Like most industries, hospitality took a hit during the economic downturn, but the Arizona travel industry started to recover in 2010 and pumped $18.3 billion in direct travel spending into Arizona’s economy in 2011.

Helping fuel that economic engine is the Arizona chapter of the the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Az Business is profiling some of those HSMAI members who are driving Arizona’s economy.

Lynn M. Flosi
Corporate sales manager
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

What attracted you to the hospitality industry? “All of the opportunities to assist guests and clients in creating outstanding meeting and or events. I never would have thought that I would make so many friends along the way.”

Biggest challenge: “As amazing as our destination is, sometimes it is a challenge to overcome the negative media our industry has had to face these past few years.”

Greatest accomplishment: “Being the president of the HSMAI Arizona Chapter for 2012.  It truly has been an amazing year. We were able to offer and grow our  mentorship program with the hospitality students in our collegiate chapter and we selected a new charity of the year.  The partnerships that were developed in our chapter this past year have been so rewarding and making a difference for all who are involved.”