As we finish
2011 and start 2012, we’re both looking in our rearview mirrors and our crystal
balls. At this time of year, we review where we’ve
been and strategize on where we want to go.
In October in Miami, the CHPA Board of Directors did this for CHPA. I am excited by the enthusiasm and dedication
volunteers bring to CHPA each year.
Since its inception, CHPA has evolved from a completely volunteer
organization to today’s professional association supported by 2 full time and
one part time staff, backed by another team of professionals from an
association management company. Wow, we
have come a long way in the past few years.
Why is this important to you as you consider your company’s future? Because in addition to all CHPA’s current
valuable programs and services, CHPA leaders
strengthened their commitment to develop professional relationships with other
trade organizations like WERC and NAA to ensure your future success.
Can CHPA save you a million dollars in 2012? You bet!
As you may or may not be aware, a few years ago, corporate housing providers operating in New York City were alerted by local legislators that tax laws had been reinterpreted, resulting in their companies owing back taxes. Through CHPA, these providers joined together to fight these unfair penalties. They won and even though the cost of the battle was hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs, no one company bore this financial burden alone.
Currently in Texas, another group of members have filed a constitutional challenge against unfair tax regulations that could make or break these companies. CHPA is leading this effort as well, pooling resources to ensure these companies continued success. With legislators looking for new revenue resulting in new or revised tax regulations, housing laws, etc., it is essential for members to know about these proposed changes as soon as possible. Through CHPA, we are proactively seeking this information to track and inform our members of potential changes in their markets.
CHPA’s Board of Directors approved contracting with a legislative monitoring service. This service will track key areas of interest to our industry, alerting us to legislation that may impact our livelihoods. This Board decision was made to support members in being better informed before legislation is introduced, alerting members to potential local changes and allowing us to proactively recommend exemptions and adjustments to the laws to preserve the success of our industry. Our industry is not well understood and as such, is not the direct target for legislation. We are, however, being swept up in legislation meant for other industries. As the impact and expense of fighting these unintended consequences, one of our goals is to educate legislators about our industry and supporting CHPA’s strategic goal of increasing awareness while helping to keep members profitable. Starting in 2012, CHPA will partner with MultiState Associates, Inc. to monitor both state and national legislation that could impact the corporate housing industry. CHPA will keep you posted and will continue to take the lead if action is needed.
Looking forward to 2012, I remain cautiously optimistic. Increasingly, we hear how essential workforce mobility is to keeping companies strong and profitable, hopefully leading increased relocations in 2012. In the most recent Board Pulse Survey, 28% of respondents continued adding properties in November, 2011. 87.5% of respondents said revenue was above the year before and 87.5% said business was steady/good. I am looking forward to the Miami conference to help me better understand national trends and new ideas on how to strategize moving forward. I have also heard rumors about an amazing Miami Industry Party (think all white).
