Baltimore, Md. (January 17, 2024) – On January 12, 2024, members of the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) – including General Managers, industry associates, and partners from Maryland’s statewide lodging industry – gathered at the Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor hotel for the MHLA Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Breakfast. The Breakfast was sponsored by Baywood Hotels. Following the breakfast, MHLA’s Immediate Past Chair, Michael Henningsen called the meeting to order and spoke to the group. He took the time to reflect on the value of the continued support of the association’s lodging members, allied and partner level members. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year, Sandip Patel, Crossroads Hospitality was recognized for his contributions in support of MHLA’s recruitment efforts throughout 2023. The 2024 Board of Directors was announced, and the slate was approved during the meeting. Click here for the full list of the MHLA Board of Directors. Michael Henningsen officially passed the gavel to the new MHLA Chair, Linda Westgate, Southern Management Companies. Linda and MHLA President & CEO Amy Rohrer then took the time to thank Michael for his many years of service to MHLA as Chair and as a Board Member. "The Association is bigger than any one person, but it is amazing the difference one person can make. Mike Henningsen is a highly effective leader who has made a significant impact at MHLA during his tenure both as a Board Member since 2006 and as Chair over the last three years. While Mike is leaving big shoes to fill, Linda Westgate is highly qualified to lead the organization and continue building on past success. I look forward to working with Linda, Mike and the entire MHLA Board in ongoing advocacy for Maryland’s lodging industry. " Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO The Platinum Partners for 2024 were introduced, and two partners who made significant contributions to the Association in 2023 were announced in this category: Ecolab and the Maryland Office of Tourism. Joshua Marshall from Ecolab and Liz Fitzsimmons from the Maryland Office of Tourism gave brief remarks about their support, and each received a certificate of appreciation. Sunlight Energy was also recognized for being in the midst of upgrading to become a Platinum Partner this year. 2024 Platinum Partners
Left photo) L-R Michael Henningsen, MHLA Immediate Past Chair, Joshua Marshall from Ecolab, 2024 Platinum Partner of MHLA and Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO (Right photo) L-R Linda Westgate, MHLA Chair,MHLA President & CEO; Liz Fitzsimmons, Maryland Office of Tourism, 2024 Platinum Partner of MHLA, and Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO MHLA President and CEO, Amy Rohrer then took the stage to also thank members and to introduce the members of MHLA’s 2024 Government Affairs Committee. Consisting of a diverse group of representatives from hotels across the state, the committee meets weekly during the 90-day Maryland General Assembly Session, to monitor legislation and actively advance and protect the interests of MHLA members as bills are proposed and potentially passed into law. The MHLA Government Affairs Committee is co-chaired by Chuck Chandler, General Manager, Residence Inn Fulton at Maple Lawn and Jim Starke, VP of Hotel Operations, Best Western Plus BWI Airport-Arundel Mills. Pictured L-R Legislative Committee Co-Chair Jim Starke Frank Boston, Boston Plaut: Attorneys at Law, Ari Plaut, Boston Plaut: Attorneys at Law, & Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Chuck Chandler As the Maryland General Assembly opened its 2024 session on January 8, MHLA lobbyists Frank Boston and Ari Plaut from Boston Plaut: Attorneys at Law joined to discuss the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session and gave a sneak peek of what they will be monitoring in Annapolis this year that could impact hotels. Chip Rogers, AHLA President & CEO Guest Speaker Chip Rogers, American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA), President & CEO took the stage to share a Federal Update with the group and allowed time for a question-and-answer session following his overview. He spoke on numerous topics that impact the hotel industry in Maryland and across the country. Chip's presentation is available upon request. To learn more, please contact MHLA at mhla@mdlodging.org. MHLA is looking forward to a great year in 2024. We would like to thank all of the members and sponsors, listed below, who showed their support for the Association at this year’s Annual Meeting. Click here to view photos from the event. Thank you Sponsors! Click here to see the list of sponsors for this event.
MHLA Names 2024 Ambassador of the Year; Announces 2024 Board of Directors at Annual Meeting1/12/2024
The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) is proud to name its 2024 Ambassador of the Year: Sandip Patel, CEO, Crossroads Hospitality. The announcement was made during MHLA’s Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Breakfast, held January 12, 2024, at the Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor hotel. The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes a member who has successfully recruited new members as a Board or Committee Member and contributed to the success of the Association during the past year.
MHLA also announced its 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Committee Members, after a vote of approval by members during the Annual Meeting. Five Executive Committee Members were elected for a one-year term:
Two representatives, invited by the Board Chair to serve, will also continue in their service:
“Congratulations to both new and returning Board Members,” said MHLA President & CEO Amy Rohrer. “These esteemed leaders serving on the MHLA Board of Directors will help take the Association to new heights in 2024 and I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.” *The Nominating Committee Report was also sent via email to MHLA Members on November 29, 2023.
On behalf of the Association's Nominating Committee, we're pleased to share the 2024 proposed board slate for the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association. Members will be asked to approve the slate via voice vote at the upcoming Annual Meeting. If you have not already done so, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Breakfast, taking place January 12, 2024 at the Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor. The proposed slate is listed below. Executive Committee Members are nominated for a one-year term and all directors are nominated for a two-year term taking place 2024-2025. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are new or returning members who did not serve during the previous two-year term. 2024 Nominations for Executive Committee: Chair: Linda Westgate, The Hotel at the University of Maryland /Cambria Hotel & Suites at College Park Vice Chair: Donnie Sutton, Marriott BWI Airport Secretary: Doug Klein, Sheraton Inner Harbor Treasurer: Jim Starke, Best Western Plus BWI Airport / Arundel Mills Immediate Past Chair: Michael Henningsen, Plamondon Hospitality Partners 2024-25 Nominations for Board of Directors: Katarina Burns, Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ Skip Cerf, Sheraton Baltimore North Chuck Chandler, Residence Inn Fulton at Maple Lawn Mark Elman, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites Rodney Gooden, Westin Annapolis Hotel Len Goodman, Courtyard Baltimore Hunt Valley Ian Harvey, Residence Inn Baltimore @Johns Hopkins Campus *Yolande Lacan, Homewood Suites Columbia Peter Mangione, Turf Valley Resort Dan McKeon, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Patrick Miner, Courtyard Baltimore Downtown Inner Harbor Sandip Patel, Crossroads Hospitality Tracey Pool, Hyatt Regency Baltimore Ben Seidel, Real Hospitality Group Junaid Siddiqi, Presidential Hotel Advisors *Sandeep Thakrar, Neema Hospitality 2024-25 Nominations for Allied Directors: Kathy Konopik, HotelPro *Darryl McCallum, Shawe Rosenthal LLP Josh Marshall, Ecolab Maryland Destination Marketing Organization Representative (Non-Voting): Amanda Hof, Visit Howard County Education Representative (Non-Voting): Donnisha Grant, Anne Arundel Community College – Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute We are proud to feature Heartland Payment Systems in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company is a Silver Partner and has been a member of MHLA since 2006. Read below to learn more!
Organization Overview Heartland is the point of sale, payments and payroll solution of choice for entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry that need human-centered technology to sell more, keep customers coming back and owners spend less time in the back office. Nearly 1,000,000 businesses trust them to guide them through market changes and technology challenges, so they can stay competitive and focus on building remarkable businesses instead of managing the daily grind. How does Heartland differentiate itself from others in their industry? In every interaction, in every decision, Heartland demonstrates care for their customers, focusing on the things that will deliver the best outcomes. They work hard to consistently provide best-in-class services to their customers and the partners who support them. How does Heartland positively impact the lodging industry? o Local Relationship Managers to provide best in class support and partnering. o POS - uptime o Payments - uptime and transaction volumes, fair contracts o Payroll - availability, consultation, and checks process Primary Contact Information Chrissy Mayhew Relationship Manager Email: chrissy.mayhew@e-hps.com Phone: 443-745-5711 Company website- https://www.heartland.us/ Follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube Effective immediately, the IRS has put a temporary hold on accepting any new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) applications.
Why are they doing this? Due to their backlog of 600,000 applications, the IRS is overwhelmed and processing times have more than doubled. They’ve put a temporary stop on processing new applications until they can catch up. When will the program reopen? While the IRS has not provided any definitive guidance on this point, Adesso anticipates that the IRS will resume processing new applications in Q1, likely in January. However, there is also a possibility that the IRS will simply end the program. I'm working on my ERC application now. Should I stop? While the choice is of course yours, they recommend you continue your application process. Adesso will continue to process applications and either submit immediately to the IRS, where they will be held until the program potentially resumes or hold the files and mail them on the day the IRS reopens the ERC program. What if I haven’t started my application? Adesso will continue to accept new applications, which will ensure you will be in line to receive your refund when and if the program reopens. Because it is likely the IRS will not extend the program once it’s reopened, we believe the best approach, given the regulatory uncertainty, is to continue “business as usual” to avoid missing the April 15, 2024 deadline for 2020 amended returns and April 15, 2025 deadline for 2021 amended returns. Additionally, all files will be pay-at-the-end so you will not incur any fees until you’ve received your refund. Why should I bother starting an application if the program is on hold? Adesso takes great measure to confirm its compliance with applicable laws and regulations to make sure you qualify and then submit your file as soon as the program reopens. You are qualified and deserve this help! I’ve already submitted my ERC application. What should I expect? If your application was submitted to the IRS before September 14, 2023, then you’re all set. You should, however, anticipate longer (2x+) processing times while the IRS gets through its backlog. Why is Adesso the best partner to secure my refund? Adesso is submitting quality and qualified deals to the IRS and is the ERC filer endorsed by more than 40 state associations. They have a team of CPAs who file for their clients (vs. requiring the client to file) and often use law firms to determine eligibility and ensure the right business owners receive their refunds. Adesso currently only works with partners like SRAs and accounting firms to ensure reduction of fraudulent claims. Additionally, Adesso employs two law firms to review deals when there is any uncertainty. There’s no cause for concern when using Adesso. Unlike ERC mills, their application process includes several safeguards to ensure your ERC application is accurate. Adesso has worked with leading law firms to develop a compliance infrastructure that we believe leads the industry. We regularly work with tax lawyers to review complex applications. We work hard to stay on top of and maintain compliance with current IRS regulations, having CPAs file the applications on your behalf who put their name and reputation behind their work. I was expecting the funds; do I have any options? They also have two great programs to secure capital now, by allowing you to borrow against ERC vs. your business: Adesso has launched a new ERC Advance option that lets you get your ERC funds directly from Adesso now! Click here to learn more about their new lending solutions. Adesso is also now offering new lending solutions that help get the funds you need fast! You can borrow anywhere from $10,000 - $1,000,000 and get preferred rates available only to Adesso clients like you, including: • Lines of credit • Term loans • Equipment financing • Merchant cash advances • SBA loans MHLA will share additional updates as they arise. On Monday, September 18, 2023, it was a perfect day for MHLA members and friends to join together for MHLA's Annual Golf Outing at the Whiskey Creek Golf Course in Frederick, MD. Again, this year tremendous support was shown, with a great golfer turnout and sponsorship at one of the highest levels in recent years. Ecolab was the Title Sponsor for the 9th year in a row and their support was greatly appreciated. The success of the 2023 MHLA Golf Outing enables MHLA to continue to do what they do best, advocacy for the hotel industry in Maryland. Top Right: Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsor - David Dorough, Pinnacle Communications Bottom Left: Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO welcomes everyone. Bottom Right: MHLA Golf Committee L-R Brian Rash, Josh Marshall, Michael Henningsen, Amy Rohrer (MHLA), Michael Howard, Melissa Simpson (MHLA) Pete Mangione. Not pictured- Jim Stark, Rodney Gooden. Click here to view more photos from the day. Congratulations to our 2023 MHLA Golf Outing WINNERS! 1st Place Team Parking Management Company CHRIS MURREN BILLY CEASE PAUL PRUITT SHELLY SAUNDERS 2nd Place Team Ruppert Landscape DOUG HALSEY PAUL HEFFRON SHERMAN GENE JEFF BANKS 3rd Place Team Pinnacle Communications DAVE DOROUGH ANDREW HOPKINS ROSS CRAMPTON DAVE LUIZZI Longest Drive - Women KAT EVANS- Maryland Office of Tourism Longest Drive - Men TONY STANLEY- Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Closest to the Pin BILLY CEASE - Parking Management Company Straightest Drive KIRK WAGNER- Complete Mechanical and Electrical Solutions Helicopter Ball Drop MARK DADATTO Putting Contest KEVIN SPARKS - HD Supply Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors and sponsors listed below. The success of the outing would not be possible without all of them.
Thank you to our GOLF COMMITTEE! CHAIR - Michael Henningsen, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Rodney Gooden, Westin Annapolis Michael Howard, Hyatt Place Baltimore Pete Mangione, Turf Valley Resort Josh Marshall, Ecolab Brian Rash, Avendra Jim Stark, Best Western Plus BWI Airport - Arundel Mills Thank you to our VOLUNTEERS! Sharon Bear, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Regina Boston, RMB Photography Pete Chambliss, MHLA Volunteer Staff Diane Girgenti, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Emily Gutierrez, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Kathy Konopik, HotelPro Chrissy Mayhew, Heartland Payment Systems Patrick Miner, Courtyard Baltimore Inner Harbor Bob Rodman, Century Distributors Thank you to all who DONATED! Click here to see the list of companies who donated prizes and giveaways. Thank you to our SPONSORS! Click here to see the list of sponsors for the event. We are proud to feature Ecolab in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company has been a member of MHLA for more than 30 years. They upgraded to become a Gold Partner in 2019 and upgraded again to achieve Platinum Partner status in 2023. Read below to learn more! Organization Overview
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. How does Ecolab differentiate itself from others in their industry? Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has more than 47,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. Ecolab delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Our innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. Share any recent achievements, accolades or awards Ecolab has received that are applicable to hotels. The Ecolab team operates with a strong commitment to integrity, innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. Ecolab always strive for the best results for it's customers and the company, and in 2022, they were recognized by several leading organizations for their commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably. These commitments align with the goals and ambitions of many global hotels. By receiving these awards, they are united in their purpose and commitment to serve hotels with the best products, solutions, and expertise to help them achieve their goals, too. Recent Ecolab awards and recognition:
Ecolab is a trusted partner in cleaning and infection prevention helping hotels deliver clean, healthy, inviting spaces that promote exceptional experiences for guests and employees. Ecolab helps hotels achieve a heightened level of cleanliness across all areas of operation including cleaning and sanitizing solutions, cooling and boiler water treatment, food safety solutions, laundry solutions, pest elimination, pool and spa solutions & warewashing. Ecolab help hotels drive efficiency through innovative programs, training and expertise. Every customer challenge is unique, which is why their field associates’ partner with customers in their hotels, providing innovative solutions, digital technologies and unmatched insights across the entire hotel property. Primary Contact Information Josh Marshall Senior Corporate Accounts Manager Email: Joshua.Marshall@ecolab.com Phone: (443) 625-9406 Company website-www.Ecolab.com Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) (www.mdlodging.org) is a business trade association located in Annapolis, MD. We are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join a small, but extremely busy staff that deals with high level policy and industry issues.
This position is best suited for a team player with a “can do” attitude. The ideal candidate will be customer/member focused, detail-oriented, and will have strong oral and written communication skills. This position will require a high-level of administrative support, such as taking calls, scheduling meetings, managing executive requests, database management and other office duties. This position is not remote. Reports to: Vice President of Operations Hours: Average 20-25 hours per week within core business hours. Rate of Pay: $20.00-$24.00 per hour based on experience. Eligible for retirement plan after one year. Travel: Willingness to travel to Signature Events and other association meetings outside of the office, as needed, is a plus. Major Responsibilities: Primary areas of responsibility are below. Additional duties may be assigned to support member activity, committees and achievement of organizational goals. Membership Services & Support Database management - update and maintain member and prospect contact information, payments, notes, and mailing/distribution lists. Assist with answering phones and monitoring general email inbox. Respond to requests concerning membership or general information in a timely manner, referring questions to other staff members as needed. Oversee invoicing for member dues: Generate and send invoices, record payments, follow up on collections, send receipts, thank you notes, etc. Prepare internal summary of payments. Assist with membership reports. Assist with retention of files and electronic records in accordance with MHLA policies. Assist with website updates as needed. Assist with preparation of materials (electronic, printed, mailings, etc.) for various meetings or communications. Meetings & Event Support In-office services for Signature Events (i.e., Annual Awards Luncheon & Golf Outing), Regional Meetings, seminars, etc. Assist with event registrations and related communication. Respond to registrant questions by phone and email in a timely manner. Oversee invoicing for events: Generate and send invoices, record payments, follow up on collections, send receipts, thank you notes, etc. Marketing & Promotion of events – Assist with email blasts and mailings, answer questions by phone / email, etc. Assist with the preparation and assembly of meeting/event materials for staff and committee liaisons, including attendee lists, tent cards and badges, printed programs, power points, and other meeting materials. Obtain sponsor logos and display as needed (print/web/email) On-site registration assistance at meetings and events Assist with post event tasks as needed. General Skills & Qualifications 1. 5-10 years of prior professional work experience, preferably in an Association environment. Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications or other related discipline is required. 2. Proficient in Microsoft Office, with particular strong skills in Word (require ability to perform Mail Merges for print/email) Excel, and PowerPoint. 3. Responsive and timely entry/update of information into database(s) and accurate record keeping across multiple systems. 4. Highly organized self-starter with strong time management skills and attention to detail 5. Able to manage multiple tasks/projects and meet agreed upon deadlines. Balance priorities of tasks appropriately. 6. Self-starter with ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as under pressure. 7. Professional phone manner 8. Excellent customer service skills and willingness to collaborate/interface with staff and members. To Apply Submit resume and cover letter to Melissa Simpson at mhla@mdlodging.org. The cover letter must include contact information and availability for a start date. Resumes must be attached, preferably as a pdf. We know how challenging it’s been to find and retain top talent and the AHLA Foundation and Maryland Hotel Lodging Association want to help! In addition to its Empowering Youth Program and Apprenticeship Program, which we hope you will explore, the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation is offering up to $25,000 for Incumbent Worker Training, which can cover training costs such as instructional fees for training courses, classes for certification exams, online training, textbooks and manuals. This is a great way to help with the retention of employees!
Did you know? AHLA has a partnership with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute to support our industry’s professional development. Employees can earn industry-recognized credentials in more than 20 pathways to support skill-building and career advancement. The Incumbent Worker Training grant can cover these online training courses and certifications! Why? Incumbent Worker Training helps you stay on the cutting edge, increase productivity, and reduce turnover by providing employees with the training needed for you to remain competitive. Who? Businesses in Anne Arundel County can upskill current full-time, permanent company employees who have been employed at the company for at least six months. How? To learn how your business can apply please email the Business Solutions team at Businesssolutions@aawdc.org or fill out the contact form at https://www.aawdc.org/upskill. Please let us know if you have any questions about how the AHLA Foundation and Maryland Hotel Lodging Association can support your workforce efforts. We’re here to help! We are proud to feature Visit Howard County in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company has been a Silver Partner of MHLA since 2016. Read below to learn more!
Organization Overview Visit Howard County is the official marketing organization for Howard County. They are committed to collaborating with Howard County’s tourism community to facilitate opportunities that drive new and existing demand. Visit Howard County promises to provide free, quality information on the unique experiences offered in Howard County and the greater region. How does Visit Howard County differentiate itself from others in their industry? Visit Howard County is the only designated marketing organization for Howard County that is officially recognized by the Howard County government and the State of Maryland. Share any recent achievements, accolades or awards Visit Howard County has received that are applicable to hotels. Visit Howard County has championed many successes, including recent recognition from Howard County Government with an inaugural Rise to the Challenge Business Innovation Award for its leadership in helping businesses navigate through the pandemic and ultimately recover. Additional recognitions are from the Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) – a division of the Maryland Department of Commerce – and the Maryland Tourism Development Board (MTDB) with the 2021 Transactional Opportunities Award for its work in securing the Major League Quad Ball (formally Quidditch) Championship in Howard County and the first-ever Market Expansion Award for work on Maryland’s Korean Way culinary trail. The organization was recognized in the 2020 Baltimore Sun article “Beyond the Frontlines” for its leadership in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other notable successes include initiating the OEC Bucks program to assist with the economic recovery of Old Ellicott City, hosting the US Quidditch Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship in partnership with Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks and Parks, bringing "The Made Marketplace" event to Elkridge and Western Hoard County, working with a local tour operator on the launch of Maryland Brewery Tours, and the widely popular Howard County Restaurant Weeks promotion that the organization has coordinated since 2008. How does Visit Howard County positively impact the lodging industry? Visit Howard County serves Howard County’s lodging industry through promoting Howard County as a premier place for business and leisure travel. We are an energetic and innovative organization of talented and dedicated professionals who fulfill our mission by integrating the organization's work with our partners and serving as a credible advocate for Howard County's tourism industry. Primary Contact Information Amanda Hof Executive Director Email: amanda@howardcountytourism.com Phone: (410)-313-1900 Company website-Visithowardcounty.com |
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