Summer 2003

CALIFORNIA
Lodging
The Voice of the Independent Lodging Operator
Lodging
SUMMER 2003
Don’t Miss the 2003 Western Lodging Show
Ontario Convention Center - September 7-8
Also in this issue:
The Importance of Background Checks
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CALIFORNIA
Lodging
VOLUME 57, NUMBER 2
P.O. Box 15918
Sacramento, CA 95852-0918
(916) 447-6565
(800) 637-4664
Fax: (916) 447-6563
E-mail: info@clia.org
www.clia.org
OFFICERS
Chair
Jill Macdonald
Quality Inn
Eureka
Vice Chair
Sima Patel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Oakland Airport
Secretary
Terry Westrope
Sterling Hotels Corporation
San Luis Obispo
Chief Financial Officer
Don Turner
Golden Bear Motel
Napa
Immediate Past Chair
J.P. Patel
Best Western Colony Inn
Atascadero
EXECUTIVE STAFF
President/CEO
Rick Lawrance
Director – Administration & Finance
Joseph Davis
Director - Communications & Marketing
Matthew Wheeler
Director – Membership Services
Beverly Hook
Membership Sales Manager
Kimberly Seaton
Information Technology Administrator
Joe Lish
Administrative Assistant
Rachel Nelson
California Lodging (ISSN 1094-1495) is published biannually by the California Lodging Industry Association
(CLIA), 1011 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916)
447-6565 or (800) 637-4664 (in California only) and Naylor
Publications, Inc. Subscriptions $20 annually (included in
CLIA member dues). Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento,
CA 95813.
Nothing contained in this publication shall be deemed to
constitute in any fashion whatsoever an endorsement by the
California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA) of any
information in this publication, and CLIA disclaims any and
all liability with respect to any use of, or reliance on, such
information. No information in this publication shall be
construed in any manner whatsoever as a recommendation of
any standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be
adopted by, or binding on any person or entity. Nor shall any
information contained in this publication be deemed to
constitute in any fashion whatsoever an endorsement by
CLIA of any product or service advertised herein. The
material set forth in this publication is provided on an
informational basis only. CLIA is not engaged in the practice
of any profession, including, but not limited to, law and
accounting, and nothing in this publication should be relied
on in lieu of appropriate, competent professional advice.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
California Lodging, P.O. Box 15918,
Sacramento, CA 95852.
Inside this Issue
CHAIR’S REPORT
Stick Together; Work Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
HEADQUARTERS REPORT
Your Personalized Link to CLIA Is Just a Click Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Features
THIS YEAR’S EVENT … YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!
The 2003 Western Lodging Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
CLIA JOINS WITH PARTNERS FOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE
A Successful First Annual Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
THE IMPORTANCE OF BACKGROUND CHECKS
Reducing Guesswork When Hiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Departments
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Budget Madness Looms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
LOOKING BACK
Excerpts from CLIA newsletters dating back to the 1940s . . . . . . . .18
CLIA Updates
INNKEEPING LAW
State UI Trust Fund Balance Plummets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Workers’ Compensation Fraud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
CLIA UPDATE
All the Latest News About the Lodging Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
CALIPAC Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside
Back Cover
Cover photo: Peering out of the Ontario Convention Center onto the
snowcapped vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains. Photo courtesy of the
Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ontario, CA 91764.
California Lodging Disclaimer
The material set forth in this publication is provided on an informational basis only for the exclusive use of members of the California
Lodging Industry Association (CLIA). CLIA is not engaged in the practice of any profession, including but not limited to law and accounting,
and nothing in this publication should be relied upon in lieu of appropriate, competent, professional advice. No information contained in this
publication shall be construed in any manner whatsoever as a recommendation, and CLIA disclaims any and all liability with respect to any
use of, or reliance on, such information.
Information provided herein is accurate and applicable to the best of CLIA’s knowledge at the date of publication. However, changes in
state law are always occurring and CLIA members are encouraged to monitor all information provided by CLIA on an ongoing basis. Please
direct any additional questions or concerns to the CLIA staff at: (916) 447-6565 or Helpline (800) 637-4664.
Published for:
The California Lodging Industry Association
P.O. Box 15918
Sacramento, CA 95852-0918
Tel.: (916) 447-6565 or (800) 637-4664
Fax: (916) 447-6563
E-mail: info@clia.org
Website: www.clia.org
Published by:
Naylor Publications, Inc.
9806 Old Winery Place, Suite 6
Sacramento, CA 95827
Tel.: (800) 873-4800 or (916) 363-1913
Fax: (916) 363-1934 or (800) 215-9404
Website: www.naylor.com
©2003 Naylor Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents
of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in
whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the
publisher.
Publisher: Gail E. Kelly
Editor: Jeanie J. Clapp
Advertising Manager: Kurtis Colbert
Research: Steve Hoidalen
Publication Director: Larinda Norwood
Advertising Representatives: Michael Ivers, Shirley Lustan,
Stephen Peters, Diane Ricks, Steven Seeber, Daryl Short
Layout & Design: Catharine Snell
Advertising Art: Elaine Connell
PUBLISHED AUGUST 2003/LIN-Q0203/8525
California
Lodging
3
Summer 2003
CHAIR’S REPORT
CLIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
By Jill Macdonald
Chair of the Board
Stick Together; Work Together
N
ow more than ever California’s business community needs to stick together
and work together. The prevailing attitude of the state Legislature in Sacramento is that business in California is forever resilient and that added costs
imposed by increased regulation, taxes, and the new buzz word “fees” can be
passed on to the consumer. Attrition will be an increasing reality for businesses
that can actually leave California. Easier said than done when you’re talking
about a lodging property or any business that is physically attached to the ground.
So what do we do? How do we fight this assault on our livelihood? Well, considering that there are currently 60 plus bills in the Legislature attempting to combat
the workers’ compensation insurance fiasco, I believe our elected officials do listen when there is a strong united message that is conveyed from the entire business community. Working together with likeminded advocates empowers us all.
In April, our Legislature heard from the tourism industry. Over 300 business owners and professionals from the lodging, restaurant and hospitality industries came
together for the first annual California Restaurant, Lodging and Tourism Public
Affairs Conference. We had appointments with nearly every state legislator. The
day culminated with a lively reception at our headquarters in the California
Restaurant Association building. Many of our elected officials attended, including
the governor (see article on pages 10-11).
The upcoming Western Lodging Show, a partnership event with AAHOA and
CH&LA, is another opportunity for the California tourism industry to unite as
one, network, and educate. Vendors from all over the state will be attending. In
conjunction with WLS, CLIA’s Tailgate Brunch Awards Celebration and Annual
Meeting will be held on the morning of September 7th. This is a fantastic opportunity for our membership to get together, see old friends, and honor our own.
Awards for Excellence in Lodging Hospitality, Excellence as Public Official of
the Year, Excellence in Academic Scholarship, and my own, the Chairman’s
Award, will be presented. This is an inspiring morning not to be missed. You will
find a registration form for the Tailgate Brunch on page 8 of this publication.
Constant communication and education is how we as an industry can empower
ourselves. Attend the Western Lodging Show, and the Tailgate Brunch Awards
Celebration and Annual Meeting. Read your fax bulletins, and LOBBY newsletter.
Visit www.clia.org. When we stick together and work together as an industry, we
can effect positive change for California tourism.
California
Lodging
4
Summer 2003
Chair of the Board
Jill Macdonald
Quality Inn
Eureka
Vice Chair
Sima Patel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Oakland Airport
Secretary
Terry Westrope
Sterling Hotels Corporation
San Luis Obispo
Chief Financial Officer
Don Turner
Golden Bear Motel
Napa
Immediate Past Chair
J. P. Patel
Best Western Colony Inn
Atascadero
President/CEO
Rick Lawrance
Sacramento
Directors
Joe Dedio
Holiday Inn Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa
Laurenne Douglas
Pacific Plaza Hotels
Alameda
Doug Forzani
Merritt House Inn
Monterey
Bev Holthouse
Ridgemark Golf & Country Club Resort
Hollister
Peter Kwong
Best Western Dragon Gate Inn
Los Angeles
Christopher Layton
Christopher’s Inn
Calistoga
John Manderfeld
Marin Management
Sausalito
Howard Mathews
Howard Mathews Lodging Broker
Discovery Bay
William O’Connell
Best Western Stovall’s Inn
Anaheim
Dilip Patel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Mountain View
Mahendra Patel
Menlo Park Inn
Menlo Park
Ramesh Patel
Sonora Days Inn
Sonora
John Reinacher
Historic Santa Maria Inn
Santa Maria
Dean Ruffing
Lodging Today, Inc.
Poway
HEADQUARTERS REPORT
CLIA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ASSOCIATE MEMBER COMMITTEE
Ed Bear
AutoClerk
(925) 284-1005
By Rick Lawrance
President/CEO
BED & BREAKFAST
STEERING COMMITTEE
Doug Forzani
Merritt House Inn
Monterey
(831) 646-9686
WLS ANNUAL MEETING
COMMITTEE
Mahendra Patel
Menlo Park Inn
Menlo Park
(650) 326-7530
EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP
COMMITTEE
Bev Holthouse
Ridgemark Golf & Country Club
Hollister
(831) 637-8157
INTERNET/AUTOMATION COMMITTEE
John Manderfeld
Marin Management, Inc.
Sausalito
(415) 331-1061
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Bob Griffin
Sterling Hotels Corporation
San Luis Obispo
(805) 546-9388
MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Chris Middleton
American Hotels Inc.
Palo Alto
(650) 321-4106
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
Howard Mathews
Howard Mathews Lodging Broker
Discovery Bay
(925) 634-1873
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
J. P. Patel
Best Western Colony Inn
Atascadero
(805) 466-4449
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
John Reinacher
Historic Santa Maria Inn
Santa Maria
(805) 928-7777
Your Personalized Link to CLIA
Is Just a Click Away …
A
s each new Chair assumes their position on the CLIA Board of Directors, I
have the rare privilege of helping to envision the legacy to be left behind
following their tenure at the helm of the Board. In early discussions with
2003 Chair Jill Macdonald, she clearly expressed that her highest priority was a
new CLIA website. Not just any website, Jill imagined, but a fully functional
website that would be considered to be one of the greatest benefits CLIA could
provide for our members. I am pleased to present, on behalf of CLIA,
www.clia.org. Jill’s to-be legacy has been fulfilled.
Late last year, we took our idea to Internet/Automation Committee Chairman
John Manderfeld and CLIA’s in-house Information Technology Administrator Joe
Lish. With a strong background in web-based applications, Joe had no trouble
working with John and his committee to build a website, from the ground up, that
would become an invaluable tool for CLIA members. Today, the website has been
launched and is only a click away for CLIA members. Upon requesting a personalized username and password from CLIA headquarters, members may log into a
specialized Members Only section. Here you will find breaking news from Sacramento, informative articles and editorials on small business and innkeeping as
well as helpful forms and publications easily downloaded onto any computer.
Members may also view the annual CLIA Buyer’s Guide as well as archived
copies of California Lodging Magazine and the CLIA legislative newsletter
LOBBY.
The successful posting of www.clia.org has already drawn attention from the
association community. In June, the California Society of Association Executives
(CalSAE) awarded CLIA with the Golden State Award for Excellence in Website
Creation. This highly coveted prize was awarded to Joe Lish and myself at a
spectacular ceremony held in Sacramento. The honor, as awarded each year, recognizes any association in California for distinction in website design. Please
allow me to say how truly honored Joe and I are to accept such an award on
behalf of CLIA.
There is still more to come for www.clia.org in the months ahead. Soon CLIA
members will be able to renew their membership online with a few easy clicks, as
well as link their property’s website to CLIA’s. CLIA’s goal, under Jill’s leadership, continues to be a website that is as informative as it is user-friendly. I
strongly encourage our members to request a username and password and spend
some time at www.clia.org. After you have looked around the website, let us
know what you think. As this is your website, it is my desire that we maintain an
open dialogue as the website continues to develop and expand. Sign on to
www.clia.org today!
California
Lodging
5
Summer 2003
Western Lodging Show
This Year’s Event …
You Won’t Want to Miss!
The Ontario Convention Center at dusk.
S
et among swaying palm trees and
panoramic views of the San
Gabriel Mountains, the Western
Lodging Show returns to Southern
California. The Ontario Convention
Center is proud to welcome the fourthannual Western Lodging Show to the
inland empire, and CLIA anticipates
another successful and exciting show.
The idea was revolutionary, bringing California’s lodging industry associations together to build a one-stop
event for lodging industry professionals. The Western Lodging Show, as
concurrently hosted by CLIA,
CH&LA and AAHOA, combines the
latest innovations in our industry with
quality education and some of the best
fun and networking around.
Exhibitors from far and wide come
to display their goods and services
before other like-minded lodging
industry professionals. Admission to
the Western Lodging Show is free to
all CLIA lodging property owners,
operators and staff!
With over 250 exhibition spaces
available throughout the 70,000
square feet of the Ontario Convention
Center, the networking and marketing
possibilities are endless to CLIA
members. Not to mention drawings,
an evening cocktail reception and the
opportunity to win cash prizes!
On Sunday, September 7, 2003,
CLIA will hold its annual meeting
and awards celebration, the Tailgate
Brunch, at the DoubleTree Hotel
California
Lodging
6
Summer 2003
Ontario Airport. This year, CLIA is
kicking off the Western Lodging Show
with a salute to football! The Tailgate
Brunch is not to be missed as we pass
the gavel to Sima Patel, 2004 Chair of
the Board, as well as honor our own
with the Excellence Awards. After a
sumptuous buffet, CLIA will present
the award for Excellence in Lodging
and Hospitality, Excellence as Public
Official of the Year, Excellence in
Academic Scholarship, and the Chairman’s Award. The registration form
for the Tailgate Brunch is provided on
page 8. Don’t miss this special
engagement, register today!
Won’t you please join us September 7-8, 2003, in Ontario, California
at the Western Lodging Show?
California
Division of
Tourism
exhibitors at
their display
booth.
An exciting venue of
exhibitors, attendees,
and displays.
CLIA would like to recognize the generous contributions of the following
members. Without their
sponsorship, CLIA’s Tailgate
Brunch would not be possible.
CLIA’s 2002 Evening of
Excellence Gala Dinner.
Platinum Sponsors
USP Communications
Gold Sponsors
Paymentech
Pepsi Bottling Company
TravelHero.com
Silver Sponsors
Auto Clerk
State Compensation
Insurance Fund
Sterling Hotels
On behalf of CLIA, your
support is most appreciated!
California
Lodging
7
Summer 2003
Tailgate Brunch
Awards Celebration & Annual Meeting
September 7, 2003 • DoubleTree Hotel Ontario Airport
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2003
Awards Celebration & Annual Meeting
Registrant Name and Title
Sunday, September 7, 2003 • 11:00am
DoubleTree Hotel Ontario Airport
Business Name
Day Phone
Mailing Address
✄
Registrant Guest Name and Title
City/State/Zip
Excellence in Lodging and Hospitality
Excellence as Public Official of the Year
Excellence in Academic Scholarship
and the
Chairman’s Award
❏ Yes, I will be attending the Western Lodging Show
Brunch Registration Fees
Single ticket
Join us in recognizing the 2003 recipients of
CLIA Honors and Awards
presented for:
$37.50 _______ X $ 37.50 =
$ _________
Indulge your taste buds with a
sumptuous mid-morning buffet
Host table for 10
$350.00 ______ X $350.00 =
$ _________
(For tables, please include a list of attendees)
Voluntary Contributions
Special Messages from
CLIA Chair Jill Macdonald and
President Rick Lawrance
Won’t you please support these special programs?
CALIPAC
$ _________
CLIA Scholarship Fund
$ _________
TOTAL:
$ _________
Method of Payment: ❏ MasterCard
❏ VISA
Food, entertainment and sportsmanship!
Please complete the attached registration form
and return it today!
❏ Check Enclosed
If paying by credit card, please complete the information below.
Credit card registrations may be returned by fax.
Card Number
California Lodging Industry Association
PO Box 15918
Sacramento, CA 95852
Phone: (916) 447-6565
Fax: (916) 447-6563
Expires
Cardholder’s Signature
Date
Join us at the Western Lodging Show on
September 7-8, 2003
Ontario Convention Center
For room reservations, please contact the
DoubleTree Hotel Ontario Airport
222 N. Vineyard Avenue • Ontario, CA 91764
(800) 222-TREE or (909) 937-0900
Please Mail or Fax:
California Lodging Industry Association • PO Box 15918
Sacramento, California 95852 • FAX: (916) 447-6563
Reference the Western Lodging Show for the WLS rate
($69 + tax per night for single or double occupancy)
Please make your reservations by
August 14, 2003, to ensure the WLS rate.
California
Lodging
8
Summer 2003
SWITCHING YOUR COMPANY TO STATE FUND MAY NOT CHANGE YOUR WHOLE LIFE.
JUST A FEW HOURS OF IT HERE AND THERE.
Our 85 years of experience with workers’ compensation can make your hours better. We’ll handle your
claims quickly. And give you safety programs so you don’t have to spend time setting them up yourself. Join
the State Fund/California Lodging Industry Association today. Eligible members may receive a group
discount on their workers’ compensation insurance premiums.. Whatever we can do to get you on to more
important things. Call your broker or Kent Woodward of State Fund group programs at 916-263-7380.
www.scif.com
Get More. Worr y Less. ®
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Contact:
Gregory F. Hurley, Esq.
Suite 1100
18201 Von Karman Avenue
Irvine, California 92612
949-417-0965
gregory.hurley@kutakrock.com
California
Lodging
9
Summer 2003
CLIA Joins with
Partners for
Public Affairs
Conference
California
Lodging
10
Summer 2003
O
n Tuesday, April
29, 2003, CLIA
joined with the
California Restaurant
Association (CRA),
California Travel
Industry Association
(CalTIA), and other
partners, to hold the first
annual California
Restaurant, Lodging,
and Tourism Public
Affairs Conference.
CLIA President and CEO Rick
Lawrance envisioned a partnership conference encompassing the entire
tourism trade in California coming
together in a call for legislative reforms.
Conference attendees addressed a variety of issues including workers’ compensation, minimum wage, funding for
tourism promotion, and taxes.
The conference attendees, exceeding 300, started their day with a high
caliber series of political speakers.
Mark DiCamillo of the Field Poll,
the nation’s oldest state poll, opened
the conference. DiCamillo shared
with the group the results and analysis of the Poll’s most recently conducted survey, including information
on attitudes about the current budget
crisis and voter preferences in
upcoming elections. Following
DiCamillo, the conference welcomed
Senator Chuck Poochigian (R-Fresno), the lead author of the Senate
Republican workers’ compensation
reform package. Poochigian discussed his efforts to push meaningful
policy reform as well as his involvement in the debates over the state
budget. In conclusion, conference
attendees heard from syndicated
columnist Dan Walters, an expert on
California politics, who discussed the
budget crisis, the impacts of term
limits, and changes to California’s
political landscape in the future.
Following the speakers, attendees
shared their personal experiences
while visiting with over 100 legislators
in their State Capitol offices. CLIA
members advocated on behalf of the
entire tourism industry, explaining
how increasing workers’ compensation
rates are impacting their business, how
promoting tourism creates jobs, and
how taxes aimed at the hospitality and
tourism industries ultimately hurt the
consumer.
At the end of the day, California
Governor Gray Davis, Lieutenant
Governor Cruz Bustamante, and leading legislators joined conference attendees at a reception hosted at CLIA
headquarters. The successes of this
year’s event have CLIA and its partners preparing for the next Public
Affairs Conference.
CLIA President/CEO Rick Lawrance looking on as Governor Gray Davis
addresses conference attendees.
CalTIA President & CEO Terri
Taylor-Solorio, syndicated
columnist and guest speaker Dan
Walters, CRA President & CEO
John Dunlap, III, and CLIA
President & CEO Rick Lawrance.
Conference attendees meet with
Senate President Pro Tempore
John Burton (D - San Francisco)
in his State Capitol office.
A lively reception at CLIA
Headquarters.
California
Lodging
11
Summer 2003
The Importance of
Background Checks
Reducing Guesswork When Hiring
I
magine the frustration – and irony –
if your front desk manager were to
run off with the funds he or she was
hired to watch over, or endanger the
guests he or she was supposed to protect. Innkeepers can reduce the likelihood of those scenarios with
background checks and pre-employment screening.
Properties that don’t perform background checks open themselves to liability, but so do those that perform
them improperly. That is why picking
the right third-party screening company
is so important. Loss Prevention &
Safety Journal sat down with Steve
Pearce, vice president of marketing for
AbsoluteBackgrounds, to talk about
these and other issues relating to background checks.
Q: How important are applicant
background investigations to a business?
A: Applicant background investigations have become an integral part of
the hiring process. Employee-screening
services have risen significantly in the
past few years and is now a staple in
the workplace.
An unscreened employee has the
potential to cause significant problems
for an employer, ranging from theft and
embezzlement to assault and harassment. An employer can be held liable
for the actions of an employee who was
hired without the benefit of a background check, especially one who has a
criminal history indicating he may
cause harm to fellow employees or customers. This form of liability is defined
as negligent hiring, which is based on
the employer’s duty to exercise care
when selecting employees. In other
words, an employer must adequately
screen individuals by performing a reasonable investigation of the applicant’s
background. Negligence occurs when
an employer does not perform this due
diligence by failing to investigate, conducting an inadequate investigation, or
hiring an applicant who is unfit based
on information uncovered during an
investigation.
Q: What are some key elements of
an effective background investigation?
A: At the very least, include identity
verification by Social Security number,
address history and criminal history,
and employment verification.
Q: What are most companies
lacking when conducting a background check in-house?
A: Access to criminal records, driving records, credit histories, verification of address history and a variety of
credential verifications. Gaining this
information in a timely manner is paramount.
Q: What are some legal issues that
can arise during a background investigation?
A: There are two primary legal
requirements that must be satisfied
when doing background checks
through a third party. The first involves
notice, disclosure and authorization that
is compliant with the FCRA (Fair
Credit Reporting Act). The second,
triggered if you do not hire based on
information in the report, involves preadverse and adverse action steps that
California
Lodging
12
Summer 2003
must be initiated in a manner and form
that meets legal requirements.
Q: Are there proper procedures
for companies to protect themselves
from legal ramifications?
A: Yes, there are. But they can be
tricky, as there isn’t one piece of legislation that covers the process completely. An employer needs to be aware of
the requirements set forth in the FCRA
and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and regulations from the
EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and certain state legislatures. Therefore, it is imperative for
employers to check that their background-screening company is fully
versed in the legal issues pertaining to
employment screening.
Q: How would you describe a
thorough background investigation?
A: Checking criminal history
through Social Security number verification, a seven-year address history,
previous-employment history and credential verification all make up a
Great NEW
Member Benefit!
CLIA is proud to introduce
AbsoluteBackgrounds as an
endorsed provider and new benefit
to CLIA members. For more information on discounted rates for
CLIA members, please contact
Steve Pearce with AbsoluteBackgrounds at (800) 943-2589. Don’t
forget to mention that you’re a
CLIA member to receive your discount!
complete package. There are also
additional checks – such as credit
reports, driving records and civil
searches – depending on the position
being applied for.
Q: In the past, have companies
neglected background investigations? If so, for what reasons?
A: Surprisingly, most companies
have neglected background investigations for three reasons. First, the misconception that employee screening is
too expensive. Second, it takes too
long to secure background information. Third, not realizing the potential
legal liability by not screening. Most
basic investigations cost between $30
to $60, and the turnaround time is usually between one to three business
days.
Q: Due to recent events, do you
feel companies are becoming more
receptive to conducting background
checks?
A: Since Sept. 11, there has been a
heightened awareness of who companies are hiring. Businesses have a
greater understanding of the potential
liability of hiring an applicant with a
questionable background. In the past,
most companies waited until something
tragic happened before performing
background checks. More employers
now realize background screening is an
inexpensive form of insurance.
Q: What factors should employers
consider when selecting a vendor to
perform employee background
checks?
A: Look at the vendor’s source of
information and how it is secured and
delivered. You also want to evaluate
turnaround times, customer service and
compliance with federal and state laws
during the background screening.
Q: What part do you see employment screening playing in the
recruitment process?
A: Employment screening has
become an imperative human-resource
requirement. It will continue to have an
expanded role in providing even more
information to enhance the decisionmaking process in hiring safe, competent and long-term employees.
Credit: Loss Prevention and Safety
Journal, Virgo Publishing
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California
Lodging
13
Summer 2003
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LEGISLATIVE Update
By Mike Belote
California Advocates, Inc.
Budget Madness Looms
A
s summer arrives, what seems
like an every-year battle over
the state budget is literally heating up. This issue has obvious implications for all of us as citizens of
California, but make no mistake:
THERE ARE CRITICAL ISSUES
LOOMING FOR CLIA MEMBERS.
Perhaps as never before, it is imperative that members make themselves
heard and encourage all lodging proprietors to support CLIA, which supports them.
The budget season arrives with
unprecedented uncertainties. Not
only is the sheer size of the budget
deficit unheard of, but the governor is facing a recall effort which
shows growing momentum, and
various groups are threatening to
take issues directly to the voters
with ballot initiatives. The wacky
thing about politics is that at some
level, all of the issues intersect.
This column will attempt to unravel these diverse but related phenomena.
Of course, the major issue for the
year, and perhaps for years to come, is
the budget. To put a deficit of over
$30 million in perspective, the size of
the hole in California’s spending plan
is more than every other state besides
New York spends. The governor’s lat-
est proposal adopts an approach,
urged by Republicans, to sell bonds
and cover a portion of the deficit with
borrowing. The governor also proposes, however, a series of tax increases
to cover the bonds, chiefly a one-half
cent increase in the sales tax. Other
increased revenues are proposed from
adding one percent to the top marginal income tax rate, and from large
increases in the vehicle license fee,
sometimes labeled as the “car tax.”
“We are running out of
money, folks, and Wall
Street will not sell the bonds
we are going to need very
soon unless they think that
they are going to be repaid.”
The governor’s proposal forces
him to walk a political minefield.
Republicans support the concept of
borrowing to cover the deficit shortterm, but seem adamantly opposed to
the tax increase portion of the proposal. Democrats are just as adamant that
California
Lodging
14
Summer 2003
the deficit not be covered chiefly with
cuts to programs. For his part, the
governor stresses the urgency of
adopting an on-time budget: “We are
running out of money, folks, and Wall
Street will not sell the bonds we are
going to need very soon unless they
think that they are going to be
repaid.” But the governor has a political problem as well: the failure to
adopt a budget on-time, or nearly so,
could give momentum to the recall
effort. Still think that you would
like to be governor?
Nearly everyone believes that
both parties will have to compromise, with Democrats accepting
social program cuts and Republicans agreeing to some tax increases. But the fact that California is
one of the few states in the country
which requires a two-thirds vote to
adopt a state budget gives leverage
to the Republicans, because two
Republican Senators and six
Republican Assembly Members
must vote for the budget for it to
be enacted. This could provide an
important opportunity for CLIA and
other groups to demand needed
changes to the law as part of a budget
compromise. And among those
changes being discussed, the number
one issue is clearly workers’ compen-
sation. Here is where CLIA members
can make themselves heard: CALL
YOUR STATE SENATOR OR ASSEMBLY MEMBER AND DEMAND THAT
REAL WORKERS’ COMP REFORM
BE PART OF ANY BUDGET COMPROMISE. If ever there was truth to
the old maxim that out of crisis comes
opportunity, this could be the time.
Of course, there are other budget
issues with clear implications for
CLIA members. We have asked that
cuts in funding for state tourism promotion be as little as possible, in
order to continue advertising California as a travel destination. Another
issue, perhaps one degree of separation removed, relates to local government. In the past, the state Legislature
has sometimes attempted to resolve
budget difficulties with cuts to local
government. To the extent that this
occurs in 2003, the natural move by
locals will be to restore the revenue
wherever possible, which could obviously place upward pressure on TOT.
Regardless of the outcome of the
budget, the larger issue which is critical to CLIA members is the general
state of the business climate in California. As a struggling sector in an
already shaky economic recovery,
lodging has a particularly compelling
case to make. Especially with respect
to bills affecting employer/employee
relations, the California Legislature
should be reminded that a healthy
economy is necessary to provide the
jobs that make it possible to even
have employer/employee relations.
CLIA members are urged to contact
State Senators and Assembly Members, asking them to vote “NO” on
AB 76 which would make employers
liable for harassment by customers
and clients, vote “NO” on AB 1093
which would require businesses contracting with the state to pay “living
wages,” and to vote “NO” on SB 796
which would allow employees to
bring private civil actions for alleged
violations of the Labor Code.
The State of California depends on
travel and tourism. The state needs
you, your jobs and your tax dollars.
CLIA is working for you, and you
need to make your voices heard!
Howard Mathews & Associates is Northern California’s
leading lodging brokerage firm. Its agents have a combined
75 years of lodging sales and operations experience, producing
exceptional results for hundreds of buyers and sellers.
Turnkey Lodging
Brokerage Solutions
Count on Howard Mathews & Associates for:
■ Integrity in property presentation and sale negotiation
■ Extensive knowledge about your marketplace
■ Thorough evaluation techniques for proper pricing
■ Solution-oriented approach to marketing difficult properties
■ Creative financing alternatives, in-house escrow coordinator,
and complete loan-packaging services
■ Tirelessly dedicating itself to selling your property or finding
that diamond in the rough!
“I have done business with many brokers and Howard Mathews is
outstanding—second to none. On a recent purchase he did everything
possible to make the deal work. I highly recommend him to any buyer or
seller of a lodging property.” — Tony Govan, Best Western Madera Valley Inn
“The most knowledgeable, honest and hard-working lodging broker
I know. I am happy with all seven properties I have purchased
through Howard.” — Jerry Storz, Heritage Hospitality, Sacramento
Contact us today for a free consultation or property appraisal.
Howard Mathews & Associates
Phone: 925-634-2299
Fax: 925-634-1873
E-mail: hmathews@sbcglobal.net
www.hma-lodging.com
Howard Mathews
Martin Barnhart
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Proud to be an Associate Member
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California
Lodging
15
Member FDIC
Summer 2003
State UI Trust Fund
Balance Plummets
Projected Increase in Employer Payroll Taxes
A
ccording to the California Chamber of Commerce, California is
projecting a $1.8 billion increase
in employer payroll taxes next January, including a 15 percent emergency
solvency surcharge, according to a
newly released forecast.
The fund forecast shows the UI
Trust Fund balance plunging from
nearly $6 billion in 2001 to less than
$1.7 billion in 2003. There has been
increasing concern that the UI Trust
Fund’s solvency may have been compromised by significant, multi-year
benefit increases unaccompanied by
cost-saving reforms, and coupled
with much-higher-than-anticipated
unemployment rates in California.
The Employment Development Department (EDD)
forecast also shows the UI
tax rate moved from 2.62
percent in 2002 to 3.13 percent this year, and is forecast
to reach 4.71 percent next
year, giving California the
dubious distinction of having
the highest average employer
UI tax rate in the nation.
The single major cause of
the state UI Trust depletion is
the recent enactment of SB
40, (Alarcón; D-Van Nuys),
which provided a 95 percent
increase in the maximum
weekly benefit over a fouryear period.
The benefits increased
from $230 in 2001 to $330 in
2002, $370 in 2003, $410 in
2004, and $450 in 2005. It
also increased the wage
replacement formula to 50
percent – up from 39 percent.
California
Lodging
16
Summer 2003
Recent EDD estimates on actual
retroactive cost figures have already
topped $580 million, with a number
of claims still remaining unpaid.
While employers succeeded in
winning enactment of a provision that
designated a significant portion of
federal Reed Act funds be deposited
directly in the UI Trust Fund as a way
to offset the costs of the retroactive
application of the benefit increase, the
Legislature refused to adopt any costsaving or streamlining reforms that
employers thought were necessary to
forestall or reduce the need for an
employer UI tax increase.
It has been suggested that structural
reforms to the UI system are needed
now to offset the higher employer UI
taxes caused by the recent enactment
of the multi-year UI benefit increases
and the increased costs from greater
demands on the system while California’s economy remains sluggish.
Additionally, it has been strongly
advocated that the state and federal
government take stronger precautions
aimed at stopping fraudulent claims in
the future. It has also been advocated
that the state must re-evaluate the way
the UI system is run to ensure that
individuals cannot gain access to benefits under false pretenses.
Credit: California Chamber of
Commerce – Staff Contact: Julianne
Broyles
Workers’
Compensation Fraud
An Important Announcement
for Employers Concerning First
Aid Treatment for Workers’
Compensation Injuries …
F
irst aid treatment is included as
medical care that all employers
must provide for their injured
employees. In conjunction with the
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Workers’ Compensation,
The California Department of Insurance wants to remind all employers,
insurance carriers and self-insurers of
the need to comply with Section
6409(a) of the California Labor Code.
Section 6409(a) requires a physician who treats an injured employee
to file a DFR (“Doctor’s First Report
of Injury”) with the claims administrator for every work illness or injury,
even first aid cases where there is no
lost time from work. Although the
Labor Code contains “first aid”
exceptions for the Employers’ Report
(Form 5020) and the Employee Claim
Form (DWC-1), there is no such
exception for the DFR. The insurance
carrier (or the employer if the
employer is self-insured) must forward these DFR’s to the Department
of Industrial Relations. There is no
“first aid” exception to this statute.
The California Department of
Insurance and the Department of
Industrial Relations believe there are
improper arrangements in place
between some medical providers and
employers that allow the employer to
dictate how injuries are to be classified by the physicians. In some cases,
and at the request of the employers,
the physicians send the DFR only to
the employers and not to the insurance carriers. This arrangement
occurs even though the injuries clearly are beyond first aid. This agreement is often marketed to employers
as a way to keep premiums from rising or to lower them. Such marketing
practices are both improper and may
also contribute to possible criminal
violations related to premium fraud
and the fraudulent denial of workers’
compensation benefits to injured
workers.
Credit: California Department of
Insurance
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California
Lodging
17
Summer 2003
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LOOKING
Back
Looking Back highlights CLIA’s long history with excerpts
from our newsletters dating all the way back to the 1940s. The
issues and concerns were very different back then and, as you
will undoubtedly notice, the language was quite different too!
We hope you enjoy these little pieces of CLIA’s history …
EVICTION OF
TROUBLESOME GUESTS:
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP SURVEY reveals that
among our members only, the average total number of
units is 22. Average rate for two people is $4.70. 58.5%
have kitchens, 6.3% have phones, 65.7% have radios,
5.4% have TV sets in rooms. HEAT: Wood – 1/10 of
1%; Electricity – 7.2%; Forced Air – 6.3%; Steam –
4.5%; Gas & various appliances – 53.1%; Panel Ray –
28.8%. Average value of motel, $118,208. (Not a cheap
industry. Imagine the figure multiplying by 6,000.)
Interesting, isn’t it? Incidentally, all members did not
send in their card. Please do so. It may mean some
business for you. We can’t refer people to you if we
have no information on what you have to offer.
Excerpted from the CLIA Archives: Motor Hotel Association
of California Bulletin. September, 1950.Volume 4, #9.
California
Lodging
We have received several inquiries requesting information as to how to go about evicting guests who cause a disturbance and refuse to desist when asked to do so. Your
other guests nor yourself are not expected to tolerate noisy
and troublesome persons. Regardless of how far in advance
their rent may be paid, phone the police or sheriff and have
them arrested for disturbing the peace. Go right down to
the jail house with the law and swear to a complaint. When
the authorities take them out, see that they take all their
belongings with them, then lock the door. If they get out
on bail and return to cause more trouble call the law again.
Run your place as it should be run. Don’t let a bunch of
noisy rough necks run it for you. Always protect yourself by
having one or two good witnesses to everything you say or
do. Never get into fights or brawls with guests. That’s what
we have laws for and officers to enforce them. Don’t try to
take the law into your own hands.
Excerpted from the CLIA Archives: Motor Hotel Association
of California Bulletin. December, 1947. Volume 1, #5.
18
Summer 2003
MOTOR HOTEL ASSOCIATION
OF CALIFORNIA
CODE OF ETHICS
As a member of the Motor Hotel Association of California, I subscribe to the principles set forth below and will
endeavor to conduct my business accordingly:
• I will not engage in methods of operation that are unlawful, unsanitary or detrimental to the health and welfare of
the traveling public. I will not advertise in any unethical manner or post misleading price signs.
• I will endeavor to keep my court clean and attractive and train my employees to do likewise.
• I will keep both the outside and inside of my court in the very best appearance. Neat lawns, well painted buildings,
rubbish-free driveways and walks, will be my constant aim.
• I will look to the convenience and comfort of my guests, as well as complete safety for them.
• I will treat everyone with respect and kindness, always controlling my temper. I will train my employees in these
same traits, thereby creating an atmosphere of content for my guests.
• I will make it a point to keep well informed about my community, its attractions and the accommodations that are
available so I may be of real service to the visitors to California. Courtesy and helpfulness will be my watchword.
• I will keep my prices posted in the rooms, in accordance with the law of the State of California and make sure they
are fair and in keeping with the accommodations offered.
• No better rule to live by has yet been devised by man than the one known as the Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”(Matthew 7:12) I will obey the laws of the land and live
according to the rule above.
Adopted November 25, 1950.
Excerpted from the CLIA Archives: Motor Hotel Association of California Bulletin. June, 1951. Volume 5, #5
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California
Lodging
19
Summer 2003
UPDATE
The Changing of the Board,
A Bittersweet Time on the CLIA
Board of Directors
CLIA is proud to announce three nominations to the CLIA board of directors.
Narendra (Naz) Patel of the Econo
Lodge – LAX in Inglewood, Nipool Patel
of the Econo Lodge San Luis Obispo, and
Rick Tipton of American Hotels in Palo
Alto, have all been nominated for board
member positions. Upon their election,
new board members will take their positions on the CLIA board of directors January 1, 2004. While CLIA is most excited
to welcome Naz, Nipool and Rick to the
CLIA board family, three well-tenured
board members will be retiring. J.P. Patel
of the Best Western Colony Inn in Atascadero and immediate past chairman,
Doug Forzani of the Merritt House Inn in
Monterey, and Bev Holthouse of the
Ridgemark Golf and Country Club Resort
in Hollister will all be stepping down.
CLIA bids J.P., Doug and Bev a warm
farewell with sincerest gratitude for their
many contributions to the CLIA board of
directors.
California’s Lodging Leaders Serve
on AAHOA Board of Directors
CLIA proudly congratulates two
prominent Californians in their elections
to executive positions on Asian American
Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)
board of directors. Hitesh Bhakta of the
Park Suite Hotel, Inc./Canyon Country
Hospitality, Inc. in Orange, California
was elected chairman of the board of
directors on April 26, 2003. Serving as
the new treasurer of the AAHOA board
of directors is Mukesh Mowji of the D3
Investment Group in San Jose, California. CLIA wishes Mr. Bhakta and Mr.
Mowji the very best as they serve their
association and the California Lodging
Industry well.
TRENDS Program Still Available to
CLIA Members
CLIA continues to encourage members to participate in a new cooperative
program that will become part of
TRENDS IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, a
monthly publication produced by PKF/C,
CLIA wishes to thank the following CALIPAC donors who have recognized the urgent
need to maintain our industry as a strong, concerned and active political force:
Adelaide Inn, Paso Robles
Bed and Breakfast Inn at La Jolla
Best Western Beach Terrace Inn, Carlsbad
Best Western Beach View Lodge, Carlsbad
Best Western Cavalier Inn, San Simeon
Best Value Inn, Red Bluff
Briarwood Inn, Carmel
Casa Via Mar Inn, Oxnard
Curly Redwood Lodge, Crescent City
Days Inn, San Luis Obispo
Golden Bear Motel, Napa
Great Highway Inn, Woodside
Hampton Inn, Fairfield
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites,
Mountain View
Holiday Inn Express, Modesto
Holiday Inn Express, Westley
Keefer’s Inn, King City
Kon Tiki Inn, Pismo Beach
Lake of the Sky Motor Inn, Tahoe City
Merritt House Inn, Monterey
Murphey’s Motel, Charleston, OR
Oasis Inn, San Francisco
Redcrest Resort, Redcrest
Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort, Calistoga
The California Lodging Industry Political Action Committee, or CALIPAC, enables us to
support those legislative representatives who are friends of CLIA and the tourism industry,
and whom we know we can count on to support our interests. CLIA is proud to take the
lead as the lodging industry’s leading legislative advocate in California, and CALIPAC
contributions further this effort greatly. Members who wish to make contributions to
CALIPAC are urged to send checks to CALIPAC, PO Box 15918, Sacramento, CA 95852.
California
Lodging
20
Summer 2003
that tracks average daily rate and occupancy for hotels throughout California
and the U.S. (For specific program
details, please see the Spring 2003 issue
of California Lodging.)
CLIA member participation in
TRENDS is free and requires only the
completion of a short enrollment form.
Every month, PKF/C will fax or e-mail a
questionnaire requesting number of
rooms available, number of rooms sold,
and total monthly room revenue. Members will be asked to fill out these forms
and return them to PKF/C so that they can
provide an accurate report as quickly as
possible.
All information submitted will be kept
strictly confidential and will only be presented in aggregate form.
For their participation in the program,
CLIA members will receive a complimentary copy of PKF/C’s publication
TRENDS IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
every month. TRENDS is an excellent tool
that may be used for budgeting, benchmarking, and understanding the local
hotel market.
Please contact James Mbugua at PKF
Consulting with any questions: Phone:
(213) 680-0900/Fax: (213) 623-8240/email: james.mbugua@pkfc.com.
Thank You!
CLIA would like to thank all members
who participated in our recent membership survey. The board of directors will
use the information gathered in the surveys to strengthen the programs and benefits that you have come to know, as well
as explore new member benefits, features
and suggestions. The feedback is most
appreciated, and CLIA thanks you!
Tell a Friend
Help keep CLIA strong! Are you
happy with CLIA and the benefits you
receive? Well, tell a friend! CLIA is
always looking to expand our membership
base, so if you know of someone who
would benefit from our many services and
programs as members, please refer them
to us at (800) 637-4664.
Data Verification Forms
Watch your mailboxes … CLIA data
verification forms will be mailed out in
early September. The information you
provide and verify in these forms is pivotal in linking your property to CLIA. We
use the information gathered in our membership guide, on the CLIA reservations
website, and to send you helpful and
informative publications throughout the
year. Keep us updated! Don’t forget to
send in your verification form when it
reaches your property, or you may miss
out on something new!
primary purpose is to provide you with
current and breaking news from the
State Capitol. Everyday the State Legislature considers proposals that could
impact the lodging industry, and you
should know about them! Keeping you
abreast of such issues is one of CLIA’s
highest priorities and greatest benefits to
you, our members, as is holding our
position as the leading legislative advocate and voice for the lodging industry.
It is our hope at CLIA that you continue
to enjoy LOBBY and will view it as a
trusted source for lodging industry
news.
Candidacy Announced
Long-time CLIA member, Eric
Cogdill, of the Best Western Garden
Court Inn in Fresno has announced his
candidacy for Best Western International
District Director. Cogdill is seeking to
succeed Cindy Binkele, retiring District 6
Director. BWI District 6 includes California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
2004 California Official State
Visitor’s Guide
There’s still time to save on enhanced
listings in the 2004 California Official
State Visitor’s Guide & Travel Planner!
With a targeted circulation of 500,000
copies, the official guide is the best way
to maximize your property’s marketing!
An enhanced listing positions your
property in front of the pre-qualified travel
buyers at the perfect time – while they are
planning the details of their trip. Enhanced
listings also become part of the California
Division of Tourism’s content on the Internet – www.visitcalifornia.com.
Reel the 1.9 million California bound
travelers in today! Contact Joseph Davis at
CLIA to take advantage of your exclusive
CLIA member-only special rate - $150, a
$270 savings – for an enhanced listing in
the 2004 California Official State Visitor’s
Guide & Travel Planner!
LOBBY’s First Five Issues a Success
CLIA is very pleased to receive the
positive feedback from the first five
issues of our new CLIA newsletter,
LOBBY. It had been the long-standing
desire of President/CEO Rick Lawrance
to create an informative newsletter, to be
distributed throughout the year to link
CLIA members with CLIA headquarters
in Sacramento. But not only is LOBBY’s
focus intended to keep members updated
on CLIA services and benefits, but its
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California
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Summer 2003
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OPL equipment, parts and service –
call in The Heavyweights.
SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • SERVICE TRAINING
Products & Services Showcase
How can a Vacuum so Powerful be so Light?
Commercial Sales
Oreck’s 8-pound XL2000 Commercial Series
Upright glides from carpets to bare floors with
no manual adjustments. It cleans under
furniture and beds with ease. The brush
roller moves at an amazing 6,500 RPM,
rejuvenating carpets and making them
look new again. The Helping Hand
Handle eases stress and strain on the
wrist, elbow and arm, because you
never need to squeeze the handle, just
push and pull it. Accept no
substitute. The Oreck XL2000 is
Simply Amazing TM
FREE CARPET SWEEPER - YOUR CHOICE
Oreck’s RG21 or Restaurateur PR2600
with purchase of any upright vacuum.
Ask your salesperson for details.
(800) 242-1378
lagreca@oreck.com
www.oreckcommercial.com
California
Lodging
22
Summer 2003
Index
TO ADVERTISERS
ATTORNEYS
Kutak Rock Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
BANKING SERVICES
Bank Of The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
CALL ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS
Mirage Hotel Computer
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover
CLEANING & SANITATION
PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS
Ecolab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SYSTEMS
PWS The Laundry Company . . . . . . . . . .21
COMPUTERS/SOFTWARE
AutoClerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
CONSTRUCTION
Huff Construction
Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
Paymentech . . . . . . . . .Outside Back Cover
FOOD & BEVERAGE SYSTEMS
Mirage Hotel Computer
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover
FURNITURE
Premier Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
HOTEL & LODGING MANAGEMENT
Bon Management Group . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Sterling Hotels
Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover
INSURANCE
State Compensation Insurance Fund . . . . .9
INTERNET LODGING DIRECTORY
1st Travelers Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT/SALES,
SERVICE, SUPPLIES & TRAINING
Automated Laundry Systems . . . . . . . . . .17
Super Laundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
LODGING BROKERS
Howard Mathews & Associates . . . . . . . .15
MAINTENANCE/HOUSEKEEPING
Oreck Commercial Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
PEST CONTROL
Western Exterminator
Company . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS
Mirage Hotel Computer
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Call Management Products . . . . . . . . . . . .22
USP Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
PARTNERS IN YOUR SUCCESS
We know these are difficult times in the hospitality industry, and
we understand how you feel. We are hotel owners ourselves, and
empathize with the day-to-day troubles you encounter.
Call the professionals with the experience and expertise to
produce the outstanding results you are seeking. Our team is
committed and resourceful; we have an impeccable track record
and can make a difference!
You can trust us with your property. Look no further.
Call us today at 888-397-7222 or
Visit our Website www.sterlinghotelscorp.com