Friday, January 19, 2024

Taste of Iowa Legislative Reception

Centro Restaurant | 1003 Locust Street | Des Moines

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The past three legislative sessions, Iowa lawmakers have stepped up in many ways to support the hospitality industry. Connect with Iowa lawmakers and other industry members in a relaxed setting as we say thank you and share our collective concerns for the year ahead. No RSVP required. This event is open to all members of the Association.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

World Insurance, LLC

Iowa Hoteliers Day at the Capitol

Lunch: Heart of America Offices

515 E Locust St, #100 | 11:30 PM

Capitol Visits to Immediately Follow Lunch

Join hoteliers from across the state for lunch and meetings with legislative leaders. We will provide you with handout materials, talking points, and meeting support. Legislators appreciate personal visits from constituents at the Capitol and are normally able to step away from the Floor to speak directly with you. Registration for lunch is required.

Congratulations 2024 IHLA Board of Directors

The IHLA is a non-profit trade association with an elected volunteer Board of Directors. At the Annual Meeting of the Association which was held via Zoom on January 10, 2024, the Board of Directors presented their approved slate of candidates to members for consideration. 

The following Board Members Were Ratified by an electronic Vote of the IHLA membership.  

Chair:  Scott Math , Heart of America

Vice Chair:  Angela Harrington, Hotel Grinnell, Highlander

Directors:  Omkar Bhatt , Leo Hospitality

                               Ben Kinseth, Kinseth Hospitality 

                               Atul Patel, Open Door Hospitality 

                               Kalpesh Patel, VKB Management

                               Ravi Patel, Hawkeye Hotels 

                               Paul Rottenberg, Orchestrate Hospitality 

                               Lowell Scott, Holiday Inn Airport & Conference Center

Iowa Representative Feenstra Leads Death Tax Repeal Efforts

This week Iowa’s own Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) led 162 of his colleagues in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act. This legislation would permanently repeal the death tax, which imposes an unfair and costly tax on the transfer of property, land, and other assets from a deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses.

Over 95% of the country’s small businesses, including thousands of hotels and lodging properties, are owned and operated by individuals and families. This legislation would enable these multigenerational businesses to continue to support their families without having to pay a devastating tax upon the death of a family member. Iowa business owners were among those expressing support as part of the official announcement including a second generation hospitality owner.



“Family-owned and multi-generational restaurants are cornerstones for Iowa communities and neighborhoods. A federal tax on these family-owned businesses after its owner passes increases stress and sadness – all while endangering operations,” said Ross Groeneweg, Orange City Pizza Ranch. “We appreciate Congressman Feenstra’s leadership to repeal the ‘death tax’ and we urge Congress to advance this important legislation.”

Watch for future IHLA communications for ways you can help support this legislation.

If you appreciate this information, please consider joining. 

These efforts are funded by our membership. Learn more about membership here.