The SBA formed the SBLAC under the Federal Advisory Committee Act in April
By Vishnu Rageev RNov 26, 2024
KEVIN CAREY, CHIEF operating officer and senior executive vice president of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, has been appointed to the Small Business Administration's Small Business Lending Advisory Council. As a member of SBLAC, he will work with the SBA administrator to enable capital access for small businesses, including those in underserved communities.
“Kevin’s deep understanding of financial services and lending from his extensive career inside and outside the hotel industry make him exceptionally qualified to take on this critical role,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO. “Kevin’s expertise will be highly valued as SBA’s new council works to address obstacles to small business loans, and his voice will help bring attention to the challenges faced by many of the more than 33,000 small business hotels in the U.S., which account for more than half of the nation’s hotels.”
The SBA formed the SBLAC under the Federal Advisory Committee Act in April. Council members provide advice on access to capital, support for U.S. entrepreneurs, evaluation of SBA loan programs to identify opportunities and barriers, identification of gaps in underserved markets and promotion of broader participation in SBA programs by U.S. lenders.
“Efficient and cost-effective access to capital is an imperative for small business hoteliers across the country who want to make improvements to their properties, expand their operations to serve guests and their employees, and realize appreciation on their investment over time,” said Carey. “I’m honored to take on this new responsibility, and eager to help SBA identify and reduce lending barriers for everyone in our great industry.”
Carey has served as AHLA’s COO since 2017, leading initiatives that contributed to the association’s growth. He has been interim president and CEO since March, following the departure of longtime head William “Chip” Rogers, who stepped down to pursue other professional interests. The association recently appointed Maiette as its president and CEO.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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