AHLA Association News

New to the Industry?

AH&LA SmartBrief | Jan 05, 2009

With an economic downturn, new green initiatives, changing technology and drastic legislation on the horizon, there's a lot to keep your eye on, whether you're new to the industry or a veteran. But it helps to know the resources available to you that ensure you'll stay one step ahead of the curve. Click here to learn more.

H-2B exchange: Easily exchange your temporary labor needs

AH&LA SmartBrief | Jan 05, 2009

AH&LA members now have an easy way to exchange information about available H-2B workers who may be eligible to transfer to other properties after their employment term ends. The AH&LA "H-2B Exchange" allows members to view available workers and post their own H-2B worker needs. Hoteliers with opposite peak seasons may alleviate their own labor shortages through this service.

Hospitality's strongest Internet recruiting tool costs members 20% less

AH&LA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009

AH&LA's Career Center, powered by Hcareers, gives you access to the nation's largest searchable, online database of candidates and job openings specific to the lodging industry, and AH&LA members receive a 20% discount on all services. Access more than 750,000 job candidates each month at www.ahla.com/careers, the leading hospitality job board in the country. Call (800) 832-3738 for more information.

Save 10% on essential compensation, benchmarking, benefits survey information

AH&LA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009

AH&LA members can access vital benchmarking data from WageWatch, the first comprehensive, Internet-based solution that thoroughly addresses all lodging industry wage, salary and benefits data. Visit the Members Only section of www.ahla.com for more information.

AH&LA members save $450 at HR in Hospitality™

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008

AH&LA members save $450 on HR in Hospitality™, March 17 to 19, 2009, at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Florida. Choose from more than 25 sessions, panels and round-table discussions across five HR tracks: Hotels, Restaurants, Labor Relations, Hot Topics and new Best Practices. Browse more than 75 vendors in the Expo Hall. Contact AH&LA member services at membership@ahla.com for your promotional code.

Find easy and affordable green programs and tactics

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008

Your prime resource for hospitality-minded green initiatives, AH&LA's Green Resource Center offers information on government-funded eco-organizations spanning energy, water and waste, as well as best practices from hoteliers, cost-saving tips, energy facts and a host of other resources to help your property become more environmentally friendly without breaking the bank. This section is updated frequently, so check back often.

2009 AH&LA legislative action summit -- save the date

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008

It's an Obama administration. Do you know what the next four years mean for your business? A new national agenda is forming, and you have the power to help shape it. Come to Washington, D.C., on March 16 and 17 and help educate new legislators on key industry issues that affect your bottom line. Registration is now open.

Get rebates on fuel purchases

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008

AH&LA members can receive a rebate of up to 6.5 cents on every gallon of fuel purchased. That's 2 cents more per gallon than nonassociation members! With special tiered rebates on purchases at BP, and a 2-cent rebate on all gasoline and diesel purchases at other brands, you'll save with every fill-up. Click here for more information.

Increase group business with ConventionPlanit.com

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 29, 2008

AH&LA members receive an exclusive 20% savings on Web site advertising with ConventionPlanit.com. Generate new group business through this global distribution channel accessed daily by 500 top meeting professionals, and work directly with decision makers when they're shopping. For information on listings, hot deal postings, Web site and eBlast advertising, click here or contact Katherine Markham, CHME, at (301) 975-9462 or katherinem@conventionplanit.com.

".travel" identifies you as a verified travel organization worldwide

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 29, 2008

As an AH&LA member, you can become ".travel" authenticated at no charge with special discounts on names purchased. Take advantage of a verified status on the Internet, clear branding, and cost-effective, global marketing with your own ".travel" name(s). There are more than 250,000 ".travel" Web sites. To join the ".travel" community, click here.

Cut office supplies costs by 40% with Staples

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 26, 2008

Member properties and management companies can obtain discounts averaging 40% off list prices and receive free shipping on orders as low as $35 via Staples Business Advantage, a special pricing program normally reserved for large companies. For more information, visit the members only section of ahla.com and click on "Discounts."

Exclusive 25% discount on advertising with USA TODAY

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 26, 2008

Gain visibility with millions of travelers through USA TODAY's Travel Today weekly feature. AH&LA members get an exclusive 25% discount on all advertising, including regional ads, and when you buy one region, you get a second one for free. To take advantage of this limited-time offer, contact Kelly McNeil at (703) 854-6446, or get more details here.

Get employee health insurance for 25% less

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 24, 2008

AH&LA provides various medical and dental umbrella-plan packages, including exclusive group health insurance plan quotes from Aetna, all at the best possible values and highest level of service and flexibility. For more information, click here.

Assess your organization's diversity best practices

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 24, 2008

To help you incorporate diversity best practices into your own operational procedures, AH&LA has partnered with the National MultiCultural Institute to produce a comprehensive series of best practices that any organization can implement. These guidelines are broken down into three stages and include a checklist for you to download and self-audit as you move through the various steps.

Nominations speak louder than words

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 23, 2008

Give your top employees the highest compliment by honoring them with a Stars of the Industry award nomination. AH&LA recognizes employees and programs, and winners are awarded at the AH&LA Summer Summit in June. Entering a nomination is free and open to all members. For more information, visit www.ahla.com/stars or contact Jessica Soklow at jsoklow@ahla.com or 202-289-3153.

Save up to 25% on employee health insurance

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 23, 2008

AH&LA provides various medical and dental umbrella plan packages, including exclusive group health insurance plan quotes from Aetna, all at the best possible values and highest level of service and flexibility. Get more information here.

Free, charitable furniture removal service

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 22, 2008

Eliminate waste-management costs by donating your property's used furnishings to the National Furniture Bank Association, a nonprofit that gives all donations to individuals and families in need. NFBA arranges for your items to be picked up, and you'll receive an IRS(c)(3) sanctioned tax deduction. Click here for more details or contact Jeff Hay at jhay@help1up.org or (614) 679-8739.

Get your copy of the 2008 Lodging Survey

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 22, 2008

Considered the lodging industry's most thorough piece, the study is conducted every two years to track the size, scope and emerging trends of the lodging industry, from bathroom amenities to business services to bed size and more. More than 10,000 properties were surveyed, and AH&LA members can download this full report for free on the Members Only section of www.ahla.com.

What you need to know about PCI compliance

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 19, 2008

Credit card standards have changed, and if you don't change your policies, you could be putting your guests' private information at risk and incurring millions of dollars in damages. In response, AH&LA's Technology Committee created a thorough manual, The PCI Compliance Process for Hotels, making this complicated matter easy to understand and implement. AH&LA members can download their free copy.

Help your employees save 10% to 35% on prescription drugs

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 19, 2008

AH&LA members can take advantage of the Choice Rx Prescription Drug Card, a free service providing an average discount of 10% to 35% on most prescriptions in more than 55,000 pharmacies. You can distribute them to all your full-time and part-time associates, and one card may be used by the whole family. For more, AH&LA members can click here.

Bob Alter, CEO Sunstone, makes generous donation

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 18, 2008

Bob Alter has donated $5,000, supporting the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation's mission to build tomorrow's hotel industry and the talent to fuel it. For the fifth consecutive year, Alter's generous donation to AH&LEF's Annual Giving Campaign will enable it to fund scholarships and industry research. Learn how you can contribute at www.ahlef.org.

Hospitality vendors connect with their target audience

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 18, 2008

With more than 10,000 hotel owners and operators as members, hospitality suppliers who join AH&LA as an allied member gain access to the industry's key decision makers. Additional benefits to raise your visibility and harness more leads significantly outweigh the flat $1,000 annual fee, and your membership is a catalyst for closing more business. Click here for more details on allied membership.

Slash your energy costs now

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 17, 2008

The AH&LA Energy Program provides a comprehensive solution to lower energy usage and costs for members operating more than 2,000 rooms. Through Burton Energy Group, members secure more competitive electricity and natural gas prices in deregulated markets. Qualifying members can also implement effective energy- and water-conservation measures. Visit www.ahla.com/energy for more information or contact Burton Energy Group at info@burtonenergygroup.com.

Raise your employees' industry IQ with EI resources

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 17, 2008

When you become an AH&LA member, you receive significant discounts on resources at the Education Institute, the premier source of education, training and professional certification within the hospitality industry. Choose from books, videos, seminars and more to bring new staff up to speed fast and keep longstanding employees on the cutting edge. For more information, visit the EI Web site.

Get hospitality industry questions answered -- fast

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 16, 2008

Whether you have a question about industry trends, preparing for emergencies, or the industry's financial outlook over the next five years, AH&LA's Information Center provides tailored articles, reports and data per your specific inquiries. This service is free to AH&LA members, and it's like having your own research staff on site. Get the answers you need, when you need them.

Cut music-licensing fees by adding AH&LA

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 16, 2008

AH&LA members receive a discount on ASCAP, BMI and SESAC licensing fees. To learn more and download licensing agreements, visit the Members Only section of www.ahla.com.

Online auction boasts high-end items below retail

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 15, 2008

As an extension of AH&LEF's Big Apple Silent Auction, you can still bid on coveted items, including the full-page USA TODAY ad, starting at just 25% of retail value. Bid now online through Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Proceeds benefit the Foundation.

AH&LA members save 25% to 30% on office equipment repairs

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 15, 2008

Manage the repairs and maintenance of your office automation equipment with one agreement, in one place: the Simply Service Network. This online system combines all your extended maintenance contracts for copiers, printers, faxes and more into one annual agreement, increasing office productivity and efficiency -- and improving your bottom line. Registration is free and there is no obligation for a quote.

Get more leads with AH&LA's new data center

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 12, 2008

Powered by STR, find the Directory of Hotel & Lodging Companies, the Pipeline Summary Report, the Construction & Modernization Report and more in the AH&LA Data Center. Allied members have free access, and the cost of an AH&LA annual membership is less than the cost of the Directory alone. Learn more about all the allied membership benefits by clicking here.

Safeguard your property with Hyphen Construction Group

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 12, 2008

Hyphen's First Response Program offers turnkey solutions to any project that requires disaster response, remediation, restoration and renovation. Get immediate restoration of damaged property with no out-of-pocket expenses to the owner, and billing goes directly to the insurance companies. AH&LA members get the $10,000 enrollment fee waived. Log in to AH&LA's members only section for more information.

New partnership with Dress For Success

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 11, 2008

AH&LA's Women In Lodging is proud to announce a partnership with Dress For Success, an international nonprofit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Events across the country are coming soon -- stay tuned. Learn more here.

Have hospitality vendors vie for your business

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 11, 2008

Search for bedding, furniture, uniforms and everything in between with the Ultimate Hotel Buyers Guide, the most comprehensive online hospitality directory, and request an RFP at no additional cost. Up to five vendors of your choice will then provide their costs and specifications straight to your inbox. Visit www.ahla.com to begin your free search.

AH&LA members save $450 at premier HR event

AH&LA SmartBrief | Dec 08, 2008

Join HR in Hospitality™ March 17 to 19 at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Florida. Hear from Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta and choose from more than 25 sessions across five industry tracks, including the new HR Best Practices. Plus, comparison shop and network with your peers in the Expo Hall. Contact AH&LA member services at membership@ahla.com for your promotional code.

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