Washington, D.C.. | Two influential companies dedicated to improving the hospitality industry have kicked off the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation’s (AH&LEF) 2009, Annual Giving Campaign (AGC). Despite economic challenges facing corporations today, both Best Western International and USA Today remain committed to cultivating the professional development of the industry’s future workforce. Best Western International was the first five-diamond donor with a gift of $2,500 and USA Today donated $3,000 increasing its support for the third consecutive year.

With a portfolio of approximately 4,000 independently owned and operated hotels, Best Western International’s mission of cultivating a tight knit network of efficient industry professionals is reflected in their support of AH&LEF’s initiatives and scholarships. Employing 1,087 and operating more than 303,888 quality guest rooms throughout the world, the company’s President and CEO David Kong also serves as the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) vice chairman and plays an active role in many of the association’s committees.

USA Today, reaching 3.6 million readers a day, has been a long time contributor to the hospitality industry and AH&LEF through its donations and event support. The company annually takes an active role in sponsoring AH&LA’s Legislative Action Summit and Fall Conference, and will host an event at its headquarters on May 18 benefitting Dress for Success, AH&LA’s Women In Lodging (WIL) charitable partner. USA Today is also taking an active role in the association’s plans for celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010, and has donated space in its online publication. Being so involved in both AH&LA and AH&LEF, USA Today serves as a valued partner which supports the hospitality industry, its future leaders, and future research.

“In the current economy, AH&LEF’s role in safe-guarding the industry’s future is more important than ever, and we are thrilled that both Best Western and USA Today recognize the value in investing in the industry with donations to the AGC during this crucial time,” said AH&LEF president/COO, Joori Jeon, CPA, CAE.

The AGC is AH&LEF’s key yearly fundraising initiative supported solely by voluntary contributions. Initiated in 1997, fundraiser provides hospitality management students with academic scholarships, offers grants for pertinent industry research such as diversity and technology advancement, and also promotes hospitality as a career of choice. Thousands has been raised through the AGC, and the Foundation is scheduled to distribute $1.3 million this year.

All AH&LEF contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about donating, contact Michelle Poinelli, senior vice president of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3181 or [email protected], or visit .

AH&LEF is the charitable fund-raising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for hospitality industry research.

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.

Rosanna Maietta
AH&LA