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.

Culinary tourism is alive and well in Oregon, from the Willamette Valley winery tasting rooms, to the Hood River Fruit Loop, and the seafood offerings at the Oregon Coast. And don’t forget the many events, festivals, farmers markets, and more that engage visitors in an experiential celebration of place and taste. The agricultural bounty here lends itself to the production of world-class food and drink which can be enjoyed in each of Oregon’s seven tourism regions. 

Whether you work in foodservice already, or engage in hospitality and tourism in other ways, you probably know many food lovers at heart, actively seeking that next mouthwatering bite. When it comes to dairy foods, there are no shortage of delicious experiences to enjoy throughout the year. Here in Oregon, we are proud to be home to over 140 Grade A dairies, 4 sustainability award winners and a number and creameries, cheesemakers and processors who are recognized nationally and internationally for their award-winning products.

Where to start? Start right here in Portland and start NOW!

September is Oregon Cheese Month!
Oregon Cheese Month is a celebration of our state’s artisan cheesemakers and their wares at retailers, cheese shops, restaurants, and farmers markets around the state during the month of September. Look for the Oregon Cheese logo to find delicious local handcrafted cheeses. 

The month is capped this year by The Wedge, a Portland area farmers market-style festival celebrating cheese and everything that goes with it, where event goers can sample and purchase local artisan cheese, specialty foods, wine, spirits, and cider. This year’s event is open to cheese lovers 21 and older.

• Where: Alder Block, home of the Portland Night Market, 100 SE Alder St., Portland 97214. This is an indoor and outdoor event and will be held rain or shine!
• When: Saturday, September 28th, 2024, 12pm – 5pm (VIP early entry at 10:30am).  
• Tickets: https://thewedgeportland.com/​

​Labor Day occurs on the first Monday in September as a national holiday. Labor Day has a long history of how it came to be a symbol of labor rights and freedom, all thanks to the workers of the past.

Labor Day was not always acknowledged as an official federal holiday. Originally, it celebrated the earlier labor classes and by only individual activists and states. The first celebration was in 1882, and it was organized by the Central Labor Union.

Back then, the average worker was not always appreciated for their work. In fact, they were often exploited for their labor to industrialize the country. Many people, especially immigrants and women, were overworked and underpaid. It took many years of activists fighting for labor rights before the exploitation of workers, including forced child labor, started to be taken more seriously.

The hospitality and restaurant industry had an immense impact in fighting for labor rights. Because of how vulnerable the industry is to exploitation, workers in service industry jobs advocated for better working conditions and fair wages. In 1935, The National Labor Relations Act was signed to allow the organizing of workers, strikes, and collective bargaining.

Although the history of labor rights was long and difficult, these effects that working conditions had on the average worker were the key to eventually creating more laws and regulations to ensure that labor would not be undervalued again.

Congress eventually passed an act on June 28, 1984, marking the first Monday in September as a national holiday known as Labor Day. The activism of workers of the past was immensely impactful on the rights the modern-day workers have today. The changes they fought for have resulted in better working conditions, and laws protecting people from labor exploitation.

Even though workers’ rights have considerably improved over the last 130 years, we still see forced labor and exploitation through the crime of labor trafficking today. The hospitality industry can help prevent all forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking, by training employees with BEST’s Inhospitable to Human Trafficking training. This training is free for all ORLA members, and Labor Day can be a good reminder to train employees in September to ensure all hospitality staff are current in their human trafficking prevention certification. | Audrey Young

Audrey Young is the development and communications coordinator for the nonprofit, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST). For more information about BEST, visit www.bestalliance.org.

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:

• Emma Dye, Crisp 
• Justin Freeman, Bagel Sphere 
• Treva Gambs, Gamberetti’s and G3 Pizzas & Burgers
• Patrick Nofield, Escape Lodging 
• Jerry Scott, Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc.
• Barbara Sidway, Geiser Grand Hotel
• Jim Smith, Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Cascades Coffee House

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). 

• Provisions include:
  • Standard Salary Threshold Increase: Effective July 1, 2024, the standard salary threshold will increase to $844 per week ($43,888 annually). It will rise again on January 1, 2025, to $1,128 weekly ($58,656 annually).
  • Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) Threshold Increase: The salary threshold for HCEs will be $132,964 annually starting July 1, 2024, and will increase to $151,164 on January 1, 2025.
  • Automatic Updates: Starting July 1, 2027, the earnings thresholds will be automatically updated every three years based on wage data.
• What Operators Should Do Now:
  • Review Job Duties: Ensure employees are correctly classified as exempt or non-exempt based on their job duties. Refer to this DOL fact sheet for guidance on determining exempt status. (See also: Final Rule on Overtime Protections and Small Business Compliance Guide)
  • Review Payroll Records: Identify salaried exempt employees with wages below the new threshold. For these employees, you might consider 1) Raising their salary above the new limit or 2) Changing their status to non-exempt and properly tracking hours to pay overtime when appropriate.
  • Consult Counsel: Consult with an employment attorney licensed in your state to determine how best to comply with the Final Rule and all applicable state and local rules.

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:

• AHLA Webinar (recorded video)
• AHLA Webinar Presentation

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:

• 6/26/24 – ORLA Virtual Meeting for Members
• 7/22/24 – ORLA Open Golf Tournament
• 9/22/24-9/23/24 – ORLA Hospitality Conference 

Looking to get more involved in ORLA activities? Check out our website for details.

For generations, dairy farmers have been developing the leaders of tomorrow through hands-on experiences that require patience, dedication, and a long-term perspective to thrive. The same is true for dairy processors who nurture and educate the next generation of leadership in food manufacturing, taking that farm fresh milk and turning it into cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and other innovative products.
 
People depend on nutritious dairy foods to support their health and well-being, and it’s vital to produce these foods in a responsible way to address the needs of our communities and the planet. According to the Innovation Center for US Dairy, the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards recognize dairy farms, businesses and collaborative partnerships for practices that demonstrate outstanding economic, environmental and social benefits; a longstanding commitment to continuous improvement; and a replicable model to inform and inspire others in advancing dairy sustainability leadership. 

Advancing dairy sustainability leadership is of utmost importance to Oregon dairy farmers and processors, and three Oregon dairy farms and businesses have been recognized in recent years for their commitment in this area with U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards. These are their stories.
​

Rogue Creamery, Central Point, OR
2021 Winner for Outstanding Dairy Processing & Manufacturing Sustainability
This award commended Rogue Creamery for its commitment to dairy sustainability, including programs for renewable energy and waste reduction, such as solar panel installation, reduced packaging waste, and their employee commuter program.

Rogue Creamery is a USDA certified organic cheese maker located in Central Point, Oregon. For nearly 90 years, Rogue Creamery has drawn from the beauty and flavors of Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley to create organic, handcrafted cheeses that have won international acclaim. But creating the world’s best cheese is only part of Rogue’s mission. They know that business – and in their case, cheese – can be used as a force for good. That’s why they became Oregon’s first public benefit corporation, “B Corp” for short, joining a global movement of companies that are committed to making the world a better place. Find out more at www.roguecreamery.com.

Threemile Canyon Farms, Boardman, OR
2020 Winner for Outstanding Dairy Processing & Manufacturing Sustainability
Threemile Canyon Farms was recognized in 2020 with this award for demonstrating how growing crops and milking cows can complement one another in a regenerative, closed-loop system, resulting in little to no waste.
​
Threemile’s Jersey cows and heifer operation are located at the center of the 93,000-acre farm. Practicing precision agriculture, the farm also grows organic blueberries, onions, carrots, potatoes, and corn, as well as a variety of conventional food, feed, and cover crops. Manure from the dairy serves as organic fertilizer for the crops, and the cows consume byproducts from food processing for human consumption that would otherwise go to waste. Modeling creativity, innovation, and efficiency, their efforts to continuously improve farm practices generate positive results for food safety, air and water quality, animal care, and community benefits. Find out more at www.threemilecanyonfarms.com.

Tillamook County Creamery Association, Tillamook Oregon
2018 Winner for Outstanding Community Impact
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) was recognized in 2018 for working to find the root cause of food insecurity in Oregon and for improving housing access. To address large-scale issues that impact the people and the planet, Tillamook partnered both with the Oregon Food Bank, and CARE, a local agency that serves the at-risk population of Tillamook County and encouraged their farmer-owners and employees to regularly participate in their company’s volunteer program, Tillamook Cares. 

TCCA is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative headquartered in Tillamook County, Oregon. They make and sell dairy products in a wide variety of categories under the "Tillamook" brand name. Since 1909, they’ve been dedicated to making the best cheese with the best ingredients, and today, Tillamook products can be found in homes from coast to coast. Find out more at www.tillamook.com

To learn more about how dairy is ordairy.org/farms/sustainability developing industry leaders in sustainability, visit ordairy.org/farms/sustainability and usdairy.com/sustainability. | Oregon Dairy Council

​Child sex trafficking is a devastating crime that can go unnoticed in the hospitality industry. Traffickers take advantage of the privacy and anonymity provided in hotels to exploit vulnerable people, including children, through commercial sexual exploitation. Human traffickers often operate discreetly, so hotel staff can miss the warning signs of child sex trafficking. And when the victims are children, they often will not ask for help from strangers.

Child sex trafficking happens more frequently than most people realize. So, it’s essential that hotel employees are properly trained in human trafficking awareness to be able to remain diligent and know how to spot a child sex trafficking situation. 

According to the 2021 Federal Human Trafficking Report published by the Human Trafficking Institute, the number of known child sex trafficking cases in the United States increased 17 percent between 2019 to 2020, and children made up over 66 percent of the victims in sex trafficking cases in 2020. Their ages ranged from 4 to 17, but 89 percent of the victims were between the ages of 14 to 17, with the average age being 15. Over 45 percent of these children knew their trafficker before they were exploited.

While any child can become a victim of human trafficking, children who are homeless or runaways, foster care youth, LGBTQIA+ youth, Black or African American youth, Latine youth, and Native American youth are at a higher risk of being targeted by human traffickers. 

The warning signs of child sex trafficking can be apparent in subtle ways in the hotel environment. When hotel employees become aware of the indicators of human trafficking, they can learn how to identify and safely report potential child sex trafficking cases to their managers. Some of the warning signs of child sex trafficking in hotels include the following indicators:

• Absence of luggage
• A person who looks very young but is dressed and behaving like an adult
• Lack of eye contact with hotel staff from the young person
• Evidence of violence, abuse, or intimidation 
• Signs of unusual fear, anxiety, or submission
• Young person is dropped off by an adult who waits in the parking lot
• Young person asks staff for help, food, or money
• Repeated requests for extra towels, linens, or room service 
• Multiple adult guests are seen visiting the room, especially at regular time intervals
• A child expressing fear or discomfort around certain individuals, especially the adults accompanying them, should not be ignored and should prompt intervention

Hotel staff can play a crucial role in combating child sex trafficking within their establishments by being properly trained in how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to safely respond to it. This can safeguard more vulnerable children, and it can help recover more children who have been reported missing to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. 

The Oregon Hotel & Lodging Association (ORLA) now offers free Inhospitable to Human Trafficking training provided by the nonprofit, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST). By training front line hospitality staff to be able to identify the signs of human trafficking and providing them with clear protocols on how to report suspected cases, it can ensure a swift and appropriate response, especially when a minor is involved.

Anyone under the age of 18 engaging in a commercial sex act is considered a victim of human trafficking by law, with no exceptions. Observing the behaviors of guests and reporting anything suspicious to hotel management can raise awareness and prompt quick and appropriate action to investigate suspected child sex trafficking cases.

When employees are trained to report potential child sex trafficking to managers, hotels should have a plan in place for how managers report incidents to local law enforcement. Not only is this important for recovering missing and exploited children, but it is essential that hoteliers respond appropriately to protect their liability if a child is being abused on their property. 

By recognizing the warning signs of child sex trafficking in hotels and taking steps to safely report human trafficking, the hospitality industry can help make a big impact in protecting vulnerable children and recovering more human trafficking victims. | Katie Amodei

Katie Amodei is the communications director for the nonprofit, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST). Their goal is to help employers learn what they can do to make a difference in preventing human trafficking through awareness raising, consultation, training, and providing employment opportunities for survivors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lori Little, 503.957.8945      [email protected]

McNary High School and Salem CTEC Took Sixth and Eighth Place Respectively in Culinary and Management Competitions This Week in Baltimore, Maryland

Wilsonville, OR–Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s top two teams from the Oregon ProStart Championships competed at the National ProStart Invitational this past weekend in Baltimore. The team from McNary High School placed sixth out of 48 teams in the culinary competition and Salem’s CTEC team placed eighth out of 48 teams competing in the restaurant management competition.

“The excitement and the energy throughout the national competition has been amazing,” said Courtney Smith, ProStart Manager for the Oregon Hospitality Foundation. “After countless hours of hard work and practice, both students and teachers can reap the rewards of their incredible performance at the invitational. Oregon was well represented!”

McNary’s culinary team prepared a Steelhead Fish Cake, grilled bone-in Carlton Farms pork chop served with green beans atop herbed wild rice and vegetable pilaf, glazed with a pancetta apple chutney, and a decadent Chocolate Mousse with a hazelnut crust and garnished with shaved white chocolate and candied hazelnut spear. CTEC’s restaurant management team presented their creative new concept for a food truck called “Swirly Spuds.” The concept strives to create an experience that “puts a spin on the classic combination of French fries and ice cream.”
 
Hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on April 26-28, the National ProStart Invitational was a high stakes competition of the country’s best student culinary and restaurant management teams, each of whom earned the right to compete after winning their state-level competitions.
The culinary teams prepared, plated, and presented a three-course dining menu without access to electricity or running water, and using just two butane burners. They were assessed by judges on several factors, including food safety and sanitation, costing, preparation, and plating/presentation. Simultaneously, 48 restaurant management teams presented and defended original restaurant concepts across hour-long interactive Q&A periods with a panel of restaurant and foodservice industry judges. 

The culinary team from the Caesar Rodney High School from Camden, Del., and restaurant management team from Orange County School of the Arts from Santa Ana, Calif., captured the championship titles at the nation’s largest high school culinary and restaurant management contest. Teams from 48 states battled in a weekend-long showdown that featured more than 400 students and a roster of top restaurant and foodservice industry judges. 

The Oregon teams’ travel was provided by the Oregon Hospitality Foundation. Additional sponsors of the Oregon ProStart Championships included Ecolab, US Coast Guard, and McDonald Wholesale.
​
For more information on the Oregon Hospitality Foundation and the ProStart programs it supports, visit OregonRLA.org/foundation and OregonRLA.org/prostart. 

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.

Guest Blog

Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that often operates under the radar in everyday settings. Despite its prevalence, this crime can be difficult to detect without trained eyes to recognize the signs. This is where everyday heroes, such as hospitality employees, can play a vital role in identifying and reporting suspicious activity that could potentially save lives.

The Role of Everyday Workers
Employees in hotels and restaurants are often on the front lines of human trafficking activity. Traffickers frequently exploit these venues for their illegal operations, using them as a means to exploit victims. This is why it is crucial that hospitality employees to be trained in recognizing the red flags of human trafficking, such as unusual behavior or signs of physical abuse.

Training and Awareness
Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) is joining forces with the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) to provide free human trafficking prevention training for ORLA’s members, with the goal of preventing the exploitation of vulnerable people in Oregon. BEST’s Inhospitable to Human Trafficking training is a 30-minute, video-based, online training available in Spanish and English. It can be taken individually on a computer, or in a group setting, and employees can receive a certificate of completion after taking the course. This free training can be easily accessed through the ORLA membership website. 

Providing training for employees who work directly with the general public on how to identify and respond to potential cases of human trafficking is key to combating this crime. Education and awareness can empower individuals to take action when they suspect something is amiss. By arming employees with the knowledge and resources they need to be able to spot a potential human trafficking situation, it increases the chances of identifying victims so they can get the help they need, and it helps bring traffickers to justice.

Protecting Employees & Guests
When human trafficking happens on business properties, it’s dangerous for victims, employees, and other guests. It can also impact guests’ assessment of the safety of the location and damage brand reputation. Because of ORLA’s commitment to train its members, more human trafficking victims can be identified and connected with the supportive services they need to begin to rebuild their lives after trafficking. This approach to preventing human trafficking is essential, because when employees learn the signs, they can help create a culture where everyone steps up and steps in to make a difference in improving the safety for all guests. 

Conclusion
Front line employees are essential in the fight against human trafficking. By training and empowering more employees across Oregon to be able to recognize the signs of this crime, BEST and ORLA are striving to create a network of vigilant individuals who are committed to protecting the vulnerable. It is imperative that everyone in the hospitality industry helps take some responsibility for combatting human trafficking. By working together, everyday heroes can help create a safer world. | Katie Amodei

Katie Amodei is the Communications Director for the Seattle-based nonprofit, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST). Their goal is to equip employers to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking through awareness raising, consultation, training, and providing employment opportunities for survivors.

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.

​US dairy cows upcycle over 300 million pounds of food waste every day.  Much of the food waste going to cows comes from food byproducts that humans can’t eat but cows can - like potato peels and onions from a local potato chip maker, brewery grains and yeast from beer breweries, spent grains from local bakeries, hazelnut hulls, cotton seed from making clothing, biodiesel byproducts, and more.  

Dairy cows possess a superpower: an incredible 4-chambered stomach and digestive system that allows them to eat these various byproducts as part of their regular diet. If these byproducts weren’t upcycled on dairy farms, they would pile up at factories or end up in landfills. In fact, it’s estimated that large manufacturers divert around 77% of their food byproducts to animal feed.  Diverting these byproducts from landfills reduces methane and greenhouse gases and frees up the land for other uses - like crops for human food production.

Animal nutritionists work with farmers to create specialized diets for cows at every life stage, and work to incorporate a variety of food byproducts that cows will enjoy. Not only are these byproducts highly nutritious for cows, but feeding cows has emission reduction benefits too. The carbon emissions of sending byproducts to a landfill for incineration is 60% greater than feeding them to cows. 

By taking on byproducts, dairy farms help other industries operate smoothly and add value to the local food system. Byproducts make up 30% of the world’s agricultural production. Finding a place to upcycle byproducts is essential to the operations of many businesses and industries. What’s more, sending byproducts to help feed dairy cows is a great way to reduce food waste and certainly helps businesses keep costs down, particularly for the farmers. One example here in Oregon is the innovative partnership between Oregon breweries and dairies.

Brewers extract a small amount of sugar from grain during their brewery process; about 85% of brewer waste comes from this process. According to a recent estimate, up to 20 billion lbs. of BSG is produced in the USA each year. Using byproduct grains from brewers can provide beneficial nutrients to dairy cows and help farmers control their feed costs.  By working together brewers and dairy farmers can keep their production cycles operating smoothly and prevent substantial byproducts from going to landfills. 

In Oregon, we have some great examples of farms working collaboratively with food and beverage manufacturers to divert food waste by upcycling byproducts. For example, a local dairy farm receives about over 3,000 gallons of yeast water from a two local breweries each week, which they use to top dress their total mixed rations. It's a substantial byproduct - they have 4 tanks reserved on the property for it. Yeast water contains a little bit of protein, which helps the grains to stick to each other and is nutritionally beneficial for their herds. What’s more, the manure from their farm is used at many of the neighboring vineyards in the area. 

The delicious dairy foods made here in Oregon come from good milk, derived from healthy and happy cows. It is a wider food industry collaboration to support feeding these cows with nutritious byproducts to help businesses reduce costs, keep food waste low, and support others in the community. | Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council

​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.

Guest Blog

Dining out should be a delightful and worry-free experience, where patrons can savor delicious meals in a safe environment. However, the hospitality industry faces numerous challenges when it comes to maintaining safety standards, ranging from foodborne illnesses to workplace hazards. 

In this article, we'll delve into key areas of focus for restaurant safety, emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to mitigate risks and enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Prioritizing Food Safety 

• HACCP Implementation: It's imperative for restaurants to prioritize Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, to identify and mitigate potential hazards, safeguarding against foodborne illnesses. 
• Temperature Control: Proper cold and hot holding temperatures, calibrated equipment, and safe thawing practices are essential to ensure quality and freshness of culinary creations. Thus, ultimately preventing food contamination. 
• Hygiene and Sanitation: Handwashing protocols, rigorous cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and effective pest control measures are vital for maintaining a hygienic environment.
• Allergen Management: Clear allergen labeling policies, staff training on allergen awareness, and meticulous separation of allergen-containing ingredients are crucial to prevent allergic reactions among patrons.

2. Operational Excellence

• Fire Prevention: Regular fire safety inspections, maintenance of fire suppression equipment, and comprehensive employee training on fire safety protocols are essential to prevent and manage fire hazards. This ensures swift and effective responses to any emergency situation. 
• Equipment Safety: Proper usage and maintenance of kitchen equipment, adherence to electrical safety protocols, and implementation of measures to prevent slips and falls contribute to a safe workplace.
• Workplace Violence: Guidelines for preventing workplace violence enable a safe culture that prioritizes security of employees and patrons. Such strategies could include de-escalation techniques, clear reporting procedures, and thorough employee training on recognizing and responding to potential threats.
• Emergency Preparedness: Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans for various scenarios, conducting drills, and ensuring all staff are well-versed in the procedures are crucial steps to effectively manage emergencies.

3. Employee Safety and Wellness:

• Training and Education: Ongoing training programs covering all aspects of safety ensure that employees understand and adhere to safe practices and procedures.
• Ergonomics: Identifying and addressing potential ergonomic risks in workstations and tasks help prevent musculoskeletal disorders, sprains and strains, slips and falls, or other injuries among staff.
• Mental Health and Well-being: Creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and addresses mental health concerns fosters a positive workplace culture.

4. Customer Safety:

• Food Allergies: Informing customers about allergen policies, providing clear food labeling, and training staff to assist customers with allergies are essential for preventing allergic reactions.
• Accessibility: Ensuring the restaurant is accessible to patrons with disabilities is fundamental for inclusivity and customer safety. 
• Food Safety Transparency: Open communication with customers about food safety practices, along with encouraging feedback, builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to their well-being.

Restaurant safety is a shared responsibility that requires proactive measures from both operators and customers. By implementing comprehensive safety protocols, providing thorough training, and fostering a culture of safety, restaurants can create an environment where everyone can dine safely and enjoyably. To learn more about how safety impacts your premiums find more at www.gethip.biz.

Media Contact: Lori Little

Thirteen High Schools Competed in the Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s Statewide Oregon ProStart® Championships Showcasing the Industry’s Future Chefs and Managers

[March 18, 2024 – Salem, Oregon] – The culinary challenge for the student chefs was to prepare a three-course gourmet meal with only two butane burners in under an hour. McNary High School pulled this off with excellence, winning top honors in the culinary competition at the Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s Oregon ProStart Championships in Salem on Monday. On the restaurant management side, Salem CTEC (Career & Technical Education Center) took first place, earning them a trip alongside McNary, to Baltimore, Maryland to compete in the National ProStart Invitational next month.

“The atmosphere at this event was electric,” said Courtney Smith, ProStart Manager for the Oregon Hospitality Foundation. “ProStart does such a remarkable job preparing high school students with fundamental skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and professionalism needed to enter the workforce. And we saw all this at work in the competition.” 

McNary High School’s culinary team prepared a Steelhead Fish Cake served on a bed of sliced fennel dressed with lemon vinaigrette; grilled bone-in Carlton Farms pork chop served with green beans atop herbed wild rice and vegetable pilaf, glazed with a pancetta apple chutney made with Pacific Northwest maple syrup; and a decadent Chocolate Mousse with piped cherry-glazed chocolate, honey, with a hazelnut crust and garnished with shaved white chocolate and candied hazelnut spear.

Salem CTEC’s restaurant management team created a new concept for a food truck, creating an experience “that puts a spin on the classic combination of French fries and ice cream.” As part of developing the new concept, the team presented their marketing strategies, menu, recipes and food costs, operations, and demonstrated critical thinking skills.

Additional awards presented at the event:

• Oregon ProStart Student of the Year – Genevieve Greninger, McMinnville High School
• Oregon ProStart Teacher of the Year – Austin Stinson, Salem CTEC
• Oregon ProStart Mentor of the Year – Jonathan Johnson, Seaside High School

“As the capstone event for the ProStart career and technical education program, the championships represent the culmination of months of hard work and determination,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see these kids’ passion and know that we are contributing to a meaningful movement in recognizing career pathways in the hospitality industry.”

The teams from McNary High School and Salem CTEC will head to the National ProStart Invitational® April 26-28, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland to compete against the best teams from all other states, close to 400 students total. These Oregon champions also receive a share of prizes and scholarships from national culinary schools to help further their careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. 

Of the 46 Oregon high school programs, currently involving over 7,700 ProStart students, a total of 13 teams from 9 high schools competed in this event. Sponsors of the event included: US Coast Guard, Ecolab, McDonald Wholesale, The Grand Hotel in Salem, Johnson Controls, Outback Steakhouse, Evergreen Restaurant Group, Salem Convention Center, Spirit Mountain Casino, Sunriver Resort, and US Foods.

Here are the 2024 Oregon ProStart Championship Results: 

Culinary Competition

• 1st Place: McNary High School
• 2nd Place: McMinnville High School
• 3rd Place: Salem CTEC

Management Competition:

• 1st Place: Salem CTEC
• 2nd Place: McMinnville High School
• 3rd Place: Crescent Valley High School

School Participants:

• • Crescent Valley High School
• • Crook County High School
• • Liberty High School
• • McMinnville High School
• • McNary High School
• • Salem Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC)
• • Sam Barlow High School
• • Seaside High School
• • South Salem School

For more information on the Oregon Hospitality Foundation, visit OregonRLA.org/foundation and OregonRLA.org/prostart to learn more about ProStart. 

ABOUT
The Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF) was formed in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association with a mission to support the workforce, educational, training, and philanthropic needs of Oregon’s hospitality industry. Its work is enabled by the generous support of partners, private donations, contracts, and grants. The foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of respected industry professionals. 

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:

• For the past 24 years voters have approved the public safety levy for the City when it has been on the ballot.
• In 2021, City Council increased the local lodging tax; 30% of those revenues are unrestricted and help boost the budget for public safety.
• Previous attempts of passing a meals tax or sales tax have failed miserably when referred to voters, with margins of defeat ranging from 75%-80%.
• July 17, 2023 - Council began reviewing funding options for public safety; funding mechanisms like the food tax and sales tax appeared to be the only options discussed if the levy failed on the November ballot.
• November 7, 2023 - Voters approved the property tax levy to support public safety funding. The explanatory statement in the voter’s pamphlet promised that passing the levy would “Maintain current police and fire services.”
• December 18, 2023 - Despite the levy passing, a City Council workshop reviewed and agreed to support a 5-year plan to increase the number of “public safety” positions by 29 over the next 5 years. It appeared as though a prepared food and beverage tax on restaurants paired with a utility fee would be the leading option, but they did not have financial projections for the cost of the plan or proposed revenue these methods would generate. 
• ORLA, our members, and the community rallied to send letters, emails and engage Council to not proceed with a meals tax and to send solutions to voters for approval. 
• January 8, 2024 – During the City Council workshop, and after discussion on input from the community, they moved away from the meals tax as the leading option, however, agreed to proceed with a sales tax paired with a utility fee. Despite being asked to send this to voters, Council appeared ready to pass this at the Council level without going to the vote of the people. 
• February 21, 2024 – City Council voted 5-3 in opposition of adopting the ordinance at Council level for a food and beverage tax. Council has until August 7 to prepare the ordinance for the ballot.

ORLA has outlined several reasons why voters should be allowed to weigh in on a sales tax on meals:

1. A Sales Tax On Meals Takes Money From Hard Working Restaurant Workers – Restaurant workers compete for tip income when taxes appear on receipts. It is immoral to take household income from frontline workers trying to put food on the table for their families. 
2. Restaurants Make On Average 3-5% On Sales – A 5% sales tax on meals would result in the City of Grants Pass making as much money or even more money than the businesses themselves. 
3. Administrative Fees Kept By Restaurants Would Not Cover Increased Administrative Costs – A new sales tax on meals in Grants Pass would result in overhauls of payment processing systems as well as ongoing administrative duties. A local restaurant location could expect to pay over $10,000 to upgrade their system and manage recurring tax collection responsibilities. These are costs and managerial duties which will directly result in more damage to an already suffering industry.
4. There Is A Full-Blown Worker Crisis Crippling Local Restaurants – Grants Pass’ food industry is still suffering from reduced hours of operation for a number of local restaurants due to a workforce shortage. The problem is expected to grow which will most likely impact the consistency and reliability of any new sales tax on meals collected by restaurants.
5. Any Time Taxes are Increased, There is a Corresponding Decrease in Sales – Increasing taxes drives away sales, which not only reduces collections of the sales tax, but ultimately property and income taxes as well. 
6. Unlike Other Solutions, a Meals Tax is a Financially Fragile Fix – Restaurant sales tend to plummet during economic downturns, thus becoming an unreliable funding source for the city.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jason Brandt, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, 503-302-5060
Katie Amodei, Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking, 425-280-3347

​Wilsonville, OR—The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) today announced a new partnership with the nonprofit, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) to make human trafficking awareness training available to all ORLA members and their staffs, free of charge. BEST provides specialized training in human trafficking prevention, and BEST’s Inhospitable to Human Trafficking training for the hospitality industry will now be available to help restaurant and lodging employees across Oregon learn the indicators of human trafficking and how to safely report it. This new partnership is giving the hospitality industry in Oregon a new tool that has been proven to prepare employees to be able to recognize human trafficking situations and assist in recovering more victims. 

“ORLA needs to be a leader in forging stronger working relationships with like minded organizations focused on anti-trafficking training,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Our industry is a part of the solution and needs to be at the table in providing quality training at no cost as a foundational societal responsibility.”

Human trafficking networks rely on legitimate businesses to sustain their operations and infrastructure, and hospitality businesses are often an ideal environment for human traffickers because they provide a public place of business where traffickers can connect victims with buyers and other exploiters. In 2021 the National Human Trafficking Hotline was contacted 485 times to report suspected human trafficking incidents in Oregon. The intention of this new partnership is to have even more human trafficking cases identified and reported across the state by educating public facing hospitality employees to be able to recognize and report the behaviors that are the indicators of human trafficking.  

Oregon is home to several port authorities and interstate freeways, and this makes the state a prime location for human trafficking activity. In a recent national FBI-led anti-trafficking operation that was conducted in the summer of 2023, Oregon was one of the states where traffickers were identified and arrested in a sting operation that led to the identification or arrest of a total of 126 suspects and to the recovery of 59 victims of child sex trafficking. 

“There is no easy fix to the complex problem of human trafficking, but combatting this crime starts with having good training,” says Kirsten Foot, CEO & Executive Director for Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking. “That’s why our new partnership with ORLA is so important. They are making our human trafficking awareness training easily available to their members, and we know that educating public facing employees about the warning signs of human trafficking can help more witnesses know when to report human trafficking behaviors."

BEST’s Inhospitable to Human Trafficking training is a 30-minute, online, video-based training. The training is available in English or Spanish, and it has been proven to increase hospitality employee reporting. Researchers from the University of Washington evaluated BEST's hotel training and found trained employees were more likely to come forward to report human trafficking incidents to their mangers. Researchers also learned that 97 percent of hospitality employee participants believe BEST’s training made their workplace safer. 

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.

Guest Blog

​Insurance underwriters research your business before issuing a quote or renewing coverage. They find clues about your day-to-day operations in customer reviews, social media profiles, and even the image gallery on your website. Since this analysis can affect your insurance rates, you want to make sure your online presence conveys an accurate story. Here’s what underwriters look for and factors you need to think about:

If you say you’re a restaurant, but you’re open until 1 a.m., are you really a bar?

Suppose you describe your business as a family restaurant where people of all ages bond through great food and conversation. However, on Yelp, several reviews compliment your cocktails and live entertainment. And your Instagram feed features young adults dancing, a flashing disco ball, and a crowded bar. 

At the very least, you can expect the underwriter to ask questions to classify your business correctly. Maybe you are a family restaurant until 8 p.m. But after that, you cater to a different target audience that wants to drink and party. The latter scenario is more expensive to insure.

What kinds of risks are you taking?

An insurance company can deny or cancel coverage if they don’t like what they see online.

One establishment featured its ice shot glasses on social media. Fun-loving patrons downed the liquor then smashed their ice “glasses” on the floor, creating a slip hazard. 

At another place, a bartender stood on top of the bar to toast a patron’s birthday. The restaurant added this celebratory picture to their website.  

Standing on the counter was not a normal activity in this workplace, but the insurance company didn’t know that. They assumed it was part of the business’s culture, and the worker’s comp carrier spoke up. They didn’t want the risk exposure.

Do you comply with laws and regulations?

Recently, a bar advertised its “happy hour” on social media with a photo showing “$1 beer all day.” Oregon law prohibits promoting happy hours on social media. Additionally, the beer price and event duration posed underwriting concerns since both factors can contribute to over-consumption of alcohol. In this case, the insurer canceled the bar’s entire insurance package. 

7 tips for avoiding an adverse underwriting decision

In five minutes, an underwriter is sizing up your business by looking at your online presence. They are asking themselves, “Do I even offer insurance to you? If I let you in the door, will I need to charge you more because I perceive you as riskier?”

To position your business in the best possible light with underwriters: 

1. Examine your website through an insurance lens and regularly review your online presence. Does your photo gallery and social media activity accurately portray the nature of your business? Is there anything that might raise alarm bells for an insurer?
2. Set up monitoring so you receive real-time alerts if someone posts about your business. This way, you can leverage positive reviews, while managing anything that could be harmful. 
3. Reassess your business hours. There’s an old saying, “Nothing good happens after midnight.” Understand the insurance implications of staying open late. Many insurers want a midnight closure (or earlier) as a condition for coverage. Those willing to consider longer hours will charge more. Are you bringing in enough revenue to cover the extra insurance costs? 
4. Make sure the business description in your insurance policy matches what’s happening today. Maybe you were a breakfast-lunch establishment when you first started your venture, but now you serve dinner and late-night drinks. As your business evolves, you may need to adjust your insurance. An inaccurate business description can lead to coverage gaps and worse.
5. Decide if “flex hours” are delivering ROI. Some businesses allow the night manager to close early if business is slow. If your website says you’re open until 2 a.m., but you regularly close at 11 p.m., you may benefit from officially adopting an earlier closing time. You could transition your business from being “high risk” to “medium risk” just by shortening your hours.
6. Update your website. A 2018 photo can signal to an underwriter that you aren’t maintaining your website, which creates a cybersecurity concern. And if you’re not maintaining your site, what else is out of date?
7. Evaluate your website through an ADA lens (Americans with Disabilities Act). Some hospitality businesses are facing lawsuits over sites that are non-compliant. Insurers don’t want that liability.

The insurance coverage you need depends on the classification of your business. Are you a bagel bakery or a brew pub? What percentage of your revenue comes from alcohol sales — 0%, 20%, 50%, 80%?

If there’s a mismatch between the info on your insurance application and online presence, you risk an adverse underwriting decision. Insurers may decline to quote. Or if you already have coverage, you risk claim denials and the potential for policy cancellation.

Take the opportunity to shape your story. Submit a letter or video with background information you want the underwriter to consider. Highlight the steps you’ve taken this year to improve your risk profile. Provide context to help insurers understand your online reputation and business vision. | Rob Hoover

Rob Hoover of Risk Strategies Fournier Group manages ORLA’s Hospitality Insurance Program (HIP). Contact him to learn more about online reputation and insurance pricing.