A federal court judge has ruled against individuals seeking to remove the entire Asian-American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Board of Directors. In a recent ruling, Judge Harold Murphy rejected the plaintiffs’ motion citing long-standing law the showed the plaintiffs had not met the legal requirements of the actions they were requesting. The plaintiffs, a group of nine AAHOA members, alleged the current Board had engaged in theft, embezzlement and corruption, as well as general misuse of the association’s funds.
This action comes on the heels of a confrontation that resulted in physical contact, police reports and medical attention between current AAHOA Chairman Pratik Patel and past Chairman Alkesh Patel at the association’s annual conference in Philadelphia in March. These two actions, in conjunction with the announcement that long-time President Fred Schwartz will be leaving his position after 18 years of service, cast uncertainty on an organization that has been a unified proponent for hoteliers in the industry for 25 years.
“I have known Prat Patel for three years now and have found him to be a champion for all the vendors that do business with AAHOA members, including ValueXpress,” opined Michael D. Sneden, Executive Vice President of ValueXpress. “Prat was instrumental in the creation of ‘Deal Central’ at the last annual convention that brought hoteliers seeking loans to ValueXpress in a casual setting for some intense deal-making that was a great success for us.”
“Prat has always been open and transparent in all my dealings in the decade I have known him,” commented Jay Bhakta. “I am confident that Prat and AAHOA will put these matters behind and continue the great work of the organization as it continues to greater impact the hospitality industry.”