Mr. Lightenburger has always been an active member of the CH&LA, having served on the Board of Directors for almost ten years.  In addition, he has served on the Government Affairs Committee of AH&LA.  When Don received his CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) designation from the AH&LA Educational Institute three other Lightenburger family members joined him, a first for the Educational Institute.  One is his son, Bruce Lightenburger, CHA who is currently serving as the CH&LA president.  Additionally, Mr. Lightenburger has always made a point to contribute generously to HOTELPAC, the Political Action committee fund of AH&LA.  �It is because of his consistent service to both CH&LA and AH&LA that Don Lightenburger was an obvious choice to receive the 2002 Most Valuable Volunteer,� said CH&LA Executive Vice President Ilene Kamsler.  �This award is our opportunity to say thank you to our most treasured asset, our volunteers.�   

Introduced in 1999 by AH&LA as part of a new recognition program, this annual award is presented to one person in each state who has contributed in their individual state hospitality programs and initiatives.  Winners receive a commemorative silver medallion.

The Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 550 lodging properties in Colorado.  Formed in 1938, CH&LA has provided a forum for Colorado hoteliers to discuss issues of mutual concern for more than 60 years. CH&LA is a federate member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). 

AH&LA, founded in 1910, is a federation of state lodging associations throughout the United States, with some 13,000 property members worldwide, representing more than 1.7 million rooms.  AH&LA provides operations, technical, educational, marketing, and communications services plus governmental affairs representation to the lodging industry.