Our Core Values

We believe that:

  • Tourism is a vital component of economic development
  • Tourism contributes to the overall quality of life in the region
  • Together we are stronger
  • Communication and education are key to our mutual success
  • Employment in the tourism industry is a noble profession

Message from the President

On Behalf of the Bluegrass Hospitality Association, thank you for visiting our website. I am passionate about tourism as an economic generator in the Lexington Community as well as for our great state. I am honored to serve as President for the 2019 year.

If you are part of our membership community, thank you for your dedication and commitment to our industry. I encourage and challenge you to insure your voice is heard by being actively engaged with our organization.

If you are not a member, please consider joining your collegues in this vital organization. Your membership will benefit you, your business and our community as a whole. A full list of benefits can be found in the Members section and I welcome hearing from you and answering any question you might have.

Follow us on Twitter @BHAhospitality, like us on Facebook and stay informed about important industry issues, upcoming event and activities.

Pam Avery
BHA President
General Manager, Embassy Suites Lexington Green

About BHA
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We Are

The Bluegrass Hospitality Association (BHA) represents a diverse membership of hospitality professionals, including hotels, restaurants, breweries and distilleries, tourist attractions, and strategic partners. If you are a stakeholder in the hospitality sector and want to positively impact the Bluegrass hospitality industry, then membership in BHA is a must!
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Our Mission

The Bluegrass Hospitality Association is the unified voice of the hospitality industry; committed to advocating for our members, investing in our future leaders and celebrating the impact of the Hospitality community in the Bluegrass.
Through cooperative partnerships, the Bluegrass Hospitality Association strives to be an advocate for the hospitality industry and promotion of travel and tourism in the Bluegrass.

Click here to view/download the bylaws.

2019-2020 BHA Board of Directors

Officers

President – Pam Avery, Embassy Suites at Lexington Green
Vice President – Kathy Artiles, Residence Inn Marriott
Treasurer – Alex Lugo, Hilton Lexington Downtown
Secretary – Eli Mertens, TravelHost of the Bluegrass
Past President – Joe Kuosman, West Sixth Brewing

Contact Us

Karla Stahlman – Association Director
1481 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 317-8674, bha@strategyaem.com
Executive staff and management provided by Strategy Association & Event Management.

Directors

Tiffany Hart, Blue Grass Airport
Sarah Deye, Keeneland
Manish Patel, Holiday Inn Express
Kelly King, Venues of the Grand Reserve
Julie Schickel, VisitLEX
Scott Meuret, University of Kentucky Hospitality & Tourism Department
Shelia Kenny, Lexington Center Corporation
Barry Kuhnke, Marriott City Center

 

BTMA Representative

Courtney Jones, Lexington Marriott City Center

Be part of a larger, stronger voice on issues and legislation that affect the hospitality industry in the Bluegrass.

More Details