On behalf of Maryland’s lodging industry, this letter was sent today to Chief Elected Officials and Budget/Finance Officers in each Maryland County. We are asking members of the lodging community to follow up with local county contacts on this request, and report back to MHLA with any feedback obtained.


Dear Chief Elected Official:

Maryland’s lodging industry is reeling from the fallout from the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. In a matter of weeks, we are seeing our occupancy, rate and demand for our hotel rooms plummet. Layoffs and hotel closures in mass are becoming a reality. Oxford Economics projects Maryland will lose 34,659 (low end) – 42,361 (high end) hotel supported jobs. “Marriott International said Tuesday that it was starting to furlough what it expects to be tens of thousands of employees. The hotel chain, which has nearly 1.4 million rooms and employs 130,000 people in the United States, began shutting down some managed properties last week.”[1] Travel related spending is projected to drop $355 billion in 2020.[2] The current challenges facing the hospitality industry are existential, completely unprecedented, and wholly unforeseen by all globally.

While assistance from the federal government is being discussed, it may take months for that assistance to materialize. To keep our hotels operating and our associates employed we need immediate assistance from our local governments. We are requesting immediate deferment – with waiver of penalties and interest – of occupancy and property taxes to provide immediate relief to our industry. This is not a request for tax forgiveness, but rather a request to allow hotels to have enough short-term liquidity to keep as many employees on staff as possible. Further, we will need this assistance in the recovery period to assist us with building our industries back.

We are following all state, local and federal guidance to assist in curbing the spread of virus. We are perpetually updating our staff and guests to provide them to the most up to date guidance to protect their health. At this point in the crisis, many of our guests are first responders and essential government personnel. Some of our hotels are partnering with state and local governments to house the homeless and other vulnerable populations. We will continue to do our part during this unparalleled global crisis. However, we need assistance from our state and local governments to continue to do our part.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Amy W. Rohrer, President & CEO
cc: Budget & Finance Officers
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[1] https://www.wsj.com/articles/marriott-starting-to-furlough-tens-of-thousands-of-employees-11584459417
[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/17/travel-hotel-industry-coronavirus-jobs/

UPDATE March 17, 2020
Last night MHLA and other business leaders participated in a call led by Secretary Kelly Schulz (Maryland Department of Commerce) and Secretary Tiffany Robinson (Maryland Department of Labor).  With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 response, we still do not have official answers to some of the questions specific to Maryland’s lodging industry, and we all need to use our best judgement to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our employees and guests.

MHLA is not in a position to provide legal advice.  However, based on yesterday’s dialogue, and the clear intent of the Governor’s Emergency Order, we encourage hotels to take the following additional steps:

• Do everything possible to eliminate people congregating in common space areas of your hotel (both indoors and outdoors)
• Close hotel fitness facilities.  Consider closing pools or minimizing use so there is no congregating at the pool.
• Use disposable containers for room service delivery
• If serving food to groups less than 50, follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and consider serving banquet food as “carry-out” or “grab n’ go”.   ***  Social gatherings of more than 10 are discouraged for fifteen days in this White House communication from March 16, 2020.
• Grab’n Go Kiosks are permitted, but lines and/or congregating around a kiosk should be avoided.

Additionally, I want to ensure all Maryland hotels are aware of the Maryland Business Express web page dedicated to COVID-19 information useful to the business community, including the information below:

If a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. Businesses should contact a Claims Representative by emailing [email protected] or calling (410) 767-3252. For more information, visit the Department of Labor’s COVID-19 FAQ page.

The MHLA website will be updated and additional emails will be sent as more information is available.

AMY W. ROHRER, CAE
PRESIDENT & CEO
Maryland Hotel Lodging Association


March 16, 2020
For the sake of expediency in getting information out during this unprecedented state of emergency, we are making all messages related to COVID-19 widely available to the industry, regardless of membership status.

Earlier today Governor Hogan ordered all restaurants in the state to close as of 5:00 p.m. Click here to view the press release -including a link to the Emergency Order, or view the text below my signature. Please note the order states that restaurants may continue drive-through, carry-out and delivery services.

We are seeking more specific guidelines from state officials on the questions below.

1) Is room service allowable as a delivery service?
2) Are banquet servers allowed to serve groups of 50 or less people?
3) Are “grab’n go” options allowed?
4) Does the closure of Fitness Centers include hotel gyms for guest use only?

We urge you to adhere to the Emergency Orders detailed below, and of course use your best judgement until further clarification on hotel specific questions is obtained. Please let me know of any other questions as soon as possible.

Thank you,
AMY W. ROHRER, CAE
PRESIDENT & CEO
Maryland Hotel Lodging Association

Governor Hogan Orders Closure of Bars and Restaurants, Announces Unprecedented Public Health Surge To Combat COVID-19 Crisis
Prohibits Gatherings of More Than 50 People Directs Maryland Department of Health to Increase Hospital Capacity by Additional 6,000 Beds, Activates Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps Activates 1,000 Maryland National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Prohibits Utility Companies From Shutting Off Service, Tenant Evictions During State of Emergency

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today ordered the closure of bars and restaurants, and expanded the prohibition on gatherings to those of more than 50 people—the latest in a series of unprecedented actions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor also announced a public health surge to combat this crisis and ensure that Maryland has the capacity and the infrastructure to treat patients.

“We have never faced anything like this ever before,” said Governor Hogan. “This is going to be much harder, take much longer, and be much worse than almost anyone is currently understanding. And unfortunately, far too many people have chosen to continue crowding bars and restaurants, willingly putting the health and safety of others in grave danger. Decision makers at the federal, state, and local level are going to have to take drastic actions right now that may seem scary and may sound extreme. They will be terribly disruptive, but they are also absolutely necessary to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans.”

Watch today’s press conference, including Q&A with Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips; State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon; Maryland National Guard Adjutant General Timothy Gowen; and Maryland State Police Superintendent, Colonel Woodrow “Jerry” Jones.

Below is a comprehensive list of actions the governor announced during his press conference at Government House:

Social Distancing
CLOSURE OF BARS, RESTAURANTS, FITNESS CENTERS, AND THEATERS: Governor Hogan has issued an amended executive order to close all bars and restaurants in the state, as well as fitness centers, spas, and theaters, effective at 5:00 p.m. today. Read the emergency order.

• The order allows for restaurants to continue carry-out, drive-thru, and delivery services, and allows for eateries in health care facilities to remain open.

PROHIBITION ON GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE: Effective immediately, gatherings of more than 50 people, including social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings, are prohibited at all locations and venues. Read the emergency order.

• Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of the state of emergency and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency has been rescinded.

Public Health Surge
“At my direction, we are marshaling every tool in the arsenal of public health to combat this crisis and slow the spread of this pandemic,” said Governor Hogan. “It is impossible to know how long this threat will continue. What I do know is that we cannot afford to wait to take action. While these measures may seem extreme, if we don’t take them now, it could be too late.”

Governor Hogan has issued an omnibus health care order that puts into place the following:

STANDING UP AN ADDITIONAL 6,000 BEDS: Governor Hogan has directed the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to work with providers to reopen closed hospital facilities across the state and take other measures necessary to immediately increase our capacity by an additional 6,000 beds.

ACTIVATION OF MARYLAND RESPONDS MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS: At the governor’s direction, the Secretary of Health has activated the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, a trained and dedicated force of 5,000 volunteers from across the state.

​RESOURCE CONTROL: The Secretary of Health is ordered to establish and implement appropriate policies and procedures for receiving, stockpiling, rationing, and distributing all assets received by the State of Maryland from the Strategic National Stockpile and all assets needed for COVID-19 testing.

INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY FOR HEALTH CARE LICENSES: Under the order, any person who holds a valid, unexpired license as a health care practitioner that is issued by another state may, at a health care facility in Maryland, engage in the activities authorized under that license.

INACTIVE PRACTITIONERS: Any inactive practitioner may, at a health care facility in Maryland, engage in activities that would have been authorized under his/her inactive license without first reinstating his/her inactive license.

ELECTIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURES: The Secretary of Health is authorized and ordered to take actions to control, restrict, and regulate the use of health care facilities for the performance of elective medical procedures, as necessary to respond to the catastrophic health emergency.

Relief for Residents and Families
PROHIBITION ON UTILITY SHUTOFFS: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service, or charging any residential late fees. Read the governor’s emergency order.

PROHIBITION ON EVICTIONS: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. Read the governor’s emergency order.

EXPANSION OF AVAILABLE SCHOOL MEALS: State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) applied for a federal waiver and beginning today, has the capability to provide three meals a day, and a snack, to students impacted by the statewide closure of schools. MSDE has 138 meal distribution centers across the state, which can be found at mdsummerschools.org.

Activation of Additional Personnel
NATIONAL GUARD: After issuing an executive order last week directing the National Guard to move to a higher state of readiness, the governor announced the activation of two Area Support Medical Companies in order to carry out any necessary emergency functions and critical areas of need in the coming weeks. At the direction of Major General Timothy Gowen, as of Monday, 1,000 Maryland National Guard soldiers and airmen are fully activated and another 1,200 guardsmen are currently in a state of enhanced readiness.

MOBILE FIELD FORCE: At the direction of Colonel Jerry Jones, the Maryland State Police has activated its Mobile Field Force, which is composed of 250 Maryland State Troopers who are ready to be deployed across the state.

Resources for Businesses. The Maryland Departments of Commerce and Labor have compiled resources to help businesses whose daily operations are affected during the state of emergency. Members of the business community are encouraged to reach out with their questions by sending a message to [email protected].

State of Emergency. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. The State of Maryland is continuing to operate under a state of emergency, and all levels of government are taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach to keep Marylanders safe. The list of ongoing state actions is available at governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
​
For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, Marylanders should visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

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Below is a letter from Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz:

Dear Valued Members of Maryland’s Business Community –

As you are aware, Maryland is being impacted by the COVID-19 and the current status is fluctuating every day. Maryland is currently operating under a state of emergency, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has elevated its state response activation level.

Governor Hogan is taking very proactive steps to minimize the impact of COVID-19 across our state. This week, he signed emergency legislation granting him the authority to tap into the state’s rainy day fund and announced the formation of a Coronavirus Response Team that will advise the administration on important health and emergency management decisions as this situation continues to evolve.

Please know these measures were put in place in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. It is our hope that by taking these actions, we can lessen the impact and get our state back on track more quickly.

Commerce and other state agencies will remain open and operational, but we are making accommodations and preparations to ensure the safety of our employees and minimize the impact of the virus.

We recognize that the spread of this virus poses numerous challenges for our businesses, and we stand ready to help however we can.

I want to share some resources provided by a number of federal and state government agencies that you may find helpful.

• The U.S. Department of Labor has developed some guidelines for how companies can prepare their workplace for COVID-19. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a COVID-19 website with information specifically for workers and employers.  There is also information on issues relating to wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act available here.
• The Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Labor and Industry enforces the Maryland Health Working Families Act, also known as safe and sick leave, which may be useful for employees who need to take off from work due to COVID-19. To learn more about the law, email [email protected] or call 410-767-235.
• If a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. Businesses should contact a Claims Representative by emailing [email protected] or calling (410) 767-3252.
• The Maryland Insurance Administration has also put together an FAQ addressing insurance-related questions about coronavirus.
• I encourage you to regularly visit the Maryland Department of Health for the latest information on coronavirus and the state’s response to the outbreak. 
• President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide low-interest loans to companies affected by the outbreak, and that he will ask Congress to increase funding for the SBA lending program to $50 billion.

The Governor is staying in close touch with Vice President Pence, and federal leaders are continuing to develop plans to stimulate the U.S. economy and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

State agencies including the Department of Commerce are prepared to fully serve our clients in the business community, even if we must work remotely. Maryland is still “Open for Business.”

We are committed to helping protect the health and well-being of all Marylanders, and thank you for being our partner as we face this challenge together.
​
Thank you,
-Kelly

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Updates from the 2020 Maryland General Assembly Session
Prior to the opening of the 2020 Maryland Legislative Session several legislators either resigned or were indicted, changing many committee assignments. The new Session also brought a new Speaker of the House, Adrienne Jones from Baltimore City/County, and Senate President Bill Ferguson, also from Baltimore. Former long-time Senate President, Mike Miller, now sits on the prestigious Senate Budget committee. We are now more than half way through the 90-day session and are experiencing far more “progressive” legislation being introduced in both houses.

The leadership in both houses is wrestling with finding methods to pay for the highly touted Kirwin Commission’s recommendations for improvements to Maryland’s education system—a $1.2 Billion annual commitment for the next ten years! The latest attempt was introduced as HB 1628: Sales and Use Tax, Rate Reduction and Services – a bill that would, in the words of Governor Hogan, “destroy our economy.” MHLA and AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) have joined forces to oppose this bill on behalf of Maryland’s lodging industry. We will be joined by hoteliers testifying as a panel at the hearing on Monday, March 2, 2020 and have also engaged with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as part of the larger business community opposed to this horrific bill. (Of note to hoteliers, the proposed bill would impose a 5% sales tax on management contracts and other professional services that have not historically been taxed.)

Other Legislation of Importance to the Lodging Industry:
HB 771/SB 158 would require that ADA accessible rooms have beds that are between 20-23 inches in height and have a 7-inch vertical clearance from the floor. While MHLA members have expressed support for the intent of this legislation, we are working with the sponsor on amendments to address a reasonable phased-in implementation.

HB0382 addresses Human Trafficking Awareness Training. This bill is supported by MHLA and would require that all hotel employees be trained on an annual basis to recognize signs of human trafficking and appropriately report the activity. We have worked with the bill sponsor to ensure existing training programs (such as AHLEI, BEST, brand-mandated training, etc.) already used by the industry are recognized as meeting the requirements of this bill. MHLA has also proposed an amendment to apply this requirement to short-term rentals.

HB0354 would prohibit providing single-use soap, shampoo, or conditioner, unless requested by the guest. Many hotels have already switched to using bulk dispensers and MHLA’s legislative committee voted to support this bill.

These are just a few of many bills MHLA has taken a position on. Our full tracking sheet is available to members (email [email protected] with requests) and we will discuss key issues at MHLA’s Annual Meeting on April 29, 2020. Please plan to join us!

MHLA NEWS & EVENTS
Stars of the Industry
Nearly 400 professionals gathered on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at The Hotel at University of Maryland for the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) 31st Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon, which honors exemplary employees and unique programs in the hospitality industry.  Congratulations to all of our nominees and winners!! READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

2020 Annual Meeting and Exhibitor Reception
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm @ Sheraton Baltimore North, Towson, MD
Featuring guest speaker, Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.  MHLA will also present a wrap-up of the 2020 General Assembly Session. Registration will open soon!

Maryland Tourism Education Foundation Scholarships Available
MHLA is now managing the Maryland Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF), which is accepting applications for its 2020 Tourism and Hospitality scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to increase the skills and knowledge of Maryland’s tourism workforce. READ MORE

Membership Updates:
Welcome to our new property members:
– Grace Scott – Holiday Inn BWI Airport
– Laronte Bryant – Delta Hotel Baltimore Hunt Valley
Congratulations to the newly named General Manager at the following property:
– Emily McAuley–SpringHill Suites Annapolis

January 2020 STR Report
Smith Travel Research data for Maryland shows occupancy up 5.4%, ADR up slightly by 0.9%, and RevPAR increased by 6.3% for January 2020 compared to January 2019. Maryland data is provided monthly to MHLA by Smith Travel Research.
Members may view the full report online. Go here to read “Industry Statistics and Research.” (Member log-in required.)


INDUSTRY NEWS & INFORMATION
The Bethesdan Hotel Opens in Maryland
Source: Hotel News Resource
The Bethesdan Hotel, a locally inspired, vibrant hotel, opens its doors as the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Maryland. Located at 8120 Wisconsin Avenue in lively downtown Bethesda, the hotel brings a new style of hospitality, offering authentic, local experiences to the city. READ MORE

College Park: Over $500 Million of Projects Slated
Source: The Hyattsville Wire
There is currently more than half a billion dollars’ worth of planned real estate development projects in the pipeline in College Park, including new student housing, hotels, office buildings, townhomes, apartments and retail.READ MORE

New Marriott Hotel Coming to College Park
Source:  Baltimore Business Journal
College Park’s hotel scene grew exponentially during the tail end of the last decade and it appears poised to continue that growth into the next. A new Marriott Residence Inn, Republic Properties Corp. has proposed for the intersection of Campus Drive and Corporal Frank Scott Drive, near the College Park Metro station. The D.C. developer has proposed a 160-room hotel with approximately 8,000 square feet of retail for this location within College Park’s Discovery District READ MORE

Plamondon Hospitality Partners expands hotel portfolio with acquisition of Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton
With the acquisition of these two properties, the Plamondon Hospitality Partners portfolio increases to thirteen Marriott and Hilton hotels throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and Georgia, including their Home2 Suites by Hilton in Grovetown, Georgia. The Maryland hotels are located throughout Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Howard Coutnies. READ MORE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Amy Rohrer
Phone: 1-410-974-4472
Email:[email protected]

MARYLAND TOURISM EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
(Baltimore, MD) The Maryland Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF) is now accepting applications for its 2020 Tourism and Hospitality scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to increase the skills and knowledge of Maryland’s tourism workforce. They may be used for post-secondary education that meets any of the three career development objectives: acquiring an industry degree, career development, and enhancement or transitional training.

Applicants must be a resident of the State of Maryland. In addition, they must have a minimum of six months of work experience in a hospitality and tourism-related position or a minimum of one year enrolled in a Maryland sanctioned or accredited hospitality and tourism-related education program.

Chair of the MTEF and Executive Vice President for Plamondon Hospitality Partners, Michael Henningsen states, “This is an excellent opportunity for those in the hospitality industry. These scholarships will help provide training and opportunities for individuals, who in turn will help us strengthen and grow our workforce.”

The Maryland Tourism Education Foundation scholarship program is managed by the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA). “Managing these scholarships is a natural extension of MHLA. We are deeply connected to the hospitality industry, and we are pleased to be an integral part of tourism in Maryland,” states MHLA CEO and President, Amy Rohrer.

Applications may be found online at mdtef.org and must be received via mail or email by March 31, 2020.

The Office of Tourism Development & Maryland Department of Commerce reports that visitors spent over 18.1 billion dollars in the State of Maryland in 2018, up 2.1 percent from the previous year. In 2018, more than 150,000 Marylanders were directly employed by the tourism industry, which is the 10th largest private-sector employer in the state.

The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) is a trade-based membership organization
representing Maryland’s 6 billion dollar lodging industry with more than 78,000 rooms in 700
hotels across the state. It provides advocacy, information, recognition, and networking opportunities that benefit lodging industry owners, managers, associates, related businesses, and communities in Maryland. www.mdlodging.org.
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