Advocacy is an important part of the work at AAHOA. The association’s Government Affairs team has worked relentlessly to protect the business interests of America’s hotel owners in D.C., and across the country. AAHOA Members build connections with elected officials and hospitality leaders to make a difference when it comes to the issues impacting the business operations of hoteliers.
With midterm elections coming up, the engagement created at the grassroots level has been incredible. All across the country, members are using their voices to speak up for legislation that will help the industry thrive, attending numerous political fundraisers, and meeting with elected officials. The advocacy work is paying off. Earlier this summer, AAHOA leadership and membership gathered in force in New Jersey to support fair franchising bill A1958, engaged with the GSA on the per diem rates for FY 2023, and testified in front of the Federal Trade Commission on franchise concerns.
It has also been incredible to have many public leaders attend AAHOA regional events, including the South Carolina Regional Conference and Trade Show. Congressman Joe Wilson and Congressman Ralph Norman became AAHOA Lifetime Members at the event, underscoring their support for the association and the industry. Hospitality is a big industry in South Carolina, with AAHOA Members owning more than half of the hotels in the state and contributing $5.5 billion annually to the state’s GDP.
Congressman Norman has been involved with AAHOA for several years, even attending the AAHOA Charity Golf Tournament in Charlotte, N.C. five years ago.
Former AAHOA Chairman Ravi Patel got a chance to develop an excellent working relationship with Congressman Wilson, who was an attorney for many members more than 25 years ago. Both men know the value of this association and the vital work needed to ensure current and future hoteliers succeed.
Advocacy is important and there’s still more great work to be done before the year ends.
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