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IN THIS ISSUE
Communications
Member News
Stars of the Industry
I-WIL
Governmental Affairs
StayGreen
Educational Foundation
Chicago HEaT
EVENTS CALENDAR

October 4
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 
8:00am-10:00am 

October 11 
LondonHouse Chicago
LH Rooftop
5:30pm-7:30pm

October 20
Clark Hill PLC
8:00am - 12:00pm 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
11:00am 

October 26
 
November 1
Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Rosemont
11:00am

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
September got off to a great start when IHLA hosted our very successful annual I.H.M.P.A.C. Chicago/Cook County Dedicated Fund Golf Fundraiser.The event was sold out and raised another incredible amount of more than $140,000 in net proceeds. For the 8th year in a row, this event has raised an average of over $135,000 annually, totaling over $1,090,000 in net proceeds since 2010. These funds have allowed IHLA to significantly strengthen our voice in Chicago and Cook County politics. I want to again thank Pat Donelly for his leadership and dedication in making this event so successful, Rick Simon for once again donating his golf course, and all of our great hotel members and suppliers who supported this event.
 
September ended with a very successful Women in Lodging event hosted by Karen McGuigan at Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago's ARIE Rooftop. Over 65 female hospitality leaders enjoyed an evening of networking and fun, and the event was in such high demand, there are plans to host another I-WIL event this fall. More details will be announced soon. 

October will be a very busy month that starts off with our General Managers Breakfast Meeting on October 3rd hosted by Jermaine Anderson at Virgin Hotels Chicago. Chicago 42nd Ward Alderman, Brendan Reilly, is scheduled to be our keynote speaker.
 
On October 4th, IHLA will offer a Labor & Employment Law Seminar at Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. Thanks to Konstantine (Gus) Drosos for hosting the event. Laner Muchin Partner, Robert Bernstein, will discuss new labor and employment laws and developments affecting the hotel industry and best HR practices to reduce employment claims. For more information and to register for this highly valuable seminar program, please click HERE .
 
On October 11th, IHLA will be hosting our next Under 30 Gateway Chapter event at LondonHouse Chicago. The event will offer an insiders tour of the property followed by networking at the hotel's LH Rooftop. This event is already sold out, but we look forward to hosting more U30 events soon.  

Finally, October is one of my favorite times of the year when IHLA has the opportunity to recognize and thank all of our "Stars of the Industry" who make our industry in Illinois truly "world class". We are thrilled to have received 646 nominations from 107 hotels statewide in 11 categories. These nominations have been forwarded to our judges who have the difficult task of determining the regional finalists and winners in all 11 categories. We look forward to seeing all of our members when we honor these terrific nominees, finalists, and winners at our two Regional Stars of the Industry Recognition Luncheons on October 25th in Bloomington and November 1st in Rosemont. To purchase your tables/tickets, please click
HERE for Central Illinois and HERE for Chicagoland.  

Best regards,

Marc
COMMUNICATIONS
Recent Articles of Interest

Chicago Hotel & Restaurant News 

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MEMBER NEWS
Welcome New Allied Member

Scott Cruz | 312-985-5910
Clark Hill PLC is an entrepreneurial full-service law firm serving clients in all areas of business legal services, government and public affairs, and personal legal services. Its many practice areas include: Banking and Finance, Corporate law, Estate Planning and Probate, Labor Employment Law, Immigration Law, Real Estate, and Intellectual Property.

Exciting News from Entertainment Cruises 
This week, Entertainment Cruises' Odyssey Cruises brand announced the future expansion of their upscale dining cruise experience with the commission of a custom-built, fully glass-enclosed ship to cruise on the Chicago River! The new vessel will begin cruising summer 2018. We look forward to this fantastic addition to their fleet! Read more HERE



Featured Allied Members
 




STARS OF THE INDUSTRY
20th Annual Stars of the Industry Regional Luncheons
 


Join us for our biggest events of the year: #IHLAStarsoftheIndustry! Don't miss the chance to celebrate the best of the best employees in the hospitality industry here in Illinois at our Stars Employee Recognition Luncheons. Show your appreciation for your outstanding team members and give them the opportunity to be recognized by their peers at an entertaining celebration they will never forget. The stories of incredible hard work, dedication, and genuine kindness towards both guests and fellow colleagues are truly an inspiration. It is IHLA's privilege to celebrate the accomplishments, service, and leadership of all the nominees, finalists, and winners presented each year.
 
10/25 Central Illinois Regional Luncheon - REGISTER & AD BOOK
 
11/1 Chicagoland Regional Luncheon - REGISTER & AD BOOK

Don't forget to submit hotel nominations below by 10/12!
Community Service Nomination | Good EarthKeeping Nomination

For more info, visit: illinoishotels.org/stars

ILLINOIS WOMEN IN LODGING


Networking & Wine with Female Hospitality Leaders
On September 26th, I-WIL kicked off fall by hosting an evening of networking and fun atop Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago's swanky rooftop bar, AIRE. This event was in high demand, and sold out at over 65 guests. Those in attendance enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and mingling among this fantastic group of female leaders of our industry. The much anticipated evening did not disappoint, and I-WIL plans to host another networking event this fall. Stay tuned for more details coming soon! Very special thanks to Hyatt Centric GM, Karen McGuigan, for hosting this successful group of women. 


 

6th Annual Children's Halloween Party & Costume Closet
October 26, 2017
 

 
Illinois Women in Lodging and the Chicago Police Department CAPS Program (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) are once again partnering for this fantastic annual event. Children staying in domestic violence shelters don't have the opportunity to celebrate Halloween like other children. Our Halloween party gives these children a safe haven to celebrate Halloween in an environment that's all about fun. They receive a costume when they arrive and enjoy an afternoon of pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, games, yummy treats, and trick-or-treating at the police station and fire house. Volunteer slots are filled, but several donations are needed. Thank you for your support!
 
Donations Needed:
-Halloween costumes for children ages 12 & under
-Candy (Individually wrapped) 
-Mini sandwich trays
-Small pie pumpkins
-Monetary donations

To Donate, Please Contact Head Ghouls:
Aileen Robinson | 312-745-6340
Program Development Coordinator
CPD, Domestic Violence Division
Teri Archam | 847-641-8448


GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
I.H.M.P.A.C. Golf Fundraiser 
On September 12th, under the organization and leadership of Patrick Donelly, Paul Daly, and the Hyatt Regency team, IHLA hosted the Annual I.H.M.P.A.C. Chicago/Cook County Dedicated Fund Golf Fundraiser at Tuckaway Golf Club in Crete. Once again, the event was sold out and raised more than $140,000 in net proceeds for our I.H.M.P.A.C. Chicago/Cook County Dedicated Fund.  The funds raised are used exclusively to support Chicago and Cook County elected officials and candidates.  Attendees enjoyed a great day of golf, beautiful weather, food and drinks, and many prizes. "I can't thank Patrick enough for all of his help in putting this fundraiser together, as well as all of the people who contributed and supported the event," stated Marc Gordon, IHLA President & CEO. "The event allows our industry to continue having a strong political voice in Chicago and Cook County." Additional thanks to Rick Simon, United Service Companies President & CEO, for donating the golf club each year.
 
What is I.H.M.P.A.C.?
I.H.M.P.A.C. (Illinois Hotel-Motel Political Action Committee) is the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association's Political Action Committee. It is a voluntary, bi-partisan PAC formed to help and elect state candidates who support the hotel and tourism industry. I.H.M.P.A.C. strives to financially support elected officials and candidates who promote legislation and regulation that creates a business environment in Illinois which allows the hotel industry to operate successfully, consequently creating jobs and growing the economy.



STAYGREEN
Constellation Webinar for Energy Buyers
2017 Energy Market Outlook
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 | 1:00 pm CDT 


Topics Include:
-Weather Summary
-Fundamentals Overview
-Pipeline Infrastructure Update
-Demand Drivers


Hurricane Harvey Leaves Its Mark on Golf Coast Energy Sector, By: Constellation 



Our thoughts are with our employees and customers in the Houston area and all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Aside from the devastating impact of the storm, Hurricane Harvey has also impacted the energy market. READ MORE

Recent #StayGreenSpotlight Articles 
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

IHLAEF SEMINAR: Labor & Employment Law 
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
8:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast | 8:30am - 10:00am Program & Q&A
 

 
Join IHLA as we hear from Robert T. Bernstein, Partner at Laner Muchin, Ltd. about new labor and employment laws and developments affecting the hotel industry and best HR practices to reduce employment claims. 
 
Topics Include: 

1. An Overview of Recent Illinois, Cook County, & Chicago Employment Laws 
-Paid Sick Leave Law
-Minimum Wage Law
 
2. How Hospitality Employers Can Minimize Their Risk of Employment Claims 
-Best Hiring, Discipline, Termination, & Investigation Practices & Procedures 
-Effective Documentation 
-Examples of Past Cases
-Updates on Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Law 
 
All event proceeds benefit the IHLAEF Scholarship Program.
 



WEBINAR: Need Quality Entry-Level Talent?
Friday, October 13, 2017 | 1:00pm CST

AHLA has heard across the country about hotelier's needs for entry-level talent. Now, AHLA is launching a national strategy to recruit and develop youth for careers in hospitality. The focus of this new initiative is on Opportunity Youth, young adults ages 16-24 who are out of school and out of work, and have proven to be a valuable talent source for employers across the nation. These young adults possess the resilience to succeed in the workplace, but need the tools to get started.
 
AHLA will be making a series of grant investments to training providers helping kick start a pilot that will support on the ground recruitment and training efforts in five high-demand cities: San Francisco, LA, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. To execute these pilots, AHLA has partnered wit Grads of Life, a national non-profit specializing in helping employers nationwide build talent pipelines for Opportunity Youth.
 
Please join AHLA and Grads of Life in an introductory webinar specifically for Chicago area hotels to understand how this new initiative may solve your entry-level hiring needs and how to participate.
 
 
SEMINAR: Labor & Employment Law Conference
Friday, October 20, 2017 | 8:00am - 12:00pm
Clark Hill PLC | 130 E. Randolph St. | Suite 3900

Emerging employment issues involving employee theft of advanced technologies, hate speech in the workplace, and new Illinois employment laws dominate the headlines and require nuanced responses by in-house legal and HR executives. Paul E. Starkman and Scott Cruz of Clark Hill's Labor and Employment Law Practice Group in Chicago will present a comprehensive half-day program to provide context and practical solutions to these cutting-edge employment issues and legal developments.
 
Agenda Includes:
  • The Newest Illinois Employment Laws
  • Trade Secret Thefts & Restrictive Covenant Breaches - Ethical Issues & Best Practices
  • Help ... My Employee is a Member of a Hate Group: Can Employers Terminate Employees for Hate Speech in the Workplace or Participating in Off Duty Protests?

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 - December 4 on  BiddingforGood.com

We are in need of the following:
-Hotel package donations (In or outside of Illinois)
-Hotel restaurant & spa gift cards
-Other donations such as dining gift cards, event/tour tickets, unique items & experiences
 
Contributions will be promoted in various ways conveying the business's commitment to education and charitable community endeavors. Please consider donating a package or asking those in your network to donate an item.
 

 
Be on the lookout for announcements once the auction goes live on November 27 (Cyber Monday) and  don't miss your chance to bid on fantastic packages and get started on your holiday shopping!

CHICAGO HEAT
Chicago HEaT Golf Event at Lost Marsh



On September 7th, IHLA was happy to attend and support the 3rd Annual Golf Outing at Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond, Indiana with our friends at Chicago HEaT (Hospitality Entertainment & Tourism) Security Association. A special thank you to those who supported the event and Breakthru Beverage Group for enhancing the event. Chicago HEaT'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. Please visit their website to LEARN MORE and JOIN: chicagoheat.org


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

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