Legislative Updates on the Federal Front

Federal Court Blocks New Reporting Requirements for Small Businesses
A federal court has temporarily halted the implementation of new reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that were set to take effect on January 1, 2025. These requirements would have mandated small businesses, including restaurants with less than $5 million in annual revenue and fewer than 20 full-time employees, to report detailed ownership and business information to the U.S. Treasury Department.

This matters to restaurant and lodging operators because noncompliance penalties were looming, and the requirements would have added administrative burdens to already stretched small business owners. The delay provides breathing room to better understand and prepare for potential future regulations. It remains to be seen how new Treasury Department leadership in 2025 will handle the CTA and its reporting requirements so operators should stay informed on how these requirements evolve.

AHLA Urges Congress to Protect Consumers
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) this week urged congressional leaders to move lodging fee transparency legislation – the House-passed No Hidden FEES Act or the Senate’s Hotel Fees Transparency Act – to President Biden’s desk. These bills would protect consumers by establishing a single and transparent nationwide standard for mandatory lodging fee displays. 

These legislative efforts are aimed at fostering transparency and consumer trust in the hospitality industry. By addressing hidden fees through proposed federal standards, operators can ensure a more straightforward booking process, enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, the emphasis on anti-human trafficking measures underscores the industry’s commitment to ethical practices, reinforcing the role of hotels as safe and responsible businesses. In case you weren't aware, ORLA partners with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) to provide FREE human trafficking training for association members and their staff. This comprehensive course about human trafficking is just 30-minutes, and it can help protect your hotel or restaurant – maybe even a life. Visit ORLA's website for more information.

Liz Dahlager, COO of Mereté Hotel Management, Named One of Portland Business Journal's Executives of the Year 2025

​Eugene, OR – Mereté Hotel Management is proud to announce that Liz Dahlager, Chief Operating Officer, has been recognized as one of the Portland Business Journal's Executives of the Year 2025. This prestigious award honors outstanding leaders in the Portland and greater Oregon business community who demonstrate exceptional vision, leadership, and commitment to their organization’s growth and the community.

The award will be presented during an awards luncheon on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Hilton Portland, located at 921 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR. The event will celebrate the achievements of Liz and her fellow honorees, showcasing their significant impacts on the local economy and their respective industries.
 
Liz Dahlager has been instrumental in driving growth and operational excellence at Mereté Hotel Management, overseeing a portfolio of 20 properties that have consistently delivered exceptional guest experiences. Her innovative strategies and dedication to growing the company have not only enhanced the company’s performance but have also set new standards within the hospitality industry. Liz currently serves as Secretary on the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association's Board of Directors.
 
“Receiving this honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Mereté Hotel Management,” said Dahlager. “I am truly grateful for the support of my colleagues and the trust of our hotel owners, which empowers us to find innovative ways to deliver superior results and elevate the hospitality experience for guests.”

For more information about Mereté Hotel Management and its commitment to excellence in hospitality, please visit www.meretehotels.com.
 
About
Mereté Hotel Management has been operating hotels for 30 years and is an award-winning full-service hotel management company based in Springfield, Oregon, with hotels located throughout the Pacific Northwest. Mereté operates hotels under licensing agreements with Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, and Choice Hotels International. For additional information about Mereté Hotel Management services, please contact us at [email protected].

For media inquiries, please contact Allison Westerhoff, Executive Assistant.