AH&LA's Joseph A. McInerney Recieves IHLA Leahy Award

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. May 26, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC, May 22, 2009 - On Tuesday at its 14th Annual Hospitality Luncheon during the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) presented the 2009 J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award to Joseph A. McInerney, president/CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The Leahy Award is IHLA's highest award honoring an individual who has given outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to the hospitality industry during a long, distinguished career.

McInerney was selected for this honor based on his exceptional achievements during his almost 50-year lodging industry career.

Launching his hospitality career in his hometown of Chicago, McInerney's many endeavors include tenures as President/CEO of ITT's Sheraton franchise division; Hawthorn Suites; Forte Hotels, Inc.; and the Pacific Asia Travel Association. At AH&LA, McInerney implements and directs AH&LA's services and provides leadership to association members, working directly with the volunteer officers, board of directors, and partner state associations. Since his appointment in 2001, McInerney has reorganized the association to streamline efficiency and strengthen its core operations, consolidated its two affiliates to form the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation, changed its membership structure from a federation to a dual membership format, and clarified the organization's mission.

This particular award was named after the late Pat Leahy, executive vice president of American Hotel Register Company, who was the first recipient of this award in 2003. The award was presented to Joe by Marc Gordon, president/CEO of IHLA, and Sean Leahy, Pat Leahy's son.

"It's fitting that IHLA presents its highest award to Joe in Chicago where he was born and raised, and where he started his long career of service to our industry at the old Sheraton Chicago Hotel," said Marc Gordon. "Joe was a good friend of Pat Leahy and I am sure that Pat would be pleased that Joe is receiving this prestigious award named in his honor."

McInerney has been recognized with several industry awards, including the 2007 "Above and Beyond Award" at The Lodging Conference; "Tourism Man of the Year" award by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association; the 1999 Stephen Brener, Silver Plate Lifetime Achievement Award from Hospitality Magazine; Travel Agent Magazine's 1998 Pacific/Asia Person of the Year, and the 1994 AH&LA Economy Lodging's "Person of the Year."

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.

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