Independent Lodging Industry Association Celebrates One Year Anniversary

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. May 08, 2012

May 8, 2012 - Beginning in 1984 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan, National Travel and Tourism week has been a cause to celebrate and promote the power of travel. Along with many other organizations in the travel industry we are using this opportunity to talk to the public, other industries and our elected leaders about this industry and as President Obama said how it “contributes to the success of the American and world economies…”

This week is also special to our organization for another reason. Just a little over one year ago a unique group of small business owners, individuals that own and operate hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, franchise hotels, resorts and other non-chain lodging and recreation facilities, collectively created an organization that gave them a national voice. Building on the 65 year model of success for a similar collaboration in California, the national Independent Lodging Industry Association (ILIA) was formed.

In just one year, ILIA's membership has grown more than three-hundred percent. We have stood beside other organizations representing job-creating businesses to promote an agenda that is pro economic growth and stands up against unjust regulation and taxation from Washington D.C. to the Pacific Ocean. Collectively, ILIA's first and foremost goal is to promote a vibrant, competitive lodging industry. Our mission is to encourage consumer choice in the travel industry and support the free-market against attempts to limit competition.

ILIA has given independent owners and operators a voice that differs from that of the chain hotels and corporate franchises that have dominated the policy making process everywhere but California. Our members operate like most traditional small businesses feel even the most subtle changes in the economy or the devastating impact of inequitable legislation. In just one year, our organization has taken a pro-active approach against taxes and regulations that would have burdened our members in states like Oregon, Florida, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Within that small window of time ILIA has become an active voice in the public square, and we are recognized as effective advocates for our industry.

With the improvements in the economy, changing technology and the increase in foreign and domestic travel, it is an exciting time to be in our industry and our members feel positive about the future. While our members have been hit by the economic hard times these past few years, like most small business owners they have that positive entrepreneurial spirit that has provided the energy for ILIA's great start. In light of our advocacy victories and other achievements in our first year, we know that great things are on the horizon for the Independent Lodging Industry Association and our industry as a whole. We look forward to following the California organization's example as an industry leader for at least 65 more years. For more information about the Independent Lodging Industry Association, visit www.IndependentLodging.org , Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IndependentLodgingIndustryAssociation or Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/IndyLodgingAssn

By Bobbie Singh-Allen, J.D. Executive Director, Independent Lodging Industry Association [email protected]