 ORLA has initiated inquiries with the Coos County Health Department and the Oregon Health Authority regarding complaints from restaurants in the North Bend/Coos Bay area about food trucks not complying with current county and state health code regulations.
After hearing from restaurant operators on the southern coast about possible infractions by food cart operators, ORLA reached out to local elected officials, the Coos County Health Department and the Oregon Health Authority to find out more about enforcement of the health code. Specifically, there were questions around the proper storage of frozen foods off-site. According to Oregon law, a food truck must operate from a licensed kitchen or commissary unless the food truck is fully self-contained. Mobile food units must operate from a base of operation or be fully self-contained. The regulatory authority will determine whether self-contained mobile food units can operate without a base of operation. To do so, the units must contain all the equipment and utensils that a commissary would provide. A mobile food unit may not serve as a commissary for another mobile food unit. In addition, any storage must either be in the unit itself or at a licensed kitchen or commissary. Auxiliary storage shall be limited to an amount that can be used in a day's operation and stored in such a manner as to prevent contamination or infestation (water-tight covered containers). At the end of the day, items must be placed in the unit or a licensed warehouse. No self-service, assembly or preparation activities may occur from the auxiliary storage container. Refrigerators and freezers may not be placed outside the unit and must be in the unit or in a licensed warehouse. Handling of unpackaged foods, dishwashing and ice making are prohibited in a warehouse. Find the complete mobile food unit operation guide here. ORLA will continue to work with local and state health officials to ensure compliance and enforcement of current laws and will lead the discussion around any new laws needing to be considered for the public’s safety and well-being. If you have questions or concerns about issues impacting your operation and/or community, please reach out to Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs.
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National Hill Runners Help Amplify Oregon Hospitality Voices
Oregon’s hospitality industry is brimming with passionate, engaged professionals who understand the importance of cultivating a healthy industry to “lift all boats.” They value industry strength over individual success and know that by advocating together, they can have a stronger voice. We have a small but mighty contingent of ORLA members serving as “Hill Runners” serving at the federal level through a collaboration between the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA). Over 192 operators in 38 states serve as National Hill Runners, seven of which are from Oregon. This grassroots initiative provides an opportunity for operators to meet with members of Congress and develop one-on-one relationships for lawmakers to hear and understand the impact of legislation on the restaurant and lodging industry. Five of the seven Oregon’s National Hill Runners spent a few days in Washington, DC this past May along with ORLA’s government affairs team to meet with congressional members at the capitol. Their continued engagement is helping influence policy decisions and create a more favorable environment for our industry. Our Hill Runners include:
We asked Oregon’s Hill Runners to share their motivations, goals and experiences; here’s what they had to say: What motivated you to volunteer as a National Hill Runner? Smith: The NRA Hill runner program presents an incredible opportunity to harness our industry expertise to educate and inspire policy makers! While many policymakers have enjoyed the guest experience across various dining venues, from quick-service gems to luxurious five-star establishments, they might not have glimpsed behind the scenes to see how the magic really happens. By cultivating constructive partnerships with policymakers, I'm confident we can drive substantial progress in advancing agenda items that benefit our teams, vendors, and the communities we proudly serve. Sidway: I already had a relationship with our Congressman Cliff Bentz and both Senators for more than two decades, so it was easy for me to just place that ORLA cap on and speak truth to those powers. Nofield: I believe extending our advocacy on a national level supports our efforts locally and might provide credibility with our state legislators. More than ever, the pressure restaurant operators face to turn a profit is significant. From high cost of goods to labor burden and new government regulation and overreach, we need to do what we can individually and collectively to impact positive change in our industry. Scott: The National Restaurant Association, through Mr. Astley (ORLA’s Director of Government Affairs), asked me to join. I was honored to be in the first group of National Hill Runners. Dye: I always say that you can't complain about how things are if you're not involved in trying to make it better! Gambs: When I was approached to be a hill runner, I felt it was an honor and definitely something that I wanted to be involved in. I love being able to talk with local politicians and being involved in conversations that will make change to our cities and state. My motivation to be involved is to be in the loop when it comes to my restaurants and how they are regulated. Freeman: I've had the opportunity to meet members of our Oregon delegation in Washington DC over the years and have always found them to be engaging and kind. I wanted the opportunity to be able to connect with them on a personal level to share the impacts that policy decisions can have on daily life in the restaurant industry in Oregon. What do you hope to get out of this experience? Smith: As I've gained more experience (or let's say, wisdom with age!), I've come to truly appreciate the significance of sharing my knowledge and guiding others on their journeys. It's about empowering those in positions of influence to understand the profound impact they can have on people's lives. This role not only enables me to cultivate a culture of continuous learning but also presents an exciting opportunity for me to glean insights and grow from the expertise of others. Sidway: Oh, it's gratifying when you can make a difference for good, generally, but especially for industry comrades. Nofield: Further understanding of the National Restaurants Association’s legislative agenda. Becoming better informed and on the forefront regarding national issues and seeking opportunities for a better business environment. Scott: It is less a matter of what I get out of it and more of what are the possible impacts. I was already visiting the Oregon Congressional delegation in their DC offices, so it made a lot of sense to add the imprimatur of the NRA to the visits. NRA staff are immensely helpful at prepping Hill Runners for Congressional visits. Dye: Knowledge of what our government is doing and relationships with folks who have the ability to help make changes for the better. Gambs: My hope is to build strong and healthy relationships to bring forward our issues, struggles and victories. I want others to know our voice matters and does make a difference. We can make change! Freeman: I hope to represent our industry well and be a trusted resource for our elected representatives to turn to when they have questions or concerns about the impacts of policy or proposed legislation on restaurant owners, operators and workers. What issues are you most passionate about? Smith: Years ago, I discovered a transformative leadership philosophy known as the service profit chain. At its core, it emphasizes the profound impact of nurturing our teams, who in turn deliver exceptional care to our guests, ultimately driving the financial success crucial for our organization's sustainability. Ensuring the well-being of my team has always been a personal commitment of mine. As a proud member of the ORLA board of directors, I am thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with industry peers, learning firsthand about the challenges and successes of our teams. Together, we can focus on initiatives that strengthen our workforce and elevate the entire hospitality industry to new heights! Sidway: Labor rules. Nofield: How do we help operators that are suffering? How do we limit the burden of government regulation? Specifically supporting HR 7024 "Tax Relief For American Families And Workers Act of 2024." Scott: That varies over the years. Currently, the issues of focus are addressing the immense costs of credit card fees and reigning in an overreaching NLRB. Dye: Right now, specifically, credit card processing fees and the monopoly that exists there. In general, I care very much about fostering an environment that enables small businesses to thrive. Gambs: My passion is a fair playing field with big business. We both need each other but at times big business can run us down. An example is merchant credit card fees. With only two banks controlling this we have higher rates than other countries. Bringing more competition would drive rates down. We are all in business to make a profit but when the credit cards take a large chunk from us, we suffer. Balance is a key so that we can have a win-win for both sides. Freeman: I care about the long-term sustainability of the small, independent operator model. I'd like to continue to advocate for policies and legislation that ensure that these key elements of our local communities are able to compete, persist and thrive economically. What was most rewarding from your recent visit to DC? Smith: I've been absolutely energized by the wealth of knowledge shared by my peers! Witnessing the incredible experience and expertise on display at the NRA Policy Affairs Conference, and then having the honor of walking alongside outstanding Oregon leaders through the halls of Congress, was truly humbling. Hearing our state representatives express their dedication to supporting our industry and ensuring our teams are well cared for was incredibly inspiring. It has ignited a renewed passion within me to strive for even greater impact! Scott: While Congressional visits are always worthwhile, I was particularly gratified to see the turnout from ORLA members. It is great that members see the value in engaging directly with their Senators and Representatives. Dye: Other than the mayors of Portland, Happy Valley and Oregon City, I've actually never met with politicians before. It was so interesting, and I believe they truly heard us and our concerns. It was also awe inspiring to be in some of those historical buildings. Last but not least, it's always so rewarding to connect and bond with fellow restaurateurs, both from close to home as well as across the nation. Gambs: My trip to Washington DC was amazing, being with restaurateurs from all the states. It was so much fun, educating and inspiring. But the most rewarding part was the one-on-one meetings with our members of congress and their staff. The young interns were truly a glimpse into the future of our politics. They were smart, informed and caring. Their questions and foresight encouraged me and made me feel that we were being heard. I left in awe and with more respect to how we are running the country. Freeman: Our elected representatives were all kind and engaged in conversations with our group. I particularly enjoyed meeting the staffers in each office and appreciated the time they spent with us and the interest they showed in learning about the issues that impact us daily as restaurant operators. What motivates you to be actively engaged / advocating for the industry? Nofield: That we can potentially impact change and help others by being engaged and having a seat at the table. Sidway: You become and stay well informed on emerging issues. For example, I learned about the cage-free eggs issue months before my foodservice provider. And then you can be a part of making a tangible difference. Honestly, I believe that the best lobbying is done by our members, in their facilities. The distractions of DC are absent, and the real nature of our service business is so palpable. A common theme we hear from members actively engaged in government affairs is that advocating isn't just about supporting your own business’ interests, it's about helping the entire industry thrive. We want to thank these industry champions for their willingness to intentionally engage in building relationships with their congressional members. Let your voice be heard! Interested in getting more involved as a hospitality advocate at the state level? Contact us for details at [email protected]. | Lori Little Connecting and Building a Stronger Industry Together!
The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity at ORLA! We've hosted Regional Meetings and events across the state, creating exciting opportunities for you to connect face-to-face with industry colleagues and leadership. But our work goes beyond events. Your dedicated ORLA team tirelessly advocates for your business, fosters the next generation of hospitality professionals, and provides valuable resources to support your success. Together, we're making a difference. We're protecting, improving, and promoting Oregon's vibrant hospitality industry. Thank you for being a member and fueling our efforts! Not a member yet? Join us and connect with your industry community. We're here for you! What You Need to Know About the DOL Overtime Rule The first increase in the DOL Overtime Final Rule is scheduled to take effect July 1 and increases the salary threshold to determine whether employees are exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Take note, lawsuits including challenges by the Restaurant Law Center are seeking to invalidate and set aside the Final Rule, potentially impacting its implementation. Resources for Hotels on DOL Overtime Rule: Understanding Oregon Workforce Diversity Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF) is conducting a survey to understand diversity perceptions within the state's hospitality industry. The initiative aims to improve company culture through workforce dynamics research (read blog). Participation in the ongoing survey is encouraged. Oregon Hill Runners to Help Drive Policy ORLA's Hill Runner project is officially underway to recruit and engage 180 ORLA members in building relationships with their respective State Representative or State Senator. ORLA has contracted with Ramsey Cox, an experienced media relations and public affairs consultant to assist us in securing hill runners this fall. Ramsey has worked with ORLA in the past on a few key priorities, such as fighting alcohol tax increases, repealing pandemic restrictions, and protecting energy choice. Member Benefit: New Wage Reports Available ORLA members have access to industry intelligence by logging in to the Member Portal. Find updated wage reports with regional breakdowns for Oregon’s 7 tourism regions, inclusive of most job types in restaurant and lodging operations. Once logged in, navigate to the Resource Library. Two Salem H.S. Teams Place in Top 10 Nationally Oregon’s top two ProStart teams in the state competed at the National ProStart Invitational end of April in Baltimore. The team from McNary High School placed sixth out of 48 teams in the culinary competition and Salem’s CTEC team (pictured) placed eighth out of 48 teams competing in the restaurant management competition. These teams earned the trip to Nationals by taking top honors at the Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s annual Oregon ProStart Championships in March. Upcoming Events & Meetings:
Looking to get more involved in ORLA activities? Check out our website for details. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jason Brandt, President & CEO, ORLA, 503.302.5060 Remaining funds present unique opportunities to invest in tourism initiatives Wilsonville, OR – Salem’s Budget Committee approved a stop-gap solution to fund the library through a Cultural and Tourism Fund, finding access to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars outside of any restricted lodging tax revenues. The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) confirmed with the City Attorney the ARPA funds will be used as a one-time resource to backfill their library shortfall, a legal move within the rules for those federal dollars. Coming out of the pandemic, Oregon received $4.262 billion in ARPA funding, with approximately $2.76 billion going to the state and $1.5 billion distributed to Oregon cities and counties. After Salem uses $1.2 million of their ARPA funds to preserve staff and services for the library for a year, it’s anticipated there will still be close to $2 million remaining in the Cultural and Tourism Fund. “Having such a robust beginning balance in this fund is a great opportunity for us to assist Salem’s hospitality industry in their ongoing recovery efforts post pandemic while potentially driving new lodging tax revenue for the City in support of future fiscal years,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “This is a strategic moment for the region and city collaborations with Travel Salem, the Salem Area Lodging Association, and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce should be put in motion to invest in creative tourism programs or initiatives local stakeholders feel can drive new tourism traffic.” ORLA continues to support and protect tourism funding across the state, ensuring appropriate, strategic investments are made to drive tourism year-round and help build stronger economies. When tourism investments are driven through collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders, everyone benefits. New tourists result in more dollars through visitor spending and lodging taxes, bringing more revenue to local economies. For more information on the importance of protecting transient lodging tax revenues, visit the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s website at OregonRLA.org/tlt. Read more on ORLA’s public policy proposals for how ARPA funds could best be leveraged for Oregon’s tourism and hospitality industries. About
The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 10,220 foodservice locations and 2,000 lodging establishments. As of December 2023, the Oregon Employment Department reports the Leisure and Hospitality workforce totals 208,700 with a total economic impact of over $13.8 billion in annual sales for Oregon. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2024 Media Contact: Jason Brandt, President & CEO, ORLA, 503.302.5060 Mayor proposes dipping into transient lodging tax dollars to fund city’s library Wilsonville, OR– The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) is proactively looking into a proposal by Salem Mayor Chris Hoy to use transient lodging taxes to fund around $1.2 million in the library’s budget. Under his proposal, the city would access lodging tax dollars from Salem’s Cultural and Tourism Fund to cover the shortfall in library operations. “Each jurisdiction with a transient lodging tax has both restricted and unrestricted parameters for how our industry tax money can be spent,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “The question here is whether the City of Salem has $1.2 million in unrestricted funds from the transient lodging tax to spend however they deem appropriate. If the City uses the portion of industry taxes restricted by state law for tourism, then ORLA will need to take appropriate action against this proposal.” Reforms passed in the 2003 Oregon Legislative Session established rules for how local governments can spend industry tax dollars. In short, spending on tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities (defined in state statute) was locked in as a percentage of total lodging tax collections on July 1, 2003. And on July 2, 2003, moving forward, any increase in a local lodging tax rate or establishment of a new lodging tax not already in existence must allocate 70 percent of revenues to tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities with the remaining 30 percent serving as unrestricted revenue for the local government to spend however they see fit. Diverting lodging taxes in support of other local government priorities essentially shortchanges the Oregon hospitality industry’s ability to bring visitor dollars to restaurant, lodging, and retail businesses year-round. Protection of industry tax dollars is a priority for ORLA as we remain focused on embracing shoulder and off-season promotions to entice visitors to local communities across Oregon year-round. ORLA serves as the industry’s watchdog on lodging tax spending by local governments across Oregon. We produced a helpful video that our industry members and local government stakeholders can review that explains how local lodging taxes must be expended in accordance with Oregon's state law. View the Oregon Lodging Tax Defined video and visit the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s website at OregonRLA.org for more information. About
The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 10,220 foodservice locations and 2,000 lodging establishments. As of December 2023, the Oregon Employment Department reports the Leisure and Hospitality workforce totals 208,700 with a total economic impact of over $13.8 billion in annual sales for Oregon.  Workforce Development Coming off the heels of another successful Oregon ProStart Championships, we continue to look for ways to amplify some of the work our industry members engaged in the background to help educate our prospective workforce about the opportunities in this industry. You'll find an article in Here is Oregon that hears from both a mentor and volunteer judge on how rewarding it is for them to participate in our Oregon ProStart Championships event every year. You can also read our latest Workforce Blog about how our Oregon Hospitality Foundation team is pitching the "fun and great experience" our industry offers to our future workforce prospects. Industry Stakeholder Survey We're calling on all restaurant and lodging operators along the Oregon coast to take an important survey and provide feedback. To further the work our Oregon Hospitality Foundation's Hospitality Sector Strategist is doing, we need you to share your experience and insights to help us understand the workforce challenges and successes within our industry. To learn more about this project or if you have additional insights to share, email Rebecca Donley. Take survey here. Unfortunate Tragedy, Continued Safety Concerns Oregon's hospitality industry lost a team member last week who was murdered in an unprovoked attack on TriMet in Portland. ORLA has been devoted to this issue given the importance of safety and security on our transportation systems and expressed concerns directly to the Governor's office. We also have invited TriMet executives to hear directly from restaurant operators and hotel GMs about the safety concerns of our industry workers who rely on the train for transportation. In the meantime, if you’re in a position to help a family in need, a Go Fund Me Page for Mike Brady’s family has been established as a result of the tragedy. Tourism Academy Launches Year 5 Starting this week, our fifth Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy class launched their 2024 experience in southern Oregon. This program continues to be a key component for ORLA to establish a stronger leadership presence amongst tourism and hospitality stakeholders from around Oregon who gather four times during the year for multi-day professional development programming. ORLA is cultivating many friends through this program, each of whom can help us reinforce the value of being involved with ORLA while also answering the call of leadership to defend the appropriate use of industry taxes at local and regional levels. Learn more about OTLA. Regional Meetings This Spring ORLA is hosting eight regional meetings across the state this spring. The emerging narrative in our first two regional meetings from ORLA members has focused on eroding profit margins due to swelling cost centers – whether they be rent, utilities, insurance, prime costs, etc. The pressures on the bottom line for both hotels and restaurants is palpable and ORLA continues to have concerns about the ability of our members to sustain their operations in the face of these headwinds. If you haven't yet, RSVP to an upcoming Regional Meeting and join us in the conversation. Don't Miss the Northwest Food Show! Be a part of the largest B2B food show in the Northwest! ORLA's Northwest Food Show presented by Curtis will be held at the Portland Expo Center Sunday and Monday, April 21 and 22. This show boasts hundreds of exhibit booths with everything from food and beverage to equipment to marketing and technology vendors. Register online prior to the show for quick and easy entry (ORLA members can register free with code "ORLA"). Registration at the door is also available. Visit NWFoodshow.com. ORLA keeps members informed and educated with the latest information, industry intelligence and research via several channels. In addition to the blog, members receive more comprehensive insights via the monthly Insider e-newsletter and access to the Member Portal with data and research.
Not a member yet? Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you. Unfair, Subjective “Smell” Standard Being Enforced by City of Portland Needs to End Immediately2/27/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2024 Contact: Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs, ORLA | 971.224.1502 (Portland, OR) – The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) is demanding the City of Portland review its subjective, unfair “smell” code immediately and cease targeting small restaurants and their owners, many of whom are people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. “It’s come to our attention the City of Portland is issuing citations to certain restaurants for ‘smells’ based on anonymous complaints,” said ORLA President & CEO Jason Brandt. “For other code violations, such as noise, vibration and even glare, there are measurable, objective standards but surprisingly, the City’s code written for ‘odor’ violations is entirely subjective.” According to the zoning code (33.262.070), “The odor threshold is the point at which an odor may just be detected” by an inspector’s nose. No equipment of any kind is required. A recent complaint by an anonymous neighbor has resulted in at least one Portland restaurant closing its doors. As reported by Willamette Week, Pho Gabo Vietnam Kitchen recently had to shut down operations because one neighbor has repeatedly complained they “can’t stand the smell of the grill and the meat.” “It’s unbelievable that an anonymous person’s repeated complaints about an odor can shut down an entire restaurant, potentially displacing its workers and causing the operator irreparable financial harm,” continued Brandt. “There are a number of factors that contribute to Portland’s air quality (and livability) but forcing restaurants out of business does not seem like the most constructive way to address the problem.” Suggested solutions from the City of Portland, including installing scrubbers to prevent the odors from traveling outside the restaurant are extremely expensive and at best, would only mitigate the smells, not eliminate them. ORLA is calling for the City of Portland to immediately cease these unfair and subjective citations and review its policies on code violations. For more information on ORLA’s advocacy efforts in Portland, read the Advocacy Blog at OregonRLA.org/portlandblog. About ORLA
The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 10,220 foodservice locations and 2,000 lodging establishments. As of December 2023, the Oregon Employment Department reports the Leisure and Hospitality workforce totals 208,700 with a total economic impact of over $13.8 billion in annual sales for Oregon.  Meals Tax Goes Down at Council, Will Likely Move to Ballot Last night the Grants Pass City Council voted 5-3 in opposition of adopting the ordinance at Council level for a food and beverage tax, flipping their previous vote earlier this month. Restaurant operators showed up in droves with signs and buttons as well as to testify alongside ORLA and its members, clearly demonstrating how our industry is well organized and willing to do what it takes to protect our businesses. Despite the Council voting against enacting the tax, they may decide to place it on the ballot in November for voters to decide. Council Considered General Sales Tax, Utility Fee, and Meals Tax The City of Grants Pass is looking for funding sources to increase service levels of public safety. A general sales tax, a prepared meals tax on restaurants, and a utility fee were all being considered. And on February 7, City Council voted 5-3 to pursue a 3% meals tax in addition to a utility fee. Grants Pass’ city charter allows Council to legally pass this tax without the vote of the people, though it is very uncommon for new taxes to be passed without a ballot vote. Based on draft language for the new food and beverage tax ordinance, increases in the 3% tax would be allowed at any time and to any amount without the vote of the people. We strongly feel the Council’s decision to place the burden of paying for services everyone will benefit from on a single industry segment is inequitable and dangerous. Brief History:
ORLA has outlined several reasons why voters should be allowed to weigh in on a sales tax on meals:
At the very least, the people of Grants Pass deserve to vote up or down on this sales tax on meals. An even better solution for the City would be to consider an Economic Improvement District or similar mechanism where the burden of raising revenue falls more broadly than on just the struggling local restaurants. If you have any questions or want to get engaged in this issue, reach out to ORLA Regional Representative, Terry Hopkins. ORLA is a trade organization for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, formed for the purposes of promoting the common business interests of its membership and to improve business conditions of the foodservice and lodging industry. If you are not currently a member of ORLA and would like to learn more, visit our Membership page and reach out to us via email.
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Jason Brandt, President & CEO, ORLA 503.302.5060 | [email protected] Reforms enacted over 20 years ago require ongoing collaboration with local governments across Oregon Wilsonville, OR– The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) are collaborating to keep a watchful eye on lodging tax spending by local governments across Oregon. Currently, there are over 100 different local lodging taxes in jurisdictions across the state which generate over $220 million in revenue for city and county governments of all shapes and sizes. “The task of staying on top of local lodging tax spending across Oregon is one of our most crucial roles,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Our friends and joint members at AAHOA are an important national ally. Oregon Asian Americans own 60% of all hotels in the state and as such, AAHOA serves as a critical partner in navigating the various formulas for our industry taxes while monitoring the way in which those dollars are spent in local economies.” Reforms passed in the 2003 Oregon Legislative Session established rules for how local governments can spend industry tax dollars. In short, spending on tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities (defined in state statute) was locked in as a percentage of total lodging tax collections on July 1, 2003. And on July 2, 2003, moving forward, any increase in a local lodging tax rate or establishment of a new lodging tax not already in existence must allocate 70 percent of revenues to tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities with the remaining 30 percent serving as unrestricted revenue for the local government to spend however they see fit. "It is crucial that local municipalities adhere to state laws mandating the appropriate allocation of local tourism tax revenue," said Taran Patel, AAHOA's Northwest Regional Director. "In light of our members' ongoing recovery from the profound effects of the pandemic, there has never been a more pressing imperative for cities to strategically reinvest tourism tax dollars, leveraging them to actively and effectively promote increased tourism." A continual commitment to relationship building with local governments remains a key objective given reforms have now been in place for over 20 years. During that span, cities and counties see ongoing changes in administrator positions and elected official office holders. “The work we do at ORLA and AAHOA in monitoring lodging taxes starts with city staff and elected leader conversations,” said Brandt. “New administrators often come from other states with little to no familiarity about Oregon’s rules relating to lodging tax. The same is true for volunteer elected officials who cannot be expected to be experts on industry specific issues like lodging taxes at the onset of their service. We’re here to partner whenever possible and determine ways we can grow the pie of revenue overall which benefits both the industry through direct investments in tourism needs while also benefitting the applicable local government by generating more unrestricted tax revenue for city/county budget needs.” For more information on how local lodging taxes must be expended in accordance with Oregon's state law, watch the Oregon Lodging Tax Defined video or visit the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s website at OregonRLA.org. About ORLA
The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 10,220 foodservice locations and 2,000 lodging establishments. As of December 2023, the Oregon Employment Department reports the Leisure and Hospitality workforce totals 208,700 with a total economic impact of over $13.8 billion in annual sales for Oregon. About AAHOA AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA Member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement. Tell Congress to Pass New Tax Legislation Benefiting Hospitality Businesses New legislation would restore expired tax deductions for many operators who are investing in their businesses. This legislation would extend 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property, increase the maximum depreciation expense amount, and extend the inclusion of depreciation and amortization in business interest expense calculations. By restoring business interest expensing, this bill would help many restaurant and lodging operators lower their tax burden when investing in building upgrades, remodels, expansions, and refurbishments. Members of Congress need to hear directly from operators like you, so please take two minutes to add your voice. Take action today to ensure Congress acts quickly to pass this bill: Hotels Will Pay Historic Wages, Generate Record Level of Tax Revenue in 2024 Despite labor shortages and persistent inflation, hotels are projected to pay a record amount of wages and generate a record level of tax revenue in 2024, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2024 State of the Hotel Industry report. Top findings include:
Questions? Contact Pete Kasperowicz, American Hotel & Lodging Association, with any questions at (202) 289-3155. OHA Buried Report Citing Taxes Don't Curb Excessive Alcohol Use The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) commissioned EcoNorthwest to produce a report on the cause and effect of increasing alcohol taxes in an attempt to curb heavy drinking amongst the Oregon populous. The study, which should have been published in 2021, concluded alcohol taxes do not change consumer habits or significantly reduce abuse. The Oregon Beverage Alliance is voicing their concern and that this publicly funded report was intentionally withheld by the Oregon Health Authority, as uncovered by the Oregonian. While Oregon’s breweries, wineries and cideries continue to face major challenges with record closures rates and reduced volume sales, the Oregon Beverage Alliance says "the last thing any local business needs are tax increases.” Introducing Tip Tax Credit by ORLA Hospitality Partner, Adesso Did you know your employees’ tips can get you money back from the IRS? With Tip Tax Credit by Adesso, employers can get tax credits for tips your employees earn. The FICA Tip Credit is a federal tax credit available to employers who have employees who receive tips as a significant part of their income. FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, which includes Social Security and Medicare taxes. The credit allows employers to claim a portion of the FICA taxes paid on employees' tips as a credit against their own tax liability. If your business is tip-driven, tips are reported by your employees, and FICA taxes have been paid on those reported tips, your business may qualify. To learn more, visit our Adesso partner page to get started with Tip Tax Credit. ORLA keeps members informed and educated with the latest information, industry intelligence and research via several channels. In addition to the blog, members receive more comprehensive insights via the monthly Insider e-newsletter and access to the Member Portal with data and research.
Not a member yet? Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jason Brandt, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association 503.302.5060 | [email protected] ORLA Files Suit Against City of Albany for Tax Expenditures The motion filed in Linn County District Court alleges misuse of lodging taxes based on state law requirements Wilsonville, OR– The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) filed a lawsuit this week against the City of Albany in Linn County Circuit Court. ORLA contends the City has not reinvested lodging tax dollars originally used to pay off remaining debt for the Linn County Fair & Expo Center back into tourism promotions and/or other tourism-related facilities as required by state law. “ORLA, on behalf of our local lodging and restaurant operators, has done everything we can to find agreement with City administrators for over a year in hopes of avoiding legal action,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Unfortunately, City administrators appear to be undeterred and unwilling to concede dollars previously used to pay off debt for the Linn County Fair & Expo center must be reinvested in tourism promotions and/or tourism-related facilities as required by state law.” Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 320.350 prohibits local governments from decreasing the percentage of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenues spent to fund tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities once tourism-related facility debt is paid off. “The City has had two choices available to them since retiring debt associated with the Linn County Fair & Expo Center,” said Brandt. “They could have reinvested those dollars in other tourism-related facility projects or tourism promotional campaigns bringing benefits to both residents and visitors, or they could have chosen to reduce the industry tax rate after paying off the debt. Unfortunately, these options have not been embraced and our industry seeks to hold the City of Albany accountable for its failure to comply with state law.” The hospitality industry remains focused on embracing shoulder and off-season promotions to entice visitors to local communities across Oregon year-round. “We know the diversion of lodging taxes in support of other local government priorities shortchanges our ability to bring visitor dollars to our restaurant, lodging, and retail businesses year-round,” said Brandt. “Our promotional campaigns at strategic times of the year to targeted tourism markets can bring significant revenue to our local economies and sustain year-round employment for our hard-working teammates in the industry.” The lawsuit filed with Linn County Circuit Court can be viewed through the following link: Complaint: ORLA v. City of Albany Learn more about how Oregon lodging tax is defined in this video. For more information on the efforts of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association please visit OregonRLA.org. The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon. A not-for-profit trade organization, ORLA represents approximately 3,000 member units and advocates for over 10,000 foodservice locations and over 2,400 lodging establishments in Oregon.
 Small businesses across the country need thriving associations with competent professional staff who serve as intelligence officers for their respective industries. When the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) first came into existence back in 1932 (the two associations merged in 2010), it was clear a unified voice was needed to represent the needs of hospitality businesses across the state. Far too often, elected officials who in many cases serve in a volunteer civic capacity, have little time to become experts on all policy decisions crossing their desk. Imagine a world where elected officials had no organized industry voice to turn to while making policy decisions for their constituents. That world would be rife with unintended consequences and short-sighted decision making. Although our mission has evolved subtly over time, ORLA remains focused on improving, protecting, and promoting over 10,000 foodservice and 2,500 lodging locations across Oregon. These operations remain in business even after Covid unleashed its ferocious blow on an industry reliant on in person experiences. When considering both openings and closures, we estimate Oregon lost a net of 750 restaurants because of the pandemic, a number much smaller than originally anticipated but still devastating to economic ecosystems across the state. Of all our existing locations, ORLA currently has a little over 3,000 who have chosen voluntarily to join their statewide association in support of our mission. It is clear the secret is out on Oregon as our population continues to grow with its geographic position between California and Washington. The state benefits greatly from its high qualify of life and diverse topography. You would be hard pressed to find a state with mountain ranges, a world-famous coastline, high deserts, and vast river and lake systems highlighted by the Columbia Gorge. As the state’s population grows so do the opportunities for additional foodservice and lodging pursuits. We are fortunate to have a state association which continues to slowly grow in its size and scope with 16 full time professional staff dedicated to the work. The hospitality industry here in Oregon is at a crossroads with a growing market of independent small operators determined to provide choice to their guests. The explosion of choice feels like the options we now have when turning on a television. Instead of a handful of channels, we have immediate access to hundreds in addition to what seems like a limitless supply of streaming content. The same dynamics are at play in the hospitality industry. On one hand, lodging brands have greatly expanded to provide more choice for the traveler. On the restaurant side, we continue to see innovative business models emerge including app-based ordering, ping pong bars, and a proliferation of food pods and mobile units. The world looks different when compared to the norm of decades past when the traditional family restaurant dinner was served by the restaurant owners and their staff. Online travel agencies (think Expedia and Booking.com) as well as third-party delivery services (like DoorDash and Uber Eats) are creating a highly advanced and complicated environment. Restaurant and lodging establishments have innumerable opportunities to partner with vendors and suppliers in their ultimate goal to make money and provide jobs to others. If an operator is too flippant and not committed to detail, it would be easy to launch a hospitality business without a means for sustaining it. Commission rates for Online Travel Agencies can be considerable for lodging operators and restaurants continue to reel from increasing labor and food costs on top of their own commission payments to third party delivery companies. Too few Americans realize that 95 cents of every dollar they spend in a restaurant goes back into the food, the people, and the place. When you look at the hospitality industry through that lens, one could argue it is one of the more altruistic pursuits an entrepreneur can undertake. Most industries would balk and run the other direction if presented with an average margin of 5% for all their hard work. The challenges facing operators are real and its our job at ORLA to bring industry transparency to our many elected official relationships. We rely on engaged members to work with our staff to build meaningful, authentic connections with the individuals we elect to office. Without this interplay, there is no connective tissue between the operator struggling to hold onto their limited margin, and the politician looking to raise a new batch of money for their next passion project. Our primary focus at ORLA is building strong working relationships with decision makers in government. By bringing authenticity to the table we are able to lead initiatives to assist our industry in their recovery whether that includes launching legislation allowing a new element to restaurant business models like to-go cocktails, or navigating the legislative system to enact transformative unemployment insurance tax reform for employers. If industry operators need someone to have their back, its our job to be there. Our expectations for the future center on continued growth and diversification. The Oregon Employment Department projects our industry to be the fastest growing sector through the year 2030. Business models continue to change as operators re-evaluate the labor costs they can afford. With generational change comes the emergence of new trends including the new norm where a customer may not have a server but can still leave a restaurant feeling fulfilled by the high-end food quality and overall experience. Lodging operations are also reinventing themselves with more customized attention to the facilitation of experiences as opposed to the transaction of connecting a guest with a room. We are also starting to see generational change relating to housekeeping services in the wake of climate change with many brands reevaluating protocols for housekeeping services based on the changing perspectives of guests. Suffice to say a complicated world and a growing array of hospitality options has created an environment whereby the association may now be more relevant than it ever has been. It is our job at ORLA to keep our ear to the ground and stay on top of industry trends and intelligence. It is common for us to share knowledge directly impacting the way an operator makes decisions for their business. It is a true honor to be able to make a real difference in the lives of others. In the association world we have a responsibility to embrace the independence and choice being offered by our members while empowering them to take full advantage of the tools and resources made available to them through their industry associations. Jason Brandt is the President & CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. Brandt has served in the role since August 2015 and came to ORLA after serving as the CEO for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Brandt was recently recognized as a recipient of a 40 Under 40 award by the Portland Business Journal for his work representing the hospitality industry during the Coronavirus pandemic. This editorial was published in Business View Magazine August 2023 (Volume 10, Issue 8)
Update August 2023:
Although the U.S Department of Labor (USDOL) issued a rule on September 24, 2021 clarifying that managers and supervisors may only keep tips that they receive from customers directly for services that the manager or supervisor directly and “solely” provides, due to increased scrutiny and enforcement by the USDOL, ORLA does not recommend managers and supervisors keep any tips received during service if the establishment has a tip pool system in place. Because managers and supervisors may set working hours, areas of service, days on or off or other functions related to an employee’s ability to earn tips, to avoid potential lawsuits, fines, penalties or other consequences, ORLA does not recommend managers and supervisors keep any tips received during service if the establishment has a tip pool system in place. ORLA in the News with U.S. Department of Labor Final Rule on Tip Pooling A final rule on tip pooling in the United States was recently released on December 22, 2020 and will go into effect across the country on February 20, 2021. The final rule further establishes the legality of overseeing and managing a tip pool that includes staff who do not customarily and regularly receive tips by directly interfacing with a customer. Managers and supervisors are still prohibited from participating in tip pools. The final rule does define further, explaining as follows: “...the final rule defines a manager or supervisor for purposes of section 3(m)(2)(B) as any employee (1) whose primary duty is managing the enterprise or a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the enterprise; (2) who customarily and regularly directs the work of at least two or more other full-time employees or their equivalent; and (3) who has the authority to hire or fire other employees, or whose suggestions and recommendations as to the hiring or firing are given particular weight. The definition also includes as managers or supervisors any individuals who own at least a bona fide 20 percent equity interest in the enterprise in which they are employed and who are actively engaged in its management.” In summary, the final rule simply codifies our collective win advocating for the importance of tip pools. Pages 11 and 12 of the Rule states: “In 2016, a divided Ninth Circuit panel upheld the validity of the 2011 regulations. See Oregon Rest. & Lodging Ass’n (ORLA) v. Perez, 816 F.3d 1080, 1090 (9th Cir. 2016). Although the Ninth Circuit declined en banc review of the decision, ten judges dissented on the ground that the FLSA authorized the Department to address tip pooling and tip retention only when an employer takes a tip credit. The dissent noted that the Ninth Circuit itself had decided in Cumbie that the FLSA ‘clearly and unambiguously permits employers who forgo a tip credit to arrange their tip-pooling affairs however they see fit.’ … In its 2018 response to the petition for a writ of certiorari in the ORLA case, the government explained that the Department had reconsidered its defense of the 2011 regulations in light of the Ninth Circuit’s ten-judge dissent from denial of rehearing in ORLA and the Tenth Circuit’s decision in Marlow … the Department published in December 2017 an NPRM that proposed to rescind the challenged portions of the regulations.” The actual regulation and a summary of the final rule can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/tips. Restaurant Employee Compensation Tools With tip pooling being legal with back of the house employees, employers may have questions about what their options are. ORLA launched a Restaurant Compensation Solutions Workgroup to review tools being implemented in restaurant operations across the state, including mandatory service charges, tip pooling policies based on sales that assist in compensating kitchen staff, and dual tip lines notating tip options for both servers and kitchen staff. Tip pooling policies should be carefully reviewed with counsel before implementation to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements. For more on this subject, click the links below.
Update: December 2019 A federal spending bill passed in 2018 abolished a 2011 regulation prohibiting tip pooling; managers can now require that servers share tips with kitchen staff in states where employers do not take a tip credit. This change allows tip sharing among both customarily and non-customarily tipped employees in Oregon, including dishwashers and cooks. Managers, supervisors, and owners cannot participate in the tip sharing. A proposed rule to implement the change has been released as of October 7, 2019; comments were due by December 9, 2019. One thing this proposed rule seeks to address is that the words “supervisor” and “manager” were not defined in the 2018 spending bill. This is especially important to our industry since many have hybrid approaches to their service positions. Supervisors and managers in some of Oregon’s smallest restaurant operations commonly serve guests and have participated in front-of-the-house tip pools as a part of a team approach to foodservice. Prior to this change, the decision to participate in a tip pool was left to employees. For more context on the issue, check out Tipping the Scales (Oregon Business, April 2018). The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) FAQ may answer any additional questions regarding tips at Oregon.gov/BOLI. Resources/News:
For additional questions, contact Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs, at 503.682.4422. This is for general informational purposes only. The information is not, and should not be relied upon or regarded as, legal advice. Please consult with your legal advisors.  Payroll Tax Referral / Safety Summit / Charity Golf Salem Payroll Tax Referral – Oregon Business & Industry (our state Chamber of Commerce) is leading an effort to refer a recent 5-4 payroll tax vote of the Salem City Council to the November ballot. This would tax anyone performing work within the Salem city limits at a rate of .814 percent. ORLA has been engaged in this effort through testimony and volunteer signature gathering for effected members within the Salem City limits. Thus far, over 4,000 signatures have been collected to get the payroll tax on the ballot for voter consideration with a goal of 6,000 by August 9 to allow room for collection errors. We haven’t seen a collection effort that has resulted in this many signatures so quickly and our friends at OBI deserve a lot of credit for their efforts. Engage in this effort by visiting letsalemvote.com. Portland Hotel & Restaurant Safety Summit – Downtown Clean & Safe hosted a Portland Hotel and Restaurant Safety Summit at the Nines last week in partnership with ORLA. About 40-50 hospitality industry members were in attendance and armed with concerns and questions. Speakers represented the Portland Police Bureau, mayor’s office, DA’s office, and Multnomah County. Outcomes include the Portland Metro Chamber (formerly the Portland Business Alliance) and ORLA collaborating on drafting 5-6 specific “asks” from the business/hospitality industry that will be presented to city, county, and state leadership. Read more in our new Portland Advocacy Blog. AAHOA Charity Golf Tournament – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is holding a Charity Golf Tournament coming up on August 14 at the Reserve Vineyard & Golf Club in Aloha. One of the four recipients of the funds raised is the Oregon Hospitality Foundation. If your are interested in supporting the charities and can participate on August 14 please visit the Player and Sponsor registration links. The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) keeps members informed and educated on important issues impacting the hospitality industry. If you are not yet a member of ORLA, please consider joining the association in order to access the latest industry intelligence for businesses like yours. Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.
Oregon’s Healthy Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Makes Businesses and Communities Stronger7/19/2023
Oregon has one of the best unemployment insurance (UI) tax systems in the nation. While there are federal requirements all states must follow with their UI trust funds, there is room for state flexibility, and Oregon has taken advantage of this to minimize employer tax rate volatility, protect employers from additional charges, and provide a strong safety net for recessionary times. During strong economic times, the tax schedule increases so we can replenish Oregon’s UI Trust Fund. Once we have strong reserves, the tax schedule drops so employers have lower taxes. Each employer’s individual tax rate is based on the amount of UI benefits their employees receive. Also, Oregon’s UI Trust Fund’s reserves earn interest. Over the last 10 years, UI Trust Fund interest added $797 million. That means about 20 percent of the increase in the UI Trust Fund balance in the past 10 years came from interest earned — not employer payroll taxes. Due to Oregon’s self-balancing system, the more interest earned, the more likely we are to have a lower tax schedule. One way to look at it is, with Oregon’s UI tax system, employers only had to pay 80 cents on the dollar for the benefits paid out. During the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, many states had to borrow money because their UI Trust Funds were not solvent — employers in those states pay more than $1 for each dollar of benefits paid to workers. Benefits don’t just help laid-off workers. They also support communities and businesses by ensuring that money keeps flowing through the local economy during economic downturns. During the recent Pandemic Recession, Oregon’s UI Trust Fund paid out $859 million in regular UI benefits from April to June 2020 — twice as high as any calendar quarter during the Great Recession. Also, researchers have estimated that every $1 of UI benefits generates about $2 in economic activity in that community. During a recession, this can be a vital support for our economy. Thanks to Oregon's healthy UI Trust Fund, we did not have to borrow any money during the Pandemic Recession, unlike many other states. Those states also faced borrowing costs, restricted options on policy, and higher federal payroll taxes and surcharges for employers. While employers in other states saw additional UI taxes and other costs, Oregon has been a careful steward of employers’ tax dollars. With 2021’s House Bill 3389, lawmakers protected employers from increased payroll taxes that might have resulted from the unprecedented number of Oregonians who received UI benefits during the Pandemic Recession and allowed employers to defer or avoid some tax liability. In addition to short-term tax relief, HB 3389 extended the look-back period for the fund adequacy percentage ratio from 10 years to 20 years and omitted calendar years 2020 and 2021 from the formula. These changes mean:
This editorial wss provided by the Oregon Employment Department. ORLA had a very tangible return on investment proving how advocacy and relationship building efforts can drive bottom line results for businesses when House Bill 3389 passed in the 2021 legislative session. This important bill provided assistance to Oregon employers with both short- and long-term provisions, offering significant relief to employers. Read more about how ORLA's Advocacy Drives Bottom Line Results.
 Legislative Progress / ORLA Testimony / Power Outages / Mergers Senate Activity Spurs Bill Passage - With the Oregon Senate officially back with a quorum to conduct business, there's been a flurry of activity at the Capitol. All 38 budget bills have passed, with over 30 agency or commission budget bills from the House awaiting Senate action. One important piece of public safety legislation that passed the Senate, SB 337, is a funding bill for increased investments to assist with the backlog of officers awaiting training at the state policy academy. The second bill, SB 5532, is the budget bill for the new commission which also passed the Senate. Read the summary from the Oregon State Bar. ORLA's government affairs team is still engaged on several other bills of importance to the hospitality industry; see the latest bill tracking online. ORLA Testimony - Throughout the year, your association engages on a number of issues with potential impact on hospitality businesses. Our government affairs team is at the table for important discussions with other business organizations, elected leaders, and agency and government representatives, oftentimes providing testimony on behalf of our members. Here's some recent activity:
Be Smart and Prepare for Power Outages - Oregon is experiencing longer and more intense wildfire seasons than ever before. Which is why businesses need to be prepared for potential wildfire and weather-related events as well as the power outages they may cause. ORLA has curated a list of helpful information and resources that provide preventative steps to help minimize disruption in case of a Public Safety Power Shutoff. From training to refrigeration, there are a number of steps you can proactively take now to prepare your staff and business for potential planned (or unplanned) power shutoffs. Webinar on Hospitality Mergers and Acquisitions Marketplace - Take a look into hospitality deal activity trends and what you should be doing now to maximize the value of your business. Join this webinar hosted by ORLA to receive industry insight on the status of the hospitality Mergers and Acquisitions marketplace and trends associated with deal structures and valuation. Industry members will also learn how to position a hospitality business to maximize its value to attract investors and buyers. Additional topics will include planning for owner transitions and succession planning, the process of executing a successful transaction, and how to prepare your business for sale. ORLA keeps members informed and educated with the latest information, industry intelligence and research via several channels. In addition to the blog, members receive more comprehensive insights via the monthly Insider e-newsletter and access to the Member Portal with data and research.
Not a member yet? Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.  One Big Night Success / Lottery Rulemaking / Nominate Your Star Employees Huge Support Realized at One Big Night: Last night, ORLA held its annual One Big Night dinner and auction presented by Elmer's and Egg N' Joe, raising crucial funds for the Political Action Committee (ORLAPAC). Close to 200 industry members gathered for a fun evening while helping raise serious money for the PAC. This financial support helps further our mission of electing pro-industry legislators to serve in Salem. During the program, we debuted our new advocacy video highlighting what some of our members are saying about the valuable work we do advocating on behalf of the industry. Watch the video. Proposed Video Lottery Rule Changes: ORLA held a Lottery Subcommittee meeting last month to talk with retailers about the Oregon Lottery's Rule Changes Proposal and prepare for the Lottery's rulemaking meetings. The Lottery in recent years has faced Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) inventory shortfalls combined with budget constraints and outdated equipment management strategies. This led the Lottery to stop processing applications in 2021, and now is proposing rule changes that include pulling machines from low-producing retailers. ORLA submitted written testimony and encouraged retailers to submit their own comments on the proposed rules. We'll keep you posted on the activity. Webinar to Help Businesses Optimize Their Google Business Profile: How your business appears online matters. It’s the first thing customers see when they search online. Locl helps you simplify Google Business Profile updates, create posts, engage with customer reviews, monitor business performance and act on insights. ORLA is partnering with Travel Oregon and Locl to provide a webinar on June 14 to show how you can use the Locl platform (for free) to save time, gain valuable insights and drive business. Access the toolkit for more information, and register today for the webinar. Nominate Your Star Employees: Oregon’s hospitality industry is full of amazing individuals who go above and beyond, raising the bar for excellence in service, performance, and commitment to their team, organization, and the industry. Nominations for the statewide ORLA Hospitality Industry Awards seek to recognize some of these outstanding individuals who truly exemplify Oregon hospitality. In addition to the Employee of the Year, we are also accepting nominations for the Restaurateur of the Year, Lodging Operator of the Year, and new this year a Team Leader of the Year (mid-level employee, supervisor, or director). Be sure to submit your nomination by June 30, 2023. ORLA keeps members informed and educated with the latest information, industry intelligence and research via several channels. In addition to the blog, members receive more comprehensive insights via the monthly Insider e-newsletter and access to the Member Portal with data and research. Not a member yet? Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.
 Liquor Surcharge / Minimum Wage Increase / Award Nominations / Get Involved Public Comments Requested on 50-cent Surcharge Increase: OLCC is seeking public comment on a possible increase of the current 50-cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to one dollar per bottle. The Commissioners will listen to verbal comments on this at the April 20, and May 18, 2023 Commission meetings. ORLA is in alignment with the Oregon Beverage Alliance in opposing this increase and encourages industry members to take action and provide input on how this may impact your business' bottom line. Oregon's Minimum Wage Climbs: BOLI announced late last week that Oregon's minimum wage will increase by 70 cents per hour on July 1, 2023. State law requires an adjustment to the minimum wage to be calculated no later than April 30 of each year based on annualized inflation rates, rounded to the nearest 5 cents. The consumer price index climbed 5% from March 2022 to March 2023. The minimum wage rates will increase as follows:
Nominate Your Star Employees: Oregon’s hospitality industry is full of amazing individuals who go above and beyond, raising the bar for excellence in service, performance, and commitment to their team, organization, and the industry. Nominations are now open for the statewide ORLA Hospitality Industry Awards which seek to recognize some of these outstanding individuals who truly exemplify Oregon hospitality. In addition to the Employee of the Year, we are also accepting nominations for the Restaurateur of the Year, Lodging Operator of the Year, and new this year a Team Leader of the Year (mid-level employee, supervisor, or director). Submit nominations by June 30, 2023. New Oregon Hospitality Foundation Workforce Blog: The Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF) is laser focused on workforce development initiatives to do what we can to build bridges between hospitality industry employers and workers seeking employment opportunities. In an effort to keep lines of communication open with all industry operators interested in connecting with future employees for their operations, the Foundation has launched a new Workforce Blog. Follow what's happening in workforce development efforts and reach out to us if you're interested in getting involved. Travel & Tourism Industry Achievement Awards: Travel Oregon announced the recipients of the Oregon Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards during the 2023 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Oregon Convention Center. Read more about all the awards winners. ORLA Members -Get Involved in Your Association: The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is multi-faceted with a variety of different opportunities for professional development amongst hospitality professionals, including board and committee service, program participation, and networking. For those looking to get involved in some way in their state association, check out the numerous activities and opportunities for you to get involved and make the most out of your membership. Are You a Member Yet? The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) keeps members informed and educated on important issues impacting the hospitality industry. If you are not yet a member of ORLA, please consider joining the association in order to access the latest industry intelligence for businesses like yours. Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.
Legislative Bill Movement / Skills Standards / Celebrating Women Restaurateurs / Webinars & Events Legislative Bill Updates: ORLA's Government Affairs Committee continues its weekly calls to review and discuss the latest activity from the legislative session. As of today, SB 619 (data privacy) has moved forward with private right of action removed; HB 3308 (alcohol delivery) has moved to rules – this would set up a "server training" program for third-party delivery companies as well as a separation of liability; SB 545 (reusable containers) is expected to pass with legislative intent to make it optional to accept those types of containers. See the latest Bill Tracking online. Hospitality Industry Standards Feedback Survey: The Oregon Hospitality Foundation has been working with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Education Northwest the past couple months to help identify high school technical skills and standards for employment in the hospitality career cluster. This is critical work in getting our foot back in the door of Oregon high schools and it will also raise awareness about the intentional workforce development work through our Hospitality Foundation. Employers are encouraged to take this survey to help review and validate the technical skills we helped to identify for the ODE. Please provide your input by April 14, 2023. Biggest Industry Show in the Northwest: The Northwest Food Show kicks off Sunday, April 16 at the Portland Expo Center with hundreds of exhibit booths, emerging products and services, alcohol tasting pavilion, and Trends Center. Just announced are the educational programs in the new Trends Center each day: Explore trends to improve your business, and learn best practices from peers in these interactive presentations, designed to showcase tangible solutions you can implement tomorrow and increase your bottom line. Learn more and register online. Celebrating Women in Portland's Restaurant Industry: Plans are underway for the Women Who Stir the Pot event May 22, presented by the Portland Kitchen Cabinet and the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. This event will be held at Mother’s Bistro and celebrates women in the restaurant industry, recognizing the contributions they make. Learn more. Upcoming Webinars:
ORLA in the news...
As always, should you have any questions, please reach out to your Regional Representative. Thank you for staying engaged! Are You a Member Yet? The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) keeps members informed and educated on important issues impacting the hospitality industry. If you are not yet a member of ORLA, please consider joining the association in order to access the latest industry intelligence for businesses like yours. Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.
Legislative Update / ORLA in the News / ProStart Championships / New Mattress Stewardship Act Next Legislative Deadline Approaching: April 4, 2023, is the date bills need to be moved out of policy committees in their chamber of origin. ORLA’s Government Affairs Committee continues with Zoom meetings every Friday morning fostering good discussion and updates on legislative activity. If you are interested in joining, please sign up and we'll connect with you before next week's call. You can find the latest bill tracking on our website. All in all, we’re pleased with where we are in advocating for members at this stage in the session. ORLA in News: On several occasions these past few weeks ORLA has been tapped for industry perspective on various issues, industry events and insights. Here are some highlights:
Mattress Stewardship Act: The Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on proposed rules for the Mattress Stewardship Act (SB 1576, 2022). More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on the Mattress Stewardship 2023 Rulemaking web page. DEQ will accept comments by email, postal mail or verbally at the public hearing on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Start time: 9 a.m.; please register prior to the meeting, using this Zoom link. Send via postal mail to Oregon DEQ, Attn: Rachel Harding/Materials Management, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, Oregon 97232-4100. DEQ will only consider comments on the proposed rules that DEQ receives by 4 p.m., on April 28, 2023. Are You a Member Yet? The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) keeps members informed and educated on important issues impacting the hospitality industry. If you are not yet a member of ORLA, please consider joining the association in order to access the latest industry intelligence for businesses like yours. Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.
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8565 SW Salish Lane Suite 120 | Wilsonville, OR 97070-9633 | 503.682.4422 | 800.462.0619 | Contact Us
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8565 SW Salish Lane Suite 120 | Wilsonville, OR 97070-9633 | 503.682.4422 | 800.462.0619 | Contact Us
Site Map | Accessibility | Privacy Policy