How to Spot a Sex Trafficking Victim at a Hotel

By Belinda Luscombe of Time Magazine

 

 

While there are ghastly situations in which young girls' virginity is sold off by their debt-stricken parents in Cambodia, the reality is that western countries are by no means immune to the trade. Runaways, girls who have fallen for the wrong guy and naive women who have traveled from another country on the promise of a legitimate job can get trapped in prostitution rings anywhere.

One front in this battle has been the hotel industry.

Traffickers like to use hotels to ply their trade, since they can get in and make some money and then move on before they attract too much attention. Neighbors tend to take a dim view of brothels and report them to the authorities. "It happens in hotels that are five star hotels and it happens in the sleaziest, slummiest rent by the hour hotels," says Tammy Lee Stanoch, VP of corporate affairs for Carlson.

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10 Ways to Reach Your Non-Desk Employees

 

Many companies struggle with keeping non-desk employees in the loop and aligned with the organization. They aren't regularly a part of the company's internal communication circle. This can turn into a big problem as non-desk workers become less engaged, which results in costly turnover.

Thankfully, it's easier than ever to reach non-desk employees easily and effectively. We've identified some modern solutions:

1. Mobile employee apps

Whether your coworkers are spread out across town or around the world, in the office or in the field, utilizing mobile communication will help you reach every single one.

2. BYOD policy

Due to the increasing importance of mobile communication, companies should consider creating a BYOD (bring your own device) policy. This will set guidelines for employees to use their own mobile devices for business purposes to save companies money, while also making communication more convenient for colleagues.

 

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A Few Bad Apples?

 

By Stephen S. Naczinski, City Watch

 

NEIGHBORHOOD POLITICS--When referring to Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in Los Angeles, one City Councilmember said, "Don't throw out the baby with the bath water."

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The Council must enact rules that recognize the difference between individuals responsibly engaged in sharing their private homes and the "bad actors" commercially exploiting short-term rentals.

Los Angeles needs a workable, self-financing, and equitable STR ordinance. Most home sharing hosts agree to the key parts of the proposed home sharing ordinance but don't want to be bullied by powerful interest groups.

The hotel industry is one the biggest challengers of short-term rentals both in Los Angeles and nationwide. The New York Times  recently reported that a key industry trade group, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, that count Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide and Hyatt Hotels as members has a budget of $5.6 million to fight Airbnb/Pro-STR legislation, even though hotel growth is surging in Southern California. According to the LA Times ,  more than 13,000 rooms were under construction during 2016, plus 66,000 more in the planning pipeline...[with] healthy profitability (continued growth in hotel
revenues -- 11% for Los Angeles -- and high year-round occupancy rates.)

Independent research shows most visitors to short-term rentals are not good hotels guests because STR guests desire a lower cost, are more adventurist, and want a personalized experience. The hotel industry is fighting to prevent STRs from becoming a relief valve for excessive hotel rates charged during high demand periods like holidays, big sports and convention events. 

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Save The Date!

California Lodging Expo & Conference

November 6, 2017

Hilton Concord

The year's most popular Lodging Trade Show is just around the corner. Attendees can look forward to a full day of education, enlightenment and:

 Cash prizes
 Vacation getaway prizes
 Industry Luncheon
 Wine Tasting and Evening Reception
 Educational Sessions
 Networking, Fun and much more

Click here for registration and information