[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ASIAN AMERICAN HOTEL OWNERS ASSOCIATION APPRECIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Asians have a rich 
tradition of entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and family values. 
After India's independence in 1947, many of that country's young people 
immigrated to the United States to pursue their education and ``the 
American Dream.'' The hospitality industry was a popular career choice 
because it offered immediate housing and cash flow, as well as the 
opportunity to assimilate into society despite any cultural 
differences.
  Soon, the name ``Patel'' became synonymous with the hotel business. 
In ancient India, rulers appointed a record keeper to keep track of 
annual crops on each parcel of land, or ``pat.'' That person became 
known as a ``Patel.'' At first, many of these hoteliers met with 
resistance, especially from bankers and insurance companies who 
discriminated against Indians, specifically those with the last name 
Patel.
  To resolve this issue, a group of hoteliers formed a hospitality 
association in 1985 and grew its membership nationwide. Eventually the 
Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) was born from the 
merger of similar groups. Last week, AAHOA held its annual national 
convention at The Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was hosted 
by the 2010-2011 AAHOA Board of Directors made up of Chairman Hemant 
(Henry) Patel, Vice Chairman Alkesh Patel, Treasurer Mukesh (Mike) 
Patel, Secretary Pratik (Prat) Patel, Ex-officio Chandrakant (C.K.) 
Patel, and President Fred Schwartz. I was accompanied by Second 
Congressional District Communications Director Neal Patel of Nichols, 
S.C. Representing over 40 percent of America's hotels and motels, AAHOA 
is the voice of owners in the hospitality industry. It is now one of 
the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with more than 
10,000 members owning more than 20,000 hotels that total $128 billion 
in property value. AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the 
interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and 
initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, 
member benefits, and community involvement.
  I am proud of AAHOA's growth and look forward to its continued 
success in the future creating jobs for the people of America.

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