2007 AH&LA Legislative Action Summit

The IAHI was well-represented at the AH&LA Legislative Action Summit held in Washington, DC, March 12-14. More than 20 franchisees and IHG corporate representatives attended the Summit, including IHG President the Americas, Steve Porter. Influential Members of Congress, as well as Administration officials, addressed attendees.

Participants also were included in a White House briefing with high-level officials including Barry Jackson, deputy assistant to the President for strategic initiatives, and Candi Wolff, assistant to the President for legislative affairs.

Following the tradition set over the past several years, IHG hosted a private reception for franchisees at the InterContinental Willard, where IAHI members attending the Summit received more in-depth information on issues and additional perspective on priority legislative and regulatory issues from IHG’s Washington representatives from Jefferson Government Relations.

As chairman of the AH&LA Government Affairs Committee, Steve Porter played a vital role in the Summit, introducing federal officials during the briefings and helping to deliver an effective message in meetings on Capitol Hill. Steve’s introduction of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez reflected their ongoing beneficial relationship, and recognized the valuable perspective the Secretary’s corporate experience brings to the Administration. As a follow-up to the Summit, Secretary Gutierrez asked Steve to serve as a hotel industry liaison, providing information concerning the availability of workers in anticipation of a renewed push for comprehensive immigration reform.

Armed with information on issues most pressing to the hotel industry, participants then headed for the halls of Congress to let their Senators and Representatives know first-hand where they stand. Topics of concern included immigration reform, protecting an employees’ right to a private ballot, and extension of terrorism risk insurance coverage.

IHG representatives from Atlanta had productive discussions with Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Congressman John Lewis (D-Atlanta) and staff of other Georgia- elected officials. Franchisees participated in meetings with Senators and Representatives from their home states, as well. The Summit concluded with a reception for participants, Senators, Members and staff in the Mansfield Room of the US Capitol.