USVIHTA Update | February 2022
Greetings Members,

Thank you for reading these and other important updates. Please remember to use the web link at the bottom to share with your teams.
Public Input Sought on the USVI Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL) is pleased to announce that the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is now available for public review and feedback. In 2020, the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands engaged the services of UVI CELL in the creation of the five-year plan. CEDS is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that allows regions to identify strengths and weaknesses and brings together a diverse set of partners to generate jobs, diversify the economy and spur economic growth. Public comments on the CEDS plan will be received until March 4. Responses can be submitted in writing via the online survey or through a series of Virtual Townhall Meetings. The virtual sessions will include a review of the findings and will be held based on the following schedule:
 
St. Thomas
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 @ 7:00 pm
 
The CEDS plan and online survey can be found on the CELL website at https://cell.uvi.edu/programs/tourism-and-economic-study-2020.aspx.  Residents interested in participating in the Virtual Townhall Meetings can access the Zoom sessions by visiting https://zoom.us/j/96697957723, ID: Meeting ID: 966 9795 7723.

More local news:
CHTA Education Foundation Newsletter
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted more than any other crisis the significance of our Caribbean tourism industry to the region’s economies. Hospitality training and education have never been more important to ensure our competitiveness on a global scale as tourism destinations adapt their offerings to suit a post-pandemic world, with focus on innovation, improved communication and information technology at all levels. The Education Foundation is proud of our new collaboration with Les Roches Global Hospitality Education to advance the management careers of our hospitality professionals. We are equally proud to have been able to bring back in-person training to the islands with our CARIBBEAN SAFE, SUPERCHARGED SERVICE! workshop. Read more.

More regional news:
Annual My Brother's Workshop Fundraiser Set for Feb. 26
My Brother’s Workshop will host “Mystery in Paradise” set to the Theme of Clue by Hasbro on Feb. 26 from 7-10 p.m. AST. Events may look different these days, but MBW is excited for this virtual event and for all to join for a party in your pod to benefit MBW! This virtual event is FREE to attend. There will be silent and live auction items, prizes for best dressed, guessing whodunnit and more! All proceeds from the event go towards furthering the mission of MBW. Visit https://mybrothersworkshop.home.qtego.net/ for more information and to register. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Mystery in Paradise, please click here to view the sponsorship levels and contact information. If you are interested in donating items for the silent auction, please fill out this form. Read more.
Bryan Williams' Tip: How Can You Motivate Low Performers to be High Performers? Part 1
"What can I do to change or motivate my low performers to be top performers?"

First off, it is important to note that you can't "make" anyone change, nor can you give someone desire to do so. The most effective thing you can do is create a culture where top performers want to thrive even more, mid performers want to become top performers, and low performers want to improve. You may also know what the low performers' talents are, then incorporate more opportunities to express that strength at work (i.e. more face time with customers, organizing a space, planning a project, etc).
Association Health Plans Available Now through Elan
The Hotel & Tourism Association continues to work to identify great opportunities for our members. We've recently signed an agreement with Elan Insurance Group to offer Association Health Plans. Click the photo to view the PDF version in your browser. The PDF lets members know about:
  1. This great NEW benefit
  2. Who is qualified to receive it
  3. How to get started

For more information, contact Omar Andres Haedo directly at omar.a.haedo@elan.insure.
Save the Date

Don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835