THE “DIGNITY OF Work Pledge,” launched by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Procure Impact, a B2B marketplace for overlooked communities, led 23 hospitality companies to commit more than $7.4 million to create 100,000 hours of paid employment for individuals facing work barriers. The companies are increasing purchases from vendors on Procure Impact’s platform and regularly reporting progress on AHLA’s Responsible Stay website.
“As part of our Responsible Stay initiative, we at AHLA are pleased to support these hospitality companies in caring for guests and uplifting their communities while achieving responsible sourcing and community impact goals,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA’s interim president and CEO. “The strong participation in the Dignity of Work Pledge reflects the hospitality industry’s commitment to compassionate service.”
Procure Impact connects businesses with products made by U.S. vendors employing overlooked populations, including people with disabilities, refugees, veterans and those affected by poverty, mental health challenges, homelessness, trauma, incarceration and addiction, AHLA said in a statement.
The participating companies manage more than 1,800 hotels nationwide and will source products through Procure Impact, generating millions in revenue for businesses employing vulnerable populations.
Partners in success
Procure Impact partners with over 100 U.S. suppliers across categories such as food and beverage, bath and body, retail, furniture, and art. One supplier, Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates in Fairfax, Virginia, employs 30 people with disabilities and serves 90 hotels due to demand from the Procure Impact platform.
“Hitting this milestone for the Dignity of Work Pledge is an example of how the hospitality sector is pioneering ways to connect, inspire, and elevate purpose through every stay,” said Jen Collins, Procure Impact’s cofounder and president. “Each purchase on our platform creates economic opportunity for people with barriers to work—those ready and able to produce high-quality products that demonstrate their capabilities.”
Procure Impact tracks the impact of each transaction by calculating the number of shift hours created and distributing monthly impact reports, enabling companies to measure progress and report on their goals.
“With responsible sourcing, companies have the power to drive social change,” said Lauren McCann, Procure Impact’s cofounder and CEO. “The hospitality sector is sparking a movement and demonstrating what is possible for all companies. We invite all corporations committed to responsible sourcing to join the Dignity of Work Pledge as we announce a new goal: creating 1,000,000 hours of work across all industries by 2030. We will continue to raise the bar for corporate America and support companies in turning positive intentions into tangible actions.”
In February, AHLA and Procure Impact introduced the “Dignity of Work Pledge,” aiming to provide 100,000 paid employment hours for overlooked populations. Founding partners of the Dignity of Work Pledge include Atrium Hospitality, CoralTree Hospitality, Davidson Hospitality Group, Modus Hotels/PM Group, Pacific Hospitality Group, Pyramid Global Hospitality, Sage Hospitality Group, and 21c Museum Hotels.
Several other hospitality companies have since joined the campaign, including Concord Hospitality, Donohoe Hospitality, HEI Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Host Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Equities, Makeready, McKibbon Hospitality, New Waterloo, Peachtree Group, PM Hotel Group, Practice Hospitality, Soul Community Planet, Springboard Hospitality, Staypineapple and Western States Lodging & Management.
The AHLA Foundation granted $1 million to eight community-based organizations supporting human trafficking survivors at the third annual No Room for Trafficking Summit on July 30, coinciding with the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
