Industry News That You Can Use!     October/November 2008 Newsletter  
  In This Issue!   Sweeping Amendments to the ADA Become Effective January 1, 2009
by Jennifer Sawyer Norvell, Esq.
   dot The 8 Rules of Business Greeting Card Etiquette
 dot Creative Tips & Strategies for Social Responsibility
 dot You Too Can Yelp
 dot For Coupon Queens, It's the Thrill of the Hunt
 dot The 10-Minute Manager's Guide to On-Boarding
     New Employees
 dot More Hotels Go Smoke Free
 dot TIA Forecasts Stable Leisure Travel Market
    Despite Rough Economy
 dot 5 Reasons Generation Y Workers May Better
    Survive Recession
 dot Business Boot Camp on Employment Law
 dot Changing with the Times
 dot Study: Consumers Want to Interact with Companies
   on Social Media
  
     

Jennifer Sawyer Norvell, Esq.President Bush recently signed a law, effective January 1, 2009, that significantly expands and amends the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The Amendments mandate one of the most sweeping changes to employment law in over a decade. It is critical that employers understand these changes and be prepared to offer accommodations to many more employees. The ADA applies to all employers who had 15 or more employees (including part‐time and temporary) for any 20 weeks during the current or preceding calendar year.

Click here for a summary of the important changes follows.

  
       
        
       
       
       

 

      
       
       
 The 8 Rules of Business Greeting Card Etiquette    
  Greeting Card EtiquetteIt’s really important to know proper greeting card etiquette, because a well-intended gesture can offend the people you want to impress when it is not done properly. Read on for how to impress, not stress, over the Holidays.      
       
       
       
       
 Creative Tips & Strategies for Social Responsibility  5 Reasons Generation Y Workers May  Better Survive Recession
  Eco-friendly practices go beyond the products you buy; it’s a lifestyle choice that extends to your staff and your guests. Here are some creative ways to help the environment and the community, while appealing to internal and external stakeholders.  
      Generation Y is known for being high-maintenance in the workplace. So when an economic downturn brings Gen Y workers pink slips instead of promotions, you might think they'll wither like flowers. In fact, they may be better positioned for survival than their older co-workers.  
       
 You Too Can Yelp       
  You Too Can YelpSome restaurant chefs decry the popularity of online review site, Yelp, but others admit there is value in monitoring the words of the masses. Almost anyone with a flair for writing, a few personal pictures and a fun personality can find a following on Yelp -- and gain clout as a reviewer (and not just of restaurants!).      
       
       
       
 For Coupon Queens, It's the Thrill of the Hunt      
 

Coupon QueensWhile the tough economy may be making many shoppers feel beaten and battered, new research from direct-mail company Valassis finds that for many affluent women, it's a little exciting. In fact, finding new ways to save money is bit of a thrill. Read on >

   Business Boot Camp on Employment Law
     

The Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council and Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a NH Employment Law Update in Conway on Wednesday, December 2.  Topics to be covered include State and Federal Wage & Hour Updates, new regulations on storing employee information, Fair Pay/Paycheck Fairness Act, and more.  For more information, or to register, please read on.

  
       
       
       
 The 10-Minute Manager's Guide to
    On-Boarding New Employees		      
 

New employees who make it past the first few weeks of a job are much more likely to settle in for the long-term. As service industries strive to improve retention rates for all hires, on-boarding programs--both formal and informal--have become integral to the training process.

     
     Changing with the Times  
      Loyalty programs got their start two decades ago. In that time, guests’ preferences have changed, and so have the marketing methods.  
       
 More Hotels Go Smoke Free    Study: Consumers Want to Interact
  with Companies On Social Media
 
A recent analysis of AAA data has found that the number of lodging properties that prohibit smoking has nearly tripled in three years. For the complete story, click here. 		  
      According to the findings of the 2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study, 93% of Americans believe a company should have a presence in social media, while 85% believe a company should not only be present, but should also interact with its consumers via social media.  56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection with, and better served by, companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment.  For more results, click here.  
       
       
 TIA Forecasts Stable Leisure Travel Market
  Despite Rough Economy 		   
   
 

The Travel Industry Association (TIA) recently released its annual travel forecast indicating that an uncertain economic climate is leading American and global travelers to change their behaviors.  Read on >

      
       
         
     
Join Our Email List
Email:  
   dot Become a NH Travel Council
Member Today! 		  
   
  Do You Have Some News?!  
 
We welcome submissions that would be of statewide interest, or articles that you would like to share that address trends, forecasts, marketing tips, etc. that pertain to the various segments of our industry. Please send information for consideration to Susan Logan, Editor of this newsletter: susan@nhtourismnetwork.com
  
   
  Pass Us On        
 

If you have an industry friend or company colleague who might enjoy or benefit from our newsletters, please feel free to pass us along! The New Hampshire Travel Council is dedicated to providing marketing education and information to our industry, and we hope that you will help us to spread the word. Just ask them to click on our “Join Our Mailing List” link.

Thanks - and a lovely Thanksgiving to you all!!

Susan Logan, Editor
News You Can Use!

  
   
     
  To become a member today click here.         Click to  Return Home