[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 56 (Friday, April 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN CELEBRATION OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOTEL OWNERS ASSOCIATION'S 26TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AMI BERA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 17, 2015

  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the success of the 
Asian American Hotel Owners Association, known as AAHOA. Founded in 
1989, AAHOA is the world's largest hotel owners association and the 
leading voice of hotel owners in the United States. I am proud to count 
myself and my family as members.
   This year, AAHOA celebrates its 26th anniversary in Long Beach, 
California at its annual convention. AAHOA's growth and success over 
the years serves as a testament to the American dream. As first and 
second generation Indian Americans, AAHOA members and their families 
immigrated to the United States seeking opportunity. These 
entrepreneurs found this opportunity in the hotel business, and over a 
quarter century later, AAHOA members have a profound influence on the 
hospitality industry.
   AHHOA is comprised of more than 14,000 small business owners who own 
nearly 50 percent of all hotels in America, employ more than 600,000 
workers, and have an annual payroll of almost $12 billion. AAHOA 
members are critical to growing the economy, creating jobs, and 
providing safe, reliable, and affordable lodging for millions of 
travelers. And, we in Congress owe it to these small business owners to 
create an environment where they can grow.
   I'm also honored to recognize AAHOA chairman Pratik Patel for his 
exceptional leadership this past year. A second generation hotelier, 
Pratik lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife, Akta, his daughters, 
Jayna and Misha, and his parents, Ravindra and Lilawatiowns. As the co-
founder and principal partner at REM Hospitality, he manages more than 
a dozen hotel and other real estate properties where he applies the 
lessons of hard work and perseverance he learned growing up in the 
hotel industry.
   Since becoming AAHOA chairman, Pratik has lead the association to 
record levels of membership, a unified public policy advocacy program, 
and unparalleled industry leadership. I am proud to commend Pratik on 
his accomplishments and his dynamic leadership in his community and 
industry.
   I would also like to recognize AAHOA's officers, Vice Chairman Jay 
``Jimmy'' Patel, Treasurer Bharat ``Bruce'' Patel, Secretary Bhavesh B. 
Patel and President Chip Rogers, along with AAHOA's 25 past chairmen 
whose dedication to the organization and the hospitality industry have 
helped to create jobs, promote investment in their local communities, 
and grow America's economy.
   I am proud of AAHOA's growth and look forward to working with them 
in the future.

                          ____________________