In a landmark collaboration, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Procure Impact, a pioneering B2B marketplace, have unveiled the Dignity of Work Pledge. This initiative aims to generate 100,000 hours of paid employment for overlooked populations, heralding a new era of socially conscious procurement in the hospitality sector.
Amidst a backdrop of growing commitments to social responsibility within the hospitality industry, Procure Impact’s unique B2B marketplace offers companies a seamless avenue to source products responsibly while achieving impactful social goals. Every vendor on the platform employs individuals facing various barriers to work, ranging from survivors of trafficking to veterans, refugees, and individuals with disabilities.
The Dignity of Work Pledge requires participating hospitality companies to increase the percentage of their purchases made through Procure Impact’s platform and regularly report their progress. This data will be shared on AHLA’s Responsible Stay website, aligning with the association’s core sustainability principles, including responsible sourcing and waste reduction.
Lauren McCann, Founder & CEO of Procure Impact, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We believe the hospitality sector is uniquely positioned to harness its purchasing power to create unique and meaningful guest experiences and change millions of lives in the process.”
Chip Rogers, President & CEO of AHLA, emphasized the significance of responsible sourcing in delivering value to guests while creating positive social and environmental impacts, commending Procure Impact for facilitating this process.
Founding partners of the Dignity of Work Pledge include prominent hospitality groups such as Davidson Hospitality Group, Sage Hospitality Group, and Pacific Hospitality Group, among others, managing over 110,000 hotel rooms nationwide. Kenzie Vath, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Pacific Hospitality Group, highlighted the transformative impact of job opportunities, stating, “A job is one of the most transformative ways to help someone improve their life.”
Chris O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer at Atrium Hospitality, stressed the importance of social and environmental responsibility, affirming the partnership’s alignment with the company’s commitment to providing unparalleled guest experiences.
Daniel del Olmo, President of Sage Hospitality Group, emphasized Sage’s dedication to community impact, while Thom Geshay, CEO & President of Davidson Hospitality Group, underscored the company’s ethos of prioritizing people and values.
This groundbreaking initiative underscores a pivotal shift towards inclusive and socially responsible practices within the hospitality industry. To learn more about Procure Impact, visit procureimpact.us, and to view the Dignity of Work Pledge, click here.
About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): The AHLA is the national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry, focusing on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to propel the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
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