HB ON THE SCENE: Incoming AH&LA Chairman Kong Outlines Objectives For 2010

Posted 11/8/2009 - 11:58:15 PM

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NEW YORK—The American Hotel & Lodging Association held its Centennial Celebration and Inaugural Gala at the Waldorf Astoria hotel here honoring incoming Chairman David Kong.

Kong, who is also president and CEO of Best Western International, will be taking over the position from current chairman Joe Martin of Stillwater Hospitality, LLC in 2010.

Kong reflected on his many years in hospitality and some of his aspirations. “It’s a forward-looking industry that has enabled me to dream boldly,” he said.

He also noted that AH&LA has turned into a “force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill,” and that chief among his goals are to “amplify our industry’s voice in Washington, DC.”

Kong also cited the need for hospitality to attract younger talent going forward. “We need to position this industry as a wise career choice,” he said.

He concluded the evening by quoting John D. Rockefeller, saying “ ‘we should think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.’ Let that be our mission in 2010.”