AAHOA expects her leadership to strengthen hospitality and other industries
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
Vishnu Rageev R is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience in business journalism. Before joining Asian Media Group in 2022, he worked with BW Businessworld, IMAGES Group, exchange4media Group, DC Books, and Dhanam Publications in India. His coverage includes industry analysis, market trends and corporate developments, focusing on retail, real estate and hospitality. As a senior journalist with Asian Hospitality, he covers the U.S. hospitality industry. He is from Kerala, a state in South India.
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.
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.
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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