The Weekly Community Newspaper of Associations, CVBs, and Hotels
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FEMA Reclaims Money Previously Designated to Hotels Sheltering Migrants
By Jordan Bradley
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unilaterally rescinded more than $80 million from New York City intended to support housing for migrants in the city’s hotels.
The city of New York has leased several budget hotels and vacant buildings over the last two years for use as shelters for migrants and asylum seekers.
The city was awarded funding packages from the Biden Administration, one for $59 million and another for $21.5 million, to support migrant shelters, Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller, told the Associated Press.
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Industry Movers
Laura McIver
Laura McIver is now Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa’s Managing Director. The property is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. McIver has more than three decades of experience in hospitality and has occupied general manager posts for more than 15 years at several hotels and resorts across California and Arizona. They include El Encanto in Santa Barbara, Miraval Resort in Tucson and Stanly Ranch in Napa.
Isabel Chung
Isabel Chung is now executive chef at Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. She began her culinary journey in 2001 at Delta Bow Valley in Calgary, Alberta, and has since held various positions at Fairmont properties across the globe, including Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Most recently, she served as executive chef at Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island in Hawaii.
Declan Lott
Declan Lott has rejoined Edwardian Hotels London. He’s now the hospitality firm’s Vice President of Sales for North America and previously worked with Edwardian Hotels London for more than 30 years. Lott will oversee the luxury business-to-business programs for Edwardian Hotels London, including its partnership with Virtuoso and its global network of luxury travel advisors. The company has established representation in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Mike Culver
Mike Culver has been named general manager at Fairmont Austin. Culver joins Fairmont Hotels with more than 20 years of experience in multiple general manager positions at Marriott properties, and leadership roles at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He began his career in hospitality with Starwood Hotels in 2003 and has since managed a variety of hotel openings and renovation projects.
Jennifer Hiblum
Jennifer Hiblum has been hired as General Manager of Trump International Beach Resort Miami. She has more than 20 years of experience in boutique lifestyle hotels. Her career includes tenures at hospitality brands such as Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and Sixty Hotels in New York City. Most recently, she played a role in the pre-opening and launch of Arlo Wynwood, Miami’s flagship property for the Arlo brand.
Juan Carlos “JC” Mendez
Juan Carlos “JC” Mendez is now Executive Chef of Naples Grande Beach Resort. He will oversee the property’s culinary offerings. Originally hailing from Mexico City, Mendez moved to Minnesota to start his culinary career. He spent 10 years moving up the ranks in the restaurant industry. Throughout his culinary journey in Florida, Mendez has worked at mom-and-pop restaurants, golf clubs, and with Emeril Lagasse at Emeril Orlando.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
IAEE Midwest Hosting Battle of Generations… On February 20, the IAEE Midwest Chapter will hold Battle of the Generations at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
“Don’t miss the ultimate Battle of the Generations! Watch as panelists from Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z go head-to-head in a lively discussion tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities in our industry,” the chapter said. “With a dynamic moderator leading the way, this engaging session promises fresh perspectives, spirited debates, and plenty of laughs. Get ready for a thought-provoking and entertaining event that will leave you inspired!”
Find more at iaeemwc.com.
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Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
The Seminole Tribe of Florida held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its sixth casino property, the Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino in Okeechobee, Florida on February 6.
The event included a performance by country music artist John Anderson, a traditional Seminole alligator procession, which is a symbol of prosperity, according to the Seminole Tribe, and closed with a concert by Lynyrd Skynrd.
The new property is the first four-star resort in the Lake Okeechobee region, and replaces the former Seminole Casino Brighton, which opened in 1980. The hotel features 100 guest rooms, including three suites, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool with a bar and entertainment stage.
“This grand opening is a proud moment for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Brighton Seminole Reservation, and the entire region,” said Marty Johns, General Manager of the Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino. “We are excited to welcome guests to a new era of gaming, dining, and entertainment that will enhance tourism and community growth.”
Following a $30 million renovation, Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel will be reborn as the Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay this summer. Historic preservationist and owner of 12th & A Hotel Partners, Sandy Shapery, is taking on the task of renovating the hotel “to keep the iconic property authentic, accessible, and affordable while also retaining the 1960s Hawai’i vibe,” according to a news release.
When renovations are complete, the Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay will boast 123 guest rooms that will appeal “to both business and leisure guests” alike, the release said.
“We are honored to bring Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay to Kailua-Kona, a destination known for its rich culture and natural beauty,” said Shapery. “The restoration of the property reflects our commitment to providing high-quality accommodations while honoring the traditions and spirit of the Hawaiian community. It’s important to me to keep as much of the original structure from a design standpoint.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples in Florida earned a LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its mixed-use Vanderbilt Tower, the property announced on January 28. The tower opened in July 2023 after extension renovations and expansions on the property, including the construction of the Vanderbilt Tower.
The Paradise Coast property earned the certification for its efforts in local conservation communication and education, reuse and recycling measures, water conservation, energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
“We are delighted to receive this prestigious certification after the time and care put into the resort’s transformation,” said Mark Ferland, Area General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts, Naples. “It was an honor to work closely with city officials and conservation organizations during the process to ensure our expansion reflected The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to environmental sustainability and positive social impact, all while preserving the surrounding natural beauty and wildlife.”
Convention Bureau/Center NEWS
CVB Update
Visit Milwaukee on February 4 released a suite of trip planning tools that include the 2025 Official Visitors Guide, Official Visitors Map, and new digital map powered by Map King.
“Milwaukee is a destination with amazing things to see, do, and taste, and our 2025 Official Visitors Guide is the ultimate guidebook,” said CMO Josh Albrecht.
“Whether you’re hunting for the best cultural offerings, planning a festival-packed weekend, or following in the footsteps of your favorite sports stars, this guide and our new digital map from Map King make it easier than ever to explore Milwaukee like a pro.”
Throughout the guide, both visitors and locals will find classic Milwaukee institutions as well as new attractions to visit, restaurants to try, and itineraries to check off their lists.
The 2025 visitors map features more than 200 local businesses throughout the area and includes hotels, attractions, restaurants, breweries, food halls, recreation shopping, and more throughout Milwaukee’s downtown and Wauwatosa.
The 2025 Official Visitors Guide will soon appear at more than 125 welcome centers and kiosks throughout Wisconsin, northern Illinois and in mailboxes, and digital devices around the globe.
To order a copy of this year’s Official Visitors Guide or to explore the digital version visit visitmilwaukee.org/official-visitors-guide/.
