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IN THIS ISSUE | February 27, 2019
Upcoming Events & Programs
Hospitality Headlines
Member News

March 12-13
IHLA Lobby Day
Springfield

March 19
The Palmer House Hilton

April 26
The Hospitality Gala
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

May 10
IHLAEF Scholarship 
Application Deadline
McCormick Place

June 20
Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier
  
July 11
Arlington Park Racecourse
 
July 18
Mystic Blue at Navy Pier

August 20
Harborside International 
Golf Center
 
September 17
Tuckaway Golf Club, Crete
 
October 23
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
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REGIONAL PARTNERS




VIEW ALLIED MEMBERS HERE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
It continues to be a busy time for IHLA both in Springfield and in municipalities throughout the state. Last night, Chicago voters sent former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to a runoff election scheduled for April 2. While some of our friends in Chicago's City Council won outright last night, including Ald. Tom Tunney, others were forced into the runoff. Our Government Affairs Committee is currently evaluating how IHLA will engage in the runoff election and which candidates our PAC will continue to support.
 
In Springfield, we are continuing discussions with legislators on a variety of issues including a statewide panic button mandate, eliminating the state hotel tax discount program, and a new requirement to provide human trafficking training to all employees, among others.
 
There are nearly a dozen different bills currently in the state legislature that IHLA is actively advocating on your behalf. Seem overwhelming? I understand. That's why we are hosting an educational webinar on March 6 at 3pm CT to walk you through all of the legislative proposals and how you can help with our outreach. Register for this webinar HERE.
 
With all of the change taking place in governments around Illinois, it's more important than ever to be involved with IHLA. Please be sure to join us in Springfield in two weeks for our annual Lobby Day. We need hoteliers to attend from throughout the state to ensure our collective voice is heard.
UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
IHLA Webinar: 2019 Hotel Legislative Issues
Wednesday, March 6 | 3:00-4:00 pm CT

Join us for IHLA's first in a series of online trainings related to trends and issues facing hoteliers in Illinois! We all know that government regulation plays a big role in the success of the hotel industry. That is certainly the case these days in Springfield. There are more than a dozen bills currently being considered by state legislators and each one could have a significant impact on your hotel's budget and daily operations. Join IHLA for an educational webinar about the issues that the association is currently engaged in on your behalf and learn how you can help advocate for or against these proposals. We will discuss proposals like the elimination of the hotel tax discount, human trafficking training requirements, panic button mandates, and more. This is a FREE benefit to all current IHLA members.

 

REGISTER
 

IHLA Lobby Day
In Partnership with ICCVB & IRA
Tuesday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 13, 2019 | Springfield, IL
Help us show the strength, breadth, and unity of the hospitality and tourism industry to Members of the 101st Illinois General Assembly and continue educating our elected officials on the importance of our industry. It is more important than ever that hoteliers engage with those who have the power to lead change. We are grateful for our members' commitment to advocating for policies that benefit our industry in the long-term.

Hospitality Hires Chicago
March 19, 2019
The Palmer House Hilton
IHLA along with Choose Chicago, Chicago Loop Alliance, Illinois Restaurant Association, Near South Planning Board, and The Magnificent Mile Association have once again partnered with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to host the 4th Annual Hospitality Hires Chicago. This is an event for employers and pre-screened job seekers to meet and interview. To date, HHC events have helped more than 600 people get conditional job offers and is providing more than 200 employers with access to thousands of pre-screened work-ready candidates.
 

The Hospitality Gala
April 26, 2019
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Join us for a night of networking and entertainment like you've never experienced before! Celebrate the achievements of our industry with an evening featuring exciting entertainment over spectacular food and libations and sweet stations provided by area culinary schools. A perfect evening to reward top employee performers or entertain top clients! 


2019 Scholarship Applications
Application Deadline: May 10, 2019 
IHLAEF 2019 scholarship applications are available on our website at IllinoisHotels.org/Scholarships Please encourage eligible family, friends, and colleagues to apply. 

APPLY 
 
HOSPITALITY HEADLINES
News You Can Use
MEMBER NEWS
Welcome New Allied Member
 
Joe Soukup | 847-613-9283
NCC Group is a global expert in cybersecurity and risk mitigation, working with businesses to protect their brand, value and reputation against the ever-evolving threat landscape. With our knowledge, experience and global footprint, we are best placed to help businesses identify, assess, mitigate & respond to the risks they face. We are passionate about making the internet safer and revolutionizing the way in which organizations think about cyber security.
 
Thank You 2018 IHLA Chair, Tom Robertson
During our Board of Directors meeting on February 19th, IHLA President & CEO Michael Jacobson and IHLA Incoming Chair Mark Lauer recognized IHLA Outgoing Chair Tom Robert son for his leadership and dedication in 2018 and presented him with a recognition plaque. As Chair, Tom contributed a great deal to our industry and the Association, and we thank him for his support.
 



Congrats to Our Board Member & Past Chair  Ron Vlasic
Hostmark Hospitality Group Names Ronald L. Vlasic Chief Operating Officer: In his new role, Ron will oversee and grow the company's third-party management portfolio of branded and independent hotels across the U.S., helping the company expand into new markets and segments. "I'm being given the opportunity to do what I enjoy most, namely, helping grow a respected hotel company as it looks to expand even further nationwide." READ MORE
 
Under 30 & GM Connect Reception 2.29.19 



 
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Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association

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