164 | Oscar the Ghost

Laura Lee Blake is the president and CEO of AAHOA, the largest association for hotel owners in the U.S., representing nearly 20,000 members. With a background in law and extensive experience in industry advocacy, she returned to AAHOA in 2022 to champion issues like the LIONs Act. Susan and Laura Lee talk about advocacy, innovation, and Oscar the ghost. What you'll learn about in this episode: From Journalism to Hospitality: Laura Lee Blake shares her unique journey from aspiring journalist to law, then leading AAHOA, the U.S.'s largest hotel owners association. Breaking Barriers for Asian American Hoteliers: Laura discusses AAHOA's history, from fighting discrimination against immigrant hotel owners to helping them thrive in the industry. Lobbying for the LIONs Act: Laura explains AAHOA's push for legislation to increase SBA 7(a) loan caps, essential for hotel owners adapting to rising operational costs. Advocacy Tips: Laura shares practical advice for newcomers to advocacy, emphasizing the power of personal storytelling to make a lasting impact on elected officials. Ghostly Encounters at the Columbia Gorge Hotel: Just in time for Halloween, Laura recounts eerie experiences during a recent AAHOA women's event at a famously haunted Oregon hotel, complete with mysteriously appearing cigar smoke and ghostly fingerprints on mirrors. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.  Tap to give us five stars, and select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.