AAHOA recently joined a coalition of organizations in sending a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to preserve the current law on Section 1031 (Like-Kind Exchanges):

"As you develop and consider budget reconciliation legislation, the undersigned organizations write to emphasize the important contribution that like-kind exchanges make to job creation, economic mobility, and other shared social and environmental objectives. New restrictions on Section 1031 of the tax code, if enacted, would undermine the economic recovery and cause unintended risks to the strength and stability of U.S. real estate. For these reasons, and those described in greater detail below, we urge you to preserve current law as it relates to like-kind exchanges." Read the full letter.

Our 2021 Regional Conference & Trade Show schedule rolls on next week with the 2021 AAHOA Southwest Regional Conference & Trade Show (September 14 in Albuquerque, NM) and the 2021 AAHOA Upper Midwest Regional Conference & Trade Show (September 16 in Elmhurst, IL). We have introduced a brand-new format this year that includes a region-specific education session, a reveal of national and state-specific data from the recently announced AAHOA-Oxford study, and an open forum where members can ask questions and share feedback. Find one near you on the events calendar.

Are you enduring hurricane season as a hotel owner and operator? Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters have done catastrophic damage to businesses in our industry and the hurricane season is just getting under way. This timely webcast featured John W. Houghtaling II, managing partner of AAHOA Club Blue Partner Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling, LLC, who discussed how to seek guidance and determine next steps for hurricane recovery and relief for your hotels. Watch the on-demand video.

The Lodging Conference, set for September 27-30 in Phoenix, brings together the hotel industry's most influential owners, operators, presidents, CEOs, and dealmakers to strategize about every aspect of the industry’s development, finance, franchising, management, construction, design, and operations. Hear from all five AAHOA Officers and the Past Chair and attend our AAHOA Reception during this unique conference that offers attendees the opportunity to actually participate in the discussions and help solve problems. You don't want to miss this, so register now!

Ecolab, the global industry leader in hotel cleaning and sanitization, offers preferred pricing to AAHOA Members. Save on laundry, housekeeping, kitchen, pool and spa chemical programs, and more! For more information, please visit the website, then contact Michael Pfister (Email: Michael.pfister@ecolab.com) or call 952-852-0926 today!

PMC Commercial Trust offers conventional and SBA loan programs for the acquisition, refinancing, renovation and construction of businesses with commercial real estate throughout the country as principal lenders. PMC has been granted Preferred Lender (PLP) status from the SBA, which allows for a faster turn-around time at the SBA. Since the early 90’s PMC’s focus has been on the hospitality industry, assisting start up individuals as well as multi property owners in obtaining the financing that best fits their needs. Visit the website, then contact Kristi Lewis-Hodge to get started.

The members of AHIA specialize in hospitality industry legal issues and have a minimum of five years' experience for in-house counsel and 10 years' experience for outside counsel. All AHIA members are committed to promoting professionalism, continuing education, and improved communication, which creates a network of competent experienced attorneys committed to improving legal services throughout the hospitality industry. Access their nationwide directory to find a hospitality industry lawyer near you.

Due to the pandemic's persistence and an unwillingness from workers to return to (or enter) the industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports zero gains for the "leisure and hospitality" segment during August.

In a move that many in the industry will be watching, beginning October 15, Innisfree's 2,000-plus employees will need to provide proof of vaccination to continue their employment with the chain.

With hiring challenges continuing, many of the companies that are finding it easier to attract and retain more and better employees are those that have established healthy, rewarding workplace cultures with a clear path toward career advancement.