USVIHTA Update | November 2022
Support Downtown Restoration Efforts to Preserve Paradise with a Letter to the 34th Legislature - Link Below
Preserve Paradise is seeking community support in addressing some of the derelict buildings in our downtown areas. USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton is actively participating with a group led by the VI Realtors Association to further this mission. The group has drafted legislation that it is working to pass in the 34th Legislature. There has been a three-week media campaign to include television, radio, print and social media outreach. If you’d like to show your support for restoring these crucial tourism spots, please visit preserveparadise.org where you will find a quick link to send a message to senators. It’s as simple as entering your information and submitting the template message already crafted in support of restoration efforts, but you also have the option of tailoring your own message. Once completed, your message will be sent to all senators. We strongly encourage you to visit the site to learn more about these efforts and show your support by reaching out to senators today!

More local and regional news:
West Indies Company & Bellows International Official Beverage Sponsors 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show
A Mixology Competition, Pop-Up Bars featuring spirited beverages and locally brewed beer, rum tastings and champagne for the awards are among the key features of the USVI Charter Yacht Show, set for Nov. 12-15, at IGY Marina’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. West Indies Company and Bellows International, both St. Thomas-based distributors, have been named the show’s official beverage sponsors by organizer, the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA). Read full press release here.

Charter brokers can register at usviyachtshow.org. Yachts can register now at usviyachtshow.org/register. Crews can register for the Mixology Competition: usviyachtshow.org/mixology-competition/. Vendors can register for the Marine Expo with a VIPCA membership: vipca.org/brokers-associates-vendors-membership/. Charter brokers can join VIPCA at vipca.org/brokers-associates-vendors-membership to receive one free broker show registration in addition to many other membership benefits. Brokers can receive a 20% discount on accommodations at Bluebeard’s Castle by booking by phone at 340-774-1600 and giving the discount code ‘VIPCA Yacht Show.' For more information about the USVI Charter Yacht Show, visit usviyachtshow.org. For information about VIPCA and its programs, visit www.VIPCA.org, Email: info@vipca.org, or call 340-642-0656.
Giving Tuesday with My Brother's Workshop - Save the Date
#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. This year Giving Tuesday falls on Nov. 29. Today through #GivingTuesday, all donations (up to $25,600) will be matched by The Sheehan Family, Keswick Insurance and 183 Media. Donate and double your impact! Read more.
Bryan Williams' Tip: Strong Leaders Do Not Micromanage
Strong leaders are not micromanagers - it’s a waste of time and energy for everyone. The leaders' responsibility is to support their team members and give them the tools to succeed in their roles and ultimately create success for the business. If you want your staff to work like they own it, then you have to treat them like they own it. "Owning it" means approaching one's role with zeal, commitment and pride. 

Your team members, who work like they own it, need to be empowered, informed, challenged, involved, motivated and appreciated. The most difficult one for many managers to effectively implement is to make their staff feel empowered. Lack of empowerment kills morale and ultimately affects the customer’s service experience.

If you are a leader and are reading this, I have three words for you - Empower your staff. Use every opportunity you can to engage your team to make decisions. If you really want your team to be engaged, then you will empower them, inform them, challenge them, motivate them and appreciate them.
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