Choice Hotels participated in September advocacy events organized by the International Franchise Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association in the nation's capital

This month, Choice Hotels International joined the International Franchise Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association on Capitol Hill to stand side by side with franchisees in support of policies that benefit franchise owners and hotel employees. It also joined industry groups in New York City in front of City Hall to oppose proposed legislation impacting hotel owners in the city.

Choice participated in the International Franchise Association's Advocacy Summit on September 9 in Washington, D.C. to ask lawmakers to extend or make permanent provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Provisions expiring at the end of 2025 benefit small business owners, including hotel franchisees, and better position them to grow their business.

The company brought these same messages to the American Hotel & Lodging Association's "Hotels on the Hill" meetings with Congress on September 25.

Choice also joined a coalition of hospitality associations and hotel owners in New York City to oppose Intro 991, a proposed ordinance that would require hotels to obtain a license to operate in the city. The bill risks impacting hotels' operations negatively and could threaten jobs in the hospitality space.

"The hotel industry supports millions of livelihoods around the country. It couldn't be more important to have legislation that helps us navigate the unique challenges affecting our industry," said Sam Patel, a franchise owner of Choice properties in Knoxville, member of the IFA and partner at Kisna Hospitality. "It has been invaluable to have Choice Hotels stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we advocate for laws that help our businesses thrive and create new jobs along the way."

Rolf Lundberg, vice president and head of external affairs and global public policy at Choice, joined the IFA Board of Directors this month, deepening the company's commitment to championing issues that impact hotel franchisees and their employees. Simone Wu, senior vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary & external affairs at Choice also serves on the board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Pat Pacious, Choice Hotels president & CEO, serves on the Executive Committee of AHLA.