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ACLU-Represented NRA Wins Supreme Court Decision on Free Speech
By Todd McElwee
The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has ruled the National Rifle Association (NRA) can pursue a lawsuit against former New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Maria Vullo, who the association alleges violated the First Amendment by coercing DFS-regulated parties to punish or suppress the NRA’s gun advocacy after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
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Industry Movers
Andrew Jay
Andrew Jay is now General Manager at The Hollywood Roosevelt. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he began his career at the original California Pizza Kitchen in Beverly Hills. He managed numerous properties, including The Ryland Inn in New Jersey, Castle Hill in Rhode Island, Encantado Resort in Santa Fe, The Inn at Dos Brisas in Texas, Ojai Valley Inn, and recently, a pair of Ace Hotels.
Chef Michael Anthony
Chef Michael Anthony and Waldorf Astoria New York have announced a culinary partnership. As chef partner, he will oversee a signature restaurant dining experience and concept at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property, which is expected to reopen later this year. With a career spanning more than three decades as executive chef at Gramercy Tavern, Anthony been recognized with multiple James Beard Awards including Outstanding Chef.
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson is now The Elms Hotel and Spa’s Director of Sales Marketing and Events. Part of the Destination by Hyatt portfolio, the property is in Excelsior Springs, Montana. Prior to this position, he was director of sales, marketing and events at Hyatt Place Hotel and Conference Center in Kansas City for nearly three years. Before joining Hyatt, Johnson held a leadership position with Peachtree Hotel Group.
Matthew Swisher
Matthew Swisher (also known as “the Captain” at Moxy Hotels) will serve as General Manager at Moxy Boulder. Vision Hospitality Group made the announcement. The company said the hotel will open in May on University Hill near the Colorado University Boulder campus. He was most recently the assistant general manager at The Jacquard Hotel. He also served as the assistant manager at the Art a Hotel, Curio Collection.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
NBAA Announces 900th Certified Aviation Manager… The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program has welcomed Wes Maness, Director of Maintenance at Flight Group Corporation, as the 900th professional to earn this certification. The program was launched in 2003.
“I’ve been a manager, a director and an executive, but continued learning and development is a must,” Maness said. “CAM really helped me understand the bigger picture by providing fresh insights into the diversity of knowledge and skills utilized in the business of corporate aviation. It also introduced me to a whole new group of peers that I will definitely stay connected to.”
“In an environment where staff recruitment and retention are now critical, CAM raises the bar on providing aviation professionals the tools and strategies to develop their careers and elevate their leadership skills,” NBAA President & CEO Ed Bolen said. “CAM is now a sought-after credential by many employers who appreciate the dedication required to achieve this certification and the vital knowledge gained by every CAM graduate.”
Find more information at nbaa.org.
NYPCMA – MPIGNY Softball Game Coming in August… On August 14, the New York City chapters of PCMA and MPI will square off on the softball field in Central Park. A reception will follow. Find more information at newyork.pcma.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North in Georgia completed a multi-million-dollar, two-year renovation project, according to the property’s operator, HEI Hotel & Resorts.
The renovation brought improvements to the hotel’s 372 guest rooms and suites, the property’s public areas and introduced a new cafe and marketplace called Perimeter Provisions. The renovations also included new cabanas featuring fire pits in the patio of the property’s restaurant, SAVOR.
“The scope of this renovation improved virtually every aspect of the hotel, including adding a new café and marketplace in our lobby and creating a spectacular outdoor patio dining setting overlooking our private lake,” said Thierry Grodet, General Manager at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North.”With the project complete, the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North now has the latest and greatest amenity and services packages available within its segment in Atlanta’s Central Perimeter area.”
El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas announced a forthcoming $20 million renovation, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The renovation will include a new high-limit slot room, two new bars, a restaurant and a coffee shop.
“We are thrilled to unveil our latest expansion project, which represents a significant milestone for El Cortez and the community of downtown Vegas,” said Kenny Epstein, Chairman and CEO. “These enhancements arrive at a pivotal moment of heightened demand from both locals and visitors to Fremont Street. We are excited to continue to elevate the guest experience with these additions, ensuring every visit is filled with comfort, convenience and timeless hospitality.”
The hotel and casino was first opened in 1941 and was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. Officials expect the forthcoming Starbucks to open this June with a modern Asian food concept restaurant opening in early 2025, according to the Review-Journal.
Convention Bureau/Center NEWS
CVB Update
Discover Long Island has launched the latest Long Island, New York Inspiration Guide.
The 60-page magazine-style guide, available in both print and digital formats, offers an extensive amount of content to convey on Long Island’s geography, culture, history, events and more. Most pages provide a QR code that takes interested readers to additional information available at the Discover Long Island website for specific details on businesses and booking opportunities.
Discover Long Island distributes 100,000 copies of the Long Island, New York Inspiration Guide at hotels, Long Island MacArthur Airport, at various trade/consumer shows and events through the year, and to individual visitors who request a copy of the guide. The Official Inspiration guide is also the only approved Long Island promotional piece distributed at the Long Island Welcome Center, which estimates 5,000 cars daily.
“We are proud to unveil and distribute the new edition of the Long Island Inspiration Guide, which is the perfect balance of intriguing content and stunning imagery that showcases the beauty and breadth of our unique destination,” said Kristen Reynolds, CDME, President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “The guide lends our expertise, as an accredited Destination Marketing Organization, in showcasing the attractions, culture, events, dining, and downtowns that encompass our world class region, while driving the reader to the comprehensive and current digital content on DiscoverLongIsland.com through strategic QR codes, extending the guide’s evergreen status.”
For more information, visit discoverlongisland.com/inspirationguide/.
