 We are proud to feature Visit Frederick in this month's Partner Spotlight. The company has been a Gold Partner of MHLA since 2021 and first joined the Association in 2015. Read below to learn more!
Company Overview Visit Frederick is a public-private Destination Marketing Organization partnership dedicated to enhancing the economic benefit of tourism for Frederick County's businesses, attractions, local governments, and residents. Visit Frederick plays a key role in generating the $518 million (2022) in tourism-related revenues which are generated for local businesses and attractions. How does your business differentiate itself from others in your industry? Visit Frederick is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Frederick County, Maryland. Share any recent achievements, accolades or awards your company has received that are applicable to hotels. These are the most recent MHLA awards for hotels in Frederick County: Plamondon Hospitality Partners received two MHLA Stars of the Industry awards in 2023
How does your business positively impact the lodging industry? As the Destination Marketing Organization for Frederick County, their mission is to drive visitors to spend the night in their destination. They market Frederick County as an overnight destination for leisure visitors, group tours, student travelers, and meeting attendees. Furthermore, Visit Frederick provides advertising and development grant funds to Frederick County non-profit organizations or government agencies through their Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion & Product (TRIPP) program. This competitive program allocates a portion of the hotel tax revenue received by Visit Frederick back to the community in the form of tourism product development and advertising grants. These grants allow Visit Frederick to cultivate overnight experiences for visitors to Frederick County. Visit Frederick is an Allied Member of Capital Region USA (CRUSA), the official regional destination marketing organization promoting Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland internationally. This partnership encourages overseas travelers to stay longer and spend more money, through the leveraging of public and private investments. Primary Contact Information Dave Ziedelis Title: Executive Director Email: [email protected] Phone: 301-600-4041 Address: 151 S. East Street, Frederick, MD 21701 Company website VisitFrederick.org Social Media YouTube  The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) Annual Golf Outing has served as a fundraiser for scholarships given through the Maryland Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF) for many years, and MHLA has managed the foundation since 2019. We're pleased to share that members of the MTEF Board of Directors attended the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) Annual Membership meeting on June 11, 2024 and presented a $60,000 donation to RAM’s Education Foundation scholarship fund. For over thirty years RAM has been providing scholarships and financial support to individuals looking to advance their careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
“This significant donation will ensure that we can continue to help young people pay for their post-secondary education in culinary arts and hospitality management”, stated Marshall Weston, President & CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland. “We are also able to help individuals looking to advance in the hospitality industry in different ways”. Since 2007, MTEF also raised money and offered scholarships of their own to individuals looking to advance in the tourism industries. However, as the Hospitality industry continues to grow and includes restaurants, foodservice, hotels, lodging, tourism and entertainment, the MTEF Board of Directors felt it was best for the industry to have one place to go when looking for scholarships, rather than having numerous different programs. Amy Rohrer, President & CEO of the Maryland Hotel and Lodging Association and also a MTEF Board member agreed that “It makes sense to consolidate our industries scholarship programs. We’ll be able to have a larger impact and increase awareness that scholarship funds are available. MTEF has worked with RAM for many years, so it was an easy decision to support their scholarship fund”. Scholarship information can be found at marylandrestaurants.com. SB 896 was passed by the Maryland General Assembly earlier this year and will establish the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Redevelopment and Operating Organization Task Force. Click here for the full bill text.
The purpose of the task force is “to study and make recommendations concerning the membership, purpose, and function of an entity or strategy to govern the renovation, revitalization, financing, and ongoing maintenance and management of a certain Baltimore Convention site and certain surrounding areas; and generally relating to the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Redevelopment and Operating Authority Task Force." Task Force recommendations are due to the Mayor, Governor and Maryland General Assembly on or before December 1, 2024. On May 21, 2024, the MHLA Board of Directors voted to approve the “Baltimore City Council of MHLA” recommendation to appoint Onahlea Shimunek to the Task Force. Onahlea is currently General Manager of the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. She has over 20 years of hotel GM leadership experience in Baltimore City at three different convention hotels. Her tenure has included past MHLA board service, Executive Committee involvement at Visit Baltimore and Downtown Partnership, co-leader of the Visit Baltimore Sales Committee and more. As an adjunct professor in the Hospitality Department at Morgan State University, her commitment to hospitality’s future workforce is impressive and goes beyond her own hotel. MHLA President & CEO Amy Rohrer stated, “We're confident that Onahlea has the historical knowledge, experience and passion to represent Baltimore City’s hotel industry exceedingly well on this important task force. Our statewide hotel association looks forward to supporting the effort and we hope the full potential of the Baltimore Convention Center will benefit the City and the State in the near future.”  “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 |
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