 Press Release | Portland Business Alliance Coalition Partners Unveil the Largest Economic Study of Its Kind in the State The new report showcases how Oregon is winning nationally in the Athletic, Outdoor, Team and Recreation Ecosystem. CONTACT: Vanessa Briseño, Senior Director, Strategic Communications Portland Business Alliance news@portlandalliance.com | 503.224.8684 The Portland Business Alliance, in partnership with a coalition of regional and statewide business associations, is pleased to announce the release of “Oregon: The State of Sport,” a new economic study that highlights Oregon’s competitive advantage and the economic power that the Athletic, Outdoor, Team and Recreation Ecosystem generates for the state. “This is the first time we’re able to quantify something we’ve all felt to be true: Oregon is the definitive business leader and a regional economic force in the Athletic, Outdoor, Team and Recreation industries,” said Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance. “It’s inspiring to get a deeper look at the Ecosystem and our distinguishing characteristics, like exceptional industry-trained talent and education programs, that support and allow for these industries to develop, grow, and thrive here.” “For the last 30 years, the Greater Portland market has been the top choice for apparel and outdoor companies serious about growth and innovation,” said Monique Claiborne, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc. “If we want to continue to be on top, we must invest in this Ecosystem. This report shows us what we have to gain: more jobs and dollars for our local economies. I look forward to working with both public and private sector leaders to create more opportunities for this industry.” Conducted by the world-renowned industry-leading real estate and economic development consulting firm HR&A Advisors, the “Oregon: The State of Sport” economic report marks the most robust analysis to date of Oregon’s Athletic, Outdoor, Team and Recreation Ecosystem—defined as including sports and apparel companies as well as internationally known professional sport franchises, sporting-related events, recreation and tourism activities. The study examines Greater Portland, Bend, and Eugene’s unique environment for sports innovation and growth. “We were thrilled to collaborate with the Portland Business Alliance and a wide array of regional stakeholders to develop the ‘Oregon: The State of Sport’ report,” said Kate Collignon, Partner at HR&A Advisors. “HR&A’s comprehensive economic analysis, coupled with extensive stakeholder input, affirms the tremendous impact of the Athletic, Outdoor, Team, and Recreation industries across Greater Portland and Oregon. State and regional partners have a distinct opportunity to leverage a unique value proposition to attract and sustain world-class talent within this booming hub of activity.” KEY REPORT TAKEAWAYS:
“When we think of a healthy, prosperous, and competitive Oregon that improves lives today and into the future, Oregon’s Athletic, Outdoor, Team and Recreation Ecosystem is unquestionably a part of the story,” said Angela Wilhelms, President & CEO of Oregon Business & Industry. “The contributions companies small and large in this Ecosystem have made are extraordinary, and we must continue to leverage this strength and use findings from this study to propel our entire state forward.” “There’s never been a more exciting or important time to celebrate the business of sport and recreation of all kinds across Oregon. This study further affirms our efforts to support existing sports teams—both professional and college—and to attract new teams, events, and businesses that add economic value and jobs to our region and the state. Ultimately these efforts will result in a greater quality of life for Oregonians and tourists,” added Jim Etzel, CEO at Sport Oregon. The “Oregon: The State of Sport” economic report will be unveiled today at the Portland Business Alliance’s Annual Meeting, presented by U.S. Bank, which is committed to investing in the future of our communities. “It's an exciting time for Oregon. We see legacy industries continue to thrive and emerging industries gaining a strong foothold across the region. Our state has long been the birthplace of many companies in the Athletic, Outdoor, Team and Recreation sectors, growing their own and drawing creative talent from around the world to build and expand the segment,” said Stacey Dodson, Oregon and Southwest Washington Market Executive at U.S. Bank. “Industries like this create jobs, support our vital small business community, and attract those who have a passion for the Oregon lifestyle.” The full report is available at OregonStateofSport.com. We encourage you to review and celebrate the findings by using the hashtag #ORStateofSport. ### About the Portland Business Alliance. The Portland Business Alliance – Greater Portland's Chamber of Commerce – was founded in 1870 and represents the largest, most diverse business network in the region. The Alliance brings together more than 2,100 members represented by dynamic and varied employers from around the Portland region, and offers a strong source of support, information, advocacy, engagement and professional development opportunities. Grounded in its mission to create opportunity and advance well-being for all who live and work in the Greater Portland and SW Washington region, the Alliance envisions a healthy and resilient business ecosystem where we work together to increase collaboration in governance; engage community; increase civic leadership; and, advocate for a vibrant, livable region for all. About HR&A Advisors. HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) is an employee-owned company advising public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic clients on how to increase opportunity and advance quality of life in cities. We believe in creating vital places, building more equitable and resilient communities, and improving people’s lives. The Oregon Hospitality Foundation along with ORLA serve as sponsors and stakeholder participants in this effort. Read more about how we're leveraging Oregon’s leadership in the Sports Ecosystem to boost workforce opportunities in this ORLA Magazine article: The Economic Impact of Outdoor Sports & Recreation.
Leveraging Oregon’s Leadership in the Sports Ecosystem to Boost Workforce Opportunities This July, the World Athletics Championships come not only to the United States for the first time, but to Oregon. We are a leader in track and field with Hayward Field consistently hailed as an elite track and field venue, but we are also a global leader in the “sports adjacent.” In the area forming Eugene to Bend to the greater Portland area, there are over 800 sports apparel companies and thousands of sports related manufacturers, therapists, coaches, semi professional and professional athletic teams, Olympic trials, skiing, outdoor adventure, mountains, rivers, fields, venues, hopes, and dreams. Where else in the country can you engage in the quality of recreation and athletics, live in the region where those amenities already exist, and make a living at the very activity that brings us joy? When the World Athletics Championships meet later this month, they bring with them media opportunity from around the globe. We have a rare opportunity to tell the world that Oregon is much more than Nike, Hayward Field, Portland Thorns, and Trailblazers. We are a state dedicated to sports and everything that supports those sports. That is why ORLAs’ Hospitality Foundation (OHF) has partnered with the Portland Business Alliance (PBA) to bring into focus the major impact that sports and recreation have on the economy and workforce of Oregon. As OHF is digging deep into workforce development for our industry, it seemed logical that we needed a voice at the table to be a part of this important work. PBA has completed an economic analysis and is in the process of naming what we will eventually promote as a brand for Oregon’s sports related economy, but what good does a bunch of data do except tell us what we already know? The truth is, not everyone knows, and we are going to tell the world. This is about, creating awareness for existing investment and attraction of additional sports opportunities. We need to engage in legislation at every level of government to get traction for investment in our state and local sports economies. From workforce development to infrastructure, it is time to leverage our leadership in outdoor recreation and sports and and get creative with how we use it to make everything in Oregon more attractive and inclusive. While we are unsure exactly how the messaging will be employed, we know that the powerful information this provides us would be lost if we don’t use it to leverage into real actionable help for our restaurants and lodging partners in Oregon. How can we use this information to bring economic relief to workforce development, engage housing initiatives, affect transportation, food security, lift BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-run business voices, help with houselessness, mental health, and addiction and recovery services? Right now we are meeting and talking through how to use this data to best affect the State of Oregon. Watch for more information on the analysis and branding as we welcome the world into our homes for the World Athletics Championships. Let’s be ready to tell the narrative that Oregon is the leader in sports, outdoor recreation, and the opportunity it provides us all. | Ken Henson, Vice Chair, Oregon Hospitality Foundation This article originally published in the July issue of ORLA Magazine.
Third Party Deliver Fee Cap / Hotel Loading Zones
Recently, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) went to bat on a couple of issues affecting restaurants and lodging properties in Portland and we came away with two huge wins! On the restaurant side, ORLA was instrumental in securing an extension of the 10% Delivery Fee Cap for an additional eight months. The ordinance takes effect June 29 when the ordinance from 2020 was set to expire. ORLA will now work with restaurant owners, the City of Portland, the third party delivery companies and other stakeholders on a proposal around a permanent delivery fee cap within the city limits. A huge thanks to the restaurant operators who testified and shared their stories to City Council. On the lodging side, ORLA reached out and communicated with Commissioner Hardesty’s office about proposed changes to hotel loading zones that would have turned the current 15-minute zones into 3-minute zones. Our discussions were successful in maintaining the 15-minute loading zones. ORLA pointed out that as Portland hotels continue to recover from the last two and a half years, making it more difficult and less welcoming for visitors to enjoy our city is the opposite of what we need to be doing. Advocacy on behalf of the hospitality industry and our members is at the core of what we do at ORLA and we appreciate your involvement and your support as we continue to fight on your behalf. Questions? Contact ORLA Regional Representative Steven Scardina or ORLA Director of Government Affairs Greg Astley. Inflation / Job Loss / Travel Forecast
More than two years into the pandemic and we're still realizing the effects of Covid on travel, supply of goods, and inflation. We appreciate the work our national partners do to provide valuable insights and data highlighting the ongoing economic issues facing our industry. RESTAURANTS This week, the National Restaurant Association released an updated summary of the Misery index based on the May jobs and sales reports. While job growth is still slow, sales are continuing to grow. American restaurant owners and operators are experiencing the impact of several global factors influencing food supply. The war in Ukraine, India’s record heat wave, and delayed planting in China last year mean that wheat is in short supply. With wholesale food prices already up nearly 18% in the last 12 months, the growing list of unavailable or items in short supply is adding pressure to an already strained industry. Highlights from the June 2022 Misery Index:
LODGING A recent survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shares how new concerns about gas prices and inflation are impacting Americans’ travel plans in a variety of ways. Majorities say they are likely to take fewer leisure trips (57%) and shorter trips (54%) due to current gas prices, while 44% are likely to postpone trips, and 33% are likely to cancel with no plans to reschedule. 82% say gas prices will have at least some impact on their travel destination(s). The survey of 2,210 adults was conducted May 18-22, 2022. Other key findings include:
AHLA recently relaunched its Hospitality is Working campaign with a focus on reigniting travel across the nation and highlighting hotels’ positive economic impact in cities across the country. With travel ramping back up, hotels have embarked on an unprecedented hiring spree to recruit hundreds of thousands of workers for more than 200 hotel career pathways. Bottom line, restaurant and lodging operators are feeling the same economic pressures that our customers and guests are, and we’re always going to work hard so we can keep serving them, our employees, and our communities. Stay strong, serve well! ERC Eligibility / National CEO Presence / Board Nominations
Eligibility Clarification for 2021 Q3 Employee Retention Tax Credits The law states there are two criteria by which an employer may qualify for the Employee Retention Credit:
AHLA and NRA CEOs to Speak at ORLA's Hospitality Conference Mark your calendars and plan on attending the ORLA Hospitality Conference September 11-12 in Eugene. We are excited to host both CEOs from our national affiliates for the first time at an ORLA event. Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO for the National Restaurant Association and Chip Rogers, President & CEO for the American Hotel & Lodging Association will be speaking in person during the kickoff lunch on Sunday. This is a rare opportunity to hear insights directly from these industry leaders on legislative activity in Congress, industry trends, emerging issues, and projected industry recovery. In addition to the general sessions, we have eight breakout sessions including two that will offer a deeper dive on restaurant and lodging advocacy. ORLA Board Nominations Committee Convenes in July Active ORLA members provide the backbone for all association efforts and we remain fortunate in having committed restaurant, lodging, and allied members who serve on ORLA’s Board of Directors. The ORLA Board is made up of 10 restaurant member representatives, 10 lodging member representatives, and 3 Allied member representatives. Board members serve 3 year terms and attend 4 board meetings each year. Those serving are eligible to serve two consecutive terms before reaching their term limit. For ORLA’s upcoming fiscal year beginning October 1 there are 3 openings on the board due to term limits – 1 restaurant, 1 lodging, and 1 allied position. If you are interested in being considered for ORLA Board service please reach out to ORLA President & CEO Jason Brandt. Sysco Sponsors Teacher Flex Fund Thanks to our partners at Sysco, the Oregon Hospitality Foundation had the opportunity to extend a small grant application in support of the ProStart program across the state. The Oregon ProStart Teacher Flex Fund encouraged teachers to apply for a $500 grant for to prepare for the 2022–2023 school year. At the teacher's discretion, these funds can be spent on much-needed products or equipment within the classroom to help facilitate their culinary program. Allocations from the $5,000 Flex Fund were made on a first come, first serve basis, and will be dispersed later this month. To learn more about how ProStart is helping foster our next generation of industry leaders, or to see how you can support this valuable career technical education program, visit OregonRLA.org/prostart. Questions? Feel free to contact your association. Guest Blog | Porter Staff shortages are leaving many of us with no choice but to shortchange the guest experience. Here are 5 ways that you can create positive guest experiences with a reduced staff.
This guest blog was submitted by Porter. For more information on guest blog opportunities, contact Marla McColly, Business Development Director, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.
 Guest Blog | Togather Restaurant Consulting The landscape of our industry is in constant flux. It seems that each day we wake up to a new obstacle on our horizon, whether it be rising prices from vendors, competing with the mounting employee wages in your community, or simply tackling the ongoing supply chain issues. Looking at these things from a broad scope can be overwhelming for many business owners. A question that begs to be answered is this: how do we achieve our financial goals when the economy seems to be pitted against us? We have seen plenty of restaurant owners scale back their operations lately. Menus are shrinking, hours of operation are dwindling, and table service is becoming a rarity. Many would consider this unavoidable in the current market climate. While these actions have been proven to help mitigate losses, it would be a disservice to ignore additional options for making a profit. Vertical integration is a fantastic opportunity to gain revenue elsewhere within your restaurant. Vertical integration, simply put, is when a company controls more than one stage of the supply chain or production cycle. This creates an avenue of potential income based upon commodities already found within your company. Some examples of vertical integration would include bottling and selling signature sauces that your restaurant produces, creating take and bake menu items for pickup, or perhaps even hosting cocktail classes taught by your bartenders. The possibilities differ for each restaurant or concept, and finding a lucrative vertical for your specific company might look different from your competitors. The key to creating the right vertical for you lies within your unique company. Take a look at the things that keep your regulars coming back and ask yourself how you can make them even more profitable. There are numerous benefits to utilizing vertical integration in your business. However, the strongest advantages include sustainability, quality, and increased market share. To help explain these notes, we will be using a hypothetical vertical. In the following scenarios, we will be discussing a fabricated Mediterranean restaurant called “Yamas”. They are pursuing a vertical that markets their tzatziki in bottles to local stores and vendors. Now, we can dive into the benefits of vertical integration.
In the end, there are many factors to consider when looking towards vertical integration. Before deciding to take on a project of this scale, ask what is to be gained from pursuing a vertical. Would creating a vertical be realistic for your company? What problem would it be solving? What opportunities would arise from your vertical integration? Can your business support an internal start-up? These questions can only be answered with data analytics, creativity, and ingenuity. Integrating verticals into your business has the potential to elevate your profit margins when executed correctly. While expanding horizontally seems to be an impracticability in a post-pandemic climate, we can always look vertically. | Kate Ratledge, Bar & Front of House Consultant. Togather Restaurant Consulting. This guest blog was submitted by Togather Restaurant Consulting. For more information on guest blog opportunities, contact Marla McColly, Business Development Director, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.
Alcohol Tax / Commission Caps on 3rd Party Deliveries / PFMLA / Tip Pooling Resources
Fighting Oregon Alcohol Tax Increases Here's a quick update on our ongoing fight to protect the industry from increased beverage taxes in Oregon. Our next fight against increased alcohol taxes will surely come up yet again in the 2023 Legislative Session. Our friends at Quinn Thomas have been working hard to keep our organizational alliance intact as well as help identify messaging relating to some of the ongoing problems with Oregon’s broken addiction treatment and recovery system. This analysis on Alcohol Price Elasticity helps shed more light on the lack of correlation between increased alcohol taxes and decreases in alcohol use. Upcoming Vote on Capping Third Party Delivery Fees at 15% Portland City Council will vote on June 15 to cap delivery fees for restaurants from third party platforms at fifteen percent. If approved, the ordinance would take effect June 29, 2022 when the emergency order capping delivery fees at ten percent expires. In addition to the fifteen percent delivery fee cap, the ordinance would allow third party delivery platforms the ability to charge:
The ordinance also prohibits:
Paid Family Leave Concerns You may recall a tough fight in the 2019 Oregon Legislative Session on Paid Family Leave. The new labor law passed before Covid and has been in hibernation mode behind the scenes as the Oregon Employment Department worked to get their ducks in a row for a 2023 launch. Of course we had this little thing called Covid which upended our world and unfortunately those unexpected challenges have not changed the state’s plan to fully implement their “Paid Leave Oregon” program in 2023. The Paid Leave Oregon programs latest round of rules addresses a variety of issues including appeals, wages, benefits, and equivalent plans. ORLA’s statewide business partner OBI has participated in the rulemaking advisory committee and submitted comments on behalf of the business community. We continue to worry about the confusion this will create for employers and employees that are also subject to the Oregon Family Leave Act and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. OBI hopes to introduce legislation in the 2023 session to address this issue. Key date: The 1% payroll tax will begin on January 1, 2023. Employees pay 60% of the tax and employers pay the remaining 40%. However, employers with less than 25 employees are not required to contribute to the program, but their employees are. Alternatively, employers can opt to provide a private equivalent plan through insurance or by self-insuring, rather than participate in the state program (ORLA is actively looking into private sector solutions right now – any progress will move through our ORLAMS board process). Employees will be eligible to file claims under both the state and private plans in September 2023. Webinar on Tip Pooling & Overtime Compliance ORLA hosted a webinar June 2 on “How to Ensure You’re in Compliance with Overtime and Tip Pooling.” Representatives from the Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division Portland District covered these topics and more, including fielding several situational questions from industry members. The following resources were shared:
For questions, call the WHD toll free and confidential information helpline at 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243), or the Portland District office directly at 503-326-3057. You can also call or visit the nearest Wage and Hour Division Office. For a copy of the webinar presentation slides, please email Lori Little. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to ORLA Government Affairs via email. |
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8565 SW Salish Lane Suite 120 | Wilsonville, OR 97070-9633 | 503.682.4422 | 800.462.0619 | Info@OregonRLA.org
Site Map | Accessibility | Privacy Policy