“Your Full-Service Distributor for Commercial & Industrial Laundry!”We are proud to feature Alliance Laundry Systems in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company has been a Silver Partner of MHLA since 2021 and first joined the Association in 2020. Read below to learn more!
Company Overview Alliance Laundry Systems prides itself on being the globally focused and locally committed as a commercial laundry distributor. They are experts providing the highest level of customer service and world-class laundry solutions. Each location delivers excellence in knowledge, service, and support. With over a century as a commercial laundry company, no one knows the laundromat and on-premises industries like Alliance Distribution. How does your business differentiate itself from others in your industry? As the direct link from the factory to the customer, they are uniquely positioned to offer top-tier service, sales, and parts for Alliance Laundry Systems equipment. How does your business positively impact the lodging industry? Alliance Laundry Systems’ mission is to increase efficiency and reduce down-time so that businesses can focus on just that, their business. The laundry room should support the business, not become a liability to it. Primary Contact Information Andy Bingham Title: General Manager East Region Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-866-6905 Address:13015 Salem Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Company website https://distribution.alliancelaundry.com/east Social Media Group Photo: 2024 MHLA "Stars of the Industry" Awards Winners 26 winners announced at 34th annual event honoring exceptional hotel properties and frontline employees from across Maryland. Click here to view photos from the event Annapolis, Md. – On April 25, 2024, the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) hosted more than 500 guests – including owners, managers, employees, and partners from Maryland’s statewide lodging industry – at its 34th annual "Stars of the Industry" Awards Luncheon at the BWI Airport Marriott Hotel. The celebration recognized deserving hotels and team members who have gone above and beyond this past year to provide excellent service to their guests and communities. “Every day, you lend a helping hand, and an open ear to our visitors, our workers and our state,” said Governor Wes Moore in a pre-recorded video message played for attendees of the event. “Whether you work at the front desk, or kitchen, or for culinary teams and housekeeping, for security, or other departments within your hotel, your contributions matter, and our entire state sees you.” Nominations were submitted by MHLA members, and 26 winners were announced in 9 categories celebrating the contributions of every hotel department, including managers, general managers, and staff. A full list of Stars of the Industry winners is included below. “Our annual awards program shines a spotlight on the stars of the MHLA member hotels,” said Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO. “These remarkable individuals have consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their properties, colleagues, and guests. We take pride in honoring the achievements of all nominees and extend heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients.” 2024 MHLA Stars of the Industry Winners (NOTE: Division 1 = Select Service properties; Division 2 = Full-Service properties with 275 rooms or less; Division 3 = Full-Service properties with more than 276 rooms.) Individual Awards:
Top Left: Attendees watch message from Governor Wes Moore to Nominees. Top Right: Bil Terry, Regional VP of Sales, Buckhead Meat & Seafood, the 2024 Presenting Sponsor. Lower Left: (L-R) Stars Committee Members- Donnie Sutton, BWI Airport Marriott; Kat Burns, Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ; Doug Klein, Sheraton Baltimore Inner Harbor; Dan McKeon, Gaylord National; Veronica Whitley, B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group; Kathy Konopik, HotelPro; Patrick Miner, Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor; Dionne Pratt Butler, Hilton Baltimore; (Not pictured Shannon Harcum, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County & Tariq Islam, Anne Arundel County Workforce Development Corporation) Lower Right: (L-R) Linda Westgate, MHLA Chair; The Honorable Senator Pamela Beidle; Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO We are proud to feature Ruppert Landscape in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company has been a Gold Partner of MHLA since 2021 and first joined the Association in 2018. Read below to learn more!
Company Overview The roots of Ruppert Landscape started as many businesses do: a young person wanting to make some money to buy a car and hang out with friends. With a push mower and the use of his parents’ garage as home base, Craig Ruppert began asking neighbors if he could mow their yards in the early 1970’s. Within a few years’ time, that neighborhood yard business grew, and he was able to expand his services and hire a few employees, including his brother Chris. He started trying to learn everything he could about horticultural practices and running a business. The first ten years progressed slowly. There were challenges and plenty of mistakes made along the way, all of which taught the team many life lessons. As the business evolved, we realized that our success was tied to a few simple values: work hard and do right by your employees, who will in turn take great care of your customers. Over the next 50 years, the projects grew in scale and complexity. Residential lawns turned into developments, parks, and corporate campuses, while the focus on hustle and efficiency expanded to include horticultural knowledge and technical specialization. Today, Ruppert employs over 2,300 employees and serves customers from 45 branches primarily throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern US. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality workmanship and unparalleled expertise in all phases of landscape construction and maintenance. The culture and values that made Ruppert Landscape a dynamic and successful business in its early years remain at its core today. How does your business positively impact the lodging industry? Ruppert Landscape provides a customized, proactive approach and careful execution that keeps your hotel property looking its best and serving the needs of your guests year-round. Our wide range of landscape enhancement solutions can help correct not only appearance but functionality, safety hazards, drainage issues, and aging/dying plant material. Our horticulturally knowledgeable crews are adept at tailoring our service to your climate zone and specific plant types and can suggest improvements to make your landscape more sustainable and eco-friendlier. Awards District Wharf (2023)
MGM National Harbor (2018)
Primary Contact Information Patty Pescrille-Brockmeyer Regional Business Development Manager Email [email protected] Phone 301-748-9023 Company website https://www.ruppertlandscape.com Social Media YouTube Baltimore, Md. (January 17, 2024) – On January 12, 2024, members of the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) – including General Managers, industry associates, and partners from Maryland’s statewide lodging industry – gathered at the Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor hotel for the MHLA Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Breakfast. The Breakfast was sponsored by Baywood Hotels. Following the breakfast, MHLA’s Immediate Past Chair, Michael Henningsen called the meeting to order and spoke to the group. He took the time to reflect on the value of the continued support of the association’s lodging members, allied and partner level members. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year, Sandip Patel, Crossroads Hospitality was recognized for his contributions in support of MHLA’s recruitment efforts throughout 2023. The 2024 Board of Directors was announced, and the slate was approved during the meeting. Click here for the full list of the MHLA Board of Directors. Michael Henningsen officially passed the gavel to the new MHLA Chair, Linda Westgate, Southern Management Companies. Linda and MHLA President & CEO Amy Rohrer then took the time to thank Michael for his many years of service to MHLA as Chair and as a Board Member. "The Association is bigger than any one person, but it is amazing the difference one person can make. Mike Henningsen is a highly effective leader who has made a significant impact at MHLA during his tenure both as a Board Member since 2006 and as Chair over the last three years. While Mike is leaving big shoes to fill, Linda Westgate is highly qualified to lead the organization and continue building on past success. I look forward to working with Linda, Mike and the entire MHLA Board in ongoing advocacy for Maryland’s lodging industry. " Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO The Platinum Partners for 2024 were introduced, and two partners who made significant contributions to the Association in 2023 were announced in this category: Ecolab and the Maryland Office of Tourism. Joshua Marshall from Ecolab and Liz Fitzsimmons from the Maryland Office of Tourism gave brief remarks about their support, and each received a certificate of appreciation. Sunlight Energy was also recognized for being in the midst of upgrading to become a Platinum Partner this year. 2024 Platinum Partners
Left photo) L-R Michael Henningsen, MHLA Immediate Past Chair, Joshua Marshall from Ecolab, 2024 Platinum Partner of MHLA and Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO (Right photo) L-R Linda Westgate, MHLA Chair,MHLA President & CEO; Liz Fitzsimmons, Maryland Office of Tourism, 2024 Platinum Partner of MHLA, and Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO MHLA President and CEO, Amy Rohrer then took the stage to also thank members and to introduce the members of MHLA’s 2024 Government Affairs Committee. Consisting of a diverse group of representatives from hotels across the state, the committee meets weekly during the 90-day Maryland General Assembly Session, to monitor legislation and actively advance and protect the interests of MHLA members as bills are proposed and potentially passed into law. The MHLA Government Affairs Committee is co-chaired by Chuck Chandler, General Manager, Residence Inn Fulton at Maple Lawn and Jim Starke, VP of Hotel Operations, Best Western Plus BWI Airport-Arundel Mills. Pictured L-R Legislative Committee Co-Chair Jim Starke Frank Boston, Boston Plaut: Attorneys at Law, Ari Plaut, Boston Plaut: Attorneys at Law, & Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Chuck Chandler As the Maryland General Assembly opened its 2024 session on January 8, MHLA lobbyists Frank Boston and Ari Plaut from Boston Plaut: Attorneys at Law joined to discuss the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session and gave a sneak peek of what they will be monitoring in Annapolis this year that could impact hotels. Chip Rogers, AHLA President & CEO Guest Speaker Chip Rogers, American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA), President & CEO took the stage to share a Federal Update with the group and allowed time for a question-and-answer session following his overview. He spoke on numerous topics that impact the hotel industry in Maryland and across the country. Chip's presentation is available upon request. To learn more, please contact MHLA at [email protected]. MHLA is looking forward to a great year in 2024. We would like to thank all of the members and sponsors, listed below, who showed their support for the Association at this year’s Annual Meeting. Click here to view photos from the event. Thank you Sponsors! Click here to see the list of sponsors for this event.
MHLA Names 2024 Ambassador of the Year; Announces 2024 Board of Directors at Annual Meeting1/12/2024
The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) is proud to name its 2024 Ambassador of the Year: Sandip Patel, CEO, Crossroads Hospitality. The announcement was made during MHLA’s Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Breakfast, held January 12, 2024, at the Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor hotel. The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes a member who has successfully recruited new members as a Board or Committee Member and contributed to the success of the Association during the past year.
MHLA also announced its 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Committee Members, after a vote of approval by members during the Annual Meeting. Five Executive Committee Members were elected for a one-year term:
Two representatives, invited by the Board Chair to serve, will also continue in their service:
“Congratulations to both new and returning Board Members,” said MHLA President & CEO Amy Rohrer. “These esteemed leaders serving on the MHLA Board of Directors will help take the Association to new heights in 2024 and I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.” *The Nominating Committee Report was also sent via email to MHLA Members on November 29, 2023.
On behalf of the Association's Nominating Committee, we're pleased to share the 2024 proposed board slate for the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association. Members will be asked to approve the slate via voice vote at the upcoming Annual Meeting. If you have not already done so, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Breakfast, taking place January 12, 2024 at the Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor. The proposed slate is listed below. Executive Committee Members are nominated for a one-year term and all directors are nominated for a two-year term taking place 2024-2025. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are new or returning members who did not serve during the previous two-year term. 2024 Nominations for Executive Committee: Chair: Linda Westgate, The Hotel at the University of Maryland /Cambria Hotel & Suites at College Park Vice Chair: Donnie Sutton, Marriott BWI Airport Secretary: Doug Klein, Sheraton Inner Harbor Treasurer: Jim Starke, Best Western Plus BWI Airport / Arundel Mills Immediate Past Chair: Michael Henningsen, Plamondon Hospitality Partners 2024-25 Nominations for Board of Directors: Katarina Burns, Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ Skip Cerf, Sheraton Baltimore North Chuck Chandler, Residence Inn Fulton at Maple Lawn Mark Elman, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites Rodney Gooden, Westin Annapolis Hotel Len Goodman, Courtyard Baltimore Hunt Valley Ian Harvey, Residence Inn Baltimore @Johns Hopkins Campus *Yolande Lacan, Homewood Suites Columbia Peter Mangione, Turf Valley Resort Dan McKeon, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Patrick Miner, Courtyard Baltimore Downtown Inner Harbor Sandip Patel, Crossroads Hospitality Tracey Pool, Hyatt Regency Baltimore Ben Seidel, Real Hospitality Group Junaid Siddiqi, Presidential Hotel Advisors *Sandeep Thakrar, Neema Hospitality 2024-25 Nominations for Allied Directors: Kathy Konopik, HotelPro *Darryl McCallum, Shawe Rosenthal LLP Josh Marshall, Ecolab Maryland Destination Marketing Organization Representative (Non-Voting): Amanda Hof, Visit Howard County Education Representative (Non-Voting): Donnisha Grant, Anne Arundel Community College – Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute We are proud to feature Heartland Payment Systems in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company is a Silver Partner and has been a member of MHLA since 2006. Read below to learn more!
Organization Overview Heartland is the point of sale, payments and payroll solution of choice for entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry that need human-centered technology to sell more, keep customers coming back and owners spend less time in the back office. Nearly 1,000,000 businesses trust them to guide them through market changes and technology challenges, so they can stay competitive and focus on building remarkable businesses instead of managing the daily grind. How does Heartland differentiate itself from others in their industry? In every interaction, in every decision, Heartland demonstrates care for their customers, focusing on the things that will deliver the best outcomes. They work hard to consistently provide best-in-class services to their customers and the partners who support them. How does Heartland positively impact the lodging industry? o Local Relationship Managers to provide best in class support and partnering. o POS - uptime o Payments - uptime and transaction volumes, fair contracts o Payroll - availability, consultation, and checks process Primary Contact Information Chrissy Mayhew Relationship Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: 443-745-5711 Company website- https://www.heartland.us/ Follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube Effective immediately, the IRS has put a temporary hold on accepting any new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) applications.
Why are they doing this? Due to their backlog of 600,000 applications, the IRS is overwhelmed and processing times have more than doubled. They’ve put a temporary stop on processing new applications until they can catch up. When will the program reopen? While the IRS has not provided any definitive guidance on this point, Adesso anticipates that the IRS will resume processing new applications in Q1, likely in January. However, there is also a possibility that the IRS will simply end the program. I'm working on my ERC application now. Should I stop? While the choice is of course yours, they recommend you continue your application process. Adesso will continue to process applications and either submit immediately to the IRS, where they will be held until the program potentially resumes or hold the files and mail them on the day the IRS reopens the ERC program. What if I haven’t started my application? Adesso will continue to accept new applications, which will ensure you will be in line to receive your refund when and if the program reopens. Because it is likely the IRS will not extend the program once it’s reopened, we believe the best approach, given the regulatory uncertainty, is to continue “business as usual” to avoid missing the April 15, 2024 deadline for 2020 amended returns and April 15, 2025 deadline for 2021 amended returns. Additionally, all files will be pay-at-the-end so you will not incur any fees until you’ve received your refund. Why should I bother starting an application if the program is on hold? Adesso takes great measure to confirm its compliance with applicable laws and regulations to make sure you qualify and then submit your file as soon as the program reopens. You are qualified and deserve this help! I’ve already submitted my ERC application. What should I expect? If your application was submitted to the IRS before September 14, 2023, then you’re all set. You should, however, anticipate longer (2x+) processing times while the IRS gets through its backlog. Why is Adesso the best partner to secure my refund? Adesso is submitting quality and qualified deals to the IRS and is the ERC filer endorsed by more than 40 state associations. They have a team of CPAs who file for their clients (vs. requiring the client to file) and often use law firms to determine eligibility and ensure the right business owners receive their refunds. Adesso currently only works with partners like SRAs and accounting firms to ensure reduction of fraudulent claims. Additionally, Adesso employs two law firms to review deals when there is any uncertainty. There’s no cause for concern when using Adesso. Unlike ERC mills, their application process includes several safeguards to ensure your ERC application is accurate. Adesso has worked with leading law firms to develop a compliance infrastructure that we believe leads the industry. We regularly work with tax lawyers to review complex applications. We work hard to stay on top of and maintain compliance with current IRS regulations, having CPAs file the applications on your behalf who put their name and reputation behind their work. I was expecting the funds; do I have any options? They also have two great programs to secure capital now, by allowing you to borrow against ERC vs. your business: Adesso has launched a new ERC Advance option that lets you get your ERC funds directly from Adesso now! Click here to learn more about their new lending solutions. Adesso is also now offering new lending solutions that help get the funds you need fast! You can borrow anywhere from $10,000 - $1,000,000 and get preferred rates available only to Adesso clients like you, including: • Lines of credit • Term loans • Equipment financing • Merchant cash advances • SBA loans MHLA will share additional updates as they arise. On Monday, September 18, 2023, it was a perfect day for MHLA members and friends to join together for MHLA's Annual Golf Outing at the Whiskey Creek Golf Course in Frederick, MD. Again, this year tremendous support was shown, with a great golfer turnout and sponsorship at one of the highest levels in recent years. Ecolab was the Title Sponsor for the 9th year in a row and their support was greatly appreciated. The success of the 2023 MHLA Golf Outing enables MHLA to continue to do what they do best, advocacy for the hotel industry in Maryland. Top Right: Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsor - David Dorough, Pinnacle Communications Bottom Left: Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO welcomes everyone. Bottom Right: MHLA Golf Committee L-R Brian Rash, Josh Marshall, Michael Henningsen, Amy Rohrer (MHLA), Michael Howard, Melissa Simpson (MHLA) Pete Mangione. Not pictured- Jim Stark, Rodney Gooden. Click here to view more photos from the day. Congratulations to our 2023 MHLA Golf Outing WINNERS! 1st Place Team Parking Management Company CHRIS MURREN BILLY CEASE PAUL PRUITT SHELLY SAUNDERS 2nd Place Team Ruppert Landscape DOUG HALSEY PAUL HEFFRON SHERMAN GENE JEFF BANKS 3rd Place Team Pinnacle Communications DAVE DOROUGH ANDREW HOPKINS ROSS CRAMPTON DAVE LUIZZI Longest Drive - Women KAT EVANS- Maryland Office of Tourism Longest Drive - Men TONY STANLEY- Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Closest to the Pin BILLY CEASE - Parking Management Company Straightest Drive KIRK WAGNER- Complete Mechanical and Electrical Solutions Helicopter Ball Drop MARK DADATTO Putting Contest KEVIN SPARKS - HD Supply Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors and sponsors listed below. The success of the outing would not be possible without all of them.
Thank you to our GOLF COMMITTEE! CHAIR - Michael Henningsen, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Rodney Gooden, Westin Annapolis Michael Howard, Hyatt Place Baltimore Pete Mangione, Turf Valley Resort Josh Marshall, Ecolab Brian Rash, Avendra Jim Stark, Best Western Plus BWI Airport - Arundel Mills Thank you to our VOLUNTEERS! Sharon Bear, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Regina Boston, RMB Photography Pete Chambliss, MHLA Volunteer Staff Diane Girgenti, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Emily Gutierrez, Plamondon Hospitality Partners Kathy Konopik, HotelPro Chrissy Mayhew, Heartland Payment Systems Patrick Miner, Courtyard Baltimore Inner Harbor Bob Rodman, Century Distributors Thank you to all who DONATED! Click here to see the list of companies who donated prizes and giveaways. Thank you to our SPONSORS! Click here to see the list of sponsors for the event. We are proud to feature Ecolab in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company has been a member of MHLA for more than 30 years. They upgraded to become a Gold Partner in 2019 and upgraded again to achieve Platinum Partner status in 2023. Read below to learn more! Organization Overview
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. How does Ecolab differentiate itself from others in their industry? Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has more than 47,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. Ecolab delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Our innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. Share any recent achievements, accolades or awards Ecolab has received that are applicable to hotels. The Ecolab team operates with a strong commitment to integrity, innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. Ecolab always strive for the best results for it's customers and the company, and in 2022, they were recognized by several leading organizations for their commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably. These commitments align with the goals and ambitions of many global hotels. By receiving these awards, they are united in their purpose and commitment to serve hotels with the best products, solutions, and expertise to help them achieve their goals, too. Recent Ecolab awards and recognition:
Ecolab is a trusted partner in cleaning and infection prevention helping hotels deliver clean, healthy, inviting spaces that promote exceptional experiences for guests and employees. Ecolab helps hotels achieve a heightened level of cleanliness across all areas of operation including cleaning and sanitizing solutions, cooling and boiler water treatment, food safety solutions, laundry solutions, pest elimination, pool and spa solutions & warewashing. Ecolab help hotels drive efficiency through innovative programs, training and expertise. Every customer challenge is unique, which is why their field associates’ partner with customers in their hotels, providing innovative solutions, digital technologies and unmatched insights across the entire hotel property. Primary Contact Information Josh Marshall Senior Corporate Accounts Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: (443) 625-9406 Company website-www.Ecolab.com Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube |
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