In the midst of surging gas prices, decreases in business travel, a drop in consumer confidence and sure signs of economic recession, Joe McInerney sees some familiar trends. He came aboard as CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association in October 2001, just as the bottom was dropping out of the industry after Sept. 11, at a time when air travel and tourism came to a virtual standstill. Inside AH&LA, long-time staff had become distracted from member service. A federated membership structure had created fiefdoms, with state associations that didn’t respond to a national leadership, and headquarters that didn’t communicate well with state affiliates. Inside the… Read More