USVIHTA Update | September 2021
USVI Promotes Business Incentives at Leading Investment Summit
The U.S. Virgin Islands is ready to get down to business at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) taking place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida this week. Leading the territory's delegation are the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA), which are partnering to ensure that the interests of both public and private sector stakeholders are promoted and communicated to would-be investors. The highly-anticipated annual investment conference features insightful information sessions and panel discussions, networking opportunities and nearly 70 speakers, approximately one-third of whom are chairmen, chairwomen, CEOs or presidents representing various Caribbean hospitality and tourism brands and organizations. Read more.

More local news:
Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign uses this time to encourage people to take steps to prepare for disasters and emergencies that could happen anywhere and at any time. This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect.” Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love. Act now to prepare yourself and your family before disaster strikes.
 
Throughout the month, weekly themes will be used to highlight basic preparedness activities that everyone can do, including:
 
  • Week 1, Sept. 1-4: Make A Plan.
  • Week 2, Sept. 5-11: Build A Kit.
  • Week 3, Sept. 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness.
  • Week 4, Sept. 19-25: Teach Children about Preparedness.
 
Follow FEMA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and share posts about preparedness. In addition, the Ready Campaign has developed a toolkit for creating content for social media posts. Remember to use #PreparetoProtect and #BeReady hashtags with a mention to the Ready Campaign. For more information, visit Ready.gov/September.
 
Later this month, the Ready Campaign and the Ad Council will launch a series of PSAs aimed at family and personal preparedness efforts. This year, the campaign will specifically feature the Latino/Hispanic demographic to ensure campaign messages are culturally competent and meeting the needs of historically under-served populations. Read more from the FEMA Bulletin.
USVI Small Business Resources September
Click here to view VI Small Business Development Center Resources for September 2021.
Bryan Williams' Tip: USE Your Whole Heart
Some people believe that leaders have to be EITHER kind or tough. Not true at all. You can be both. In fact, I urge you to never feel like you have to explain your kindness or justify your high expectations. The duality reflects your humanity. Love that about yourself. Don't think that something is wrong if you have colleagues who don't share your conviction, or encourage your zest for authentic leadership. 


Know in your heart that leading with passion, purpose and love is a beautiful thing. Challenge yourself to be an inspiration to those around you, even on days when you don't feel like it. It doesn't matter how passionate you are. There will always be days when you would rather just do what you're supposed to do and go home. But you won't. You were not born to do just the bare minimum. Only your best efforts will do. 

Takeaway: As a leader, you are called to put your whole heart in to how you lead and who you lead.
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
Click here to view upcoming events. And don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835