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EVENTS CALENDAR
Chicago
Springfield
March 19-22
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield
March 24
29th Annual
Hospitality Gala
Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel
May 10
May 17-18
Washington, D.C.
May 20-23
McCormick Place
May 23
McCormick Place
July 13
Arlington Racecourse
Arlington Heights
August 15
Tuckaway Golf Club
Crete
November 1
Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Rosemont
Chicago
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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!
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IL-Women in Lodging
Not a member of I-WIL 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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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
Dan Hance
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
Michael McGilligan
Karen McGuigan
Mike McGuigan
Ginny Morrison
*Nabil Moubayed, CHA
Atul Patel, CPA, 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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As 2016 comes to a close, IHLA had another very successful year culminating with a busy month in December. On December 6th, IHLA hosted our
GM Breakfast Meeting
at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago hosted by Peter Simoncelli. Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings spoke about the need for legislators on both sides of the aisle to work together in the Illinois General Assembly to develop and pass a bi-partisan budget despite the budget deadlock between the Governor and the Democratic Leadership. He also spoke about other issues affecting the hospitality industry. Senator Hastings provided a great deal of insight and answered several questions from our members.
On December 15th, IHLA hosted our
28th Annual Membership Meeting & Stars of the Industry Luncheon
at Sheraton Grand Chicago. Over 300 attendees were there to vote in our 2017 Officers and Board of Directors and to recognize the finalists and winners of IHLA's 2016 State Stars of the Industry competition. Hopefully, several of our Illinois Stars winners will go on to win the National Stars of the Industry awards that will be given out next May during the AH&LA LAS Conference in Washington, D.C.
Finally, I want to thank
outgoing IHLA Chairman, Nabil Moubayed
, for doing a great job as IHLA's 2016 Chairman of the Board and welcome
2017 IHLA Chairman, Dean Lane
, as he takes over the leadership of our Association. Nabil led our Association during a challenging year in 2016 that included many difficult political issues at the State, Cook County, and City of Chicago levels such as regulating short term rentals. Congratulations to Nabil Moubayed for a job well done and turning over a strong IHLA to our new Chairman, Dean Lane.
Best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year,
Marc
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Recent Articles of Interest
Connect with us on Social Media!
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Welcome New Allied Members
Aries is a full service small to large group transportation provider. They serve clients with a diverse fleet of vehicles-sedans, SUVs, vans, sprinters, mini-buses, motor coaches, and transit buses.
Canine Detection & Inspection Services is a part of a network of industry leaders dedicated to the advancement of resources and technologies available for the management, identification, and treatment of bed bug incidents nationwide. They provide their clients with the most effective, cost efficient protocols and solutions backed by research and standards to protect the health and safety of their employees, clients, and brand name, through reducing their exposure to risk created by bed bug incidents.
Passionate about providing employers easy access to their payroll data, Paycom launched in 1998. Since day one, Paycom has been committed to the ongoing development of a single application that lowers labor costs, drives employee engagement, and reduces exposure.
Explore Chicago aboard Shoreline Sightseeing's lake and river tours! Shoreline's 75-minute Architecture River Tours are led by experienced, entertaining guides, highlighting more than 40 of the city's architectural masterpieces. Day and evening departures from Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier or the northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge in the heart of the Mag Mile shopping and touring district. Shoreline also offers daily 40-minute Classic Lake Tours from Navy Pier as well as both 90-minute Architecture Fireworks Tours and panoramic Lake Fireworks Tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays and throughout the summer. Looking for a great way to get around Chicago? Hop on a Shoreline Water Taxi for convenient, scenic connections from their multiple water taxi dock locations.
Symmons Industries is a proud U.S. based manufacturer of kitchen and bath products. Symmons is a premier manufacturer of commercial and residential plumbing products. Family-owned and managed for over 75 years, Symmons Industries has set the standard for uncompromised quality in plumbing fittings.
Wipfli
is one of the top accounting firms and a leading provider of tax, audit, and accounting services solutions, and business consulting in the U.S.
Wipfli's Audit & Accounting associates assist clients with financial reporting and cost-accounting systems, financial statements, internal audits, assurance services, and temporary personnel.
Congrats Fairfield Inn & Suites Quincy!
Fairfield Inn & Suites Quincy was recognized this year with two Marriott awards: Fairfield Inn & Suites Associate of the Year and Silver Hotel.
John "JP" Morgan, Maintenance Personnel, was named Fairfield Inn & Suites' Associate of the Year. For over 21 years, JP has taken care of every task that needs to be accomplished, including shoveling sidewalks, cleaning carpets, and scrubbing pools. Every day, JP gives the hotel everything he has, and his efforts have led to outstanding scores from Marriott and countless fans at his hotel. Criteria for winning this award includes ensuring guest satisfaction, contributing to the overall productivity of the hotel, and going above and beyond for your team.
In addition, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Quincy was named a Silver Hotel by Marriott. To be eligible for this award, a hotel must score in the top 20% of their brand for guest satisfaction scores.
Pictured L-Rt: Deb Carstens, Fairfield Quincy GM; David Marriott, Marriott International;
John Morgan, Fairfield Quincy Associate of the Year
Payroll Tips from Heartland Payment Systems
 With news coming from every direction about changing overtime laws, the updated Form I-9, potential tax changes and more, it's no surprise most business owners have HR weighing heavily on their minds.
Top-notch payroll solutions are especially important in the hospitality industry, which often cites employment-related issues as a hotel's most critical problem. Payroll can feel daunting because it takes up a lot of time and resources and must be done correctly. But living with constant dread of the next payroll run isn't a requirement for business ownership. Hand it off to an expert so you can get back to your No. 1 priority - making your customers feel right at home.
Having an expert payroll provider has a bundle of advantages for both the employer and the employees. Basically, it boils down to two things: employee satisfaction and government compliance.
READ MORE
| HEARTLAND HOSPITALITY SOLUTIONS
Artists in Residence Program at the Goldmoor Inn
This January, Birgit and Slobo Radin, the art-loving owners of the 18-suite luxury B&B, the Goldmoor Inn, introduce their first Artist in Residence program, inviting four gifted painters to claim residence for one week each. During the first-ever program, guests are invited to immerse themselves in creativity with classes offered each weekend. Guests and restaurant patrons are then invited to a complimentary artist's reception on Saturday evenings.
The accomplished artists were selected from an impressive list of applicants, and they will travel from four cities and three states to focus their creative energy on capturing the new landscapes and scenes surrounding the 21-acre estate. Each will work in her chosen medium either indoors or outdoors weather permitting, while greeting guests throughout the day. Every Saturday, the featured artists will teach a private class for 8-10 participants, exploring a spectrum of methods - from watercolor to plein air painting with oils to pastels. Classes are appropriate for all skill levels. Each artist's residency concludes with a complimentary Champagne Reception where she will display works created that week. READ MORE
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STARS OF THE INDUSTRY 2016
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Congrats 2016 State Stars of the Industry Winners!
Hotelier of the Year
Mike McGilligan | Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
Housekeeping Employee of the Year
Simona Botello | Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
Maintenance Employee of the Year
Richard Goodrich | Decatur Conference Center & Hotel
Department-Division Head of the Year
Blanca Urquiza | Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Jeovanny Arellano | Embassy Suites Chicago-North Shore/Deerfield
Administrative Employee of the Year
Liliana Stavri | Sheraton Grand Chicago
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year - Front of the House
Patti Clegg-Purnell | Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year - Heart of the House
Adebayo Francis Ademiju | Hyatt Lodge
Guest Service Employee of the Year
Leroy Loepp | Hampton Inn & Suites Normal
First-Level Supervisor of the Year
Taylor Holmstrom | Embassy Suites East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center
Bell Staff Employee of the Year
Gary Ligue | Westin O'Hare
Allied Member of the Year:
Roy Smith | MillerCoors
Community Service Award:
Sheraton Grand Chicago
Good EarthKeeping Award:
Hilton Chicago
28th Annual IHLA Stars of the Industry
Membership & State Awards Holiday Luncheon
#IHLAStarsoftheIndustry
 Show off your team & your Stars! Make sure to post photos of your team attending the 12/15 Stars Luncheon on Facebook and Twitter and don't forget the hashtag! #IHLAStarsoftheIndustry
Congrats & Thanks!
IHLA is very proud of
all the nominees, finalists, and best of the best of the
best
state winners. Congratulations to all of our 2016 Stars, and good luck to the state winners in the National Competition!
Special thanks to event host Sheraton Grand Chicago and their fantastic team, the 2016 Stars of the Industry State Judges, Planning Committee, Committee Co-Chairs: Mike Feigenbaum & Michelle Irvin, Judge Co-Chairs: Dan Naughton & Sue Wasylik, returning emcee Steve Baskerville: Meteorologist/Weather Anchor, CBS-Chicago Channel 2 News, & all those who nominated and supported our 2016 Stars of the Industry program and events.
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On December 6th, Peter Simoncelli, hosted IHLA's bi-monthly Chicagoland Council of Hotel General Managers Breakfast Meeting at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago. IHLA President & CEO, Marc Gordon, was recognized for 20 years of service and dedication to IHLA. It was a perfect setting considering Marc began his hotel management career with Westin. Attendees then heard from featured speaker: Senator Michael Hastings, 19th District - Illinois. Senator Hastings discussed the latest happenings in Springfield and the urgent need for compromise, but voiced optimism. He discussed Worker's Comp and Term Limits and emphasized the importance of making our voices known and voting in local municipality elections. Senator Hastings answered several questions and discussed what the budget crisis will look like in the months ahead. Special thanks to meeting sponsors: CertaPro Painters, Ecolab, Peerless-AV, and TraknProtect.
Next General Manager's Breakfast Meeting:
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Conrad Chicago
8:00am Breakfast & Networking | 8:30am Program Begins
Interested in sponsoring a 2017 bi-monthly GM Breakfast Meeting?
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Recent #StayGreenSpotlight Articles
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Holiday Auction Success
IHLAEF's Annual Holiday Online Auction ended on December 5th and raised a record setting total of $15,448 towards our Scholarship Program! Big thanks to all those who bid and helped spread the word, and thank you to our wonderful package donors:
Arlington International Racecourse, Arts & Artisans, LLC, Best Western Designer Inn & Suites (Galena), Best Western River North Hotel, Big Onion Tavern Group, Blue Man Group, Boka Restaurant Group, Bottleneck Management, Carol's Cookies, Catered by Design, CertaPro Painters, Cesar's Home of the Killer Margaritas, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, Chicago's First Lady/Mercury Cruises, Choose Chicago, Connie's Pizza, CorePower Yoga, Crosstown Tickets, Crowne Plaza Springfield, CSz Theater Chicago, DineAmic Group, Dinkel's Bakery, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Collinsville - St. Louis, Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center - Bloomington, Element Collective, Eli's Cheesecake Chicago, Elite Island Resorts, Entertainment Cruises, Escape Artistry, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Gibsons Restaurant Group, Groupon, Guest House at Graceland, H.E.R.O Fitness, Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal, Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, Hilton Miami Airport, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington-Airport, Hotel Arista, House of Blues, Howl at the Moon, Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana, Hyatt Regency Chicago, JW Marriott, Kendra Scott, Kimpton Ink48 Hotel, KOVAL Distillery, Kramer Portraits, Laugh Factory, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc., Loews Chicago Hotel, Lou Malnati's, Neighborhood Parent Network, Old Town School of Folk Music, Osteria Via Stato, Park Hyatt Chicago, Pinot's Palette - The Glen, Pinstripes, Renaissance Blackstone Chicago, Residence Inn Springfield South, Rockit Ranch Productions - Sunda, Rosebud Restaurants, Sheraton Grand Chicago, Sheraton Vistana Resort, Six Flags Great America, SP+, Spire Hospitality, Step it Up with Steph, Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Texas De Brazil Restaurant, The Hotel Hershey, The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Campus, The Kimpton Gray Hotel, The Leigh Gallery, The Redhead Piano Bar, The Signature Room at the 95th, The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, Vineyard Vines, Where Magazine, Wines for Humanity
Human Trafficking Resources
Hotels are one of many venues that traffickers use to exploit their victims. As a result, hospitality industry leaders are increasingly recognizing the unique role they can play in preventing and disrupting this crime. Fortunately, there are many ways in which the hotel industry can help prevent and combat human trafficking. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so now is a good time to review the resources below.
Find information about other current issues and various career, industry, and tourism resources on the RESOURCES page of our website.
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