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| OCTOBER 2011 E-BULLETIN |
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| 2012 Federal Minimum Wage Increase |
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| The Industrial Commission of Arizona determined that Arizona's minimum wage of $7.35 per hour would be increased by $0.30 to $7.65 for calendar year 2012. Arizona's minimum wage of $7.65 per hour will be higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 through 2012. The minimum wage for tipped employees is $4.65 per hour for calendar year 2012. For additional information please visit the Industrial Commission website - www.ica.state.az.us or contact Randall Maruca, Director of the Industrial Commission's Labor Department at (602) 542-5119 or laboradmin@ica.state.az.us.
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| Arizona Awarded 2015 Super Bowl |
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The National Football League has announced that Arizona has bested stiff competition from Tampa to land the 2015 Super Bowl. This will be the state's third Super Bowl, after hosting the massive event in 1996 and 2008. Competition to land the Super Bowl is fierce due to the massive about of money it brings in. AzCentral.com reported that football fans generated about $500 million in direct and indirect spending in Arizona during the 2008 Super Bowl. Congratulations to the Super Bowl Host Committee, the Bidwill family and the Phoenix CVB for their hard work in putting together an unbeatable bid.
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| AzHLA EVENTS |
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December 9, 2011
2011 Stars of the Industry Awards
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Nominations are being accepted for this annual event that celebrates employee and property achievement in the lodging industry. Don't miss this opportunity to recognize hard-working team members and spotlight innovative property programs. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, November 4 by 4 p.m. (no extensions will be provided). For nomination details or to download entry forms visit www.AzHLA.com.
AzHLA Receives Government Affairs Award
The International Society of Hotel Association Executives (ISHAE) has awarded AzHLA with the 2011
Government Affairs Award of Excellence for our comprehensive Legislative strategy and accomplishments over the past 18 months. This prestigious award will be presented to AzHLA at ISHAE's Winter Conference on December 8 in La Jolla, California. AzHLA edged out the competition in this category for our efforts in defeating five controversial immigration bills, leading the initiative to develop the Industry's first Super PAC, developing partnerships in the business community for a stronger message, facilitating the first Tourism Caucus and developing the new Tourism LOCAL program. We couldn't be more proud of this award and we are grateful for the support of our members who were instrumental in allowing us to achieve these goals. Thank you!
Information Regarding Lawsuits Surrounding WiFi Patents
Several of our member properties have alerted us that they have received letters regarding a patent infringement related to their wireless internet. Innovatio has purchased or otherwise obtained rights to certain patents that it contends are involved in the provision of wi-fi. They have sent thousands of letters to the universe of all wi-fi users demanding license fees as a settlement for alleged infringement. They have also filed several lawsuits. Cisco and Motorola have filed declaratory judgment actions against Innovatio, to invalidate the patents and to declare there has been no infringement. Innovatio is fighting hard to keep its suits going, while the Cisco and Motorola are fighting to stop those suits from going forward until the declaratory action suit has been decided. Read more >>
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| AHLA NEWS & EVENTS |
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October 31, 2011
HotelPAC Golf Tournament
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The national HotelPAC serves as the voice of the lodging industry on a plethora of issues at the Federal level, including third-party booking taxes, unions, international visa requirements and countless other topics. Support these efforts by participating in the Westin Kierland Halloween HotelPAC golf tournament. Click here for information and registration.
New Educational Video Provides Training for New ADA Requirements
The 33-minute DVD training program provides information on new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III non-discrimination requirements that went into effect in March 2011. The video, which is presented in English and Spanish, shares practical guidelines for recognizing a disability, effectively communicating with people with disabilities, offering appropriate accommodations that meet their needs, and respectfully assisting them during their stay as well as during emergency situations. This program highlights the unique needs of guests with various disabilities and stresses the need for employees to understand their property's services and accommodations so they can offer the appropriate services to guests.
AH&LA Defends Value of Meetings for Federal Agencies
AH&LA sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), regarding a memorandum on excessive conference spending for federal agencies.
Read more >>
NLRB Postpones Employee Rights Posters
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has postponed the Notification of Employee Rights requirement until January 31, 2012, from the initial date of November 14, 2011.
Read more >>
Senate Addresses AH&LA Request for VISA Reforms
The Senate is responding to the efforts of the Discover America Partnership (DAP) to address the significant delays in visa processing that impede the number of international travelers who visit the U.S.
Read more >>
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| PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS: |
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