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Your Daily AAHOA Update for Monday, Nov. 16, 2020

Today's Top Stories

BREAKING: AAHOA Joins IFA, Supercuts Franchisee Association, Dunkin' Donuts Independent Franchise Owners in Lawsuit Over Assembly Bill 5

Today, AAHOA joined an International Franchise Association (IFA) lawsuit challenging California's Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), which could turn franchise owners into employees of the company from which they license their brand. The complaint seeks to clarify that AB 5 does not apply to franchises, for the legislation is preempted by existing federal laws that regulate franchising, such as the Federal Trade Commission Franchise Rule and the Lanham Act. Supercuts Franchisee Association and Dunkin' Donuts Independent Franchise Owners are also party to the lawsuit.

The lack of clarity under AB 5 coupled with existing state law creates an easily foreseeable scenario in which hotel owners can be subject to predatory, time consuming, and exceptionally expensive litigation. During an unprecedented economic crisis affecting California’s hospitality and lodging industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing local small business owners can afford is to fight a potential avalanche of litigation – while also fighting for their survival.

AAHOA is grateful for the leadership of the IFA and other franchisee organizations who agree that federal law preempts the state statute. “We look forward to this litigation to clearly establish that AB 5 does not apply to the franchise business model and to protect our members, their businesses, and their livelihoods,” AAHOA President & CEO Cecil P. Staton said in a statement released today.

The lawsuit will be filed in the U.S. Circuit Court for the Southern District of California, in San Diego.

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TOMORROW | The Business Case for Black Leaders at Your Hotel Company: Stats, Opportunities & Practical Strategies

COVID-19 created a great deal of uncertainty in so many ways. Join us tomorrow from 1 to 2 p.m. EST to explore the latest findings in the Black Representation in Hospitality Industry Leadership 2020 report released by Castell Project. Join Andrea Belfanti, Executive Director, ISHC; Peggy Berg, Chair, Castell Project; Janice K. Parks, CHRO, First Hospitality; Christopher Tyner, Regional VP, Concord Hospitality Enterprises; and Tyronne Stoudemire, VP Global Diversity and Inclusion, Hyatt, to to better understand the critical business case for diversity and what we can do as individuals and an industry to improve our businesses as it relates to Black participation in the hospitality industry.

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AAHOA President & CEO Talks Politics and the Campaign to Assist Hoteliers

Hotel Online recently published a Q&A with AAHOA President & CEO Cecil P. Staton to discuss AAHOA’s advocacy efforts and the association’s "10,000 Letters, One Purpose" campaign, which launched in mid-October, reached its goal within 24 hours, and resulted in more than 16,000 letters being sent to Congress and the White House. “We’re trying to educate lawmakers about the industry itself,” Staton said in the interview. “Just because there’s a brand name on the side of the building doesn’t mean it’s owned by a huge corporation. Lawmakers need to know that these programs aren’t bailing out big brands but rather helping small business owners who make investments in their communities and keep people employed.”

Upcoming AAHOA Events & Webcasts

Webcast

TOMORROW | Getting Back to Business: I Want to Win the Ball Game - The Owner/GM as the Hotel’s Chief Culture Officer

The hotel industry is currently facing an unprecedented challenge. How do you take control and guide your team to success amid the uncertainty? Positive change will require a radical approach to hospitality management and the functions that support your organizational structure. This webinar will examine what it takes to build and sustain a high-performance culture within your hotel and how to get your staff to “buy in” to the new paradigm of hotel excellence.

3-3:30 p.m. EST November 17

Event Link

Regional Conference

AAHOA Arkansas, Central Midwest, and Gulf Regional: A Virtual Experience

AAHOA's 2020 Regional Conferences & Trade Shows continue this Thursday with the AAHOA Arkansas, Central Midwest, and Gulf Regional: A Virtual Experience (2-6 p.m. CT). Join Danny Patel, Director of Development & Revenue, SPAN Hospitality; Montine McNulty, CEO, Arkansas Hospitality Association; Parth Patel, President, Development, VIPA Hospitality; Komal "Kim" Patel, Principal, Lotus Hospitality Services; and many others for a region-specific industry update. With only three left in this series, make sure you make plans to attend. All Regionals are FREE for AAHOA Members and the entire industry.

2-6 p.m. CST (3-7 p.m. EDT) Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

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Upcoming Industry Events & Webcasts

Webinar

Completing PPP Loan Forgiveness Forms 3508-S and 3508-EZ

The SBA, in partnership with the Washington, D.C. chapter of SCORE (SCORE DC), is hosting a timely webinar to discuss the two primary documents used to obtain PPP loan forgiveness: Forms 3508-S and 3508-EZ. The session will also include recommendations on when to apply for PPP loan forgiveness and how to document your application properly to reduce potential issues with the issuing lender/bank. AAHOA Members are encouraged to attend.

12 p.m. EST Tuesday, November 17

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Webinar

CBRE: 2021 U.S. Real Estate Outlook

Please join CBRE for a Flash Call on the 2021 U.S. Real Estate Outlook, including an analysis of how the election outcome may impact the economy, occupancy, and investment markets. A panel of experts from Hudson Advisors, the Real Estate Roundtable, and CBRE will provide insights on (1) expectations for further government fiscal stimulus; (2) vaccine’s impact on economic recovery; (3) trade policy, federal spending, regulatory priorities, and tax laws; (4) the investment landscape; and (5) forecasts of the expected recovery trajectory for the major CRE asset classes.

1 p.m. EST Tuesday, November 17

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Virtual Event

AAHOA Members Can Attend the 2020 Hospitality Finance Forum Half Price

Anthony Melchiorri, hospitality industry expert and host of “Hotel Impossible” will be the keynote speaker Wednesday at CRE Media and Events’ 2020 Hospitality Finance Forum. The virtual event connects hospitality owners and investors with active commercial industry lenders, developers, and vendors equipped with solutions and insights for these unprecedented times. Industry experts will impart the information and solutions hoteliers need to navigate and overcome the current hospitality market. Use code AHOAMEMBER” at checkout to get 50% off your registration.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. EDT Wednesday, November 18

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