ARTICLE
Recently, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered unprecedented damage to their total infrastructure during a series of hurricanes. In Puerto Rico alone, more than 50% of the Island remains without power. The recovery effort will take years. For many, their homes no longer exist. For others, their homes remain uninhabitable for the foreseeable future, while many schools, churches and healthcare facilities are damaged well beyond repair. In the meantime, families gather in shelters and subsist on the generosity of others. Many of you have already stepped up to provide some level of assistance. But the devastation is so complete much more must be done. The number one industry in these areas is hospitality. Throughout Massachusetts, we have thousands of jobs unfilled despite our most aggressive recruitment efforts, good wages and excellent working conditions. Why not reach out to these communities and let them know we have jobs and would welcome them to our communities? Some may ask, "Where will they live"? We do not know the answer to that question but we are willing to bet that whatever the local circumstances it will be an improvement of where they live now. Some say, "Most will leave in 2-3 years, why do this at all"? We ask, why not do this now and benefit from an experienced work force in the meantime, while lending a helping hand to families unable to help themselves when they need it most? We are working with several other hospitality organizations across Massachusetts, the Governor's administration and Federal officials to find a path that we believe is clearly needed. The key to this first step is that we require actual data from real employers to determine how many jobs might be available and for that we need your help. We are asking hospitality operations across the state to complete this form. It will help determine if there enough quality job opportunities to develop a program to the mutual benefit of hospitality organizations in the State of Massachusetts and individuals struggling on the islands. Please complete the individual form that most fits your business model and return it to me directly (psacco@masslodging.com) as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your assistance. #TogetherWeWin. Paul J. Sacco President & CEO Massachusetts Lodging Association