The following testimonials provide several different viewpoints regarding the
benefit of membership and value that the California Hotel & Lodging Association
provides to the California lodging industry.
"This is a very important time that we as an industry come together."
David Kong
President & CEO Best Western International
Best Western International
"Membership in CH&LA for the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square has paid for
itself an untold number of times. Taking advantage of the endorsed programs, specifically
telecommunications, credit card processing, and the payroll services has saved
us thousands that we can quantify. The governmental affairs and The CH&LA
Advantage newsletter have saved us thousands through prevention. I can not quantify
what hasn't happen, but I know that by using the information that CH&LA provides,
we have saved a lot of time and money in regard to lawsuits, guest disputes, regulatory
fines, etc.
Even if we did not use any aspect of our membership, the voice that CH&LA
has in Sacramento, looking out for the lodging industry regarding governmental
affairs, is worth the dues we pay. However, when a property actively participates
in the Association, they will find the membership dues is one of the best deals
going. When the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square pays its dues to CH&LA, we
know we are getting a great return on our investment."
Wes Tyler
General Manager
Chancellor Hotel On Union Square
"CH&LA is a great source for information! CH&LA’s latest seminar series, the Disaster Preparedness Seminars, were very timely and provided industry-specific examples, crisis planning, and opened up a dialogue with emergency planning personnel that was invaluable to those in attendance. They know what’s happening in Sacramento and their work behind the scenes with legislators and regulatory agencies is impossible to put a dollar amount on. Ever since I have been in loss prevention & security I have relied on Jim Abrams for guidance and assistance on interpreting California laws. Operationally, there isn’t a better investment a California hotelier can make."
Jim Kelly
Regional Director, Loss Prevention
Marriott Interantional
"CH&LA is the legislative force in Sacramento for our industry. Not only
that, but as the California state partner of the American Hotel & Lodging
Association, our legislative interests are covered nationally as well. Also, their
programs are excellent - with just CH&LA's energy program, we save thousands
of dollars in energy costs every year."
Sandy Parker, CHA
Owner
Best Western Sutter House
"CH&LA is my connection to Sacramento and Washington, DC. Through their legislative
programs, and those of the American Hotel & Lodging Association nationally,
our property is protected from adverse legislation and has benefited from Jim
Abrams' efforts in all aspect of governmental affairs time and time again."
Luis C. Barrios
General Manager
Hacienda Hotel - Old Town
"Vagabond Franchise Systems believes in CH&LA. The legislative advocacy and
protection that CH&LA provides is invaluable. In addition, we put our membership
dollars to work for us through use of CH&LA endorsed vendor programs - the
savings more than pay for our membership."
Don Johnson, CHA
President & CEO
Vagabond Inn Palm Springs & Oxnard
"CH&LA provides a wealth of knowledge and support for our leaders that help
them to continually develop. We have utilized CH&LA for the ADA seminar that
educated my team on how to better work with guests with disabilities. The updates
and information that Jim Abrams & team provide on what's going on in Sacramento
and pulling the industry together to create change is invaluable to the lodging
industry in California."
Tony Bruno
Vice President & General Manager
Disneyland Resort Hotels
"First, as a member, CH&LA has provided me opportunities to network with
fellow hoteliers, share problems and work on common solutions. Second, as a Professor
in Hotel Management, it has supported my students with scholarships and opportunities
for internship and career placement. Finally, as a consultant, it has provided
me with the ideal venue to market my services."
Tarun Kapoor
Managing Director
Kapoor and Kapoor
"I have joined numerous Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Bureau and Franchise Co-op
organizations all with the same question, is it worth the money? CH&LA is
different. Our individual hotels use CH&LA as a primary resource for buying
power, legal resources, and legislative updates as well as relying on the CH&LA
organization to be our voice at the State Capital. We estimate to have a +200%
ROI.....NOW THAT'S AN INVESTMENT!"
Mark LeBlanc
Vice President, Business Development
The Rim Corporation
"I have been a member of CH&LA for over eight years and I find that the networking and access to information is invaluable. The monthly publication, The CH&LA Advantage, with the updates from Smith Travel Research on rates and occupancies is especially useful."
Alan X. Reay
President
Atlas Hospitality Group
"I have maintained CH&LA membership for more than twenty-five years; in full-service hotels, destination resorts, economy lodging inns, even as an allied member. Throughout the years and across the breadth of the industry, CH&LA has consistently delivered on its membership promise to protect my rights and interests, and to help me be a smarter, more informed and more effective hotelier."
David Britton, CHA
General Manager
Holiday Inn Torrance
"CHLA provides terrific support of our legislative needs and provides specific
action items that can make a difference."
Thomas Maier
Vice President Hotel Operations
WestCoast Hospitality Corporation
"Our participation in CH&LA keeps us tuned into industry trends and cycles.
It provides us an insider's perspective and venues for building partner relationships
with California hoteliers. CH&LA affords us opportunities to support the industry
that is at the heart of USA TODAY'S success."
Candace Savage
Regional Manager
USA Today No. California/Hawaii Region
"There are many reasons for joining CH&LA. The primary reason I belong is
the professionalism and dedication of a concerned and helping staff under the
leadership of a dynamo in our Industry - Jim Abrams. You may not need the resources
and assistance of CH&LA on a regular basis, however, when you do the assistance
comes expeditiously and accurately. Jim and his team do a fantastic job. Thank
you for all you do."
Rick Smock
General Manager
Best Western Beach View Lodge
"Even though we are part of a big hotel company that provides us plenty of information, membership in CH&LA has, time and time again proved beneficial. With California laws and legal interpretations constantly changing it has been vital for us to have the expanse of resources they provide available to all of our key people. If we can't find the answer on the CH&LA website there is always someone to call---and if they don't have the answer, they get it for us. Membership, for us, has been a great investment."
Alan Farwell
General Manager
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa
"Twice now I've used the CH&LA staff as my resource for legal and operating issues. Once for the formula to figure our REVPAR and another time for a living on-site questions, answered by the CH&LA attorney . Their responses are prompt and thorough, their access to a myriad of knowledge, invaluable. Their new California Employee Handbook (available online) is another resounding and valuable resource."
Patricia Weinsheimer
Inkeeper/Manager
OnTheBeach B&B
Cayucos, CA
"CH&LA is the 'real deal'. This organization consistently acts as the preeminent
advocate for lodging facilities with California's legislators and policy makers.
Countless numbers of bad laws and policies have been changed or defeated through
the tireless efforts of Jim Abrams and his team.
CH&LA acts as a resource to hotel operators on issues of every kind. There
is everything from educational programs to cost savings on worker compensation
available through CH&LA. Best of all, this is not some bureaucracy; just a
simple call to 916-444-5780 gets the answer to any type of lodging question. That
is service!"
Carl Winston
Director
Hospitality & Tourism Management Program
California State University, San Diego
"CH&LA is always very helpful to me. I chose to become a member of CH&LA
over other organizations because they always have the answers to my questions.
And their newsletter is very informative - it always has lots of information."
