During his inaugural speech last night, incoming American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Chairman Thomas J. Corcoran told an audience of industry leaders that creativity and 'thinking outside the box,' the key to his lengthy and successful career, will be vital in achieving AH&LA's goals for 2008 and beyond. As the latest volunteer to ascend to the organization's top position on January 1, 2008 and current chairman of FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated, Corcoran shared the association's innovative plans for enhancing member services and asserting its presence as the voice of the industry in the pivotal 2008 election year.
Noting the current and future state of the labor force, Corcoran highlighted AH&LA's new efforts in fostering career development and building a strong, increasingly diverse membership. 'We need to involve the next generation more in AH&LA by implementing best diversity practices,' Corcoran said. 'Our Women In Lodging initiative is an important first step, and has generated a tremendous response from young, female members. Building on that success, AH&LA is about to launch an Under-30 Council, serving as an essential career development resource for those entering the industry.'
Taking a strong leadership role on another front, Corcoran noted AH&LA's goals of enacting socially responsible practices on a global level by 'greening the hotel industry.' 'AH&LA has already begun initiatives dedicated to researching and creating a full-fledged green program for its members,' Corcoran said. 'Now is the time for us to lead the way in a movement which clearly has legs, addressing key sustainability issues and maximizing opportunities for our members with minimal impact on the environment.'
Holding office during an influential election year, Corcoran noted the association's opportunity to establish a presence on pertinent issues concerning members, including immigration reform, H-2B visa relief, and terrorism insurance, among others. 'We made tremendous strides in 2007 and recognize that in 2008, we will have an even better opportunity to make our opinions known at a time when elected officials are really listening,' Corcoran said.
In addition to his responsibilities as incoming AH&LA chairman, Corcoran is chairman of FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated, one of the nation's largest hotel real estate investment trusts (REITs) and largest owner of full service, all-suite hotels. Corcoran's long history of management in the lodging and foodservice industry began with Brock Hotel Corporation where his roles in the company included president and CEO and board of directors member for Chuck E. Cheese Entertainment, Inc. (formerly ShowBiz Pizza Time, Inc.). An active, long-time member of AH&LA, Corcoran serves as co-chair of the Industry Real Estate Financing Advisory Council, vice chair of the Political Action Committee, and on the board of trustees for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF).
Other 2008 AH&LA officers include Vice Chairman Joe Martin, owner and operator of the Best Western Mark Motor Hotel and the Hampton Inn & Suites, Secretary/Treasurer David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western International, and Immediate Past Chairman Robert L. Steele, III, general manager of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. These hoteliers are led by AH&LA President and CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. For more information on AH&LA and to view Corcoran's complete address, visit www.ahla.com.
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