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Detroit Hospitality Industry Joins with City, County and Federal Leaders to Announce Free Training Event to Combat Human Trafficking

"No Room for Trafficking in Detroit," an educational training to help hospitality workers identify, report, and prevent human trafficking crimes, will be held on April 3 in partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations

DETROIT, Mich. - The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is partnering with the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association (DRLA), Visit Detroit, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the AHLA Foundation to host a free human trafficking training event in downtown Detroit.

No Room for Trafficking in Detroit will be held on Wednesday, April 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit. The event is free and open to all hospitality professionals seeking to equip themselves and their employees with in-depth knowledge, expert training, and critical guidance on furthering the hospitality industry's commitment to ending human trafficking.

"The hospitality industry takes seriously its commitment to end human trafficking in Michigan, and the MRLA is proud to play a leading role in coordinating this important event," said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA. "We encourage hospitality leaders to join us in April as we provide our industry with the knowledge and training necessary to ensure there is no room for trafficking in Detroit or anywhere else in Michigan."

Programming will include training from PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), the leading policy organization in the U.S. seeking to end trafficking, and an experienced panel from FBI and Homeland Security Investigation agents, who will explain tangible steps to take once potential signs of trafficking have been identified.

"Combatting human trafficking remains one of our office's top priorities, and we are proud to partner with law enforcement and the hospitality industry to equip employees on the front lines with the tools necessary to identify and report this terrible crime," said U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison. "Ending human trafficking in our community requires a collaborative approach, and trainings like this one bring us one step further toward that goal.

"Human Trafficking is something that is happening in this region and across the United States," said Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor. "We appreciate the hospitality industry for their active participation in programs that will make a difference. We must all be vigilant to stop exploitation of those being trafficked. If you see something report it. If you are a victim of it you can seek and receive help. You have not been forgotten."

"We are thrilled to join forces with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, Visit Detroit, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Our firm commitment is to provide hospitality workers with the necessary tools to identify and report any signs of trafficking, potentially saving countless of individuals from being exploited."

"Human trafficking crimes can easily go unnoticed or unreported," said Shawn Gibson, HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge. "Given their unique positions, hospitality workers can and do play a critical role in identifying these crimes. It is through efforts like this aimed at sharing vital information that we can dismantle trafficking organizations, hold criminals accountable and provide victims with care and support."

"Our No Room for Trafficking initiative builds on the hotel industry's longstanding legacy and commitment to combat human trafficking," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation President. "The collective impact of the industry can help interrupt the trafficking cycle and make a positive difference in the lives of survivors and in communities where we work and live."

"Detroit is home to world-class conventions, meetings, and events because of our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone," said Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit. "That is why we are proud to support law enforcement and our incredible hospitality industry in their vigilant fight against human trafficking."

"First, I want to commend the restaurant and lodging community for their commitment to ending human trafficking and for providing this training," said City of Detroit Council Member Angela Whitefield-Calloway. "Since the Detroit Human Trafficking Task Force was created, we have been working diligently to bring awareness to and educate the public on this issue. Additionally, we have even put forth legislative proposals that we believe will address the issue. It is heartening to know that we have strong partners such as the MRLA and the DRLA in the effort to put a stop to this heinous crime."

To sign up, hospitality industry operators, managers and employees can RSVP on the MRLA's website at www.mrla.org/events

AGENDA:

8:30-9:00 a.m.: Registration & Breakfast Refreshments

9:00-9:05 a.m.: Welcome Address - Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO

9:05-9:10 a.m.: Chris Moyer, Sr. Director, Communications & Public Affairs, Visit Detroit

9:10-9:15 a.m.: Opening Remarks - US Attorney Dawn N. Ison

9:15-9:20 a.m.: Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy

9:20-9:25 a.m.: Detroit Human Trafficking Taskforce and Panel Introduction - Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway

9:25-9:55 a.m.: Panel Discussion

· Christopher Szczygiel, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation

· Jessica Sumyk, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation

· Sarah Pettey, Special Agent, Homeland Security Investigations

· Diane Siegel, Victim Assistance Specialist, Homeland Security Investigations

· Eliza McCoy, Vice President of Programs & Impact, AHLA Foundation

10:00-10:45 a.m.: PACT Training and Q&A - Lori Cohen, CEO of PACT

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About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.

About the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, which is part of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, represents the local interests of the hospitality industry that employs more than 17,000 people and generates approximately $1 billion in sales in Detroit. It provides owners and operators in the Tri-County area with access to member benefit programs, valuable industry connections, political and community representation and support for initiatives that will best impact member businesses. For more information, visit www.detroitrla.org.

About the AHLA Foundation

The AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry's greatest asset - our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.