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EVENTS CALENDAR
November 16
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago, Canva
5:30-7:30pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
11:00am
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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!
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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
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STAYGREEN
For questions about the StayGreen Program, contact: Karrie Teel.
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GUEST SERVICE GOLD
AHLEI Certified Guest Service Professional Designation (CGSP) Personalized Training
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HCAREERS
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.
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CHICAGO HEAT
The Chicago HEaT (Hospitality, Entertainment, & Tourism) Security Association's mission is to share communications, alerts, & training that affect the Hospitality, Entertainment, & Tourism Industry with the assistance of law enforcement partners, reducing the impact of incidents on our industry, maximizing safety, & minimizing crime in our community.
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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
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
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IHLA had a busy month in October that started with our GM Breakfast Meeting on October 3rd at Virgin Hotels Chicago hosted by Jermaine Anderson. Chicago 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly spoke about several issues affecting our industry in City Council. He gave his insights, showed his leadership and support for our industry, and answered several questions from our hotel members.
October was filled with fundraisers for State Legislators, Cook County Commissioners, and Chicago Aldermen. IHLA participated in many of these events and continued to build strong relationships at all levels. IHLA focused on fundraisers for state leaders who supported tourism promotion funding, Cook County leaders who supported the repeal of the hated soda tax, and Chicago Aldermen who supported our industry as we faced several unfair ordinances aimed directly at the hotel industry.
This month culminated with our two Stars of the Industry Regional Recognition Luncheons. On October 25th, IHLA hosted our first 2017 Stars Luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington. Nearly 200 guests attended to honor 94 nominees from 24 hotels. On November 1st, IHLA hosted our Chicagoland Regional Stars Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont. Nearly 1,000 guests attended to honor 554 nominees from 83 hotels. IHLA salutes and congratulates all of our 2017 Illinois Stars of the Industry nominees, finalists, and winners.
I hope all of our members will join us at our 29th Annual IHLA Membership & Stars of the Industry State Awards Holiday Luncheon on December 14th at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. In addition to our Annual Meeting in which IHLA Members will vote on the 2018 Officers and Board of Directors, IHLA will recognize all of our regional winners and announce the 2017 Illinois State Stars of the Industry winners in all award categories. Hopefully, we will have several of our Illinois winners go on to win the national Stars of the Industry awards hosted by AHLA in 2018. We look forward to seeing all of our members and celebrating the holidays with them on December 14th. For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Best regards,
Marc
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Recent Articles of Interest
Chicago Hotel & Restaurant News
Connect with us on Social!
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Welcome New Hotel Members
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2121 S Prairie Ave | Chicago, IL 60616
GM: Catherine Mrowiec
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8 Traders Cir | Normal, IL 61761
GM: Mr. Sam King
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2018 W North Ave | Chicago, IL 60647
GM: Santiago Leon
Welcome New Allied Members
 ALICE is a global hospitality operations platform that is re-inventing how businesses use cloud technology to improve customer service. ALICE Suite brings together front office, concierge, housekeeping, and maintenance teams and connects guests to hotels via app and text messaging tools.
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 Powerheart Automated External Defibrillators (AED). Your AED devices and services need to be tailored to your unique needs. Cardiac Science has successfully served a multitude of markets since their inception by working closely with their partners to provide solutions specific to your industry.
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 Water efficiency improvement in showers and sinks resulting in cost savings without affecting guest satisfaction. They
provide innovative solutions for saving water that are designed to deliver consistent calibrated ideal flow rates to each faucet, shower, and toilet in a property. This can be done even though water pressure may vary throughout your property.
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 Pest control, bed bug, bird control. Since 1932, Presto-X has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to their customers and taking care of their colleagues. Presto-X covers your business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.
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 Matting solutions, logo mats, custom shapes and sizes, custom design and installation, indoor and outdoor. Proform's goal is to help owners and managers create matting solutions that deliver the highest levels of safety and floor protection with design, quality materials, and layouts that meets the high standards that your facility deserves.
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 For hotels looking to protect their workforce, React Mobile, Inc. has a simple panic button and safety platform so employees can call for help quickly and easily in an emergency. Depending on the size and needs of a given hotel, React Mobile, Inc. has a wide range of solutions and can provide simple and robust safety solutions.
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 Securalert is an affordable enterprise wireless panic button system to protect workers in duress. Securalert's technology allows employees to press a panic button that will summon help with pinpoint accuracy. Their core system consists of four main components: the main controller, radio, receivers, and transmitters.
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 Law firm specializing in federal and state local licensing, trade practices, commercial agreements, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation. Siegel & Moses brings experience, innovation, and integrity to their clients.
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DuPage CVB Annual Meeting & Luncheon
The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau held their Annual Meeting & Luncheon at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center Chicago-Downers Grove on October 12th. Congratulations to DuPage CVB Executive Director, Beth Marchetti, and Partnership & Client Services Manager, Barry Draper, for an outstanding meeting. The event's keynote Speaker was Judy Hsu, ABC7 News Anchor, and the afternoon celebrated 30 years of serving and promoting DuPage County as a tourist destination. Generating 2.5 billion dollars in revenue, all of their members, stakeholders, and partners have much to be proud of. Long time IHLA board member, Mike Feigenbaum, was recognized for his many years of DuPage CVB service and leadership as their 2017 Chairman.
Where 2018 GuestBook Launch Party
Featured Allied Members
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On October 3rd, Jermaine Anderson hosted IHLA's bi-monthly Chicagoland Council of Hotel General Managers Breakfast Meeting at Virgin Hotels Chicago. Attendees enjoyed a delightful breakfast spread and networking in the swanky new space. Keynote speaker, Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward, discussed several topics affecting our industry including panic buttons, AEDs, and Airbnb. He encouraged an open line of communication between our industry and his office and was appreciative of all that our members do for the downtown district.
Special Thanks to Meeting Sponsors:
Next General Manager's Breakfast Meeting:
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
8:00am Breakfast & Networking | 8:30am Program Begins
Interested in Sponsoring a Bi-monthly GM Breakfast Meeting?
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Congratulations to Our Regional Stars Winners!
Hotelier of the Year
Fred Jones | Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria
Eric Bates | Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire Resort
Patrick Donelly | Hyatt Regency Chicago
Department-Division Head Employee of the Year
Lorena Melendez | Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center - Bloomington
Brad Ott | Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
Julie Brown | InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Manager of the Year
Liz Coon | Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center - Bloomington
Kerry Murtaugh | Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Campus
Matthew Stroner | Swissôtel Chicago
Administrative Employee of the Year
Angela Ferguson | Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria
MaryAnn Basso | Chicago Marriott Naperville
Emily Gallagher | Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Bell Staff Employee of the Year
Patrick McConnell | President Abraham Lincoln Hotel Springfield
Senyo Yakor | Hotel Arista
Dwayne Branch | Hotel EMC2
First-Level Supervisor Employee of the Year
Andrea Cole | Hilton Garden Inn Champaign-Urbana
Anthony Walker | The Westin O'Hare
Francisco Fernandez | Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year - Front of the House
Monique Wilder | Homewood Suites by Hilton Decatur-Forsyth
Oscar Satin | The Drake Hotel Oak Brook
Michael Youkhanna | Swissôtel Chicago
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year - Heart of the House
Les Putney | Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington Airport
Edgar Garcia | Embassy Suites Chicago-North Shore/Deerfield
Darrell Crawford | Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
Guest Services Employee of the Year
Donald Dixon | Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie
Juanita Seaton | Hilton Orrington/Evanston
Lisa Treacy | The Westin Chicago River North
Housekeeping Employee of the Year
Francisco Pinares | DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington
Maria Delgado | Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Claudia Espinoza | The Peninsula Chicago
Maintenance Employee of the Year
Jordan Arrington | Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center - Bloomington
Delbert Craven | Hilton Rosemont
Jack Pagone | The Palmer House Hilton
READ MORE ABOUT THE WINNERS
PHOTO ALBUMS
MAYOR EMANUEL THANKS ILLINOIS HOTEL EMPLOYEES
Special Thanks To:
- Host properties & their dedicated teams: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington: Ray Ceresa, AJ Draper | Hyatt Regency O'Hare: Paul Daly, Louis Pignotti, David Kern, Anne Grant, James Mazzeffi, Marco Kennedy
- Masters of Ceremonies: Nabil Moubayed | Sylvia Perez & Corey McPherrin, Fox 32 Chicago
- Central Illinois AV & Décor: Absolute Light & Sound, Palace Events
- Chicagoland AV: PSAV, Monastero Entertainment, Fig Media
- Event Sponsors: Agilysys, Heron Agency
- Entertainment: Tony & Tina's Wedding, Magician Eric Train, Otis Wilson & Chet Coppock - "If These Walls Could Talk" Chicago Bears
- Beverage Donors: BreakThru Beverage, E & J Gallo Winery, Kendall Jackson Family Fine Wines, MillerCoors, PepsiCo, Royal Cup Coffee & Tea, Santa Margherita
- Volunteers & Donors: Stars of the Industry Judges, Planning Committee, Committee Co-Chairs: Mike Feigenbaum & Michelle Irvin McConnell, Judge Co-Chairs: Dan Naughton & Sue Wasylik, Honorary Advisors: Nancy Lally & Teri Archam, Hotel raffle prize donors
IHLA salutes and congratulates
all of the nominees, finalists, and winners of the regional Stars competitions. These exceptional men and women are all winners and represent the best that our industry has to offer. They work incredibly hard every day and go above and beyond to serve our guests and make their stays outstanding at our hotels. Their dedication, attentiveness, and genuine kindness towards both guests and their fellow colleagues is truly an inspiration. State winners will be announced and presented with awards at the 29th Annual IHLA Membership & Stars of the Industry State Awards Luncheon on December 14th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. The Community Service, Good EarthKeeping, and Allied Member of the Year Awards will also be presented.
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| ILLINOIS WOMEN IN LODGING |
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I-WIL 6th Annual Children's Halloween Party
On October 26th, I-WIL celebrated Halloween early with another successful Children's Halloween Party & Costume Closet event along with the Chicago Police Department CAPS Program (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy). The party gave children from domestic violence shelters a safe haven to celebrate the holiday in an environment that's all about fun. The awesome group of kids received costumes and enjoyed pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, games, yummy treats, and trick-or-treating at the police station and fire house.
Thank you to all who volunteered & donated costumes & goodies. Special thanks to:
Head Witches: Teri Archam - HHRA Chicago & Nancy Lally - Hilton, GO Airport Express, Chicago Police Department - 18th District, Chicago Fire Department - Station 4, Target, Conrad Chicago, Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Entertainment Cruises, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, The James Chicago, Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
I-WIL Good Things Take Wine
On November 7th, I-WIL went out with a bang for 2017 and held its final event of the year at the Union League Club of Chicago. Over 60 women enjoyed an afternoon of networking and wine tasting, and listened to guest speaker and wine ambassador from Cambria Winery, Shannon Wildenradt. Shannon
spoke to the group about female winemakers and educated everyone on some delicious wines. We look forward to more great events in 2018, cheers to I-WIL!
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Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago, Canvas
Join the Illinois Chapter of Under 30 Gateway for a holiday kick off mixer in the Canvas Room, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar's brand new event space. This will be U30's last event of 2017, do not miss out! Guests will enjoy networking, cocktails, appetizers, and live music by acoustic band, Wallace & Runo.
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Recent Governmental Affairs Updates
If you missed our recent emails detailing the latest updates on legislative, regulatory, and political issues, you can find them below. These updates discuss
the work of the Illinois General Assembly, Chicago City Council, and the Cook County Board.
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Constellation Webinar for Energy Buyers
2017 Energy Market Outlook
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 | 1:00 pm CDT
Recent #StayGreenSpotlight Articles
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Planning & Preparing for an Active Shooter
Presented By: The FBI Chicago Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBICCAAA)
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | 5:30 - 8:00pm
Hilton Chicago | 720 S. Michigan Ave. | Lake Erie Rm | 8th Floor
The FBICCAAA invites you to join them for dinner and a unique presentation regarding Active Shooter Events. Find out how to prepare yourself for such a situation.
FBICCAAA Overview:
The FBI Chicago Citizens Academy was established in the Chicago Division in 2003 as part of the Community Outreach Program. The purpose of the Academy is to establish and foster relationships and understanding between FBI representatives and the Chicago community. The success and local impact of this Academy has been tremendous. The Citizens Academy has given community, civic, religious and business leaders, as well as media executives, the opportunity to find out how the FBI "does business."
IHLAEF & Pony Up Featured in Hotel Business
IHLA's Educational Foundation and Annual Pony Up for the Kids fundraiser at Arlington Park was featured in Hotel Business Magazine with an interview with our President & CEO, Marc Gordon. He talks about how the fundraiser came to be and how it has grown more successful each year thanks to our members, sponsors, and Board. And he explains the stand out moment from our 2017 event with IHLAEF Chairman and Raffle Fundraising Champion, Nabil Moubayed! Read the full article HERE.
Annual Holiday Online Auction
As we continue working to grow the
IHLAEF Scholarship Program, we will be running our Annual Holiday Online Auction
November 27 (Cyber Monday) - December 4 on
BiddingforGood.com.
Be on the lookout for announcements once the auction goes live on 11/27,
and
don't miss your chance to bid
on fantastic packages and get started on your holiday shopping!
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| BMO HARRIS BANK MAG MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL |
Lights Festival Volunteers Needed November 17 & 18
Be part of the nation's kickoff to the holiday season...Volunteer for the 26th Annual BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile® Lights Festival! As many as one million people visit iconic North Michigan Avenue in Chicago to take part in this two-day festival, November 17th and 18th. Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead a procession of fabulous floats, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus and more - as more than 200 trees along are illuminated along The Magnificent Mile! It takes over 600 volunteers to put on this annual holiday event. Join our friends at The Magnificent Mile Association behind the scenes at the event by signing up as a balloon handler, motorcade marshal, or safety manager, or even adopt-a-block with your team! Click HERE to sign up.
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