AAHOA will host its annual Congressional Capitol Hill Reception on September 9, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Senate Russell Building, Room 325, in Washington, D.C.

The Congressional Capitol Hill Reception will be attended by key members of Congress who support the lodging industry and small business owners across the country, influential leaders in the hospitality industry, as well as AAHOA Officers, Board members, Ambassadors, leading AAHOA members and executive staff. During the Reception, members of Congress will be invited to say a few words regarding the important issues facing the country and how AAHOA members can assist in working with them for the benefit of hoteliers, the community, and the nation.

The Congressional Capitol Hill Reception will give AAHOA Board members, Ambassadors and leaders the opportunity to interact with members of Congress and their staffs. It is also a tremendous way for AAHOA to present a united front in order to weigh in on political and legislative issues that affect both our members and the industry. AAHOA's previous Congressional Receptions have been instrumental in furthering the association’s advocacy efforts, and this year’s event promises to be no different.

This year’s Reception will be preceded by appointments with members of Congress to discuss AAHOA’s top legislative priorities for 2009. The day will open with training that will be offered to Board members and Ambassadors regarding specific talking points to focus on during their Congressional appointments. Following a brief lunch, busses will take the AAHOA leaders to the appointments, which will be held in the designated Congressional offices. During the appointments, AAHOA leaders will be separated into teams and rotated so that each team will meet with the Congressional representatives from their respective states – with each team having as many as three appointments.

“We have invited key members of Congress to attend this year’s Reception and are expecting a great turnout for the entire day,” said Tarun S. Patel, CHA, Chairman of AAHOA. “This Reception is an integral part of AAHOA’s advocacy efforts. It will give our leaders a tremendous opportunity to interact face to face with many of our country’s most prominent elected officials and express our views on the top issues that could shape the future of this country.”

“Political advocacy plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission statement and protecting the interests of all of our members,” said Fred Schwartz, President of AAHOA. “Our voices must be heard when it comes to speaking out either for or against federal legislation that could significantly impact our members’ businesses and the entire hospitality industry.”

The Congressional Capitol Hill Reception will be held prior to the Washington District Regional Meeting in College Park, Maryland, on September 10, 2009.

About AAHOA | The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is THE voice of owners in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1989, AAHOA is now one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with more than 9,700 members owning more than 22,000 hotels that total $60 billion in property value. AAHOA officers include Chairman Tarun S. Patel, CHA; Vice Chairman ChandraKant “C.K.” Patel, CHO; Treasurer Hemant D. “Henry” Patel; Secretary Alkesh R. “Al” Patel, CHO; and President Fred Schwartz, who work closely with a 33-member board of directors to provide direction for the association. AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community involvement.