Continuing As a strategy to deliver on our mission of protecting and serving the lodging industry, the California Hotel and Lodging Association (CH&LA) is deeply committed to the advancement and enrichment of its employees. As such, CH&LA promotes, funds, and includes continuing education programs for our employees in its annual planning and employee evaluation efforts. WinTeR 2016 California Hotel & Lodging Association 15 AT CH&LA, eMPLoyeeS HAVe a multitude of continuing education opportunities presented to them on an almost constant basis. Whether it is attending seminars or webinars, attending conferences, subscriptions or memberships in professional and industry associations, there are a number of methods that CH&LA uses to address an employee's professional development within a specific industry. CH&LA offers a variety of development and educational programs to our employees and encourages all of its employees to participate in continuing education opportunities. Currently, CH&LA has three Certified Association Executives and two Certified Meeting Planners on its staff. Additionally, as an organization, CH&LA collectively participates in over a dozen industry and association boards and committees. Lynn Mohrfeld, CAE, President and CEO of CH&LA said "Educating and training our employees and encouraging them to participate in continuing education only makes sense. Having employees who are working toward continuing their education increases our efficiencies both for the association and it leads to better relationships with our members." Through CH&LA’s efforts of promoting continuing education, CH&LA is the only association in California that currently has three members of its staff designated as a Certified Account Executive (CAE). To become a CAE, an applicant must pass a stringent examination in association management, meet minimum experience requirements in nonprofit organization management, complete over 100 hours of specialized professional development, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. Jennifer Flohr, CAE, CMP, Senior Vice President of CH&LA said “CH&LA has always made education a top priority for its staff. Our President and CEO, Lynn Mohrfeld encouraged me to get involved with Meeting Planners International (MPI) with a goal toward obtaining my CMP, and after I accomplished that, I was urged to apply for my CAE. Two years later, with the help of the CalSAE Study Group, I achieved my CAE. These educational opportunities and certifications have helped me advance my career in our association.” CH&LA also has two members on its staff that have been certified as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). The CMP credential is recognized as a badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, event, and exhibition industry. Jenn Wheaton, CMP, Program and Events Manager of CH&LA said “When I joined CH&LA six years ago, the importance of continuing education was an integral part of the position, and since it included meeting planning duties, I was encouraged to pursue my CMP designation. CH&LA was supportive every step of the way, helping me to gain the qualifications needed to apply, and providing encouragement during the application period, studying process and the final exam. This designation has been a huge benefit to me not only in my role at CH&LA but also in my confidence as a meeting planner.” CH&LA has also sought out continuing education opportunities that are related to the hotel industry to allow the employees working on behalf of the association to feel more connected to the industry. For example, CH&LA promoted the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Guest Service Gold® program to its employees as a part of their continuing education. In 2014, CH&LA became the first partner state association to be designated as Guest Service Gold®. To earn the designation, every member of CH&LA’s 10-person staff completed AH&LA’s Guest Service Gold® training and passed the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP®) exam. Fostering our employees’ continuing education opportunities benefit both the employee and the organization. CH&LA’s emphasis on continuing education has improved our associations’ efforts and has created an environment with an emphasis on learning. at CH&LA Promoting Education
CH LA Lodging News Winter 2015 2016
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