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IN THIS ISSUE
Communications
Member News
GM Breakfast
Super Golf Classic
Stars of the Industry
Governmental Affairs
StayGreen
Educational Foundation
Plane Pull
EVENTS CALENDAR

Tuckaway Golf Club
Crete

October 4
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
 
November 1
Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Rosemont

Chicago

STRATEGIC PARTNERS
BRONZE SPONSORS










REGIONAL PARTNERS





VIEW ALLIED MEMBERS HERE
 
UNDER 30 GATEWAY


Are you 21-29 years old and employed at an IHLA member hotel? Then you need to connect with other young professionals of the Gateway! Membership is free!  

To sign up, visit:
AHLA.com/Gateway

Stay Connected in IL:
 
I-WIL

 

Not a member of Illinois Women in Lodging yet? Membership is  free 
to any female employed by an IHLA member hotel.

To sign up, visit:

AHLA.com/WIL

STAYGREEN

 

Not yet recognized as a StayGreen Hotel or TripAdvisor GreenLeader? Complete the online Questionnaire today. 

 

Learn more about the benefits of becoming StayGreen.

For questions about the StayGreen Program, contact: Karrie Teel.
GUEST SERVICE GOLD
 
AHLEI Certified Guest Service Professional Designation (CGSP) Personalized Training

HCAREERS.COM
AHLA Career Center Powered by Hcareers

 


 

-IHLA member properties can post their jobs on ahla.com/hcareers at a 20% discount, and those jobs will also be posted on hcareers.com.

 

-With one million job seeker visits per month, Hcareers is the leading hospitality career resource for those seeking hospitality employment and those looking to hire top talent.

 

-A portion of the revenue from Hcareers Illinois job posts goes directly to the IHLAEF Scholarship Program

IHLA 2017 OFFICERS

CHAIRMAN
Dean Lane

VICE CHAIRMAN  
Tom Robertson
 
TREASURER  
Mark Lauer
 
SECRETARY  
Jerry Cataldo

PRESIDENT & CEO 
Marc Gordon
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eric Bates
Jenna Beyers
John Brooke, CHA
Jerry Cataldo
*Mike Cohen
Brian Cooney, CHA
Kim Corrigan
Paul Daly
Darin Dame, CHA
Doug Dean
*Patrick Donelly
Konstantine Drosos
Mike Feigenbaum
Pierre-Louis Giacotto
Stefan Gruvberger
Kirsten Guill
*Bob Habeeb, CHA
Chris Hansen
Patrick Hatton
Dieter Heigl
Stacy Hinrichs
Greg Horeth
Steve Horve
Mark Huntley
Michelle Irvin, CHA, CFBE
David Jacobs
Fred Jones
George Jordan
Dave Kimsey
Tony Klok
Dean Lane
Mark Lauer
Damien McArdle
Dale McFarland
Karen McGuigan
Mike McGuigan
Ginny Morrison
*Nabil Moubayed, CHA
Marlene Poynder
Tom Robertson
*Jay Rosenthal
Charlie Shirk
Peter Simoncelli
*Lisa Timbo
Tommie L. Van
*Ron Vlasic
*John Wells
 
ALLIED DIRECTORS
Jim Buczek
Rich Cialabrini   
Jim Donivan
Rick Simon 
John Tomasiewicz

HONORARY DIRECTORS 
*Dick Betty 
*Ed Copeland 
*Joan Geary 
*Jim Gould 
Arnie Karr 
Mike Levy 
*John Osmanski 
*Rex Parker 
*Gene Rupnik 
Andy Schwebel, CHA 
David Sowell 

*Past Chairman
IHLA STAFF

Chicago Office
 
Marc Gordon
President & CEO
MGordon@IllinoisHotels.org
 
Jennifer Chase
Managing Director, Events
JChase@IllinoisHotels.org
 
Emma Cheong 
Event & Sales Coordinator

Susannah Flanner
Director of Membership/ Strategic Partnerships
SFlanner@IllinoisHotels.org

Mark Malayter
Controller
MMalayter@IllinoisHotels.org 

David Miller
Director of IT
DMiller@IllinoisHotels.org
 
Karrie Teel
Director of Education & Communications
KTeel@IllinoisHotels.org
 
Springfield Office
 
Scott Dahl
Regional Director of Membership
SDahl@IllinoisHotels.org
 
Brenda Jo Jacob
Director of 
Governmental Affairs
BJacob@IllinoisHotels.org
 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
August was a very busy and successful month for IHLA that got started on August 1st with our August General Managers Breakfast Meeting aboard the Odyssey at Navy Pier. The meeting featured Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT). Cory spoke about some of IOT's tourism promotion ideas and campaigns planned for the 2017/18 year. Also speaking was Ted Mandigo, who gave his annual hotel industry update and his 2018 forecast for the Chicagoland area. Our hotel members received a great deal of valuable information from Cory and Ted that will be helpful to them as they prepare their 2018 budgets and business plans.
 
August was highlighted by our 29th Annual Super Golf Classic that took place on August 15th at Harborside International Golf Center. Over 200 golfers enjoyed spectacular weather, excellent food, unlimited beverages, $100 gift cards to shop at the expanded golf pro shop, and a great day of golf. Thanks to everyone who contributed to and participated in this wonderful event.

We are looking forward to hosting our 8th Annual I.H.M.P.A.C. Chicago/Cook County Dedicated Fund Golf Fundraiser on September 12th at Tuckaway Golf Club in Crete. The event is spearheaded by Patrick Donelly from the Hyatt Regency Chicago and has raised over $125,000 each of the last seven years. We look forward to another incredibly successful event this year. The event is sold out of foursomes, but we are still in need of sponsors and hotel package donations to be used as welcome gifts. If you wish to help our PAC fundraising event by donating a hotel package and/or participating in the event as a sponsor, please contact
Brenda Jacob .
 
Then on October 4th, IHLA will host a Labor & Employment Law Seminar at Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. Laner Muchin Partner, Robert Bernstein, will discuss new labor and employment laws and developments affecting the hotel industry and best HR practices to reduce employment claims. For more information and to register for this highly valuable seminar program, please click HERE.
 
Finally, we are excited about the large number of 2017 Stars of the Industry nominations we have received from hotels all over Illinois. These nominations will soon be forwarded to our judges who will begin the difficult task of determining the regional finalists and winners in eleven categories. We look forward to seeing all of our members when we honor these terrific nominees, finalists, and winners at our two Regional Stars of the Industry Recognition Luncheons on October 25th in Bloomington and November 1st in Chicago. To purchase your tables/tickets and congratulatory ads in the Stars of the Industry Program Book, please click HERE for Central Illinois and HERE for Chicagoland.  

Best regards,

Marc

COMMUNICATIONS
Recent Articles of Interest
Hospitality Net: Eliminating the Offseason
Hotel Business: Defining Emerging Brands

Chicago Hotel & Restaurant News 

Tourism Talk on WGN Radio Steve Cochran Show
On August 3rd, IHLA President & CEO, Marc Gordon, talked tourism on the WGN Radio Steve Cochran Show. If you didn't get a chance to tune into the segment, click HERE, go to the 1 hour 33 minute mark, and hear why Illinois and Chicago tourism numbers are on the rise! 

 


Connect with us on Social!

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MEMBER NEWS
Made in Chicago: American Hotel Register
CBS Chicago talked to American Hotel Register CEO, Angela Korompilas, about the company's rapidly-expanding hospitality supplies business and its success story made in Chicago. 
 


Proven Business Systems Fall Technology Show    
Join Proven Business Systems for their Annual Fall Technology Show / Open House on September 29th! Enjoy a thrilling Vegas experience with complimentary foods, drinks, and entertainment and meet with technology experts discussing Document Management, IT Services, Workflow Solutions, and Telecom.  REGISTER
 


CHICAGOLAND GM BREAKFAST
On August 1st, General Manager, Dan Russell, hosted IHLA's bi-monthly Chicagoland Council of Hotel General Managers Breakfast Meeting aboard Entertainment Cruises' Odyssey ship at Navy Pier. Our Hotel Sales & Marketing Directors and Allied Members were also invited to join the meeting. Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread, coffee provided by Royal Cup Coffee & Tea, and networking while taking in the morning skyline view.
 
The program kicked off with a peek at Entertainment Cruises' "Meet Our Chicago Fleet" promo video showcasing the various fun and unique cruise options available for meetings, special events, and more. Featured speakers included Cory Jobe, Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) Director, and returning presenters, Ted and Ric Mandigo of TR Mandigo & Company. Cory discussed the positive state tourism numbers and IOT's marketing efforts and shared the new Up for Amazing tourism ads aimed at adventurous millennials and the Gen X market. Ted and Ric presented exclusive hotel industry forecasting information for the Chicagoland area. IHLA members may receive a copy of the TR Mandigo presentation by emailing David Miller.
 
 

Next General Manager's Breakfast Meeting:
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
8:00am Breakfast & Networking | 8:30am Program Begins
Virgin Hotels Chicago
 
Interested in Sponsoring a 2017 Bi-monthly GM Breakfast Meeting?
Contact Susannah Flanner for more information. 

SUPER GOLF CLASSIC
29th Annual IHLA Super Golf Classic
IHLA held its 29th Annual Super Golf Classic on August 15th at Harborside International Golf Center. 200 golfers enjoyed a great day of golfing on the two 18-hole links style courses along with perfect weather, BBQ lunch and steak dinner, Bear & Jake acoustic duo, Windy City chair massages, Pop-Up Oasis Bars, and top shelf beverages.
 
Congratulations to the day's winners:

-Lowest Gross Foursome Captains: Mike Cohen (Starboard) & Bill Karabel (Port)

-Lowest Net Score Overall Foursome Captain: Patrick Donelly

-Shootout Winner: Matt Lange  

-Grand Raffle Travel Prize winner: Steve Meyers (PSAV)


Special thanks to all who attended & helped make the day a success, particularly:
  • Golf Committee & Volunteers, Auction Item & Hole Contest Prize Donors
  • Harborside International Golf Center Team, PSAV, Gibson's Restaurant Group
  • Beverage Sponsors: Breakthru Beverage of Illinois, Diageo, MillerCoors, PepsiCo, Royal Cup Coffee & Tea, Uncle Dougie's Mixers
  • Oasis Sponsors: Cintas, Encore Event Technologies, Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, TraknProtect
  • Hole Sponsors: American Hotel Register Company, Amlings Interior Landscape, Audio Visual Productions, Baker Tilly, Choose Chicago, Constellation, Entertainment Cruises, GES, GO Airport Express, Heartland Payment Systems, Heron Agency, Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, International Union of Operating Engineers, Laner Muchin, Ltd., Local 399, Palmer House Hilton, Peerless-AV, Proven Business Systems, PSAV, Rivers Casino, Serta, SirGrout, SP+, The ABL Group, Tim Hennessey Lobbyist, United Healthcare, United Service Companies, W Hotels of Chicago
  • Award Sponsor: HD Supply
  • Reception & Music Sponsor: Serta 

 

STARS OF THE INDUSTRY
20th Annual Stars Regional Luncheons Registration Open 
 


Join us for our biggest events of the year: #IHLAStarsoftheIndustry! Don't miss the chance to celebrate the best of the best employees in the hospitality industry here in Illinois at our Stars Employee Recognition Luncheons. Show your appreciation for your outstanding team members and give them the opportunity to be recognized by their peers at an entertaining celebration they will never forget. The stories of incredible hard work, dedication, and genuine kindness towards both guests and fellow colleagues are truly an inspiration. It is IHLA's privilege to celebrate the accomplishments of all the nominees, finalists, and winners presented each year.
 
10/25 Central Illinois Regional Luncheon - REGISTER & AD BOOK
 
11/1 Chicagoland Regional Luncheon - REGISTER & AD BOOK
 
For more info, visit: illinoishotels.org/stars

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Federal Hotel Per Diem Rates Released for FY 2018
The General Services Administration (GSA) released federal hotel per diem rates for FY 2018 that will go into effect October 1, 2017.
 
Federal per diem rates, which establish the maximum amount federal government travelers may pay for hotel rooms, are established each year based on actual market data compiled and provided by STR, Inc.
 
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) works with GSA to assure that the hotel per diem rates reflect the realities of the market. AHLA and IHLA are pleased to note that there will be an increase in FY 2018 to the standard continental United States (CONUS) rate from $91 per night for lodging to a new rate of $93. CONUS rate applies to all locations without specified rates.
 
IHLA notes that locations in Illinois with specified rates also saw an increase for FY 2018. For a complete listing of FY 2018 federal hotel per diem rates in Illinois (and to compare to FY 2017), please CLICK HERE.
 
IHLA continues to work with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services and the Governor's Travel Regulation Council to increase the state hotel per diem rates, which have not been increased in over 10 years due to lack of budget and budget concerns. For a complete listing of state hotel per diem rates, please CLICK HERE.
 
For questions about federal or state hotel per diem rates, please contact:
Brenda Jo Jacob

Director of Governmental Affairs
BJacob@IllinoisHotels.org | 217-522-1231
 
STAYGREEN
Constellation Webinar for Energy Buyers
2017 Energy Market Outlook
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 | 1:00 pm CDT 



Hotel Felix, Chicago's Best Eco-Friendly Hotel
Congrats Hotel Felix! On August 4th, USA Today announced Hotel Felix as Chicago's Best Eco-Friendly Hotel in their annual 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This is another green award and recognition for the hotel, which is Chicago's first Silver LEED certified hotel. The nominees were selected by a panel of industry experts including editors from USA TODAY and editors from 10Best.com. The contest awards the Best Eco-Friendly Hotel based on criteria including voting from travelers, LEED certification status, and online guest reviews.
 
"We're honored and thrilled to be recognized in USA Today's Best Eco-Friendly Hotels. Our team works hard to reduce our carbon footprint to better the environment and community around us," said George Jordan, Area General Manager of Hotel Felix Chicago and Senior Vice President of Oxford Hotels & Resorts. READ MORE 

Recent #StayGreenSpotlight Articles 
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION


Meet Our 2017 IHLAEF Scholarship Recipients
Read more about our 2017 scholarship recipients HERE then make sure to Like our Facebook page and watch for #IHLAEFScholarSpotlight videos of our winners, featured weekly! Check out the first featured video below! 




IHLAEF Labor & Employment Law Seminar
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
511 N. Columbus Dr. | Chicago, IL 60611
8:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast | 8:30am - 10:00am Program & Q&A
 

 
Join IHLA as we hear from Robert T. Bernstein, Partner at Laner Muchin, Ltd. about new labor and employment laws and developments affecting the hotel industry and best HR practices to reduce employment claims. 
 
Topics Include: 

1. An Overview of Recent Illinois, Cook County, & Chicago Employment Laws 
-Paid Sick Leave Law
-Minimum Wage Law
-More To Be Announced 
 
2. How Hospitality Employers Can Minimize Their Risk of Employment Claims 
-Best Hiring, Discipline, Termination, & Investigation Practices & Procedures 
-Effective Documentation 
-Examples of Past Cases
-Updates on Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Law 
 
All event proceeds benefit the IHLAEF Scholarship Program.
 


PLANE PULL
2017 Plane Pull Illinois
Pulling Together for Special Olympics Illinois!
 

 
9th Annual O'Hare Plane Pull
Saturday, September 16, 2017
United Airline Cargo Facility 
O'Hare International Airport
2nd Annual Southern Illinois Plane Pull
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Southern Illinois Airport 
Murphysboro, IL
 
What is the Plane Pull? Special Olympics Illinois and the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run will partner to host Plane Pull events at two locations. The Plane Pull is the ultimate tug-of-war competition as teams compete to pull an aircraft 12 feet as quickly as possible. Awards are given to the fastest pull in each division, fastest pull overall and top fundraising team.
 
Why & How to Participate : Join the ranks with teams such as the Hilton Chicago, The Palmer House Hilton, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. Test your strength and pull together for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. For more information and to REGISTER, please visit: IllinoisPlanePull.com.
 

Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association
P: 312-346-3135 | F: 312-346-6036

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