Catch up on recent AAHOA advocacy activity
UPDATE: CHANGES TO SBA 7(A) LOAN PROGRAM
AAHOA Members have long been advocating for an increase of the current maximum 7(a) loan amount. Earlier in the summer, AAHOA 
Treasurer Kamalesh (KP) Patel spoke with Congressional staff on Capitol Hill about the need to increase the limit on the SBA’s 7(a) loan program from its current cap of $5 million. This maximum amount is set by statute in the Small Business Act. It will require Congressional action to change that cap, or to change the cap on the maximum outstanding guaranteed loan amount to any one borrower and its affiliates, which is set at $3.75 million.
AAHOA PENS LETTER IN SUPPORT OF INDIA PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI TO SPEAK DURING JOINT CONGRESS MEETING
AAHOA wrote a letter to The Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of the United States House of Representatives, in appreciation for his friendship to the hotel industry and the Indian Diaspora that serves as the heart of it. In the letter, AAHOA encouraged Congressional leaders to exhibit our nation’s commitment to the United States-India relationship by inviting India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to address a joint meeting of Congress during his visit to the nation’s capital from June 21-23, 2023.
AAHOA MEMBERS MEET WITH KENTUCKY GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR
AAHOA Members had a chance to meet with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and discuss issues impacting hoteliers. Governor Beshear heard how the labor shortage continues to affect hoteliers in Kentucky, where AAHOA Members own 68.2% of hotels.
AAHOA UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF FAIR FRANCHISING IN FTC COMMENT
Earlier this summer, AAHOA communicated its concerns about one-sided franchising practices in response to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Solicitation for Public Comments on Provisions of Franchise Agreements and Franchisor Business Practices.
AAHOA has long been committed to advocating for adequate protections for its Franchisee members in their relationships with hotel brands. Beginning in March, the FTC, citing reports of “unfair and deceptive practices” that harm Franchisees, solicited comments from business owners regarding how Franchisors “disclose certain aspects and contractual terms of the Franchise relationship, as well as the scope, application, and effect of those aspects and contractual terms.”
AAHOA: NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE TAKES A STAND FOR FAIRNESS IN FRANCHISING
New Jersey lawmakers voted in favor of legislation to help restore balance to the relationship between hotel Franchisors and Franchisees, advancing a bill backed by AAHOA that would ensure greater fairness in the system and strengthen protections for franchise businesses.
AAHOA TREASURER KAMALESH (KP) PATEL SPENDS DAY ON CAPITOL HILL TO DISCUSS AAHOA ADVOCACY PRIORITIES WITH CONGRESSMEMBERS
AAHOA Treasurer, Kamalesh (KP) Patel, spent Wednesday, May 10, in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill meeting with Members of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives, discussing strategic AAHOA advocacy priorities relating to access to capital and building coalitions with industry leaders to save fees for AAHOA members. Specifically, he spoke with Members and Congressional staff about the need to increase the limit on the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program from its current cap of $5 million.
AAHOA INFORMATIONAL VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS ITS 4 PILLARS OF FRANCHISE ADVOCACY
An informational video about AAHOA’s 4 Pillars for Franchise Advocacy has helped advance the organization’s mission as the foremost resource and advocate for America’s hotel owners. The 4 Pillars for Franchise Advocacy represent the primary issues for which AAHOA advocates on behalf of member hoteliers.
MAY 31, 2023, DECLARED LOUISIANA ASIAN AMERICAN HOTEL OWNERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS APPRECIATION DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
On Wednesday, May 31, Rep. Gerald “Beau” Beaullieu and the Louisiana House of Representatives adopted HR 184, declaring May 31, 2023, as Louisiana Asian American Hotel Owners Association Members Appreciation Day at the state capitol. In addition, AAHOA celebrated May 31 as Tourism Day at the Capitol with its partners at the Louisiana Travel Association, which had Convention and Visitor Bureaus from around the state showcasing their specific areas and discussing the importance of tourism to the state officials.
SURVEY OF FRANCHISEES UNDERSCORES THE NEED FOR FAIR FRANCHISING
A poll of franchisees – owners of hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and other small businesses – revealed highly concerning data about the status of current franchise relationships and the need for increased fairness across all industries.
AAHOA, which represents the vast majority of all U.S. hotel owners, the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA), conducted the survey after a webinar with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan. As part of its mission to promote competition and protect and educate consumers, the FTC is soliciting comments through June 8 about issues that affect franchisees and their workers.
AAHOA STATEMENT ON CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 403
In June, AAHOA made it known that it strongly opposes any form of discrimination, including caste. AAHOA, however, opposes California Senate Bill 403 (“SB 403”) due to a concern that it could lead to improper and unlawful racial profiling, targeting, and attacks on individuals of Asian American descent and/or who practice the tenets of Hinduism. Adding “caste” to the anti-discrimination categories outlined in Section 51 of the California Civil Code and other Education Code and Government Code sections is unnecessary and will cause more harm than good.
AAHOA’S “IS FRANCHISING FAIR? FRANCHISEE CONVERSATIONS WITH FTC CHAIR, LINA KHAN” WEBINAR IN THE NEWS
AAHOA joined the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) to host the webinar, “Is Franchising Fair? Franchisee Conversations with FTC Chair, Lina Khan.” This productive webinar drew coverage from HospitalityNet and feedback from attendees.
During the webinar, nearly 800 attendees heard how the FTC is using its authority to improve oversight and education within the franchise industry. The AAHOA Officers, CFA Chairman John Motta, and AAFD Chairman Robert Purvin also made statements protecting franchisees and spotlighted suggestions on how fairness might be addressed through oversight and education.
