President's Message
IHLA recently held two successful events on May 19th during the National Restaurant Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. IHLA sponsored a hotel seminar with a panel of hotel leaders discussing current trends and issues facing the lodging industry. The panel was once again moderated by Joe McInerney, President and CEO of AH&LA.
I want to thank Joe McInerney for moderating our panel and congratulate him on receiving the J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award at our 14th Annual Hospitality Luncheon that followed the panel of hotel leaders. I also want to congratulate Kevin Brown, Tom Loughlin, and John Osmanski on receiving our Ambassador of Hospitality Awards at our luncheon.
Don't forget to register for the IHLA Educational Foundation's "Pony Up For the Kids" event on Friday, June 19th, at Arlington Race Course, to raise fundes for scholarships for hospitality students; IHLA's first Illinois Chapter of the Under 30 Gateway Program kickoff event at Hotel Monaco on June 22nd; and Women in Lodging Panel and Luncheon at Hilton Chicago on June 25th. All three events will be great opportunities to have fun and network with industry peers.
Contact Jennifer Chase at (312) 346-3135 x233 (or jchase@ihlaef.org) for "Pony Up For the Kids" tickets or Women in Lodging information and Jill O'Neill at (312) 346-3135 x226 (or joneill@illinoishotels.org) for information on signing up for the Under 30 Gateway Program and the June 22nd event. We look forward to seeing you at these great events! |
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IHLA 14th Annual Hospitality Awards Luncheon On Tuesday, May 19th, 2009, IHLA held its 14th Annual Hospitality Awards Luncheon in conjunction with the National Restaurant Show at McCormick Place, Chicago. Over 430 of the hospitality industry's finest gathered at the Vista Ballroom to honor 2009's recipients of IHLA's J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award and Ambassador of Hospitality Awards. Ron Magers, News Anchor and Reporter, ABC 7 News, acted as the Master of Ceremonies, narrating the luncheon and entertaining the audience. He also discussed the numerous accomplishments and successes each of the four award winners have had in their careers in hospitality.
The 2009 Ambassador of Hospitality Award Recipients are:
Kevin Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Tom Loughlin, Area Vice President of Hilton Hotels Corporation
John Osmanski, President, Amber Creek Vacations Rentals in Galena
2009 J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award:
Joe McInerney, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hotel & Lodging Association
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AWARD WINNERS! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN AND CONTINUE TO GIVE TO ILLINOIS' WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.
IHLA extends deepest gratitude to the invaluable strategic partners and sponsors of the Hospitality Awards Luncheon: American Hotel Register Company; Buy Efficient; Call One; Constellation NewEnergy; Dex, Publisher of the AT&T Real Yellow Pages; Diageo; Entertainment Cruises; FGMK Insurance Agency, Inc.; Heartland Payment Systems; Pepsi Americas, Inc.; Securitas; USA Today; and Where Chicago Publications.
A very special thank you also goes to: Ron Magers, Channel 7 News; Diageo - Brent Albertson & Jeanne Rivers; Wirtz Beverage Illinois - Brianna Bagent; Miller Coors - Tom Gilroy; Chicago Beverage Systems - Mary Lou Polcyn; Pepsi Americas - Clinton Wilhight; Dr. Pepper Snapple Group - Jim Ullmer; Flowers With Feeling; and Photography By Stanley.
This event would not have been possible without the Ambassador of Hospitality Awards 2009 Event & Selection Committee. Sincere thanks to Co-Chairmen Jim Gould, Portfolio Hotels & Resorts; Gary Wood, Associated Hotels; and the rest of the committee for all of your dedication and hard work!
Caption for photos (below): ( Top photo): Ron Magers (on left) with Sean Leahy, Joe McInerney, and Marc Gordon presenting Joe McInerney with his J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award; (Second photo center) Tom Loughlin receiving his Ambassador of Hospitality Award; (Third photo center) John Osmanski receiving his Ambassador of Hospitality award; (Fourth Photo Center) Kevin Brown receiving his Ambassador of Hospitality Award;(Fifth photo) Joe McInerney, Kevin Brown, John Osmanski, and Tom Loughlin with their 2009 Hospitality Awards.
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Regional News
Pat Waggoner, Comfort Suites Bloomington Retires
Ms. Pat Waggoner, General Manager, Comfort Suites Normal retired on April 17th, 2009, after 26 years in the lodging industry. The Bloomington-Normal and Illinois Hotel & Lodging Associations presented Pat with a plaque and gift card on April 16th, 2009. All the best to Pat in her retirement!
Photo Caption (below): (from left to right) - Amie Leander, Hampton Inn & Suites; Richard Raube, General Manager and President of the Bloomington-Normal Hotel & Lodging Assocation; Pat Waggoner, former General Manager, Comfort Suites Normal; and Scott Dahl, IHLA.
EFCA Seminar in Peoria
The Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association (Peoria) sponsored an Employer Free Choice Act seminar on April 14th, 2009, at the Holiday Inn City Centre, downtown Peoria. Mr. Frederick Warren, Attorney at Law, Ford & Harrison, presented EFCA facts and answered questions from HOIHA members.
Photo Caption (below): Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association (HOIHA) Employee Free Choice Act seminar speaker and attendees on April 14th, 2009.
IHLA Hosts Regional Hospitality Luncheon
IHLA hosted a regional hospitality luncheon on Monday, April 20th, 2009, in Peoria, IL. The luncheon was attended by over 60 hoteliers and tourism leaders from the Peoria, East Peoria, Pekin, Morton, Bloomington, and Galesburg areas, as well as local and state elected officials.
"The regional hospitality luncheon provided a great opportunity to continue our dialogue about the important economic contributions that the tourism industry offers - both at the state and local levels," stated Marc Gordon, IHLA President and CEO.
During the luncheon, a legislative panel discussion was held with Senator Bill Brady (R-44, Bloomington), Representative Don Moffit (R-74, Gilson), and Representative David Leitch (R-73, Peoria). They each offered their support for the tourism and hospitality industries and encouraged attendees to continue their political advocacy to inform everyone about the great return on investment these industries offer.
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Calendar of Events
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 22-25, 2009 - AH&LA Convention, Hilton Chicago, 720 S.Michigan Ave.
June 22, 2009 - IHLA's Illinois Chapter of Under 30 Gateway Program Kickoff Networking Event, Hotel Monaco, 225 N.Wabash, Chicago, 8-10pm
June 25, 2009 - Women in Lodging Panel & Luncheon, Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan, time TBD
July 14-15, 2009 - IHLA Board of Directors Summer Outing, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, 10 Marriott Drive
August 4, 2009 - Chicago Council of General Managers Meeting, 8am, Odyssey at Navy Pier
August 18, 2009 - IHLA 21st Annual Super Golf Classic, Harborside International, Chicago
September 23, 2009 - AH&LA/IHLA HotelPAC & I.H.M.P.A.C. Baseball Game Fundraiser in conjunction with the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association (Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers), Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI, tailgate party at 5:00pm/game at 7:05pm
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New Hotel Members
Days Inn Suites, Moline
Mr. Ankit Patel, General Manager
Holiday Inn St. Louis/Fairview Heights
Ms. Cat Philips, General Manager
JW Marriott
Mr. David Cole, Vice President Sales
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IHLA Educational Foundation News
HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR IHLA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS!
WIN...Big on June 19th, 2009 to help benefit the Educational Foundation and network with Chicago's finest in the hospitality industry!
PLACE...Your reservations today to ensure you're in a front row seat in our perfectly suited Governor's Room! Individual tickets at $200, or spacious tables of 8 at $1,500.
SHOW...You're a true supporter of education by attending this luxurious event, featuring a lavish endless buffet by Levy and premium libations. Perfect for your associate outing!
Your afternoon also includes admission to the Park, a daily racing guide, private teller, and abundant televisions in our exclusive Governor's Room, not to mention exhilarating thoroughbred racing with a true Horseracing Professional on hand to provide winning selections and betting strategies.
Friday, June 19th, 2009
1:30pm - 6:30pm (Post Time: 2:30pm)
Arlington Race Course
2200 West Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL
*IHLAEF is a 501 (c)3 organization. Donations from outside the Hospitality Industry are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law for charitable donations.
HOTEL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION GRAND SLAM GROUP OUTING
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 vs. Cleveland Indians - 7-11pm
Specially priced White Sox tickets
On this special night the White Sox are offering specially priced tickets to hotel employees, their families, and friends.
We hope you will enjoy cheering on the Sox with fellow hotel associates! This is our way to celebrate you - for all you do to welcome millions of visitors to Chicago.
Tickets normally priced at $42, $38, $37, $27, and $23 are available for $21, $19, $18.50, $13.50, and $11.50.
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