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LET�S TALK TAXES � SOME FEEDBACK PLEASE
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No, for those of us in the US, it�s not April 15th yet. We�d like your help (globally), in determining just what communities are charging for the proverbial resort, bed, lodging, F&B and dining tax surcharges. It (the tax) varies generally from a high of 17% (Houston, TX) to only 4% in Billings, MT. The tax(es) which we�re all familiar with - have been used to fund marketing budgets for CVBs, earmarked for stadium construction (billionaire baseball team owners need help with their budget), and even build a convention center or two. Many are classified as adding to the local coffers of a particular city or county budget. We�ve found that more often than not � it�s easier to determine how much has been collected than get a true and unbiased view of how it�s spent. We would like to hear what the tax is in your area � use this simple link to respond Taxes@Hospitality-1st.com?subject=TaxRate and please include the rate/location along with any feedback you might have. Your comments will not be made public � just curious what your opinion is. We�ve got readership on both sides of the coin here. Note: some localities use the moniker �Transient Occupancy Tax�, which further allows them to collect moneys on short-term rentals like homes or apartments and condos. With tourism budgets floundering, we suspect more and more conversation will take place during 2002.

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ARRRRRRRGH!
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Sorry but there�s no better expression that conveys the frustration of many an e-mail user seeing the likes of another virus/worm penetrating their computer system (or at least trying to). The latest (again as in the past) exploits the Microsoft Outlook/Outlook Express e-mail client and it�s highly vulnerable address book. �W32.Badtrans.B@mm� as it has become to be known by will replicate itself using a reply message that is accompanied by a file attachment. The suspect e-mail is most easily recognized by a tell-tale �_�(underscore) preceding the persons e-mail address i.e. _youraddress@somedomain.nnn . We are able to store nearly 14,000 e-mail addresses offline and are never bothered by these worms, other than the inconvenience of making sure our virus protection is in place and up to date. You absolutely need to learn how to protect your e-mail address(es) from this type of attack. We�ve created a very simple MS-Word document that details the process. Just �right-click� with your mouse hospitality-1st.com/easy-address-book.doc and this easy solution is yours in seconds (the file is only 24K) as a download to your own computer. We always recommend scanning �even our files� as a precaution and standard operating procedure. What � you don�t have a virus program? Then see www.f-prot.com/f-prot/download for an excellent source of a full-featured �trial� program, that takes all of 20 minutes to download. On a network? Check with your network admin if downloading is restricted. The most current virus and/or hoax reports are listed at www.symantec.com/avcenter hosted by Symantec.

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HOW DO YOU KEEP CURRENT?
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A favorite pastime here, (and part of our marketing efforts) is to research numerous online newspapers or periodicals for potential clients that would have an interest in our newsletter, employment offerings or maybe our Press-News release service. Two of the most widely available and regularly updated are the column of Cara Buckley at the Miami Herald, miami.com/herald/ and the dozens of offerings found with the Business Journals (which do cover about 46 markets) at bizjournals.bcentral.com/ that are formatted to bring you concrete, concise and extremely timely information. It is a name-droppers cornucopia. We usually run the issues in one browser, while searching Google for more pertinent facts on the intended target in another browser window. The more facts you have about your prospect the better your chances for success. Truly �cold-calls� are incredible waste of time unless you�re armed with facts. Make a habit of viewing online information that is �closer to home� - this is especially beneficial now that our industry suddenly realizes that �feeder cities� do matter to the revenue and bottom line when they are but 150-200 miles away.

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SBHA GROWING STRONGER
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The Small Business Hospitality Association (SBHA) [tm] has expanded to twenty-six members recently. Profiles, for all members, may be readily accessed at hospitality-1st.com/sbha/ without cumbersome login, id or password requirements - whatsoever. The Harrison Business Group, PRofit from PR, BNT Executive Search Firm, and (STS) Southeast Tourism Society are the newest members. Membership (through December 31, 2002) is currently $100.00 (discounted from $150.00) without distincton made for allied members, sustaining members, individual members, number of seats in your restaurant, hotel rooms, or number of employees actually working at your establishment. SBHA has done away with all that foolishness. You want visibility? Then join the Small Business Hospitality Association today (or at least by December 15 - so you can save $50)! That's all for today...

Building "The Bridge of Hospitality" sm

Lou Taverna - Editor
Hospitality 1ST = "Where Hospitality Is Always First" sm

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