Latest news with #LiveFree
Travel Daily News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
First Hospitality celebrates their top performing General Managers
Top-performing First Hospitality General Managers recognized with exclusive international retreat for excellence in hotel leadership and performance. CHICAGO – First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, recognized its 2024 Inner Circle winners during a weeklong trip to Panama from March 15 – 21, 2025. Each year, First Hospitality's Inner Circle Award recognizes the top-performing general managers across the company's portfolio. The Inner Circle Award is presented to 10 general managers who demonstrate outstanding performance across a comprehensive range of hotel metrics. Selection criteria includes room and total revenue versus budget, RevPAR index and rank, gross operating profit margins, flex and flow, guest service scores, brand quality assurance results, associate satisfaction, and turnover rates. Winners of the Inner Circle Award are treated to a weeklong international trip, with Panama serving as this year's destination. Each winner was invited to bring a guest, for an all-expenses-paid experience that included accommodations at the Waldorf Astoria Panama, roundtrip airfare, meals, beverages, and a range of curated activities. Highlights of the itinerary included a visit to the 'Biomuseo' and Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, an Embera cultural immersion, a beach day on Mogo Mogo Island, and more. First Hospitality's President and CEO, David Duncan, and Executive Chairman Sam Schwartz joined the group during the late-March trip. 'The Inner Circle trip is our way of recognizing the outstanding general managers who lead with excellence across every facet of hotel performance,' said David Duncan. 'It was an honor to celebrate their achievements in Panama. The trip has become a standout moment on the company calendar – a meaningful way to recognize top performers while deepening connections across the First Hospitality team.' Demonstrating its commitment to a People First culture, First Hospitality promoted over 150 team members in 2024. The company also saw a 9-point increase in employee retention compared to industry peers, along with a 16-point lead in Great Place to Work ratings – clear reflections of First Hospitality's continued focus on associate satisfaction and development. Additional marquee awards honoring associates include First Hospitality's Live Free Drive Free Award, honoring associates who achieve perfect attendance for an entire calendar year. More than 1,000 associates qualified for this award in 2024, representing nearly 30% of all associates, a new record for the company. Winners receive the choice of a new car and auto insurance for one year, or have their rent or mortgage paid for one year, up to $1,500/month. This year's winner selected Live Free. The Pace Setter Award honored five sales leaders who not only exceed their annual team booking goals, but also significantly grew BT and Group RevPAR share. 'Our talented associates are the backbone of First Hospitality,' said David Duncan. 'Their dedication and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences are what drive our success. Our marquee awards spotlight their hard work and reflect the strong culture we've built together.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois debates Clean Slate Act to seal or expunge eligible criminal records
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Clean Slate Act, currently under consideration in the General Assembly, would create an automated system to seal or expunge eligible criminal records, offering individuals with past convictions a fresh start. 'We talked to over 100 legislators and every one of us that we've talked to so far has been really excited about passing clean slate legislation,' said Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, the executive director of Live Free. 'The system is problematic,' she continued. 'If everyone who was eligible to have their records sealed went down to the courthouse, it will take 154 years for them to actually seal all of those cases because of the backlog.' Advocates for the Clean Slate Initiative say that a criminal record creates barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities. The plan would automate the process, automatically clearing an offender's record once they become eligible for relief. Rev. Violet Johnicker, pastor of Brooke Road United Methodist Church, said, 'So, people think, 'oh, well, they've served their time. Why don't they just go get a job?' Because we unfortunately, as a society, and particularly Illinois, continue to place obstacles in the way of those folks who are working to better themselves and be meaningful, doing good contributions back to society So we want to remove those barriers and get themselves back on their feet.' The Clean Slate Act has been passed in 12 states. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rockford faith leaders show support for Clean Slate Act
Rockford-area faith leaders and members of Live Free gathered Tuesday morning to show support and encourage state representatives to pass the Clean Slate Act. The Clean Slate Act would accelerate the record sealing and expungement process for eligible individuals, enabling them to access employment, housing and education opportunities. This includes people with no pending charges or active supervision, and the fulfillment of conditions like conviction reversal, completion of probation, or certain offenses. "A criminal arrest or conviction record can prevent people from assessing jobs stable housing and educational opportunities, fundamental pillars of economic security and public safety," Rev. Cierra Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois, said. "Black and brown communities are disproportionately affected by harsh arrest and conviction record policies perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchising." Bates-Chamberlain said that expanding access to record clearance boosts employment rates, increases tax revenue and contributes to safer communities. "We need to make sure that we are allowing people and empowering people to move from their past," Bates-Chamberlain said. "Be able to move forward to where they're able to obtain jobs that pay living wages and that they can move forward and take care of their families and contribute to society." Kara Hawley is a staff photographer at the Rockford Register Star. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford faith leaders show support for Clean Slate Act
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Don't call it a 'comeback': Charlie Kirk returning to Florida State University
The conservative firebrand that progressives love to hate is coming to Tallahassee. MAGA star Charlie Kirk is bringing his "American Comeback Tour" to the campus of Florida State University on Friday, Feb. 28, according to a recent Facebook post. Fans were ecstatic in the comments. "Awesome love to see you coming to my hometown! Will be there with full support," said one person. Another wrote: "Wish I could be there! I work at FSU and believe me, this school needs you there!!" Kirk is the founder of Turning Point USA, which promotes conservative values and aims to energize younger voters, especially on college campuses. His speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention helped introduce him to a national audience. Kirk will "debate conventional narratives promoted by leftist academia," the group's website says. "In the spirit of open inquiry, debate, and free speech, the tour will provide students of all viewpoints the opportunity to discuss important subjects ...." Kirk travels to campuses and records debates with various students who challenge him at an open mic. He last visited FSU in May 2023 as part of his "Live Free" Tour. 'America's students are still only given one side of the story, the leftwing side, so we intend to continue balancing the scales and equipping local students to fight for their values,' he said in a statement. 'If you're a progressive, you get to come to the front of the line and make your best argument, and I'll make mine.' According to a USA TODAY story last year, Turning Point "and its allies have become the conservative movement's youth mobilizers-in-chief and, in some states, top enforcers of loyalty to former President Donald Trump. Plus, adds its spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, 'We're fun.' ' Tickets are available at From USA TODAY: Trailing MAGA acolytes and enemies, Turning Point ascendant in national GOP politics This story contains previously published material. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jrosica@ Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Conservative icon Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA coming to FSU
