Today, BCHA Board Directors Tanya Stroinig and Samantha Hackett were in Ottawa for Hill Days, an exclusive annual event that facilitated in-person meetings with Parliamentarians and federal department officials. With close to 50 meetings on the books, led by the Hotel Association of Canada, Tanya and Samantha were part of many critical conversations had to support the hotel sector's growth at the federal level. Thank you to HAC, Samantha, Tanya, and every other participating Canadian hotleier for giving a united voice for our sector!

Last week, BCHA's Ingrid Jarrett and Kelsey Millman joined the Western Canadian Lodging Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver. Ingrid provided updates on our advocacy and resources, and moderated a panel on "Development and Operating Cost Management" with fellow hoteliers Jeff Cury, Senior Director, Development Canada at Hilton; Philippe Gadbois, Senior Vice President, Operations at Atlific Hotels; and Don Lougheed, Regional VP, Sales & Franchise Operations, Canada at Hyatt. It was a day filled with networking, connections, and growth. We're excited to continue the momentum at our 2024 Summit in Whistler, May 1-2, 2024.

BCHA's Director of Operations, Michael Macleod, had the pleasure of connecting with accommodation operators in the beautiful Kootenay region during the recent Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association AGM. This fantastic event provided a platform to share exciting updates on the advocacy initiatives that BCHA is spearheading. But, it was more than just business—it was an incredible opportunity to strengthen connections with our valued members and learn from each other. Thank you, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, for an insightful gathering.

Under BC's Pay Transparency Act, employers in British Columbia are now required to include salary or wage information in all publicly posted job listings. This new law prohibits employers from requesting pay history information from job applicants and from penalizing employees who share their pay with colleagues or potential applicants. This legislation aims to address the gender pay gap, with women in BC earning 17% less than men, disproportionately affecting Indigenous women, visible minority women, and immigrant women. Large and medium-sized employers will also need to publicly report their gender-pay gap. These requirements will be introduced in phases to allow employers time to adapt, with regulations refined annually based on employer feedback.

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Symmons is your partner in ensuring an exceptional guest experience. They specialize in pressure-balancing shower valves, meticulously water-tested to deliver consistent showers, regardless of pressure or temperature fluctuations. Plus, BCHA members can enjoy an exclusive one-month free offer on the Symmons Evolution Building Management, a plug-and-play wireless sensor that monitors your building's water systems and reduces operating costs.

For all your bath product needs, contact Lisa Coté-McKain, Regional Director, locally represented by Hy-Line Sales Ltd., at 416.791.6417 or lcotemckain@symmons.com.

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Cambium Networks is your global partner for top-tier wireless fabric infrastructure, catering to both business and residential broadband and Wi-Fi needs. With a steadfast commitment to education, healthcare, industrial campuses, municipalities, and network operators, Cambium Networks empowers its partners to optimize broadband and Wi-Fi performance efficiently.

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Discover the ideal paint partner for your hospitality facility with Sherwin-Williams Paint, the preferred strategic paint supplier for the British Columbia Hotel Association. With a commitment to innovative coatings and tailored programs, they offer comprehensive solutions to protect and beautify your property while reducing renovation and painting expenses. As a BCHA Member, enjoy substantial cost savings up to 50 percent on brushes, rollers, associated products, and paint. Contact Chris Lonsdale, National Account Executive at clonsdale@sherwin.com or call 604-252-9235 ext (235).

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Atlific Hotels proudly announces Olivier Rochefort as its new Vice President of Operations. With an extensive background in the hospitality industry, including his role as Vice President of Operations, Canada at Crescent Hotels and Resorts, Olivier brings valuable experience to the Atlific team. His proven track record in operational leadership and dedication to guest satisfaction align seamlessly with Atlific's goals. Olivier holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Hotel & Tourism Management from the Université du Québec à Montréal and the Université de Toulouse - Jean Jaurès in France.

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Don Cleary, who has served as President of Marriott Hotels of Canada since 2015, will retire in February 2024. Over his 34-year career at Marriott, Don has been a strategic leader and key contributor to the company's growth in Canada. Marriott extends its gratitude to Don and is committed to maintaining strong relationships in Canada with a dedicated senior leadership team. A search for Don's successor is underway as he leaves behind an enduring legacy of success and commitment. Congratulations, Don, on your remarkable career and retirement! 

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The Central Okanagan Food Bank has received a generous $20,745 donation from the Hilton Global Foundation. This valuable contribution will greatly benefit families facing food insecurity in the community. The donation came about through the support of Argus Properties, the owner of the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton at the Kelowna Airport. Catherine Linskey, Director of Community Impact and VP of the Hilton Global Foundation emphasized their commitment to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Larry Sie, Managing Director at Argus Properties, commended Hilton's generosity and their shared dedication to supporting local communities. Well done!