HOUSTON, October 13, 2011—Officials of the Latino Hotel Association (LHA), the global  organization dedicated to expanding Latino ownership, leadership, and commerce in the hotel industry, today announced the organization has created a procurement committee tasked with increasing the number of Latino businesses providing services and materials to the hospitality industry.  Fred Lona, senior director of supply diversity and supply management, Hilton Worldwide, will chair the new group.

“The committee will develop a procurement platform to help Latino-owned companies work with the hospitality industry,” said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, president and founder of LHA.  “Among other responsibilities, the committee will develop a survey for LHA-supplier members to use to classify their businesses based on local, regional, national and international reach and capabilities.  Fred’s proven track record in supply diversity and management made him the ideal person to lead this important initiative.”

“Our committee will be responsible for developing educational forums, business resources and scheduling hospitality procurement events for LHA beginning in 2012,” said Lona.  “LHA offers Latinos a great opportunity to get involved with the hotel industry throughout the world.  I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to create more opportunities for Latino-owned businesses.”

About the Latino Hotel Association
Headquartered in suburban Houston, LHA is a worldwide, non-profit association dedicated to increasing Latino participation in the hospitality industry, to include ownership, leadership, and commerce.  The organization provides education, international and regional conferences, and networking opportunities with the world’s leading hotel companies.  Additional information is available at the association’s website, www.latinohotelassociation.com.