USVIHTA Update | April 2022
Greetings Members,

Thank you for reading these and other important updates. Please remember to use the web link at the bottom to share with your teams.
USVIHTA Annual General Meeting Set for May 4
The USVIHTA Annual General Meeting is scheduled for May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas where members will hear association and industry updates while enjoying a continental breakfast. Gov. Albert Bryan will join us as guest speaker. During the meeting, members will also vote on the Board of Directors. Please click here to view the 2022 Election Slate. Click here to read nomination bylaws.

If your business is interested in sponsoring the meeting or other future USVIHTA events, please contact Lisa Hamilton at lisa@usvihta.com.

Please begin to plan for transportation or carpooling as parking will be limited. RSVPs will be taken at a later date, so save the date and more details will be sent out soon. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Member Feedback Needed on Proposed Taxi Rate Increase
Members of the board of directors for both USVIHTA and STXHTA attended the tri-island town hall meetings held April 4-6 hosted by the VI Taxicab Commission. The purpose of each meeting was to listen, discuss and receive feedback on the proposed rate schedule/tariff for the territory’s taxi and tour operators. The last increase was over 15 years ago. The commission is proposing a 50% rate increase across the board. Attached are the proposed increases for St. Thomas and St. John. The proposed rates will be approved by the Taxi Commission Board and will then be sent to the legislature for approval. USVIHTA is seeking member feedback regarding the rates. Please email Lisa Hamilton at lisa@usvihta.com with your feedback on the proposed increases.

More local news:
CHTA Quarterly Newsletter - What You Should Know Now
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association recently released its Q1 2022 Newsletter. Click here to read news and updates from CHTA.

More regional news:
Injured Rare Loggerhead Turtle Being Treated by Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative
On March 24, an injured loggerhead sea turtle was rescued by volunteers from the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue (STAR) network in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Fish and Wildlife of the VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI). The turtle was first spotted at the Frederiksted Pier on St. Croix in late February. Experts from the Animal Welfare Center on St. Croix, who were monitoring her recovery, determined after four weeks that she was not progressing as well as hoped. On March 25, QE4 Ferry Service transported her to St. Thomas where STAR volunteers drove her to Coral World Ocean Park. There CWORI Rehabilitation Manager Erica Palmer took charge. Read more.
Bryan Williams' Tip: Are You an Effective Leader?
Here is a quick leadership self-assessment as you launch into the second quarter of 2022:

Do I meet with my best employees at least once per month (to discuss their personal/professional goals, their strengths, their areas for improvement, the department’s goals, and the company’s goals)? Have I recognized them for excellent work (over the last one to two weeks)? Have I personalized the recognition for them? Have I solicited their input on anything over the last one to two weeks? Have I used them to help recruit and/or interview any new employees? Do they have the appropriate tools and resources to do the best job they can?

If you want to attract high-performers, then you must BE a leader who values high-performers. Become known for valuing excellence and treating your best people the way they deserve to be treated. Excellent companies who are revered for excellent performance have a large number of excellent employees. Focusing on excellence breeds more excellence.

Takeaway: Regularly self-assess and re-dedicate yourself to the one standard that matters most: Excellence.
Association Health Plans Available Now through Elan
The Hotel & Tourism Association continues to work to identify great opportunities for our members. We've recently signed an agreement with Elan Insurance Group to offer Association Health Plans. Click the photo to view the PDF version in your browser. The PDF lets members know about:
  1. This great NEW benefit
  2. Who is qualified to receive it
  3. How to get started

For more information, contact Omar Andres Haedo directly at omar.a.haedo@elan.insure.
Save the Date

Don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835