President's Message
IHLA continues our busy summer of events, including the third annual "Pony Up for the Kids" event held on June 19th, and the kickoff networking event of the new Illinois Chapter of AH&LA's Under 30 Gateway Program kickoff that was held at Hotel Monaco on June 22nd. Both events were a great success, and I would like to thank all of our members who were able to attend these events and who promoted the Under 30 Gateway Program to their employees.
I'd especially like to thank Nabil Moubayed, General Manager, Hotel Monaco; Jeanne Rivers, Diageo; and Tom Kull, Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group for their wonderful support and donations. These events would not have been possible without them!
Don't forget to sign up for IHLA's 21st Annual Super Golf Classic that will take place on August 18th at Harborside International. This year will be our best ever! Contact Daniella at (312) 346-3135 x222 or leinwand@illinoishotels.org for tickets or Molly at (312) 346-3135 x225 or macarlson@illinoishotels.org to be a hole sponsor, which also includes one year's FREE Allied membership!
Make sure you turn in your 2009 Stars of the Industry Nomination forms by the August 19th deadline to Daniella. Please also add your nominated employee's city of residence so IHLA can promote the winners with our public relations campaign for Stars of the Industry 2009! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to recognize your top employees who make our Illinois hotels world class.
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IHLA's New Illinois Chapter of AH&LA's Under 30 Gateway Program Kickoff Event a Success! On Monday, June 22nd, 2009, IHLA held its kickoff networking event of the new Illinois Chapter or AH&LA's Under 30 Gateway Program at Hotel Monaco in downtown Chicago. Over 80 attendees were at the event, and everyone had a wonderful time networking and enjoying summer specialty cocktails from Diageo.There was even an iPod Nano giveaway to the hotel that brought the most atttendees - InterContinental Chicago. Congratulations to Anna Skoglund, Food and Beverage Assistant Manager, Hotel InterContinental Chicago, who won the Nano!
A very special thank you also goes to: Hotel Monaco - Nabil Moubayed and his team; First Hospitality Group - Bob Habeeb; Diageo - Jeanne Rivers; and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group - Tom Kull. This event would not have been possible without their generous support and donations!
LAUNCHED ON JULY 1ST, 2008, THE UNDER 30 GATEWAY PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY! AH&LA IS CELEBRATING THIS BIRTHDAY BY GIVING NONMEMBERS A SPECIAL $50 JOINING RATE FOR THE MONTH OF JULY, 2009. (FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BECOME MEMBERS WHOSE HOTELS ARE NOT PART OF AH&LA...OTHERWISE, IT IS FREE TO JOIN!)
Caption for photos (below):
(First photo): Under 30 Gateway Council Members and Illinois Council members, including Travis Rank, Best Western Hotel (third from left) and Lucy Subhasiriwatana, First Hospitality Group (second from right).
(Second photo): Bob Habeeb, IHLA Board Chairman and President, First Hospitality Group; Joe McInerney, President & CEO, AH&LA; and Nabil Moubayed, General Manager, Hotel Monaco.
(Third photo): Attendees at the Under 30 Illinois Chapter kickoff event enjoying networking with each other and meeting new colleagues.
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Council of Chicago General Managers Meeting
On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009, IHLA held its Council of Chicago Hotel General Managers meeting at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower in downtown Chicago. The featured guest speaker was 42nd Ward Alderman, Brendan Reilly.
Alderman Reilly discussed the City of Chicago budget balancing issues, as well as some suggested changes in how the City government runs. He also discussed his budget projections for key services and his ideas to help downtown Chicago businesses and employees by phasing out certain taxes, including a potential stimulus package and other options.
Alderman Reilly reiterated his support of the hotel industry in Illinois and finished by taking questions from meeting attendees.
Marc Gordon thanked Alderman Reilly for his industry support and speaking at the meeting, and he encouraged members to attend upcoming IHLA events, especially the White Sox half-priced game on July 7th for hotel employees and their friends and families, as well as IHLA's 21st Super Golf Classic on August 18th. He then discussed various current legislative issues and state budget and taxes updates. Marc closed the meeting by asking members to make sure to nominate their employees for the 2009 Stars of the Industry Awards. The deadline for nominations is August 19th, 2009.
The next GM Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009, on the Odyssey at Navy Pier at 8am.
Photo Caption (below): 42nd Ward Alderman, Brendan Reily, guest speaker at IHLA's GM Meeting on June 2nd, 2009.
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Member News
Baxters American Grille Management Change
Baxters American Grille (attached to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites) located at 3212 East Empire Street in Bloomington, IL would like like announce a change in management.
Michelle Becher will now oversee the operations of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites and the adjoining restaurant, Baxters American Grille. Becher has served as the General Manager since the opening of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites over a year ago and will now resume the role of General Manager for both entities.
Patrick Sweeney has joined the management team of Baxters American Grille as the Restaurant Manager. With over 17 years of experience in the food and beverage arena, he will implement exceptional service standards while being actively involved in the upcoming menu updates. Sweeney is excited to be a part of the Bloomington-Normal community.Patrick was born and raised in Bloomington, however has most recently worked as a Corporate Trainer for Weber Grille Restaurants, Chicago.
Jenna Wilson and Andrea Eagles were also promoted to Assistant Restaurant Managers of Baxters American Grille. They will continue to provide exceptional services overseeing banquets and private dining events.
Jordan Ganschow, Executive Chef, will showcase his expertise with the upcoming menu change. Mr. Ganschow graduated from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and has experience from a variety of established restaurants across the country.
The ribbon cutting occurred on June 25th, 2009 at 4pm. Congratulations to Baxters American Grille!
Holiday Inn & Suites Bloomington Awarded
Bloomington - Holiday Inn Hotel & Hotel & Suites was awarded the Most Improved Revenue Growth Index and Top Overall Guest Satisfaction score in the region for Intercontinental Hotels Group.
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites received the awards at the spring regional InterContinental Hotels group meeting. |
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Regional News
EP Embassy Suites earns Hilton Recognition
Only one year old, the Embassy Suites East Peoria Hotel & Conference Center has been awarded the Connie Award By Hilton Hotels Corp., parent company of Embassy Suites, recognizing it as the top hotel worldwide in the in the Embassy Suites brand.
"The Connie Award marks the 'best of the best' for each brand in the Hilton Family," said Jim Holthouser, Global Head, Embassy Suites & Hilton Full Service. "The Embassy Suites East Peoria Hotel & Conference Center team continues to provide exceptional service while operating a high-quality hotel. It is truly one of the most reputable hotels in the brand."
Thye 226-room Embassy Suites East Peoria Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center, with 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space connected to the conference center via skywalk, opened January 3, 2008. It is owned and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts LLC.
Photo Captions (below): (First photo below) Embassy Suites East Peoria Hotel & Conference Center; (Second photo below): Joe LoMonaco, General Manager, Embassy Suites East Peoria.
IHG Announces Expansion of Holiday Inn Portfolio In The Midwest U.S
New Holiday Inn to open in Fairview Heights IL
Atlanta, May 14, 2009 - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms announced today that a new 88-room Holiday Inn in Fairview Heights, IL is expected to open in Summer 2009.
"We look forward to welcoming this property to the Holiday Inn family of hotels. Holiday Inn hotels are specifically designed for business and family oriented leisure travelers in need of a full-service lodging experience, and this property fits well within that offering," said John Merkin, senior vice president, Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brands, The Americas. "Development in Fairview Heights is key in expanding our Holiday Inn consumer base and growing an even stronger presence across the Americas." Situated in Fairview Heights, IL, the new 66,000 sq.-ft. hotel boasts the newest Holiday Inn prototype and modern relaxing décor throughout the lobby and guestrooms. The property is 12 miles east of downtown St. Louis and just minutes from Scott Air Force Base.
The Holiday Inn St. Louis/Fairview Heights offers a variety of amenities such as an Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, 24 Hour Business Center, Kem's Restaurant and Bar, Room Service, 100% Non Smoking environment, Free Internet, Free Local Calls, Flat Screen HD TVs, Microwaves and Refrigerators, and Meeting Space to accommodate up to 225 people.
The hotel's dining facility Kem's Restaurant features the Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfast menu, featuring signature items such as Cinnamon Supreme French Toast™, Low-Carb Inspirations™ and Skillet Inspirations™. Kids 12 and younger eat free at Holiday Inn when ordering from the kids' menu in the hotel restaurant and accompanied by a dining adult. Room Service Right...On Time™, also a standard at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests' room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time. Guests can also enjoy Kem's Bar and Lounge which will offer American cuisine and desserts. With more than 2175-sq. ft. of function space, the hotel will also be available for business meetings and
banquets.
New prototype Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations feature plush triple sheeting, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and ottoman, 32" flat screen HD TV with cable and movie channels, microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron, and ironing board. For the business
traveler, guestrooms provide a work desk and ergonomic chair, data ports, complimentary USA Today newspapers, and in-room check-out capabilities. Complimentary high speed Internet access is also available.
"We're investing $6 million plus to build this property and look forward to the end result," said Cat Phillips, General Manager. "Fairview Heights is a well-traveled market for both business and tourism and a perfect fit for the Holiday Inn product. We look forward to bringing the first all new Holiday Inn prototype to the St. Louis area and the first Holiday Inn worldwide that is incorporating the newest color
scheme for our restaurant and bar area featuring beautiful shades of browns and blues. We are excited to offer numerous job opportunities, creating a family culture and offering a new level of Guest Service." Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts participates in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry's first and largest guest loyalty program has over 37 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's almost 4,000 hotels worldwide.
The Holiday Inn-St. Louis/Fairview Heights is located at 313 Salem Place, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.Telephone: 618-212-1300; Facsimile 618-212-1301. The Holiday Inn - St. Louis/Fairview Heights is owned by Pramichi Hotels Inc. and will be managed by Impact Hospitality Solutions LLC operations division.
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Calendar of Events
July 14-15, 2009 - IHLA Board of Directors Summer Outing, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
August 4, 2009 - Chicago Council of General Managers Meeting, 8am, Odyssey at Navy Pier, Chicago
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
October 6, 2009 - Chicago Council of General Managers Meeting, 8am, Doubletree Magnificent Mile, Chicago
October 13, 2009 - IHLA Fall Executive Committee Meeting, Holiday Inn Bloomington
October 14, 2009 - IHLA Fall Board Meeting & 11th AnnualRegional Stars of the Industry Luncheon, Holiday Inn Bloominton
October 30, 2009 - IHLA 11th Annual Chicagoland Stars of the Industry Luncheon, 11am, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont
November 6-10, 2009 - AH&LA Fall Conference, New York City
December 1, 2009 - Chicago Council of General Managers Meeting, 8am, InterContinental Chicago
December 17, 2009 - Executive Committee Meeting & IHLA 21st Annual Membership Meeting and State Stars of the Industry Awards
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New Allied Members
Canine Detection & Inspection Services, LLC
Ms. Sue Hagberg, President /Owner
Provides certified canine inspection teams for the detection of bed bug infestations.
Eastman Development Corporation
Ms. Diane Greene, Director of Operations
Land Development, Outlots, specializing in Economy and Mid-size Brand Hotels and 100% minority-owned company.
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New Hotel Members
Comfort Suites O'Hare Airport
Ms. Lisa Smolar, General Manager
Days Inn Elk Grove Village
Mr. Vipul Patel, General Manager
Days Inn Waukegan
Mr. Naresh Patel, Vice President Sales
Preferred Hotel Group
Mr. Jonathan Newbury, Vice President Brand Development
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IHLA Educational Foundation News
PONY UP III A WINNER FOR THE KIDS!
June 19th, 2009, may go down in the record books for the most rainfall in one day, yet the skies cleared up for a winning afternoon at Arlington Park Race Course for Pony Up III!
IHLA's Chicagoland hoteliers, allied members, and supporters enjoyed a lavish afternoon of food, drink, and racing excitement while betting strategists were on hand to help beat the odds. A silent auction and best hat contest added to the merriment. Net proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit the EF Scholarship program, affording those Illinois students in need their dream of pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management.
Thanks to all who attended, and a special thank you to Diageo for their premium libations tailored for a perfect race day!
Photo Captions (below): (1st photo): Diageo sponsored the 5th race, named the Johnnie Walker Keep Walking Race, in honor of their new Celebrate the Future Scholarship Fund. Winning bidders had the opportunity to watch the race from the finish line and join Jeanne Rivers from Diageo as she presented the winning jockey with a commemorative trophy.
(2nd photo): Proof of a winning day! Arnie Karr, Karr & Associates; John Osmanski, Amber Creek Vacation Rentals-Galena; and Mike Feigenbaum, Westin Lombard with their day's winnings.
(3rd photo): The finalists for the best hat contest!
NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
While the deadline for the 2009 EF scholarships has passed, we have another exciting scholarship program to announce designed for your associates...but HURRY, as the deadline is August 15th!
Education is the foundation for everything!
With that in mind, Diageo and Cafe' Media have partnered to create the Diageo Celebrate the Future Scholarship Fund, encouraging continued Education in the hospitality industry. Your participation starts with a sip!
A portion of the proceeds from your Diageo brands purchase from a participating retailer will be donated to the fund. In 2009, Diageo will award a minimum of $50,000 at an awards gala on September 21st, 2009. Learn how you can partake in the program: visit www.cafemagazine.com/future.
Hotel Employee Appreciation Grand Slam Group Outing
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 vs. Cleveland Indians - 7:11pm game
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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