace special dinner menus were prepared by Chef de Cuisine Chi Ping Xu as well as visiting guest chefs Tony Hu from Lao Sichuan restaurant and Beverly Kim from Opera. Also, tea expert Roderick Markus conducted a Chinese Tea Ceremony. The Lobby featured a special Chinese Afternoon Tea throughout the week and on January 24th, the traditional Chinese Lion Dance took place. A wonderful time was had by all guests and attendees!
New Chairman Takes Helm of Illinois Restaurant Association
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises' Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jay Stieber to be Induct3ed as 2009 Chairman of the Board
Chicago, IL (February 2, 2009) - Jay Stieber, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) was inducted as the Illinois Restaurant Associations (IRA) 2009 Chairman of the Board during IRA's Annual Meeting & Installation of Officers Dinner on Monday, February 2nd, 2009.
"We are honored to have Jay as our new Chairman," said Sheila O'Grady, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association. "Being with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises for over ten years, Jay brings an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to the Chairmanship."
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Regional Member News
Hampton Inn East Peoria celebrates their IHLA Community Service Award
Cindy Harris, General Manager of the Hampton Inn East Peoria had this to say about her hotel's recent award, "JDC is a very strong advocate of giving back to our community. Over the past year, our Hampton Inn team has been involved with the Dream Center, Giving Kids the World, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Peoria Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Midwest Food Bank, amongst others. Again, it's always a team effort, and we at the hotel are honored to have received this award."
Photo Caption (below): (from left to right) - Jody Owen, Jason Tauscher, Danielle Decker, Cindy Harris, Curtis Colburn, and Penny Vernia, Hampton Inn East Peoria's team of community service champs.
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Calendar of Events
March 3, 2009 - IHLA Executive Committee & Board of Directors Meetings, Omni Hotel Chicago, 676 N. Michigan Avenue
March 4-6, 2009 - Governor's Conference on Tourism, The Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive
March 16-17, 2009 - AH&LA Legislative Action Summit, Washington, D.C.
March 26, 2009 - Educational Foundation Board Meeting, 11:30am, IHLA Offices, Chicago
April 7, 2009 - Chicago Council of General Managers Meeting, 8am, Hotel Monaco, 225 N. Wabash Ave.
April 14, 2009 - Hospitality Games, 12pm, Hilton Chicago
May 16-19, 2009 - National Restaurant Show, McCormick Place, Chicago
May 19, 2009 - IHLA Board of Directors Meeting, Hyatt McCormick Place, Chicago & IHLA 14th Annual Hospitality Luncheon, Vista Ballroom, McCormick Place, Chicago
June 2, 2009 - Chicago Council of General Managers Meeting, 8am, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut Street
June 19, 2009 - IHLA Educational Foundation's "Pony Up for the Kids", 1:30pm - 6:00pm, Arlington Race Course
June 22-23, 2009 - AH&LA Convention, Hilton Chicago, 720 S.Michigan Ave.
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Mr. Bill Griffin, Senior Vice President
First telecommunications provider to be certified by the IL Commerce Commission as a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier and continues to be the largest reseller of AT&T local and global network services.Single source for integrating voice, data, video, and internet services or VoIP technology with phone systems and network equipment, wiring, installment, and management.Call One's Affinity Program offers "Most Favored Member Pricing," meaning Call One's competitive rates are offered to all IHLA members.
First Data
Mr. Mike Gallagher, Account Executive
Provides credit card processing, debit card processing, gift card acceptance, telecheck electronic check acceptance (ECA), ATM's, money network (paycards), and loyalty solutions designed specifically for the hotel and lodging industry.
Hall & Associates, Ltd.
Ms. Deborah Hall-Kaylor
Executive search consultants for the hospitality industry.
Perkins Eastman
Ms. Michelle Dremmer, Associate Principal
Interior design and architectural services.
Phoebe Stein Public Relations/Communications
Ms. Phoebe Stein, President
Specializes in the hospitality design industry, bringing more than 25 years of in-depth hospitality background to its clients. From operational to sales/marketing expertise, PSPR provides individualized communications services to its clients available either on a monthly contract basis or through the agency's selective program designed specifically for hotel budgets called "On-The-Spot PR," a program which allows a hotel to gain immediate assistance and support on an as-needed basis, either by case-by-case project fee or on an hourly basis.
Stone Care Inc.
Mr. Carey Valle, President
Natural stone maintenance and restoration contractor. |
New Hotel Members
Days Inn Alsip
Mr. Sapna Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Barrington - Chicago
Mr. Ashvin Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Benton
Mr. Sunny Kapoor, General Manager
Days Inn Bloomington - Normal
Mr. Iraj Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Bridgeview
Ms. Diane Pasciak, General Manager
Days Inn Cairo
Mr. Laxman Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Caseyville
Ms. Margaret McDermott, General Manager
Days Inn Collinsville
Mr. Kerroll Hayes, General Manager
Days Inn Decatur
Mr. Harry Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Effingham
Mr. Satesh Patel, General Manager
Days Inn El Paso
Mr. Vikram Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Marion
Mr. Ashwin Patel General Manager
Days Inn Melrose Park/O'Hare South
Mr. Mares Moisa, General Manager
Days Inn Morton Peoria Area
Mr. Andy Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Mount Vernon
Mr. Sumy Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Pontoon Beach
Mr. Bob Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Rantoul
Mr. Khalid Hussain, General Manager
Days Inn Rockford
Mr. Chris Ahrnskrak, General Manager
Days Inn St. Charles
Mr. V Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Suites of Morris
Mr. Vipul Patel, General Manager
Elk Grove Days Inn
Mr. Ross Zwerling, General Manager
Hampton Inn & Suites Peoria
Mr. Dane Johnson, Sales Manager
Holiday Inn & Conference Center Peoria
Mr. Dane Johnson, Sales Manager
Hotel Blake
Mr. Tom Bruno, General Manager
Hotel Felix
Mr. Mike Zels, General Manager
Libertyville Days Inn
Mr. Vidyut Patel, General Manager
Matteson Days Inn
Ms. Mares Moisa, General Manager
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IHLA Educational Foundation News
Hotel Sales Strategy Conference in conjunction with Affordable Meetings Mid-America Coming to Chicago
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International's Hotel Sales Strategy Conference is coming to Chicago. The third annual edition of this popular conference is March 31 at the Swissôtel Chicago, and is being held in conjunction with HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Mid-America conference and exhibition taking place at the Navy Pier April 1-2. Designed specifically for hotel sales professionals, the Hotel Sales Conference will help sales people find new business, stand out from the crowd, and navigate the road to economic recovery. Affordable Meetings exhibitors receive 25% off of the early member registration rate.
$$NEED MONEY??$$
Did you know IHLA Educational Foundation offers academic scholarship awards from $1,000 to $5,000 for those Illinois residents seeking degrees in hospitality management? Visit www.ihlaef.org to download an application, but be sure to do so by May 1st, 2009 to be considered for the 2009-2010 school year!
Also, The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF) has budgeted more than $550,000 for academic and professional development scholarships. Please visit www.ahlef.org for more information and to download applications.
AHLEF offers academic scholarships to hospitality management students enrolled in a U.S. college or university-several scholarships with varying criteria available. May 1st, 2009 is the deadline to apply.
Professional development scholarships are offered to current employees of AHLA member hotels who wish to be enrolled in a distance learning or professional certification program offered through the Educational Institute (www.ei-ahla.org). Deadlines are quarterly-January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, 2009.
One of our very own had this to say...
"Thought that I would share some good news! I was looking at additional training though AH&LA. Several months ago I applied for a scholarship for the Hospitality Management Diploma (I'm sure you are aware...a 12 course program costs $2,110.00). I just found out a couple weeks ago that I got a full scholarship for the entire program! Was very surprised... So, I just got my first course in the mail a few days ago."
--Damon L. Priddy, CRDE (pictured above)
Assistant General Manager, The State House Inn - A Clarion Collection Hotel, Springfield, IL
For more information on IL scholarships and professional certifications, contact Jennifer at jchase@ihlaef.org
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