NMHA Newsletter

INDUSTRY UPDATE

January 2021

Current Events -

NMHA will continue to partner with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce (formerly ACI) and the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce to present Virtual Roundhouse NM! We launched the event on January 11 with more than 780 participants, and we look forward to presenting new content every Tuesday during the session. You can register to participate and check the content every week at virtualroundhousenm.com.

Please note that if you are already registered, you do not have to sign up again. Your registration is good for the entire ten weeks.

ADA Lawsuit Update -

If your business has been served with a lawsuit by Peter Strojnik, please see the statement below from Lindsey Leavitt of Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C.:

On January 6, 2021, the Arizona Federal Court declared that Peter Strojnik is a Vexatious Litigant. This means that Strojnik is no longer allowed to file ADA claims in Arizona Federal Court and if his ADA claims get removed from state court to federal court he must post a $10,000 bond that is payable to the defendant in the event Strojnik does not prevail on his ADA claim. The court also held that Strojnik does not have standing to bring his ADA claims because he cannot allege how the ADA violations prevented him from accessing the property. The court also found that Strojnik “habitually over-exaggerates his injuries” and “harasses and coerces parties into agreeing to extortive settlements.”

Please note that other attorneys can still file ADA lawsuits, and strict compliance with ADA regulations is crucial for the safety of your employees and guests.

A copy of the Arizona order is attached for your convenience:

Arizona Order

*The information above was provided as a resource and is not intended as legal advice.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT -

The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is a world renowned destination nestled in an incomparable setting at the foot of Kachina Peak. With a commitment to the environment and to the culture of the community, Taos Ski Valley and The Blake became the first major resort to be classified as a certified B Corp. Their motto "Ski the Change" summarizes a business philosophy aimed at benefiting their employees, their visitors, and their community through social responsibility, environmental sensitivity, and economic sustainability.

Learn more about this beautiful property at:

https://www.skitaos.com/plan-your-visit/blake

ABOUT OUR NEW INDUSTRY UPDATE -

NMHA will be producing this industry update every month going forward. Our goal is for this publication to become a valuable resource for you and your business and to include content that relates to current industry issues. The best way for that to happen is for you to submit content that you feel is relevant.

To submit content for consideration for the monthly updates, you can email your content to:

kkomoll@newmexicohospitality.org

The sooner New Mexicans are vaccinated, the sooner we can get businesses open and the economy restarted. Sign up to be notified when you're eligible for the vaccine.

Next Round of PPP Funding -

The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program will re-opened on January 11, 2021. The program will roll out in stages:

First draw loans for businesses that have not yet received a PPP loan (through Community Development Financial Institutions)
Businesses applying for a second PPP loan (through Community Development Financial Institutions)
PPP loans from other financial institutions

The $284.45 billion program, funded by the new $900 billion federal stimulus bill that passed in December, will run through March 31.

Additional information/Application:

NMHA Committees

You can become more involved with the hospitality industry and shape the industry's future by serving on one of our NMHA Committees. Learn more about the different committees and where you can make and impact:

View Committees

The History of Hospitality

in New Mexico -

Survey in 1936 --- Survey in 2021

On January 18, 1936, the board of directors of the New Mexico Hotel Association met, and the president gave a report on the results of a member survey on telephone rates and contracts. Eighty-five years later, NMHA is still working to ensure we represent the interests of our members. Our current survey asks if our members support or oppose the effort to legalize recreational cannabis in New Mexico. To participate in the current survey, go to:

NMHA Legislative Survey

If you're curious about the result of that 1936 survey, here it is:

"The president recommended that the Association endeavor to get the present maximum long distance charge of $1.00, on which 10% commission is allowed, raised to $2.50 or $5.00, if possible."

The issues may shift, but our mission remains the same - to advocate for our members at the local, state, and federal level.

NMHA 2021 Legislative Priorities -

NMHA is working with our members and our lobbyist, Jason Weaks, to develop legislative policies that will position New Mexico to be a leader in economic recovery and ensure a safe environment for our communities, our employees, and our guests. We are working with our state and federal partners to ensure that the travel and tourism industry is included and prioritized as policy and funding programs are developed. View our current 2021 Legislative Priorities here.

You can participate in our first 2021 Legislative Issue Survey - Legalization of Recreational Cannabis here.

Industry Resources

NM Safe Certified / NM Safe Promise

Make sure your business is NM Safe Certified and that your employees have made the NM Safe Promise!

Get Certified and Make the Promise

As of December 3, 2020 New Mexico will be using a Red - Yellow - Green county system to determine re-opening status. The map will be updated every Wednesday on the Department of Health website.

DOH Red to Green

Public Health Orders are updated frequently to reflect the changing health environment. Make sure your business is in compliance with the current health orders.

Public Health Orders

Why NMHA?

With the constantly-changing elements of both our legal, workforce, and economic environments, it’s more important now than ever for industries join in unified representation to ensure their continued success.

Your membership in NMHA, a nonprofit corporation, is an investment in your own business/organization and your staff, along with the future of successful travel and tourism in New Mexico. Through the variety of programs, events, initiatives, and leadership opportunities, you will:

Be able to network more effectively
Strengthen your research, marketing and sales efforts
Enhance your knowledge and leadership skills through educational programs
Increase your impact on relevant legislative issues
Gain the latest, valuable information about issues affecting the tourism industry
Help focus attention on the economic and community benefits of tourism
Be part of an industry network of support which includes federal and state agencies, other state trade associations, destination marketing organizations, tourism attractions and industry supportive companies such as restaurants, hotels and airlines.

Become a Member