VRMA Spring Forum Recap: All In On Advocacy, with President Miller Hawkins

Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals

20-04-2022 • 41 mins

Tune in for this special episode where we speak with VRMA President, Miller Hawkins, about the recent Spring Forum in Chicago. Advocacy was top of mind at this event, as vacation rental managers came together to find a way to protect the industry from the infringement of short term rental laws that are spreading like wildfire. While local governments are enacting these laws to prevent the problems that come from the "bad apples" that have accompanied the surge in popularity of short term rentals, they are also jeopardizing the livelihoods of the professional companies who operate above-board and are vital (and big tax contributing) members of their business communities.

As the opening session drew to a close, Miller took the stage to ask for continued support of the VRMA Advocacy Fund that Steve Milo of VTrips formed a few years ago. The goal was to raise $250,000 at the event, and Miller asked anyone who was willing to donate $10,000+ to join him on stage. Several companies jumped right up, with enthusiasm and check book in-hand, and within 10 minutes, more than $300,000 had been raised! By the end of the day, total donations came to $432,600 for the VRMA Advocacy Fund. Way to go Miller, VRMA Staff & Board of Directors, and of course, the companies large and small that stepped up to protect our industry!

• $60,000: Inhabit IQ, VTrips
• $50,000: Vacasa
• $20,000: Avalara, C2G Advisors, Dormakaba, Elliott Realty, RedSky Travel Insurance, TravelNet Solutions, VacayHome Connect
• $10,000: AvantStay, Behome247, DoneRight Management, Got2Go, Panhandle Getaways, PriceLabs, Scenic Stays, Silicon Travel, StoicLane, Weatherby Consulting
• $22,600: Donations made directly from attendees

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