State
of the Business
Eva Ferguson, IAHI President
Navigating Change
 Looking
at the Association’s accomplishments in 2007, we have
helped bring about significant changes designed to protect and increase
the value of our members’ hotel investment. Nowhere has our impact
and contribution to the IHG system been more valuable than with the
Holiday
Inn brand relaunch.
This major undertaking is a great example of how the IAHI is structured
to work with IHG as an advocate on behalf of all our members. We were
involved every step of the way, providing feedback, asking questions
and reviewing plans – meeting after meeting – and our input
was encouraged and accepted. We demonstrated how well our Association’s
process works as IHG vetted changes through our Committee structure.
But these weren’t the only changes we helped navigate. Through
the due diligence of our Committees, we represented owners’ interest
by:
- Championing a refresh of the Express
Start Breakfast Bar standard, which appeals to guests and gives hotels
a competitive advantage.
- Endorsing a new bedding standard for Candlewood
Suites that earned rave reviews from guests and a first place award
from Lodging
Hospitality.
- Reviewing and endorsing a BTA program
refund to franchisees totaling $4 million.
- Developing an HDTV standard
that not only meets consumers changing demands, but is also manageable
for franchisees to implement.
And, our increased presence on Capitol Hill was made possible
by raising more funds than ever for
INN-PAC. We worked with IHG to make our members’ opinions known
on issues like immigration reform and card check legislation. Throughout
these initiatives, we worked together with IHG as a true partner, because
we all know, “Together, We’re Stronger.”
Forward Thinking
The industry is changing, the economy is changing, and the demographics
of our members are changing. This means that we need to evolve as an
Association to continue to meet our members’ needs. So we are
taking an introspective approach to align our organization with what
you want. We are taking a look at the way we serve you, how we communicate,
the benefits we offer, how we integrate owners and partners globally,
and how we interact with IHG. A strategic plan is in development to
guide both short-term and long-term goals.
Membership Momentum
Membership
continues to be our foundation, and I am proud to report that the number
of owners joining the Association continues to increase. More than 74
percent of IHG branded hotel owners belong to the IAHI – an impressive
statistic given the fact that membership is voluntary, not mandatory.
One reason our membership continues to grow is the impressive list of
benefits we offer exclusively to members. Our educational programs like
the Leadership Institute and General Manager Academy are generating incredibly
positive feedback. Numerous attendees have expressed their favorable
opinions on the overall experience and the strength of the curriculum.
In fact, many have said it was one of the best continuing education courses
they have ever attended. Because of the popularity of these programs,
we are expanding our relationship with the Goizueta Business School at
Emory University in Atlanta and adding a Real Estate Development course
through Cornell University. This is a true testimonial of our desire
to respond to member needs.
Of all the benefits we offer, an all-time favorite is our complimentary
room program. And as more hotels join our Association, please ensure
that your General Manager and front desk staff are educated on this program.
The program’s guidelines are available at
www.iahi.org/guidelines.
So whether it’s a new educational opportunity, a new standard
or hallmarks of the Holiday Inn brand relaunch, I want you to know that
your Owners’ Association will continue to help navigate through
the changes that shape our brands and the industry. And as we make progress,
I encourage you to talk to us. Post a message on the PC
Forum. Call our
staff or Board and Committee members to share your opinions. Get involved
in a Committee. Remember that we are part of the decision-making process
that affects your IHG hotel investment. IHG relies on our relationship
to ensure that the decisions they make reflect true elements of owner
involvement. 2008 promises to offer more opportunities to connect with
fellow owners and IHG brand leaders.
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