LAS VEGAS — I received the chairman's award from the Asian American Hotel Owners this summer for this publication's coverage of franchise news. The association is one of the top lobbyists and influencers in the franchise world. Its members, who are largely of Indian ancestry, own forty percent of the hotels in the United States. 

AAHOA's then out-going chair Chandrakant Patel explained the reason he gave the award to me, the publisher of Blue MauMau. "You are the only one in the media that takes considerable effort to report on the news and business issues that franchise owners face," said Patel. "That inclusion makes for better reporting and truly more neutral news. Blue MauMau is a true tool that reports for the mutual benefit of both franchisee and franchisor. That makes a better and more informed franchising relationship."

Jay (Jimmy) Patel, president of the association of Super 8 franchisees and Robert Purvin, chair of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, also received a chairman's award for outstanding contribution to fair franchising.

This year AAHOA expanded its influence outside of the hotel sector by supporting restaurant, retail and service franchise owners. Many Asian American entrepreneurs own convenience stores, doughnut shops, quick service restaurants and other franchised establishments.

Related reading:

• What the media says about Blue MauMau