July 2009

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Savings on Security Training from EI

July 31, 2009 in Lodging Industry Training Products | No comments

WIA Members can Save 30% on Security Training Resources

EI-Newsletter-ImageThe security and safety of guests and staff are top priorities at any property. Make sure that everyone at your property is trained in hospitality security basics with these EI and AH&LA resources-now available at a 30% discount for a limited time!

SpotlightOnSecurityDesigned in conjunction with AH&LA Loss Prevention Committee, this 30-minute video and companion guide provide you with the best security practices being used by top loss prevention experts and executives throughout the hospitality industry, and provide the type of secure environment that guests are seeking and that today’s marketplace demands.
$65 AH&LA Members (reg. $97.95)
$95 Nonmembers (reg. $139.95)

GuestSafetyTipsGuest Safety video highlights a variety of important tips to help travelers enjoy a secure and pleasant stay. The short public service announcement, which first debuted in 1996*, can be incorporated on any hotel open channel.
$15 Nonmembers (reg. $25)

* Please note that this video is complimentary to AH&LA members.


SecurityOfficerThe Lodging Security Officer program provides general techniques and tips as well as hospitality-specific information that security officers and other employees need to provide effective security at your property.

The program consists of four modular textbooks, a DVD supplement, and a workbook with progress quizzes.
$110 AH&LA Members (reg. $159.95)
$139 Nonmembers (reg. $199.95)

To order visit www.ahlei.org; or call 800-752-4567 or 517-372-8800.
Offer ends 8/31/09
Must reference offer code: RSKM9

Need help with your AH&LA ID Number or not sure if you’re an AH&LA Member?  Contact Denise in the WIA office for assistance.

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CHA Review & Exam Session

July 27, 2009 in Lodging Industry Training Products | No comments

For those of you pursuing your Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) certification this year, there will be a review session followed by the proctored exam in Michigan in September:CHA-Image

When: September 10, 2009
8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Review)
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Exam)

Where: Super 8
2323 S. Mission Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Cost: $450 for AHLA members / $600 for Non-Members

Details:
The session features a full day of activities, beginning with a review session from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This instructional period provides an overview of the program materials that you study prior to attending the review and allows you a chance to ask questions in an informal discussion environment.  The review class is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the proctored exam session, which will be held from 1:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m.

In order to attend this review class and exam session, YOU MUST APPLY DIRECTLY TO EI, no later than August 13, 2009.

The first step to earning your CHA is to obtain an application by:
*  Visiting EI’s Web site at: www.ei-ahla.org
*  Calling the Educational Institute at 888-575-8726

If you have already completed the application process and are currently enrolled in the CHA program; please contact Becky Sumption at 888-575-8726 ext. 8168 or email at rsumption@ahla.com to reserve your seat.

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Brewers/ Cubs Tailgate & Game Sept 23

July 22, 2009 in Wisconsin Lodging Industry Events | 1 comment

park with roofThe Wisconsin Innkeepers Association (WIA) invites you to join us for the 2nd Annual Brewers/ Cubs Tailgate Fundraiser to benefit HotelPAC. Held in conjunction with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA), lodging professionals from throughout Wisconsin & Illinois will once again come together at Miller Park for a fun-filled event including an evening tailgate party and Brewers game against the rival Chicago Cubs.

Package tickets for the Tailgate & Game are $80 per person (members), available on a first-come, first-served basis. Included in the package is your Loge Outfield Box ticket and a Tailgate buffet dinner & beverages in our own pavilion outside the park. To reserve your spot for this great event, contact Andrew in the WIA office to purchase your tickets or register online.

In addition to the ticket price, a separate HotelPAC donation is required for each attendee. Minimum donations (must be personal, not corporate payments) are $30 for lodging professionals and $100 for industry vendors.

HotelPAC is a voluntary, nonprofit, bipartisan political action committee that exists to help elect qualified individuals who recognize the importance of the lodging industry.

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Free Webinar- Measuring Social Media Effectively

July 20, 2009 in Free Webinars | No comments

BadgePresented by EyeTraffic Media and the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA):

The social media craze is in the full effect as companies of all shapes and sizes are looking for ways to get involved in this ever growing space. New tactics and programs are being launched each day as companies try to stay current and up to date with what consumers are doing. But, launching social media campaigns is only half the battle. Companies need to understand how they can effectively track their campaigns to determine whether their time is being well spent.

In this webinar, George Assimakopoulos and Ryan Moss of EyeTraffic Media will discuss the power of influence and social velocity, two vital concepts of social media. Through case studies, they will review specific ways to measure social media tactics while focusing on best practices and proven programs.

Attendees will take away a detailed understanding of the underlying principles of social media and tactics for monitoring, measuring and analyzing social media campaigns.

Webinar date & time: 12 pm Noon EST, July 22, 2009

Register for the Webinar or Share with a Colleague

The WIA does not endorse EyeTraffic Media, WOMMA or any of their seminars, materials, or information, and will not be held accountable for any such representations. The information above is simply provided as a courtesy to our members.

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Do you know how you compare?

July 15, 2009 in WH&LA Membership Features, Wisconsin Lodging Industry Data | No comments

WI-Occupancy-DataDo you know where to find the latest lodging occupancy & ADR statistics for your budgeting needs?  Do you know how you stack up against your comp set each month?

The graph above shows statewide occupancy data provided by STR Global.  Each month, WIA members receive the latest Wisconsin lodging industry figures for their region and metro market via email in the InnSider newsletter.

If you’re not a WIA member, click on over and see what else you’re missing!

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Free Webinar- Conquering Email

July 9, 2009 in Free Webinars | No comments

Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals offering free Webinar – Friday, July 17, 2009 Picture 1

Managing the Madness: Conquering Email in 4 Easy Steps

Do you often feel like you are drowning in email? Do you have hundreds of messages or more in your Inbox? Welcome to the Information Age. Any person (or digital device) anywhere in the world can send you any piece of information in a matter of seconds. The result is that what was supposed to be convenient communication has become a source of unlimited distraction. Attend the presentation Conquering Email in 4 Easy Steps and learn how to control your email in 4 easy steps! Register to receive login instructions for this webinar on the day before the session. Questions? Contact membership@hftp.org

Webinar date and time:
Friday, July 17, 2009 at 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern

Though this meeting is being offered at no charge, you must register to attend.

The WIA does not endorse HFTP nor any of their seminars, materials, or information, and will not be held accountable for any such representations. The information above is simply provided as a courtesy to our members.

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Minimum Wage Increases July 24, 2009

July 8, 2009 in WH&LA Membership Features | No comments

Money,Money,MoneyJust a reminder to all members that the Federal Minimum Wage is set to increase from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. General Minimum Wage Rates will be as follows:
*  $7.25/ hour – Adult Employees
*  $7.25/ hour – Minor Employees
*  $5.90/ hour – Opportunity Employees

Minimum Wage Rates for Tipped Employees:
*  $2.33/ hour – Adult Employees
*  $2.33/ hour – Minor Employees
*  $2.13/ hour – Opportunity Employees

“Opportunity Employees” are those who are not yet 20 years old and who have been employed with a particular employer for 90 or fewer consecutive calendar days from the date of initial employment.

In addition, please keep in mind that you may also need to update your required employment posters.  Find the current Fair Labor Standards Act posters in PDF form here.  For other required WI state posters, see this page at the Dept of Workforce Development (DWD).  Please note, you are not required to purchase these posters from outside vendors, they are all available for free download from both the DWD and the U.S. Dept of Labor.

Questions?  Please contact the State of Wisconsin, Dept of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division – Labor Standards Bureau at 608/266-6860 or at their web site: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/

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Good Tips for Bad Reviews

July 2, 2009 in Marketing & Social Media | No comments

Everyone has had to face criticism in their professional lives, but not many of us are subject to nasty, negative and sometimes completely untrue remarks on our performance posted for millions of others to read on the web. For years now sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp have enabled consumers to post feedback from their experiences, both positive and negative, online for others to read. And read they do, consumers overwhelmingly trust these user-generated review sites more than information from a property or company’s own site.UserReviewChart1_2009

Yet, what do you do if your business/ property is the victim of negative online reviews? Check out the following articles:

Finally, just last week, this interview with TripAdvisor CEO Steve Kaufer was posted by SDNN.com: Can TripAdvisor reviews be trusted? Find out who’s gaming the system. TripAdvisorLogoMakes you wonder how wise the owl really is…

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AH&LA offers discounts on CARE training

July 1, 2009 in Lodging Industry Training Products | No comments

CARELiability is expensive, training doesn’t have to be.

WIA members can save 30% on all Controlling Alcohol Risks Effectively (CARE) products through the end of the year.  Sale includes:
* CARE for Servers
* CARE for Guest Contract Staff
* Participant materials
* CARE Online
* Specialized CARE products for clubs & gaming

To order, please contact Denise in the WIA office.  (CARE products are not available through the Educational Institute shopping cart.)

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