President's Corner 2025 - Celebrating the Strength of Our Vendor Community and the Momentum of WHLA

By Bill Elliott, CAE; WHLA President & CEO
This article was originally published in WHLA's 2025 InnTouch with WHLA Magazine.

At our Annual Meeting back in November we proudly reflected on a year of steady progress, strong member engagement, and renewed direction for the future. With 584 total members and a lodging member renewal rate of 87.9%, WHLA continues to be a thriving and united voice for Wisconsin’s lodging industry. These numbers speak not only to the strength of our community, but to the shared value our members find in being part of this association.

A key part of that value comes from our associate vendor members. These valued partners are more than just suppliers — they are educators, innovators, and solution-providers who enhance our industry through the knowledge, tools, and expertise they bring to the table. Whether it’s cutting-edge technology, operational insights, or products and services tailored to the unique needs of lodging professionals, our vendors help WHLA members stay competitive, informed, and ready to meet evolving guest expectations.

Throughout the past year, our associate members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting Wisconsin’s lodging industry — by exhibiting at our events, contributing to educational sessions, and offering exclusive opportunities and discounts to WHLA members. Their support strengthens not only individual businesses, but our entire statewide lodging community. We encourage all members to look to our associate vendors as trusted resources and valued collaborators. Take a look at the Products and Services Directory section of this magazine for a full list of our partners.

This past year also marked a time of exciting transition and renewed focus for WHLA. Under the direction of our Board of Directors, the association has taken important steps to chart a new course for the future — one that positions us to better support members through advocacy, education, and industry leadership. Their vision and guidance have been instrumental in helping WHLA adapt to change while staying grounded in our core mission: to be the trusted voice advancing Wisconsin’s hotel and lodging industry through advocacy, education, and connecting communities.

As we look ahead, we are energized by the opportunity to build on this momentum — continuing to grow our membership, deepen member engagement, and deliver value across every segment of our association. On behalf of the WHLA team, thank you to every member — lodging and vendor alike — for the role you play in our success.

And to our Board of Directors: thank you for your leadership, commitment, and courage in steering WHLA into a future filled with opportunity. Your work ensures that our association remains a strong and forward-thinking advocate for Wisconsin’s lodging industry.

Kind regards,

Bill Elliott, CAE

WHLA President & CEO

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This article was originally featured in the 2025 InnTouch with WHLA Magazine.

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