Florida Governor to Meet with AAHOA and SCLC Leaders

Response to a Rally Against Significant Increases in Fees And Taxes

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. January 25, 2010

TALLAHASEE, FL - January 22, 2010 - In response to a Rally on the morning of January 19, in the Capitol Rotunda that had been organized by AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), Governor Charlie Crist cleared his calendar and opened his Boardroom doors to meet with more than 100 AAHOA hoteliers, leaders of the National and Florida SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), NABHOOD (National Association of Black Hotel Owners & Developers), and small business owners to address the unfair increases in fees and taxes in the State.

On behalf of AAHOA, Florida leaders Treasurer Hemant D. Patel, Florida Regional Director Kirit Patidar, former AAHOA Chairman Nash Patel, President Fred Schwartz, Jay S. Patel, and numerous AAHOA Ambassadors, joined with SCLC Florida Chairman Art Rocker and SCLC members from around the country to rally in the Capitol Rotunda and voice their strong opposition to the following increase of fees and costs during this severe economic recession:

1. The dramatic increase in the fees imposed by the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) of up to two hundred to four hundred percent (200% - 400%) for the blue interstate Logo Sign Program; and
2. The drastic 12-fold increase in the unemployment compensation taxes in 2010 during a time when all employers are having a difficult time paying their current employees and keeping them on the payroll.

Even though the Governor had a full day of scheduled meetings and appointments on his calendar, his Deputy Chief of Staff Kathy Mears assisted in clearing the way for a meeting with the Governor in his Boardroom for the more than 100 AAHOA members and business leaders.

In response to the concerns raised, the Governor and his Deputy Chief of Staff stated that, at their request, the DOT will open up a three-month rule making process to address the fee structure for the Logo Sign Program, and will seek input from invited hotel and business owners. Governor Crist further shared our concerns about the unemployment compensation tax hike, and stated that he anticipates a solution will be reached when the Florida Legislature addresses this issue during the session in March.

Hemant Patel praised the administration for its efforts and stated, “AAHOA is grateful that we have enjoyed a long relationship with the Governor's office. When the AAHOA members need our help, we go to great lengths to ensure that the top elected officials hear our voices. Governor Crist is a great leader of this State, and we trust that he will continue to advocate on behalf of business owners in Florida.”

Former AAHOA Chairman Nash Patel agreed. “The Governor commented that when you send an e-mail to his office, it will garner some level of attention. When you send a letter to his office, it might get more attention. When you appear with many supporters for an in-person meeting in his office, however, you have his complete attention. With our strong and diverse coalition of AAHOA members and leading businessmen from across the State gathering for a Rally in the Capitol, we grabbed the Governor's attention, and he heard our concerns. The Governor will now work to assist us in reaching a satisfactory resolution of these issues.”

“As we have explained on numerous occasions, when the DOT increased its fees by two to four hundred percent (200% - 400%) for its Logo Sign Program, that's a form of price gouging,” said Jay Patel. “This is an extremely troubled economy, and might be the worst economy that we will see during our lifetimes. While we can accept a small increase of fees and taxes, it is unfair to impose a 4-fold increase for the DOT fees and a 12-fold increase for unemployment taxes, when hoteliers and business owners are struggling to keep their doors open. It is necessary to restructure these fees and taxes, and having the support of the Governor will make this happen.”

AAHOA President Fred Schwartz summed up the efforts made in Florida by stating, “Governor Crist welcomed us by quoting Lincoln's famous line that 'government [is] of the people, by the people, for the people.' This is a great example of how the full engagement by our organization can make inroads in protecting our members from unfair legislation. I applaud the efforts of our AAHOA Florida leaders and the unified presence of our members that created the opportunity for the necessary changes to be identified and accomplished in a short time.”

In addition to being invited to meet with several key legislators to discuss these issues, the group drew support from Senator Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, a candidate for Florida Attorney General. AAHOA Florida Regional Director Kirit Patidar stated, “We would like to thank the legislators for meeting with us and hearing our concerns. We understand that it is very important for us to support the elected officials who understand the needs of small business owners and the lodging industry so we can create strong working relationships that will have lasting benefits for many years to come.”

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 10,000 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.