Omaha Hotels Involved in Alleged Human Trafficking Bust
By Jordan Bradley
Following a multi-year investigation, officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement divisions rescued 10 minors and 17 adults from an alleged human trafficking ring involving four hotels in Omaha, Nebraska. The operation was executed in the early morning hours of August 12.
The hotels involved were The AmericInn on S. 13th Court in Omaha,
The Inn (formerly Super 8) on S. 145th Street in Omaha, The New Victorian on L Street in Omaha, and the Roadway Inn on Fort Crook Road S. in Bellevue, Nebraska.
Five individuals who own, operate and manage the hotels involved were arrested during the operation. They are accused of crimes such as alleged sex and labor trafficking, fraudulent use of visas, money laundering and concealing undocumented immigrants, the FBI said.
Dr. Harry Schmidt Departing as Leader of RCMA
By Todd McElwee
A new chapter is commencing at the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), with Dr. Harry Schmidt set to leave the organization he has guided for 13 years.
An association spokesperson told USAE the association couldn’t provide a date that Schmidt would be leaving or when a new CEO might be identified. RCMA has begun the quest for its next leader, enlisting the services of SearchWide Global.
RCMA will celebrate Schmidt and his transformational accomplishments during EMERGE 2026 in Lexington this coming February.
“It has been a remarkable joy to serve this association,” said Schmidt. “I’ve always believed that RCMA is more than an organization—it’s a community rooted in faith, service, and connection. I’m filled with gratitude as we enter this new season, and I’m confident that the values and relationships at the heart of RCMA will contin-
The five hoteliers accused in alleged trafficking crimes, include: Kentakumar Chaudhari, 36, of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Rashmi Ajit Samani, 42, of Elkhorn; Amit Prahladbhai Chaudhari, 32, of Omaha; Amit (Matt) Babubhai Chaudhari, 33, of Omaha; and Maheshkumar Chaudhari, 38, of Norfolk, Nebraska.
The children rescued from the properties were part of an alleged labor trafficking conspiracy “that involved Please turn to page 5
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Conversation with Matt Johnson, Managing Director, Informa Connect
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HSMAI Foundation Names Kristin Miodonski as Executive Director
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Wholesaler-Distributors Association Sues Oregon for Recycling Mandate
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Man on the Street Report: Jim Henderson Speaks about Anchorage Summit
AUGUST 18, 2025
Demand at Anchorage Hotels Skyrockets Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit
By Jordan Bradley
August marks the closing of tourism season in the Last Frontier State. Add in an international summit, and hotels are booked solid.
What rooms were left in Anchorage, Alaska, at the time of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s August 15 summit to discuss the war in Ukraine were going for a premium at USAE press deadline.
As of August 14, the Wildbirch Hotel, a boutique hotel in downtown Anchorage, had guest rooms available for a stay at the property on the night of August 15. Standard room rates for that night began at $1,215, but standard rates for the following Friday—exactly one week later—started at $478.
“We don’t have massive room blocks going for the participants at the summit or anything like that,” Rachel Barinbaum, Vice President of the company that owns the Wildbirch Hotel in downtown Anchorage, told Anchorage Daily News
The property is not hosting any
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Jorge L. Pérez Tapped to Lead Discover Puerto Rico
By Jonathan Trager
Jorge L. Pérez, CVE, MBA, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in management in the destination marketing, events, and entertainment industries, has been hired as the new CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, the organization announced on August 14.
Pérez, CVE, MBA, will begin his role leading the marketing efforts for the island destination on September 15. Discover Puerto Rico will facilitate the transition over a three-month period, during which time Pérez will
also oversee collaboration between the destination organization and the management of properties intended for groups and conventions.
“I welcome this challenge with great enthusiasm, recognizing the vital role of the DMO in developing the visitor economy and addressing the current challenges facing the industry,” said Pérez. “Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed a tourism renaissance, and Puerto Rico is uniquely positioned to solidify itself as a global-caliber destination. I am confident that, through
Caesars Entertainment and Dry Creek Rancheria broke ground on a new project that will transform Dry Creek Rancheria into Caesars Republic Sonoma County in Northern California. Earlier this month, representatives from both companies and the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians joined to commemorate the groundbreaking with a ceremonial scoop of shovels. The new integrated resort casino will offer “a robust food and beverage line-up,” a
casino floor, and
new 100-room hotel with
spa, pool and fitness center, Caesars said.
HOTS Mass. Manatee… Massachusetts water enthusiasts have been treated to a very rare sighting in the Mashpee and Mattapoisett areas: a grazing manatee. According to Stacey Hedman, Sr. Director of Communications at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), only four manatees have been spotted and reported in the last 17 years, she told the Cape Cod Times. UPI reports that initial sightings of the sea cow were in late July, the first by a woman named Jennifer Sullivan, who recorded a video of the manatee “just
USAE
Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller
Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com
Publisher James Heller james@usaenews.com
Creative Director Diane Nichols dkn@usaenews.com
Managing Editor Jonathan Trager jon@usaenews.com
Associate Publisher And Association Editor Todd McElwee todd@usaenews.com
Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com
Senior Vice President George Roman george@georgeromanmedia.com
HOTS HOTS
lazing around there in the grass going as slowly as possible,” she told NBC Boston. According to Hedman, water temperatures in Massachusetts “are barely within the manatees allowable temperature limits and only for short periods of time in certain areas”— which explains why the last recorded manatee sighting in Massachusetts waters was in 2016. She added that “these animals can often become stressed if they stay too long into the season and water temperatures drop.” The IFAW is asking people to report any further manatee sightings, and a rescue plan has been put into effect to ensure the sea cow doesn’t become stranded in inhospitable waters. HOTS loves an unexpected animal sighting!
HOTS Labubu Larceny… A Los Angeles-area store is down $7,000 worth of a current pop culture obsession: Labubu dolls, toothy and mischievous-looking monster toys created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. Labubu dolls are popular among young adults who consider them a fashion trend, and the dolls have garnered a dedicated fan base much like that of the Beanie
Javits Center teamed up with Rethink Food and the center’s in-house culinary team, Cultivated, to create approximately 2,000 fresh meals that were donated to Alliance for Positive Change, supporting their vital work addressing food insecurity across
York City. The program featured 1,500 pounds of produce donated from Steel Farm, located on Javits Center’s rooftop, which is pictured here. Photo by Javits Center
Babies in the 90s. The Labubu plush dolls were stolen in the wee hours of August 6 from toy vendor One Stop Sales in La Puente, California, AP reports. According to the store’s Instagram, the thieves trashed the store after they absconded with their loot. “We are still in shock,” the store said in its post. The store also asked for help in finding the thieves, who are still at large as far as HOTS can tell. The whole situation is giving HOTS Princess Diana Beanie Baby and Tickle-Me-Elmo release flashbacks.
MPI Introduces Revamped Website
By Todd McElwee
MPI’s online home has gotten a makeover.
Two years in the making, MPI said the online outlet has been enhanced with a new layout and a variety of fresh features.
“We’ve been listening, learning and building and today, we’re proud to unveil your new MPI digital experience,” the association said. “This isn’t just a redesign. It’s a reinvention, focused
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collaboration with the DMO team, the government, and the private sector, we will achieve every goal we set.”
Pérez joined Legends/ASM Global, a company that operates venues around the world, 15 years ago. He currently serves as Regional General Manager for Legends/ASM Global, which is responsible for managing the Puerto Rico Convention Center, the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, the Coca-Cola Music Hall, and the Antiguo Casino.
Raúl Bustamante, Chairman of Discover Puerto Rico, said Pérez embodies all the qualities the organization was seeking for the position, including extensive experience in the
entirely on making your membership more valuable, your experience more intuitive and your connections more meaningful.”
MPI said the website is now more personal with “your content, your interests, front and center.”
Navigation has been streamlined, with MPI saying the website boasts a modern design reflecting the energy of the meetings community.
Login has also been simplified, MPI added. The chapter located closest to
tourism industry, a deep knowledge of Puerto Rico, and the leadership skills needed to align public and private sector objectives.
“Jorge’s professional experience is comprehensive and impeccable,” said Bustamante. “I am confident that, as the leader of the organization, he will stimulate travel demand to our destination and continue the tourism boom we’ve seen this decade.”
In 2022, Pérez was recognized as an “All Star” by VenuesNow magazine for his leadership of the convention district facilities during their period of greatest growth and expansion.
Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón called Pérez “a proven leader in the entertainment industry who has elevated the local event venues
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the user is featured in the top right corner.
“Looking to grow your career in meetings and events? Looking to run the show? Look no further than Meeting Professionals International,” the association said. “No other association has the resources, people and passion for the lifechanging power of live events like the community of MPI—your career home.”
Find the website at mpi.org
New
Jorge Pérez
Conversation with Matt Johnson, Managing Director, Informa Connect
Informa’s Connect Marketplace is going to Miami from August 25–27. Taking some time to connect with USAE in the leadup to the event, Matt Johnson, Managing Director, Informa Connect, shared some insights on what attendees will experience in South Florida as well as some thoughts on the meetings industry.
USAE: For someone who has not attended a Connect Marketplace, please describe the experience.
Johnson: We’ve become a case study in the festivalization of the MICE industry—and we’re proud of it. As an event for event professionals, we’ve reached the point where a growing percentage of our hosted buyers are bringing a second team member purely to study our customer experience.
Our philosophy is simple: events shouldn’t suck. From the moment you walk through our doors and step into our Regiception —part registration, part high-energy welcome party— you’ll know you’re somewhere different. Over the course of the event, you’ll be immersed in content that inspires, networking that actually connects you with your peers, and a reverse-style trade show designed for meaningful business conversations.
By the time you leave, you’ll be carrying more than just a notebook full of actionable resources—you’ll be energized, armed with fresh ideas, and wondering why every industry gathering doesn’t feel like this.
USAE: Is there a comment you receive the most from participants, and if so, what do they say?
Johnson: The question we hear most is: “Would you consider bringing Connect Marketplace to our destina-
tion?” And that’s telling—destinations are looking at us differently than they did a few years ago.
Two years ago, we made a defining decision: to stop chasing quantity and stay laser-focused on the quality of the delegates we invite as Hosted Buyers. That choice shifted everything. Our destination and host partners can now walk into their boardrooms with a list of recognizable leading corporate brands and emerging associations—many of which aren’t tied to any historic membership-based organization—and say, “This is who we’re bringing to town.”
When you calculate the buying power of those buyers, along with the economic and intrinsic value of having them in your destination, the ROI speaks for itself. We’ve never been interested in playing in the same sandbox as everyone else—and destinations are taking notice.
USAE: How do you develop education agendas for your events?
Johnson: Owning and operating three of the most influential media brands in the MICE industry—BizBash, Corporate Event News , and Trade Show News Network—gives us an unmatched advantage. We’re in constant conversation with event planners, destinations, and venues across North America, so we don’t just hear their pain points—we understand them in real time. We also have the data to see exactly which topics spark the most clicks, shares, and engagement across our platforms.
On top of that, our team is out in the field—attending, reviewing, and benchmarking the world’s leading events and experiences (many of them
Informa-owned)—to see how people are connecting and how brands are activating. We use those insights to design education that delivers unique, high-impact value you simply won’t find at other MICE industry gatherings.
USAE: What excites you most about the upcoming Connect Marketplace in Miami?
Johnson: Hosting our flagship event in one of the world’s most iconic and trending destinations is a pinnacle moment for us. Yes, Miami gives us a luxury backdrop, but what truly excites me is what we’ve built behind the scenes—a meticulously curated roster of pre-qualified Hosted Buyers with timely RFPs and immediate needs. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching destinations, venues, and vendors solve real challenges in real time—and knowing those conversations will turn into contracts that drive local economies forward. And, of course, once the deals are done and the industry has been measurably moved ahead, we’ll celebrate in true Connect style with an iconic closing night. This year, that means Flo Rida taking the stage—and if the buzz from last year’s Lil Jon performance in Milwaukee is any indication, we’re in for another unforgettable finale.
USAE: What inefficiency within the meetings industry do you believe most needs to be addressed in the next five years?
Johnson: The biggest inefficiency in our industry is pretending that volume equals value. For too long, some have measured success by how many badges they print, not by the quality or buying power of the people in the room. That model wastes time, inflates
costs, and dilutes ROI for destinations, venues, and suppliers.
Two years ago, we decided we weren’t going to play that game. We stopped chasing headcount and doubled down on curating only the most qualified, most relevant Hosted Buyers — the kind who arrive with active RFPs and real budgets. That shift has changed how destinations look at us: they can now point to a Connect Marketplace attendee list and say, “These are the people who will actually move the needle for our economy.”
The future of this industry depends on smarter, tighter, more intentional gatherings. If we’re serious about efficiency, we have to stop treating events like cattle calls and start treating them like precision instruments. That’s the sandbox we’ve chosen—and we’re not leaving it.
Aimbridge Hospitality launched a new division exclusively dedicated to a portfolio of all-inclusive hotels and resorts on August 12.
With the launch, Aimbridge plans to “tap into” a rising demand for all-inclusive stays. The new division will be based in Miami.
“We’re entering the All-Inclusive space with purpose and precision,” said Craig S. Smith, CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality.
Smith, who has been Aimbridge’s CEO since March 2024, spent much of his career in hospitality at Marriott International, most recently serving as the brand’s Group President of the International Division.
During that time, he expanded Marriott’s all-inclusive presence in
Latin America and the Caribbean, Aimbridge said.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful this model can be in driving performance and guest satisfaction,” Smith said. “Our focused approach is designed to deliver results by combining best-in-class specialized teams with the strength of Aimbridge’s operational foundation – bringing scalable success and tailored solutions to this high-growth segment.”
Aimbridge said it expects to finalize its first collection of all-inclusive agreements “in the coming months” and to begin welcoming guests to the budding portfolio by the end of 2025.
All-inclusive resorts as they are thought of today—one price for all lodging, meals and beverages, including alcohol—were first created by Bel-
gian entrepreneur Gérard Blitz in 1950 with the grand opening of Club Med, according to the Incentive Marketing Association.
The post-WWII population craved leisure, with Club Med’s all-inclusive offerings providing “an escape to be free to recharge and relax,” the association said.
National Geographic said all-inclusive hotels and resorts today lean into the luxury division catering to the modern burned-out traveler.
“All-inclusive resorts were looked at as ‘mega’ and ‘cheap.’ Most people were on a tight budget, but wanted to splurge in terms of consumption,” said Francine Stewart, Director of Sales and Marketing at Blue Haven Resort in the Turks and Caicos, in an interview with National Geographic. “They want a unique experience with options in-
cluded. So the reputation has done a full evolution.”
Hotels in the all-inclusive sector are growing four times faster than properties in other leisure segments, according to data from data and analytics company STR. The data company attributes this growth to a strong demand for “curated experiences, elevated service and luxury offerings,” according to Aimbridge.
“This investment reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of All-Inclusive hospitality and our commitment to helping owners capitalize on that opportunity,” said Eric Jacobs, Chief Global Growth Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality. “As demand accelerates and guest expectations rise, we’re ready to deliver the expertise and discipline this category requires.”
Matt Johnson
HSMAI Foundation Names Kristin Miodonski as Executive Director
By Jordan Bradley
The charitable arm of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), the HSMAI Foundation, has appointed Kristin Miodonski as its new Executive Director.
The foundation announced the appointment on August 7. Miodonski had been serving as the interim managing director for the last year while she pursued her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential through the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
“It’s exciting and humbling to step into the Executive Director role,” Miodonski said. “Over the past year in an interim capacity, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the Foundation’s incredible board, team, and stakeholders, and it’s been a great
learning experience.”
HSMAI said Miodonski is well known for her collaborative approach to leadership, “strategic mindset, and focus on innovation,” and she brings a “proven track record of helping mission-driven organizations expand their reach” to the HSMAI Foundation.
Brian Hicks, President and CEO of HSMAI, said Miodonski’s appointment is “a testament to her leadership, vision, and commitment to the mission of the HSMAI Foundation,”
“She has already made a significant impact in her interim role, and her recent achievement of the CAE designation reinforces the expertise and professionalism she brings to the table,” Hicks said. “Under her guidance, we are confident the Foundation will continue to grow its influence and advance its critical work in talent de-
velopment across our industry.”
Miodosnki also serves as the associated vice president of association solutions at MCI USA and as the executive director of the Professional Development Consortium, an association of professionals working at law firms, law schools, government agencies and corporations who offer professional trainings and development coaching for lawyers.
Prior to joining the HSMAI Foundation, Miodonski served in director roles at the National Association of Educational Procurement, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the Association of College and University Auditors, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Miodonski told USAE that for the remainder of 2025, the foundation will
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AHLA Supports Penn. Bill Requiring Standardized Human Trafficking Training
By Jordan Bradley
Representatives from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) joined Pennsylvania legislators and hospitality industry professionals in Philadelphia on August 5 to show support for proposed state legislation that would require standardized human trafficking training for lodging employees.
Pennsylvania’s House Bill 1286 would require short-term rental operators, hotel and other lodging properties across the state to provide human trafficking awareness training for their employees.
“We welcome this legislation as a way to extend those same protections to all lodging guests across the Commonwealth... ”
Under HB1286, all public lodging establishments would be required to train their staff on how to identify and report suspected human trafficking every two years.
Lodging establishments would also need to keep up-to-date records or
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putting children under the age of twelve years old to work at the hotels for long hours with little to no pay,” according to the agency.
Separately from the labor trafficking allegations, officials said they believed that one or more of the defendants were also engaged in a
face a $100 fine should they not be able to produce the records to law enforcement or local licensing authorities, and subsequent infractions after 90 days could result in an additional $250 fine, then a $500 fine in another 90 days. After that, an establishment would be reported to its county or municipal governing agencies, The Penn Capital-Star reported that 43% of human trafficking convictions in the state from 2014–2023 came from cases in or near Philadelphia.
“Human trafficking is an evil practice that happens all across the country, and Pennsylvania is not immune to it. Hotel and service-industry workers tend to be on the front lines of witnessing the crime and are at risk of being victimized themselves,” said state Rep. Regina Young, co-sponsor of the bill.
“With the Philadelphia Airport located in my district and major interstate
sex and drug trafficking conspiracies, and at least one defendant is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States government through a visa scam.
The FBI said the victims resided at the hotels and as part of the alleged exploitation were required to pay the defendants for their rooms.
According to the bureau: “Sex trafficking was not only allowed at the hotels according to complaint
routes passing through our region, trafficking is especially pervasive here.”
While much of the hotel sector—including chains such as Marriott, Hyatt and more—implements this training as a brand standard, some short-term lodging operators like Airbnb and VRBO do not.
“Human trafficking prevention training has long been standard practice at many Pennsylvania hotels, and our industry has led the way in setting that bar,” said Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation, which manages the No Room for Trafficking program, and COO of the AHLA. “We welcome this legislation as a way to extend those same protections to all lodging guests across the Commonwealth, ensuring that everyone in the travel ecosystem is aligned in the fight against this crime.”
According to nonprofit PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), 11 states are already mandating human trafficking awareness training for hospitality workers, including Florida, California, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
The Pennsylvania Restaurant and
affidavit allegations but also encouraged, protected from law enforcement detection, and sex trafficking victims at the hotels were subjected not only to the traditional perpetrators of a sex trafficking scheme but also to hotel management and employees victimizing them as well.”
“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery,” said Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel, head of the Omaha FBI Field Office. “This in-
Lodging Association (PRLA) consulted with state representatives to help create the bill, AHLA said.
“The hotel industry has long been proactive in combating human trafficking, with the majority of hotel properties already training their staff to recognize and report signs of trafficking,” said Joe Massaro, President and CEO of the PRLA. “H.B. 1286 builds on that commitment by expanding awareness and accountability to all lodging providers, including short-term rentals.”
With modern reservation systems, Young pointed out, it is easier for traffickers to dupe hotel employees and evade detection than if they were required to interact with a person while making a reservation.
“We also want to bring into this discussion online reservation platforms for long- and short-term lodging, as they are the modern standard for reservations, allowing easier trafficking through bypassing actual human interaction,” Young said. “Making sure lodging associates are trained to understand what human trafficking can be is a crucial step in identifying and reporting those being trafficked.”
vestigation revealed victims right here in the heart of the heartland forced into sexual activity, living and working in dangerous and filthy conditions, and extorted to work in grueling jobs with little to no pay.”
Officials were able to find victims in part because of complaints made by “vigilant citizens” reporting concerning signs of trafficking at the hotels to human trafficking hotlines dating back as far as four years ago, the FBI said.
Kristin Miodonski
By Jonathan Trager
ASAE, Singapore Groups Forge Agreement to Strengthen Global Collaboration
ASAE, the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) have signed a tripartite agreement to “enhance the global association sector and reinforce Singapore as the Global-Asia node for association thought leadership and business events.”
The partnership between ASAE, SECB, and SBF establishes a collaborative framework between the three organizations to advance leadership development and association education, foster cross-cultural knowledge sharing, and expand global engagement opportunities for association professionals.
SECB, a group under the Singapore Tourism Board, is the lead government agency for business events in Singapore. SBF is Singapore’s top business chamber representing local trade
associations and chambers.
“This agreement underscores our shared commitment to building a stronger global association ecosystem,” said ASAE President & CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with SECB and SBF, bring new leadership development opportunities to association professionals, and position Singapore as a dynamic destination for international collaboration and innovation.”
Under the new agreement, ASAE will collaborate with SBF and SECB to curate and co-create a one-day education program as part of the TAC Summit 2026 and bring together ASAE leadership and members for insights and knowledge exchange. TAC Summit is SBF’s flagship event for local and regional association professionals that attracted more than 200 participants in 2025.
As part of a strategy to further
professionalize and develop the association sector in Singapore and the region, and connect association leaders from the United States and Singapore, ASAE and SBF will identify skill gaps in Singapore’s association sector and explore future initiatives to address them.
“By bringing together ASAE’s association management education and content with SBF’s Singapore networks regional reach, we are poised to foster innovative solutions, create new opportunities and catalyze critical knowledge exchange. Asia remains one of the fastest-growing economic regions,” said Eileen Lee, Sr. Vice President Americas for SECB. “Understanding these opportunities and establishing networks will be essential to an association’s global strategy. Singapore is uniquely positioned to serve as the gateway and Global-Asia node for associations.”
The collaboration strategically builds on last year’s launch of ASAE’s “Associations Going Global” toolkit supported by the SECB. It provides ASAE members and the U.S.-based association community a connection to Asia through SBF’s strong regional networks at time associations are navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
“By harnessing ASAE’s expertise, SECB’s strategic positioning, and SBF’s deep networks in the region, we are creating meaningful pathways for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and international collaboration,” said Kok Ping Soon, CEO of SBF. “As the voice of Singapore’s trade associations and chambers, SBF is proud to contribute to strengthening Asia’s role in the global association ecosystem and positioning Singapore as a vital gateway for global engagement.”
Wholesaler-Distributors Association Sues Oregon for Recycling Mandate
By Todd McElwee
Challenging the constitutionality of Oregon’ s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
NAW said the act creates an “extended producer responsibility” (EPR) program intended to encourage a circular economy and modernize the state’s recycling program but misses the target and threatens the viability of the wholesale distribution industry nationwide.
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ue to lead it into a future filled with purpose, growth, and greater impact.”
With Schmidt at the helm, RCMA transformed its brand, introducing the tagline “Where Faith Meets.” It reimagined its international conference as EMERGE and launched the CFMP certification program, which more than 450 members have now completed. Schmidt also expanded RCMA’s media design and digital communications, helping to double supplier partnerships, and cultivating a close-knit community that continues to welcome new planners through
“While NAW supports the goal of a circular economy, the Oregon EPR law as enacted is unconstitutional, creates new mandates, inhibits interstate commerce and fails at its primary goal of encouraging circularity,” said Eric Hoplin, President & CEO, NAW. “Rather than encourage sustainability through a uniform and transparent system where compliance burdens are shared across industries, Oregon chose to shift the burden to the parts of the supply chain that have little to no control over decisions to design, reduce, reuse or recycle a product.”
Initially filed on July 30, the association’s lawsuit alleges Oregon unconstitutionally delegates control over the
grassroots connections.
“Under Dr. Schmidt’s leadership, RCMA has grown and made incredible contributions to enhance the faithbased community and the supplier partners who serve them,” said RCMA Chair Al Hutchinson. “As a Board, we want to express our appreciation to Dr. Schmidt for his amazing vision, passion, and love for RCMA. It is clear that Dr. Schmidt is leaving RCMA in a much better place than when he took on this leadership position. For this we are truly thankful.”
More than a year ago, Schmidt shared with the RCMA Board his desire to start a transition, ensuring the next leader will be supported to continue RCMA’s mission and mo-
EPR program, including the setting of fees wholesaler-distributors must pay to a private, third-party group (the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), leaving a financial interest in the program without clear rules or oversight.
The lawsuit also claims the measure unfairly targets out-of-state producers, disrupts national markets, and tries to control business outside of Oregon—violating the U.S. Constitution’s limits on state regulation of interstate commerce.
In addition, the act mandates producers sign contracts with a single approved private organization (CAA), giving up their economic freedom and due process rights while also subjecting producers to fees and rules set by CAA
mentum. Voting to retain SearchWide Global last month, the board also formed a search committee to work with the firm that includes officers Hutchinson (Committee Chair), Kurt Kjellstrom, Erin Ingler, and Steve Biffle, along with board members Mike Gunn and Chariolett Johnson. Three additional RCMA members will be appointed.
“We will truly miss Harry’s leadership and the warmth he brings to this community,” RCMA said. “We also share Harry’s enthusiasm for the future of RCMA, confident that we are poised for growth, innovation, and greater impact for years to come.”
Find more information at myrcma.org.
without a real chance to object or appeal in seeking transparency, NAW said. “The program subjects producers to binding fee assessments and compliance obligations without adequate procedural safeguards,” the lawsuit said. “Producers have no meaningful opportunity to provide comment on or challenge CAA’s fee determinations, material classifications, or incentive eligibility, and, for resolving disputes, are forced to either accept CAA’s determination or submit to binding arbitration.”
Motions concerning the ability for attorneys outside of the state to practice in Oregon were being filed as late as August 13.
Dr. Harry Schmidt
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major U.S. or Russian politicians, Barinbaum told the news outlet. However, it is receiving “tons of requests” from other government officials and members of the press traveling to the seaside town for the event.
“We are very full, but we are obviously trying to accommodate folks where we can. We do have some media outlets that are planning to use some of our event space and decks for broadcasting on Friday,” Barinbaum told the Anchorage Daily News . “We’ve certainly been contacted by a lot of people, whether it’s government or media…but lots of interest, for sure.”
When USAE called the Hilton Anchorage, front desk representatives disconnected the call and declined to answer subsequent calls or return voice messages, but the hotel’s website shows the hotel as fully booked for the weekend of the summit.
Prior to rooms booking up, rates for a single room at the hotel were quoted at $658, according to local reports.
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he manages to a prominent standing.”
“I am pleased to know that we will count on his expertise to extend the success he has achieved in the events sector to the initiatives being undertaken to transform Puerto Rico into a first-class destination in tourism, business, and investment,” said Colón. “I trust that he will continue maintaining direct channels of communication with our administration, as he has done, as well as with the private sector.”
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be “building momentum and focus.”
A top priority for Miodonski in the role will be growing programs designed to support top talent in hospitality commercial roles, along with “strengthening connections with industry partners, and ensuring the Foundation remains a resource for helping emerging and underrepresented professionals thrive,” she said.
“We’ll keep driving our mission through research, education, grants, and talent development, while exploring new ways to engage partners and supporters,” Miodonski said. “Keep an eye out for quarterly AI case studies and our annual State of Talent Report.”
A front desk representative at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown told USAE the hotel was sold out of rooms for August 15 and 16 but declined to comment further.
A representative from Hotel Captain Cook also declined to comment.
The front desk associate at the Historic Anchorage Hotel, a boutique hotel downtown with only 26 guest rooms and suites, confirmed to USAE the hotel was fully booked and unable to accommodate additional guests for the weekend.
In an interview with the Anchorage Daily News, General Manager Terri Russi of the Historic Anchorage Hotel said with Alaska’s summer tourism season in full swing, people traveling for the event would be hard-pressed to find accommodations.
“Where are they going to stay? The hotels are full. It’s tourist season,” Russi told the outlet, later adding: “I was called last Saturday to find a room for somebody for a week who’s coming for this event. It’s not possible.”
Representatives from the Alaska Hotel and Lodging Association did not respond to USAE requests for comment regarding the impact of the summit on Anchorage hotels.
Man on the Street Report: Jim Henderson Speaks about Anchorage Summit
By Jonathan Trager
Jim Henderson for many years served as Vice President of Convention Sales at Visit Anchorage. Retired since 2017, Henderson has recently been driving a motorcoach for Holland America Princess Tours and even a school bus while keeping an ear to the ground.
Prior to President Trump and President Putin meeting in Alaska’s capital city last week during peak tourism season, Henderson told USAE he heard the hotel rates at limited-service properties were “through the roof” for the time of the event, with many rooms going for more than $800 a night.
Although Henderson said he hadn’t heard of existing reservations being canceled to make room for the influx of visitors, he believed some of those visitors were protestors being flown in and put up in hotels by wealthy political detractors. Yet the choice of Elmendorf Air Force base as the
meeting site meant no outsiders would be able to get anywhere near the participants, Henderson noted.
“I think it’s kind of genius on Trump’s part to meet with Putin there on U.S. territory without giving him a glamorous platform,” he said.
Henderson surmised that tents would be set up for the meeting because the only facility there is Buckner Fieldhouse, a large military hangar built in the 1940s.
“That would almost be like Trump inviting Putin to come meet in a shed,” he said.
Henderson said he didn’t think Trump would actually travel through the city—unlike previous presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who rode through Anchorage in a motorcade—so it wasn’t a good opportunity to market what the city has to offer.
USAE reached out to Visit Anchorage for more information last week prior to the meeting but received no response by press deadline.
HOST A MEETING WHERE NATURE'S CANVAS SERVES AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION. A HOTBED OF HOMEGROWN BRANDS, DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCES, AND CREATIVE COMMUNITIES AWAIT. DRAWING YOU IN AND CALLING YOU BACK AGAIN.
