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IN THIS ISSUE
Communications
Member News
GM Breakfast
Stars of the Industry
Governmental Affairs
StayGreen
Educational Foundation
IHLA Committees
IHLAEF Job Board
EVENTS CALENDAR
 
Chicago
 
February 26-28
The Palmer House Hilton
 
March TBA
30th Annual 
Hospitality Gala
Chicago
 
March 15
Chicago
 
May 10 

May 15-16
Springfield 
     
May 19-22
McCormick Place

May 22
McCormick Place

June TBA
Navy Pier

July 12  
IHLAEF Pony Up
for the Kids XII
Arlington Racecourse
Arlington Heights

August 21
30th Annual Super
Golf Classic
Harborside International Golf Center
 
September TBA
Tuckaway Golf Club
Crete
 
September 12-13
Washington, D.C.
 
October TBA
21st Annual Stars of the Industry Central Illinois Regional Luncheon  
 
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
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
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

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.  
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
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
As 2017 comes to a close, IHLA had another very successful year culminating with a busy month in December. On December 5th, IHLA hosted our GM Breakfast Meeting at JW Marriott Chicago Hotel hosted by Lisa Timbo. Illinois House Republican Leader, Jim Durkin, spoke about the need for legislators on both sides of the aisle to work together in the Illinois General Assembly and to avoid partisan politics that prevent meaningful legislation from happening. He also spoke about how important the hospitality industry is to the Illinois economy and how strongly he supports our industry.
 
On December 14th, IHLA hosted our 29th Annual State Stars of the Industry & Membership Holiday Luncheon at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. Over 320 attendees were there to vote in our 2018 Officers and Board of Directors and to recognize the finalists and winners of IHLA's 2017 State Stars of the Industry competition. A great holiday celebration was enjoyed by all our Luncheon attendees.  
 
Finally, I want to thank outgoing IHLA Chairman, Dean Lane, for doing a terrific job as IHLA's 2017 Chairman of the Board and welcome 2018 IHLA Chairman, Tom Robertson, as he takes over the leadership of our Association. Dean led our Association during a challenging year in 2017 that included many difficult political issues including the Cook County soda and amusement taxes, and the sexual harassment and AED ordinances in Chicago. Congratulations to Dean Lane for a job well done and turning over a strong IHLA to our new Chairman, Tom Robertson.
 
Best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year,
 
Marc
COMMUNICATIONS
Recent Articles of Interest
Hospitality Net: Scent Of A Lobby

Chicagoland Hotel & Restaurant News 

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MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
IHLA Honors Palmer House Lifesaving Heroes 
On December 1st, IHLA honored The Palmer House Hilton Security Manager, Manuel Batres, and Security Supervisor, Michael Richard, for their heroic lifesaving efforts this past summer. When Batres and Richard were alerted that a fellow team member needed medical assistance, they quickly responded and discovered the team member unconscious and with a head wound. Calling on their training and a strong will, they called 911 and performed CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive. The paramedics took the team member to the hospital in dire condition, but he is now healthy and returning to work thanks to security superstars, Matres and Richard. The doctors indicated that without CPR being administered quickly and correctly, there clearly would have been a different outcome. This was truly an instance of "service" at the highest level.



Featured Allied Members
 







CHICAGOLAND GM BREAKFAST
On December 5th, Lisa Timbo hosted IHLA's bi-monthly Chicagoland Council of Hotel General Managers Breakfast Meeting at JW Marriott Chicago. Attendees gathered for the last GM Meeting of the year and enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread, Red Bull station, and networking. Keynote speaker, Representative Jim Durkin, 82nd District-Illinois (House Republican Leader) discussed various issues that hotels are facing. He expressed his gratitude for the great work our hotels do for Illinois' 110 million domestic visitors and his passion for alleviating excessive government regulations on private businesses such as hotels.


Special Thanks to Meeting Sponsors: 

Next General Manager's Breakfast Meeting:
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
8:00am Breakfast & Networking | 8:30am Program Begins
 
Interested in Sponsoring a Bi-monthly GM Breakfast Meeting?
Contact Susannah Flanner for more information.

STARS OF THE INDUSTRY
Congrats 2017 State Stars of the Industry Winners!
 
Hotelier of the Year:  Patrick Donelly | Hyatt Regency Chicago
Department-Division Head Employee of the Year:  Julie Brown | InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Manager of the Year: Matthew Stroner | SwissĂ´tel Chicago
Administrative Employee of the Year:  Emily Gallagher | Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Bell Staff Employee of the Year:  Dwayne Branch | Hotel EMC2
First-Level Supervisor Employee of the Year:  Anthony Walker | The Westin O'Hare
F&B Employee of the Year - Front of House:  Micheal Youkhanna | SwissĂ´tel Chicago
F&B Employee of the Year - Heart of House: Les Putney | Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington-Airport
Guest Services Employee of the Year:  Lisa Treacy | The Westin Chicago River North
Housekeeping Employee of the Year:  Maria Delgado | Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Maintenance Employee of the Year: Jordan Arrington | Eastland Suites Hotel & Conf. Center - Bloomington
Allied Member of the Year: Bruce Feeback | Ecolab
Community Service Award: Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
Good EarthKeeping Award: Hilton Chicago         
 
READ MORE ABOUT THE WINNERS 

29th Annual Membership & State Stars of the Industry 
Holiday Luncheon 12.14.17




#IHLAStarsoftheIndustry
 
Congratulations to all of our 2017 Stars -  IHLA is tremendously proud of all the nominees, finalists, and best of the best state winners. IHLA also extends congrats to future hospitality industry leaders, this year's top IHLAEF scholarship winners: 

Lindsey Wehking - DePaul University 
Hostmark Hospitality, Robert J. Cataldo Scholarship 

Sylvia Wtorkowski - DePaul University 
J. Patrick Leahy Connoisseur Scholarship

Special Thanks To:  
  • Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile & their fantastic team
  • Judges & Committee: 2017 Stars of the Industry State Judges, Planning Committee, Committee Co-Chairs: Mike Feigenbaum & Michelle McConnell, Judge Co-Chairs: Dan Naughton & Sue Wasylik
  • Emcee: Steve Baskerville | Meteorologist/Weather Anchor, CBS-Chicago Channel 2 News
  • Event Production Team: Ambius (Centerpieces), Fig Media (Photography), Monastero Entertainment (DJ), PSAV (Program & Video Production)
  • Beverages: Breakthru Beverage of Illinois/JP Chenet, PepsiCo
  • All those who donated to our Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Drive. We had an overwhelming supply donated which will benefit many this winter season. Thanks to the Chicago Police Department for distributing!
  • All hotel associates who nominated and supported our 2017 Stars of the Industry program and events
For more info, visit: illinoishotels.org/stars

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
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. 

STAYGREEN
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Holiday Auction Success 


IHLAEF's Annual Holiday Online Auction ended on December 4th and raised a record setting total of $25,483 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 Park Racecourse, Blue Man Group Chicago, Boka Restaurant Group, Bottleneck Management, Burrito Beach, Cactus Chicago, Carol's Cookies, Catered by Design, Chicago Athletic Association, Chicago Bears, Chicago Beer Experience, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Children's Theatre, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, Chicago Marriott Oak Brook, Chicago Premier Suites, Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago's First Lady, Choose Chicago, City Winery, Conrad Chicago, Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc., CorePower Yoga, Courtyard Chicago, Downtown/River North, Crosstown Tickets, Crowne Plaza Springfield, Crystal Mountain, CSz Theater Chicago, Devon Seafood + Steak, DineAmic Group, Dinkel's Bakery, DoubleTree by Hilton - Bloomington, DoubleTree by Hilton - Collinsville, Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Eli's Cheesecake, Elite Island Resorts, Emerald City, Entertainment Cruises, Escape Artistry, Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Gibsons Restaurant Group, Great Room Escape, H.E.R.O. Fitness, Heron Agency, Hilton Chicago, Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center, Hilton Miami Airport, Hilton Orrington Evanston, Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare, Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago O'Hare Rosemont, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, Holiday Inn Express - Springfield, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington-Airport, Hotel, Indigo Chicago Downtown Gold Coast, Hotel Palomar Chicago, House of Blues, Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, JW Marriott Chicago Hotel, JW Marriott New Orleans, Kendra Scott, Kimpton Gray Hotel, KOVAL Distillery, Kramer Portraits, LEYE, Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel, LondonHouse Chicago, Lynfred Winery, Music Box Theatre, Old Town School of Folk Music, Pheasant Run Resort &, Zanies, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, Pinot's Palette, Pinstripes, President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - A DoubleTree by Hilton, Proven IT, Radisson Schaumburg, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, Renaissance Chicago O'Hare, Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel - Sam & Harry's Steakhouse, Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop, Richard Sandoval Restaurants, Rivers Casino, Room Escape Adventure Series, Rosebud Restaurants , Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden, Sheraton Grand Chicago, Sheraton Vistana Resort, Sky High Sports, SOHO House Chicago, SP+, Spire Hospitality, Stampin' Up!, Step It Up with Steph, Swissotel Chicago, The Blackstone, Autograph Collection, The Cubby Bear , The Drake, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, The Hotel Hershey, The Joffrey Ballet, The Logan, Philadelphia's Hotel, The Palmer Hilton, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, The Signature Room at the 95th, The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, The Westin Michigan Avenue, Thompson Chicago, Vineyard Vines, Virgin Hotels Chicago, W Chicago - City Center, W Chicago - Lakeshore Hotel, Waldorf Astoria, Where Chicago, Wines for Humanity, Writers Theatre, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa

JOIN AN IHLA COMMITTEE
Looking to Get More Involved with IHLA in 2018?
Committees are a vital part of IHLA consisting of  quality leaders working to help drive the future of our industry.  As a valued member of the Association, we appreciate your participation, leadership, and support. 
  • Event Committees: Hospitality Gala | Stars of the Industry | Super Golf Classic
  • Governmental Affairs Committee
  • Membership Committee  


 

LEARN MORE

 
If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact:
Events: Jen Chase
Governmental Affairs: Brenda Jo Jacob
Membership: Susannah Flanner
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Sending Holiday Cheer & Thanks
From all of us at IHLA, best wishes for a joyous holiday and a happy and successful New Year. Thank you to our members and partners for your participation and support over the past year, we look forward to an exciting 2018!



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

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