Norfolk, Va. | Joseph A. McInerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), addressed a crowd of more than 2,000 military veterans today at the U.S. Department of Labor’s inaugural National Veterans Employment Summit and “HireVetsFirst” job fair in Norfolk, Va. Recognizing the value that veterans bring to the workforce, McInerney urged attendees to consider careers in the lodging industry. Representatives of three hotel companies—Marriott International, InterContinental Hotel Group, and MMI Hotel Group—attended the job fair and met with veterans to discuss employment opportunities.
“You’ve served your country proudly,” McInerney said. “Here’s an opportunity to continue that sense of service in an industry that relishes and rewards your strength and commitment. I encourage you to take a look at all the tremendous opportunities our industry offers.”
McInerney emphasized the hospitality industry is one of the strongest businesses in the world. “The hospitality industry – travel and tourism – is the fastest-growing field and one of America’s largest employers. The growth between now and 2010 is projected at 36 percent, compared to overall U.S. job growth of 14 percent. We employ nearly two million workers and directly support more than 7.5 million jobs. And these aren’t just entry-level jobs. There are more than 200 categories of potential jobs from entry-level to top management.”
Highlighting his own successful experience transitioning from military to civilian life, McInerney said that the industry offers tremendous opportunities for career growth. After serving as a personnel clerk in the Army, McInerney joined the Sheraton Chicago hotel in 1961 in the personnel office. He spent 25 years with Sheraton, the last seven as president of its franchise company. Before taking the helm at AH&LA he also served as president of two other major hotel companies as well as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
“We’ve got a place for you in our industry, no matter what your interest,” McInerney said. “A place that offers good job security, allows you to network with interesting people from all cultures and backgrounds, financially rewards your efforts in direct proportion to your ambition, allows you to work independently and to be part of a team, offers a creative and flexible work environment, and supports your continued education.”
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Charles “Chick” Ciccolella, and other senior government officials met with employers, hiring executives, and veterans to discuss ways to assist veterans with their job searches and to develop strategies for transferring veterans’ skills to the civilian workforce. Veterans had access to 65 recruiting booths, a virtual One-Stop Career Center, and a round table on veterans’ employment issues hosted by Secretary Chao.
Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.
