CSR and Sustainability

🏥 Craig Poole, a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and General Manager of the Year by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, leads the DoubleTree in Reading, Pennsylvania. Through "second chance hiring" and community engagement, his hotel thrives financially while serving as a community cornerstone. His approach has brought opportunities and pride to the city, exemplifying how hospitality can transform lives and neighborhoods. The story was featured on Nov. 5, 2024, showcasing how purposeful leadership in hospitality can create significant community impact.

🎓 Jyoti Chopra, MGM Resorts International's Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer, appeared in a podcast episode released on Nov. 4, 2024. With a career beginning at the United Nations in New York and transitioning to the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, Chopra now leads MGM's human resources, inclusion, and environmental sustainability initiatives. Her unique journey offers insights into the human side of hospitality and leadership, emphasizing the importance of connecting with diverse individuals.

🎄 Hotel Indigo York offers a festive-themed room raising funds for SASH UK, a charity against youth homelessness. The room features warm lighting, a luxurious hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and White Company’s Winter fragrance. Guests can donate through a 'giving tree'. Located in York, home to St. Nicholas Fair and Shambles Market, the hotel provides walking tours and The Chocolate Story experience. General Manager, Simon Grace, emphasizes the celebration of York's confectionary heritage and support for SASH. Bookings for the Christmas experience are now open. ????partnerships@splendidhospitality.co.uk, ☎️01904 231333.

📍 Hilton London Bankside became the UK’s 2nd hotel to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. This milestone is a recognition of the hotel's sustainable practices such as local community support, environmental initiatives like the 'Banana project' by Executive Chef Ollie Couillaud, and the installation of energy-saving light sensors. The certification results from a detailed audit by Viero. Nadeem Boghani, Vice Chairman at Splendid Hospitality Group, and Raoul De Souza, General Manager at Hilton London Bankside, express pride in this achievement, which reflects the hotel's commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.

🎓 AHLA Foundation has distributed nearly $1 million in scholarships to 369 students across 88 colleges and universities. Since 1953, the Foundation has awarded over $16 million in academic scholarships. In addition to the academic program, over $30,000 was granted to 20+ freshmen as part of a pilot program involving Frederick Community College, Northampton Community College, and Valencia College. The initiative supports hospitality students and encourages enrollment in hospitality programs.

🏡 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Procure Impact reached a milestone with $7.4 million pledged by 23 hospitality companies for 100,000 hours of paid employment to support vulnerable and marginalized workers. Procure Impact oversees 100+ U.S. suppliers, one example being Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates in Fairfax, Virginia, which employs 30 disabled individuals and services 90 hotels. Participating hospitality companies manage 1,800+ hotels nationwide. The Dignity of Work Pledge aligns with AHLA's Responsible Stay initiative for sustainability and social impact, aiming to create 1 million hours of work by 2030.

🏦 Jason Himber, CEO of MINA Group, shared on Oct. 21, 2024, the company's shift in strategy to focus on strengthening their foundation for long-term success, rather than continuing rapid expansion. This approach involved emphasizing process, systems, and discipline while balancing creativity and innovation. The pandemic highlighted the need for structural adjustments and adaptation to workforce changes. Himber highlighted the importance of trust-building, allowing room for employee mistakes, and encouraging staff to be their authentic selves at work.

📢 Davidson Hospitality Group announced a partnership with AHED to promote hospitality diversity, offering internships, scholarships, career fairs, and manager-in-training programs, especially for underrepresented students. Crystal Beasley, Davidson’s Chief Administrative Officer, joined the AHED Board. Their collaboration aims to provide equal opportunities and a diverse workforce. A celebratory Fall Networking Reception is scheduled for November 15, 2024, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity.