Federal Update- August 6, 2020

STEP Act: AzLTA joined Senator Kyrsten Sinema in a press release announcing the introduction of the bipartisan STEP Act. This legislation modifies existing Economic Development Administration grant programs to provide direct support to Arizona’s tourism industry and promote economic recovery from the coronavirus.

Additional PPP Guidance Released: The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department released additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs focused on PPP loan forgiveness. This document provides further details on the loan forgiveness process, required documentation, cost eligibility, and forgiveness amount calculations. AHLA will continue to work the Administration and Congress to ensure that the PPP and other pandemic economic relief options meet the needs of the hotel industry.

The Push to Save Hotel Jobs Continues: Please help those who make our industry so special – hotel employees. Without assistance many hotels will close their doors for good and jobs will be lost. Please sign up for HotelsACT. If you’ve already done so, please forward the HotelsACT link to everyone you know in our industry. We must speak loud and clear now or we won’t be included in the next Coronavirus-response legislation. 

AzLTA will continue to work with AHLA and U.S. Travel to advocate for these bills and additional industry priorities.

Nomination Criteria

Application Guidelines

All honorees must be employed by hotels, attractions, tourism businesses, hospitality or other supporting businesses that are of the Arizona hospitality industry.

Who can enter?

The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all Arizona hospitality businesses, hotels, and tourism employees.

Who can nominate a Star?

Anyone! A nominator can be an employer, a manager, a friend, regular customer, or anyone else who knows a Star in Arizona’s hospitality industry who deserves recognition.

What does it cost to enter?

Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.

What do nominees receive?

All nominees will receive an AzLTA Stars of the Industry Recognition Certificate.  The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on June 16, 2023 and receive an engraved plaque at the awards presentation.  All winners will be announced in AzLTA’s Industry Insider newsletter, by a press release, and on the AzLTA website. Winners will automatically be entered in the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s national Stars of the Industry Awards program. It is AzLTA’s privilege to celebrate the accomplishments of all the nominees and winners presented each year.

Nominations and Eligibility

The nomination process begins in April and we’ve made it easy.  Simply complete the online nominee application form and email the application to AzLTA explaining why the nominee deserves the Star award in their category.

Rules & Judging Criteria

Nominees must have served in the industry for a minimum of two years (please state total number of years in description) and will be judged on performance beyond normal job responsibilities, professionalism, and outstanding and unusual service to the property, guests and the community.

Using no more than three double-spaced pages, describe why your nominee should be honored. Give examples of:

  • Extraordinary support to fellow employees.
  • Specific event(s) that best describes the nominee’s exceptional service.
  • Outstanding leadership qualities, heroic deeds or actions that consistently add to the general well-being of guests.
  • Other great accomplishments to the industry or community.

Include photos and any materials substantiating the award entry, such as letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings and other support materials received during 2021-2023 for the judges’ consideration.

2022 HONOREES