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AAHOA unites industry leaders and elected officials in Washington, D.C

Among the attendees was Congressman Shri Thanedar and Congressman Khanna

2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) / AAHOA

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) convened its 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC), bringing together over 200 prominent AAHOA leaders and members for a two-day event in Washington, D.C. The conference aimed to bridge AAHOA leadership with elected officials to address significant challenges confronting the hospitality industry.

The conference commenced with a legislative learning session at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed by an evening Congressional Reception at the Cannon House Office Building. The event reached its pinnacle with a full day of Congressional meetings, where AAHOA leaders held nearly 160 in-person meetings with U.S. Senators, Representatives, and their staff, transcending party lines.

During the Congressional Reception, attended by nearly 30 members of Congress, elected officials delivered speeches underscoring the pivotal role played by AAHOA and its members in shaping national policies and advocating for the interests of hoteliers. They also engaged in one-on-one discussions with AAHOA Member constituents to fortify relationships for future collaboration.

Among the attendees was Congressman Shri Thanedar, who recently introduced the Loans in Our Neighborhoods Act (H.R. 7242), a bill endorsed by AAHOA. The LIONS Act aims to amend the Small Business Act by raising the maximum loan amounts for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million.

Guest speakers at the event included Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Ro Khanna.

Congressman Khanna, addressing AAHOA Members, underscored the significance of representation in government and advocated for diverse voices in policymaking. He highlighted the shared experiences between Indian-American communities and AAHOA members, advocating for increased political participation among Indian Americans.

In a statement, AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake expressed the organization's commitment to advocating for legislation benefiting its members and fostering economic prosperity in the hotel industry. She lauded the burgeoning relationships between AAHOA Members and elected officials, recognizing the pivotal role of advocacy in shaping national policy.

AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel echoed Blake's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of SNAC in educating AAHOA leaders on industry issues and facilitating meaningful interactions with policymakers. He underscored AAHOA's growing influence and recognition in Washington, attributing it to the proactive advocacy efforts of its members.

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