AAHOA and NABHOOD Meet with Top Democratic Leaders
WASHINGTON, DC, June 30, 2008. On May 14, 2008, AAHOA leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet face-to-face with leading Democratic members of Congress at an exclusive Capitol Hill Reception. Many important Congresspersons were in attendance, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), Rep. Al Green (D-TX), and Rep. Donna Christensen (D-VI). Ambassador of the Bahamas Cornelius Smith was also present.
AAHOA co-hosted the event with the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers (NABHOOD). About 65 people total attended, including representatives from AH&LA. Present from AAHOA were Chairman Ash Patel, Vice Chairman Tarun Patel, Treasurer Hemant Patel, Upper Midwest Regional Director Sunny Gabhawala, Mid East Regional Director Raj Parikh, Young Professional Representative and Director at Large Kal Patel, Washington District Regional Director Paul Patel, President Fred Schwartz, Vice President of Fair Franchising and Legislative Affairs and General Counsel Laura Lee Blake, D.C. Legislative Counsel Anurag Varma, and AAHOA member Vinay Patel.
"With the primaries fast approaching, there can be a tendency to focus solely on the presidential election," said Chairman Ash Patel. "The truth is, regardless of who wins in November, there is a strong likelihood that the Democrats will retain control in Congress.
Vice Chairman Tarun Patel agreed: "Participation in events is the prerequisite to the profile we are building on Capitol Hill." "The DCCC event was a tremendous success," said President Fred Schwartz. "By bringing together industry and Democratic Party leaders, AAHOA-as well as priorities, and in the process reinforce our political presence in our nation's capital.
About AAHOA (www.aahoa.com) The Asian American Hotel Owners Association ("AAHOA") is THE owner's organization and THE voice of owners in the hospitality industry. 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. AAHOA officers, chairman Ashwin "Ash" Patel, vice chairman Tarun Patel, secretary ChandraKant "C.K." Patel, treasurer Hemant D. Patel, and president Fred Schwartz, work closely with a 31-member board of directors to provide direction for the association. Founded in 1989, AAHOA is now one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with over 8,700 members owning are franchised while 8,500 are independent hotels are ensuring-and insuring-that we will remain a powerhouse in D.C."
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