Invitation to Join WSH&LA

Amid uncertainties surrounding the nation’s economy,state and national legislation, and the impact of both on the tourism industry, lodging operators must confront challenges such as spiraling costs, skyrocketing insurance premiums, achieving sales goals, and hiring and navigating a workforce in transition. Into this ever-changing environment, the Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association is tossing you a life preserver.

Several, in fact.

Join WSH&LA now and, in addition to the regular benefits of WSH&LA membership, you will receive a free CD gift — the Hospitality Employment Compliance Guide. Created specifically for WSH&LA members by Fisher & Phillips, one of the oldest and largest law firms in the country, the Hospitality Employment Compliance Guide provides guidance for hospitality professionals who manage lodging employees and deal with employment issues on a regular basis. Available only to WSH&LA members, the Hospitality Employment Compliance Guide is specifically compiled for Washington State hospitality employers.

How valuable is this free Hospitality Employment Compliance Guide to your company? If it helps you avoid one lawsuit from a disgruntled employee, or prevents you from running afoul of a federal or state law, it will be priceless. User-friendly, with forms, overviews and checklists, it addresses what employers need to know about the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; reference checks and performance appraisals; separation and termination; I-9 issues; and so much more. Plus, as laws and legal rulings change, WSH&LA will provide you with timely updates — yet another reason to join and to keep your WSH&LA membership current.

And these are but the first of many ways you’ll benefit from WSH&LA membership. Click here to see a list of member benefits, and click here for your registration form to join today.

A few more examples of the kinds of service and benefits WSH&LA has been bringing to Washington’s lodging industry for almost 90 years include:

• Savings on workers’ compensation insurance. Hoteliers who participated in the 2006 inaugural plan year of WSH&LA’s optional Group Retro Program received an average group refund of more than 32% of paid workers’ comp premiums, making WSH&LA’s Group Retro Program one of the top performers in the state. WSH&LA members and their staff can also take advantage of classes offered free or at special member rates that can improve staff safety, productivity and well-being, which can in turn lead to even lower premiums and higher refunds on premiums already paid. For more information on WSH&LA’s retro program, click here.
   
• Savings at WSH&LA’s annual convention, trade show and golf tournament. Members receive discounts on registration and accommodations, and enjoy great opportunities for learning and networking, plus a chance to recognize your staff members at the Annual Stars of the Industry Awards.
   
• Savings and extra Internet benefits on advertising in WSH&LA’s Washington State Visitors' Guide. Members receive attractive advertising discounts and Internet add-ons in the #1 vehicle for driving tourism business to Washington State. With exclusive and far-reaching distribution, and exciting new content and graphics, you’ll want to take advantage of the best rates to advertise in the most complete magazine about Washington State.
   
• Help on staff recruitment. Many WSH&LA members are already finding staff through Association partner Hcareers, the leading job board for the hospitality industry. Hcareers provides industry-specific, niche-market online recruitment solutions geared specifically for our industry. Members receive a 20% discount on a wide variety of Hcareers products.
   
• Legislative Advocacy. Your membership underwrites all of the Association’s programs, including legislative, political and regulatory initiatives. In advocating on behalf of the lodging industry, WSH&LA derailed many bills seeking to misuse the hotel-motel tax; helped create the Washington State Tourism Commission, increasing funding for marketing by $4.5 million annually and ensuring WSH&LA’s voice in the appointment of lodging operators to the Commission; and created a new liquor license specifically for hotels. With its year-round lobbying efforts and Political Action Committee contributions, WSH&LA ramps up its advocacy for the lodging industry in this year’s state elections.
   
• AH&LA membership. WSH&LA members with 51 rooms and over also receive membership in the American Hotel & Lodging Association, providing representation in Washington, D.C., discounts on conferences, services and products, a subscription to Lodging Magazine, research from the industry-leading Information Center and advanced training materials from the Educational Institute. Visit www.ahla.com to learn more.

We strongly urge you to take advantage of these benefits — and many more — by joining WSH&LA today. The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers work diligently in many arenas to advocate for the lodging industry, and a strong and active membership enables us to successfully further our mission: Ensuring the growth and success of the lodging industry. Your membership investment will assure that WSH&LA will continue to have the necessary financial resources and political clout to succeed on your behalf, promoting the industry and bringing more business your way. Add to that goal the money-saving benefits and special, members-only programs that WSH&LA offers, and you’ll have to agree that membership is one smart investment.

Please join us. Our effectiveness and success in working for you directly depend upon your investment!

With our thanks for your partnership,