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#083: Better Together: The MWInns and MBBA Merger with Kerri Thiel, Randy Bangs and Mikki Suchomel

#083: Better Together: The MWInns and MBBA Merger with Kerri Thiel, Randy Bangs and Mikki Suchomel

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The Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) and the Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association (MBBA) have officially merged.

Kerri Thiel (Retiring Executive Director), Mikki Suchomel (Incoming Executive Director), and Randy Bangs (Board VP and Marketing Chair) discuss how this strategic move expands resources, strengthens advocacy, and creates new opportunities for regional growth.

We also highlight their first joint event, InnSight 2025, taking place October 26 to 28 in Holland, MI.

We are very thankful to Kerri, Randy, and Mikki for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about the MWInns at mwinns.com. You can also register to attend the conference at mwinns.com/mwinns-conference-trade-show.

#077: What to Do (and Not Do) Marketing-Wise When Selling a Property with Chris Kelly of White Stone Brokers

#077: What to Do (and Not Do) Marketing-Wise When Selling a Property with Chris Kelly of White Stone Brokers

Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked — marketing.

Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this boost your revenue, but it can also significantly enhance your property’s overall market value.

We are very thankful to Chris for sharing his insights with us.

You can learn more about White Stone Brokers at whitestonebrokers.com.

#076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the ​​​​​​​2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO

#076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the ​​​​​​​2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO

What do the Kentucky Derby, hand-crafted bourbon, southern charm, a vibrant culture of arts, cuisine, and independent lodging all have in common?

Louisville, Kentucky — the host city of the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace taking place March 24–27. Sarah Gazi, ALP CEO, provides a preview of what to expect at this year’s conference, which will host 50 educational sessions plus lots of southern-themed networking and fun.

We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her insights with us.

You can learn more about the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace at alplodging.org/conference-marketplace.

#075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions with Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing

#075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions with Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing

Centralized online marketing tools are increasingly essential for independent lodging professionals, allowing innkeepers to focus more on their daily operations.

Data Bing consolidates all marketing efforts and provides robust insights to make better decisions that drive more bookings. Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing, shares how this solution can optimize your online marketing.

We are very thankful to Matt for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Data Bing at databingsolutions.com.

#074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing with Wynn Salisch of Casablanca Payments

#074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing with Wynn Salisch of Casablanca Payments

Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing challenges for the independent lodging sector, highlighting the need for property owners to safeguard their data.

The right payment processing solutions can help lodging providers save money, streamline operations, and protect sensitive information. Wynn Salisch, Founder of Casablanca Payments, shares insights on payment processing and cyber hygiene.

We are very thankful to Wynn for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Casablanca Payments at mpiprocessing.com/wynn-salisch-casablanca-payments.