On Wednesday, the Biden-Harris Administration held a special virtual briefing for members of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the largest organization of hotel owners in the world. This exclusive session, arranged by the White House Office of Public Engagement, focused on significant issues affecting small businesses while providing updates on the current economic landscape.
The briefing brought together senior officials from the administration to discuss federal initiatives aimed at helping small business owners, particularly those in the hotel industry. Among the primary topics were efforts to improve access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, measures to enhance the supply chain, and steps to increase transparency around resort and junk fees—charges that impact the hotel industry and other small businesses.
Key officials in attendance included Kota Mizutani, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at the White House; Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the SBA; Karlin Gatton, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy; and Monica Gorman, Special Assistant to the President for Manufacturing & Industrial Policy from the National Economic Council. They each highlighted how these federal efforts are designed to help small businesses navigate the challenges of today’s economy.
Kota Mizutani praised AAHOA members and small business leaders for their critical role in driving the U.S. economy forward. “As all three of our speakers today highlighted, a huge thank you to all the members of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, all the business leaders here who are putting in the work on the ground to make our economy run,” Mizutani said. “Thank you so much for all that you do.”
AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel welcomed members to the virtual event, emphasizing the importance of the dialogue. “This briefing underscores how important AAHOA and its members are to the ongoing conversation around small business policies,” Patel said. “Having the opportunity to hear directly from senior government officials about these key issues is crucial as our members continue to navigate today’s evolving economic environment.”
During the briefing, the Biden-Harris Administration focused on several key issues of interest to hotel owners, with an emphasis on ensuring that small businesses have access to resources and support. Among the top priorities were improving access to SBA loans, addressing the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions, and enhancing transparency in resort fees and junk fees that affect the hotel industry. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that small business owners, including hotel owners, can maintain stability and growth as they continue to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to new challenges.
The availability of SBA loans was a central topic, as these loans provide critical financial resources for small businesses. Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the SBA, provided updates on how the administration is working to make these loans more accessible and streamlined for business owners. This is especially important for hotel owners, many of whom rely on SBA loans to finance improvements, expansions, and daily operations.
Supply chain disruptions were also discussed during the briefing, with Monica Gorman, Special Assistant to the President for Manufacturing & Industrial Policy, addressing the administration’s efforts to tackle these challenges. Disruptions in the supply chain have affected a wide range of industries, including the hotel sector, where delays in receiving necessary goods and services have had a direct impact on business operations. The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented policies aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers to alleviate these issues.
In addition, the briefing covered the administration’s push for greater transparency when it comes to resort fees and junk fees. These fees, often tacked onto hotel bills without clear disclosure, have been a longstanding concern for both hotel owners and their customers. The administration’s focus on addressing these fees is part of a broader effort to promote transparency and fairness in the marketplace, ensuring that consumers are not caught off guard by hidden charges.
The inclusion of AAHOA in this important conversation reflects the administration’s recognition of the significant role that Asian American hotel owners play in the U.S. economy. AAHOA members own nearly 60% of all hotels in the United States, making their input crucial to any discussions about small business policies. By engaging directly with AAHOA members, the Biden-Harris Administration is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the hotel industry.
AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake expressed gratitude for the administration’s willingness to engage with the association and its members. “We are grateful that the Administration recognized the importance of engaging with AAHOA and our members on the challenges small businesses face,” Blake said. “The insights shared today will empower our hotel owners to make informed decisions as they steer through current industry challenges.”
The virtual briefing also highlighted the administration’s broader efforts to support small businesses through policies that promote economic recovery, job creation, and sustainability. The hotel industry, like many other sectors, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and small business owners continue to face challenges as they work to rebuild. Federal initiatives, such as those discussed during the briefing, are aimed at helping these businesses overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success.
By focusing on SBA loan access, supply chain improvements, and fee transparency, the Biden-Harris Administration is addressing key concerns that directly affect the hotel industry. The administration’s commitment to working closely with small business owners and industry leaders is crucial to ensuring that the economic recovery is inclusive and that businesses of all sizes can thrive.
For AAHOA members, the briefing provided valuable insights into how federal policies are evolving to meet the needs of small businesses. The opportunity to hear directly from senior administration officials about these issues offers hotel owners the information they need to make strategic decisions in a challenging economic environment.
The engagement between the Biden-Harris Administration and AAHOA members also underscores the importance of open communication between the government and small business owners. As the economy continues to recover and evolve, this ongoing dialogue will play a key role in shaping policies that support the growth and success of small businesses across the country.
The virtual briefing highlighted the administration’s dedication to helping small businesses, particularly hotel owners, navigate the complex economic landscape. With a focus on improving access to loans, addressing supply chain disruptions, and increasing fee transparency, the Biden-Harris Administration is working to ensure that small business owners have the tools they need to succeed in today’s economy.