Message From Chairman

Thank you for visiting the official website of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association. It is with much pride that I serve as your 2011 Chairman of the Board of Directors. I am thrilled to be able to work alongside the many outstanding businesses and people that make up the hospitality industry throughout the great state of Rhode Island. The Association will continue to act as the voice of our industry and I promise to lead our efforts in the only way I know how: with the highest level of integrity and intensity.

The last few years have indeed been trying for all of us. We have endured great economic hardship together in what has proven to be the most difficult of times in decades. Although there is some light at the end of the tunnel, 2011 will be a somewhat challenging year as we all work to get back to the pre-downturn levels of business activity.

It has been inspiring to see that our membership continues to increase, despite the economy. I think this speaks volumes to the terrific investment in not only your own business but in the industry as a whole. We are very fortunate to have an incredible ambassador as talented as Dale Venturini to continuously work diligently on behalf of all of us.

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association will remain focused on improving educational opportunities state-wide, while striving to uncover additional cost-saving initiatives, more "green" opportunities and provide tireless representation to battle legislative issues.

Please feel free to contact me with any issues, questions or concerns.

Thank you.
Mark Gervais
Chairperson-RIHA Board of Directors