Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Georgia Hospitality Industry Leadership
The Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA) has served as the state's non-partisan trade association representing the lodging industry since 1907. Our mission focuses on promoting, protecting, and educating stakeholders about Georgia's $3.7 billion lodging sector while ensuring positive business growth for members. With over 1,845 lodging properties represented statewide, we advocate for policies supporting job creation, economic development, and industry sustainability. Our team provides expert guidance on governmental affairs, communication strategy, educational programming, hospitality services, member relations, and technology solutions tailored to the unique needs of lodging professionals. As the official state affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, we connect members with national resources including educational institutes and industry publications.Our dedicated staff maintains offices in Atlanta and Duluth to better serve members across Georgia's diverse hospitality landscape. We actively engage in legislative tracking, disaster relief coordination, and workforce development initiatives like the Book Your Next Career program. Through advocacy efforts, we influence over $54.3 billion in total sales across interconnected industries including transportation, restaurants, agriculture, and recreation. Our member councils represent key regional interests including Atlanta, Cobb, and Perimeter hotel communities. With 56,703 industry employees earning $2.5 billion in wages annually, we remain committed to advancing Georgia's position as a premier hospitality destination through strategic partnerships and targeted policy initiatives.
Services
Industry Advocacy
Legislative Tracking
Workforce Development
Disaster Relief Coordination
Professional Networking
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience representing Georgia's lodging industry
- Our advocacy influences $54.3 billion in statewide economic activity
- We provide specialized workforce development through Book Your Next Career
- Our member councils represent regional hospitality interests statewide
- We offer exclusive access to national AHLA educational resources
Services
Industry Advocacy
GHLA provides comprehensive legislative advocacy for Georgia's lodging industry. Our team monitors over 100 related bills annually while maintaining relationships with key decision-makers at all government levels to protect members' interests. We coordinate with professional councils and regional stakeholders to ensure diverse representation across the state's hospitality sector.
Workforce Development
Through the Book Your Next Career initiative, we connect Georgia's hospitality industry with qualified talent. Our program offers career resources, training opportunities, and recruitment support to address workforce challenges facing lodging properties across the state.
Legislative Tracking
GHLA maintains an ongoing legislative tracking system covering 2025-2026 session bills affecting the lodging industry. This includes detailed analysis of tax legislation, labor regulations, and operational requirements impacting Georgia's 1,845+ lodging properties.
Disaster Relief Coordination
We organize disaster response resources connecting hotels with evacuees during emergencies. Our program provides critical information for both affected communities and lodging providers offering temporary accommodations during crisis situations.
Professional Networking
GHLA facilitates networking through multiple councils including Atlanta Hotel Council, Atlanta Airport Hotel Council, and Georgia Women in Lodging. These groups create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development among Georgia's hospitality professionals.
People
Jim Sprouse
Executive Director
Jim Sprouse leads GHLA with over 25 years of hospitality industry experience. He directs strategic initiatives focusing on legislative advocacy, member relations, and industry development across Georgia's diverse lodging sector.
Chris Hardman
Governmental Affairs Director
Chris Hardman oversees GHLA's legislative affairs, maintaining relationships with state officials and monitoring policy developments affecting Georgia's $3.7 billion lodging industry.
Aimbra Kaylor
Member Relations Director
Aimbra Kaylor manages member engagement programs, working closely with hotel councils and industry partners to develop initiatives supporting Georgia's 1,845+ lodging properties.
Denise Holland
Membership Director
Denise Holland leads membership growth efforts while organizing events and sponsorship programs that connect hospitality professionals across Georgia's $54.3 billion tourism economy.
Questions
What does the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association do?
We represent Georgia's lodging industry through advocacy, workforce development, and legislative representation for 1,845+ properties statewide.
How does GHLA support Georgia's hotels?
We provide legislative advocacy, professional networking, disaster relief coordination, and career development resources for lodging industry professionals.
What legislative issues does GHLA track?
We monitor tax policy, labor regulations, and operational requirements affecting Georgia's hospitality sector during the 2025-2026 legislative session.
How can I find hospitality career opportunities?
Visit our Book Your Next Career portal for Georgia hospitality job listings, training programs, and industry career resources.
How does GHLA assist during natural disasters?
We coordinate hotel resources to provide emergency accommodations while offering guidance for Georgia's hospitality providers during crisis situations.
