Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Former GA Sen. Loeffler to head SBA

AAHOA expects her leadership to strengthen hospitality and other industries

Former GA Sen. Loeffler to head SBA

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration, which supports small businesses with counseling, capital and contracting. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

How Kelly Loeffler’s SBA Leadership Impacts Small Businesses & Hospitality

THE U.S. SENATE on Wednesday confirmed former Georgia senator and businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration, the federal agency supporting small businesses with counseling, capital and contracting expertise. AAHOA congratulated Loeffler, expressing confidence that her leadership will bolster industries like hospitality, which drive the U.S. economy.

Founded in 1953, the SBA supports small businesses with capital access, disaster relief, contracting opportunities, training, advocacy, and innovation programs, according to its website.


“Administrator Loeffler brings a deep understanding of small business challenges and opportunities,” said Miraj Patel, AAHOA chairman. “Her leadership at the SBA will be instrumental in expanding access to capital and creating new opportunities for hotel owners and small business entrepreneurs across the country.”

The agency’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans help cover working capital needs during disasters, including fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable.

The Senate confirmed Loeffler on a 52 to 46 vote.

Loeffler served in the Senate from 2020 to 2021 after being appointed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp when Sen. Johnny Isakson stepped aside for health reasons. She co-owned the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and held roles in financial services, including Intercontinental Exchange. She is married to NYSE Chairman Jeffrey Sprecher.

AAHOA looks forward to working with the SBA under Loeffler to advance key initiatives, including the LIONS Act, which would raise SBA 7(a) and 504 loan limits from $5 million to $10 million. These measures are vital for hotel owners and small businesses to grow and innovate.

Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO, said small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy.

“Administrator Loeffler’s confirmation is a major step forward, and we are excited to collaborate with her to champion initiatives like the LIONS Act that will empower our members and other small business owners,” she said.

AAHOA continues to advocate for small business owners and will work with policymakers and the SBA to ensure access to critical financial resources. AAHOA’s Political Action Committee recently raised $1 million in 2024, totaling $1.5 million for the 2023-2024 PAC period, reflecting members’ efforts to make hotel owners’ voices heard at all government levels.

AAHOA recently backed Kashyap “Kash” Patel, President Trump’s FBI director nominee, citing his public service and national security experience as crucial for addressing challenges facing both the FBI and the hospitality industry.

More for you

Hyatt Way partnership

Hyatt taps Way for unified guest platform

Summary:

  • Hyatt partners with Way to unify guest experiences on one platform.
  • Members can earn and redeem points on experiences booked through Hyatt websites.
  • Way’s technology supports translation, payments and data insights for Hyatt.

HYATT HOTELS CORP. is working with Austin-based startup Way to consolidate ancillary services, loyalty experiences and on-property programming on one platform across its global portfolio. The collaboration integrates Way’s system into Hyatt.com, the World of Hyatt app, property websites and FIND Experiences to create a centralized booking platform.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global Hotel Rates to Stay Stable in 2026

Report: Global hotel rates steady despite uncertainty

Summary:

  • Global hotel rates are expected to remain stable through 2026, according to AMEX GBT.
  • New York is a key business travel and meetings destination.
  • India is likely to be a focus for travel programs during 2026 negotiations.

GLOBAL HOTEL RATES are expected to remain stable through 2026, as geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs limit demand and constrain price increases, according to American Express Global Business Travel. New York remains a popular destination for business travel and meetings.

AMEX GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2026, an annual forecast of global hotel rates in business travel destinations, identified India as a key market, with hotel rates and occupancy set to rise.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
  • Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
  • The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.

SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.

Keep ReadingShow less