The American Hotel & Lodging Association, the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry, announces that Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have been named the association's 2014 Champions of the Industry. The two will receive their awards at a special reception during the association's Legislative Action Summit (LAS) on Tuesday, April 1, at 5:00 p.m. at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.

Currently serving his first term, Senator Begich is being recognized for his leadership on the U.S. Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus and his efforts in highlighting the valuable economic contributions resulting from continued strong domestic and foreign travel. Senator Collins, in her third term, has been named an award recipient for her strong support of U.S. tourism, as well as her common sense approach to helping hoteliers, many of which are small businesses, continue to grow and thrive, including making an important fix to the healthcare law to encourage more full-time employment.

"The U.S. lodging industry is gratified by the continuing strong support received from Senators Begich and Collins, and we are pleased to present them with this prestigious award," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. "Both have worked extremely hard to protect hotels across the country, many of which are small businesses run by independent entrepreneurs. Through their efforts and those of many other industry allies on Capitol Hill, lodging is now one of the leading drivers of economic growth and job creation in this country. Hoteliers in Alaska, Maine, and across the U.S. are grateful for these two outstanding public servants and their work on our behalf."

LAS is the lodging industry's premier advocacy conference, held each year in Washington, D.C. Over the two-day event, hundreds of hotel owners, senior executives of corporate brands, management companies, independent hoteliers, and general managers engage in important policy discussions with their industry peers and colleagues. Personal meetings with members of the House of Representatives and Senate also give hoteliers the opportunity to share the industry's narrative as a key cog of the national economy. For more information, visit www.ahla.com/LAS.