WASHINGTON, D.C., January 24, 2017 – Asian American Hotel Owners Association board member Vinay Patel highlighted the benefits of franchising at the 115th Congress kickoff of the bipartisan Congressional Franchise Caucus this morning.
Patel is president and CEO of Fairbrook Hotels, which owns and operates 11 hotels in Maryland and Virginia under franchise agreements with five different hotel brands.
“My story demonstrates that a strong franchise model in this country is the true embodiment of the American dream,” Patel told lawmakers and staff assembled in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. A copy of his remarks can be found online here.
AAHOA president and CEO Chip Rogers applauded the kickoff of the caucus in the new Congress.
“Rep. Davis and Rep. Peterson need to be recognized for their tremendous leadership in forming and co-chairing the Congressional Franchise Caucus,” said Rogers. “Along with the founding members, they recognize the huge role that franchising plays in America’s economy. For the hotel industry in particular, it’s allowed countless AAHOA members to achieve the American Dream of owning their own business.”
The caucus is co-chaired by Illinois Republican Rep. Rodney Davis and Minnesota Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson. It’s founding members are Rep. Ami Bera (D, Calif.), Rep. Barbara Comstock (R, Va.), Rep. George Holding (R, N.C.), Rep. Jared Huffman (D, Calif.), Rep. Mike Quigley (D, Ill.), Rep. Phil Roe (R, Tenn.) and Rep. Scott Tipton (R, Colo.)
For more information, contact: Brandon VerVelde, 202-507-6187, [email protected]
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About the Franchise Caucus: The Congressional Franchise Caucus was formed in September 2016. The goal of the bipartisan caucus is to emphasize to policymakers and the public that America’s 733,000 franchise businesses and 7.6 million employees play a vital role in our nation’s economy and every congressional district. The caucus will help raise awareness and provide education regarding the economic and community benefits that franchise businesses offer as well as programs and information for constituents interested in franchise business opportunities. Specifically, the caucus will illuminate that, behind many familiar logos and trusted brands, are entrepreneurial small business owners who create economic opportunities in their communities every day.
About AAHOA: Founded in 1989, AAHOA (www.aahoa.com) is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with more than 16,000 small business owner-members. AAHOA members own almost one in every two hotels in the United States.
