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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.
Contact: Jason Brandt, ORLA, 503.302.5060 [Wilsonville, OR] – The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) proudly announces the fourth-year launch of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA), developed in partnership with the Oregon Destination Association and Travel Oregon, and led by the industry’s top experts. The annual experiential learning program is targeted to public and private sector tourism professionals who are seeking to polish their leadership and professional skills, continue to grow their career accomplishments, and make positive and lasting contributions to the state’s tourism economy and its success. “We’re excited to see the ongoing success of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy move into its fourth year,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “The academy experience is enriching the value of working in the tourism industry for those who participate in the program and it’s an honor for ORLA to be a part of it.” The fourth-year class will launch April 5 and conclude in the Winter of 2023. Participants include representatives from many sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry including destination management organizations, foodservice distributors, a museum, chamber of commerce, lodging properties, and travel publications. View a roster for the fourth-year class. Curriculum, field visits, and hands-on experiences are strategically designed to support and align with the state’s tourism goals and objectives which include four Strategic Imperatives:
The OTLA experience is designed for professionals currently serving Oregon’s tourism and hospitality industries. Applications from industry professionals who will soon be responsible for similar levels of responsibility are also encouraged to apply for the academy program. The strategic imperatives outlined above will serve as the program’s core themes each year. Each theme will receive focus as a part of four multi-day experiential learning programs designed to provide academy participants with comprehensive educational experiences. Each year, approximately 20 participants will immerse themselves in the academy’s professional development curriculum alongside industry experts and facilitators. For more information on the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy, visit OregonRLA.org/otla. ORLA is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon. A not-for-profit trade organization, ORLA represents over 3,000 member units and advocates for over 10,000 foodservice locations and over 2,400 lodging establishments in Oregon.
The hospitality industry is the second largest business sector behind healthcare. In 2021, our industry provided over 153,700 jobs to working Oregonians and brought in over $10.9 billion in annual sales for Oregon.  Crook County Culinary Team Ten High Schools Competed in the Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s Statewide Oregon ProStart® Championships Showcasing the Industry’s Future Chefs and Managers
[March 13, 2023 – 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. Crook County 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 management side, McMinnville High School took first place, earning them a trip alongside Crook County, to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National ProStart Invitational. “The atmosphere at this event was electric,” said Courtney Smith, ProStart Liaison/Executive Coordinator 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.” Crook County prepared Mediterranean influenced shrimp sauteed with an anchovy-caper green sauce, creamy Romesco sauce, fried capers, and Parmesan for a starter. Entrée included pan-seared pork tenderloin medallions with smashed Japanese sweet potatoes, earthy brussels sprouts with Granny Smith apple slaw, a savory black garlic and spicy red chili sauce. Dessert was a silky chocolate mousse in a crispy fried pistachio pie tee, rich blackberry sauce, vanilla bean whipped cream with crafted sugar and chocolate treats. Additional awards presented at the event:
“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 Crook County High School and McMinnville High School will head to the National ProStart Invitational® May 2-4, 2023, in Washington, D.C. 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 40 Oregon high school programs, currently involving over 4,000 ProStart students, a total of 12 teams from 10 high schools competed in this event. Sponsors of the event included: DoorDash, Bandon Dunes, Ecolab, McDonald Wholesale, The Grand Hotel in Salem, Johnson Controls, Salem Convention Center, Swire-Coca Cola, and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Championship Results: Culinary Competition
Management Competition
Championship Participants:
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.  ProStart culinary student cooking at the 2020 Championships Media Contact: Lori Little After Two-Year Hiatus, Oregon High School Culinary and Management Teams Return to Compete In Statewide Championships WHAT High school teams will compete in statewide culinary and management competitions at the Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s Oregon ProStart Championships. Culinary teams of four students prepare a 3-course gourmet meal in 60 minutes using only two butane burners and are evaluated by a team of professional chef judges. Five teams of four students will present their new restaurant concept to a panel of industry professionals in a simulated business exposition in the management competition. WHEN Monday, March 13, 2023, 8:00am -2:00pm (Awards dinner 5-7:00pm); schedule is posted online at OregonRLA.org/championships WHERE Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301 WHY To help high school students jump start culinary and hospitality careers, the Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF) supports educators and schools offering ProStart, a national career and technical education (CTE) curriculum and program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Teaching culinary, teamwork, and management skills needed by restaurant, hospitality and foodservice employers, the Oregon ProStart Championships is the capstone of this two-year program, providing a public opportunity for students to showcase what they have learned. Of the 40 Oregon high school programs, currently involving over 4,000 ProStart students, a total of 13 teams from 10 high schools will compete in this event. The culinary competition runs 10:00am -1:00pm where chef judges evaluate culinary teams on taste, presentation, knife skills, and teamwork. The management competition runs from 1:15-2:15 p.m. where teams are evaluated on their concept, marketing strategies, menu, recipes and food costs, operations, and critical thinking skills. Winners of both competitions will be announced at the awards dinner program starting at 5:00pm. Students vie for a share of thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes, plus, state winners will compete in the National ProStart Invitational May 2-4, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Sponsoring organizations partnering with the Oregon Hospitality Foundation include: DoorDash, Bandon Dunes, Ecolab, McDonald Wholesale, The Grand Hotel in Salem, Salem Convention Center, Swire-Coca Cola, and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. WHO The following high schools / programs are scheduled to compete:
ABOUT
ProStart, one of the nation’s largest industry-supported career technical education (CTE) programs, teaches students lifetime skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and professionalism while also imparting culinary skills that can help them achieve long term, successful careers in the foodservice and hospitality sector. 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. As the "March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month" national campaign celebrates 20 years, ORLA wants to join the efforts in helping increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services. Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.
ORLA President & CEO, Jason Brandt, serves on the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling whose mission is to promote the health of Oregonians through supporting efforts to minimize gambling-related harm. This organization strives to provide the highest quality, cutting-edge responsible problem gambling awareness and educational services to Oregonians. “Problem gambling is not an issue we think about just once a year in conjunction with awareness month,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO of ORLA. “Gambling in Oregon generates approximately $1 billion every biennium for the State of Oregon and is the second largest revenue source behind personal income taxes. Our members who partner with the Oregon Lottery as retailers in many cases are a crucial intermediary in our collective efforts to maximize revenue for numerous state programs and services while upholding the tenants of responsible gaming. Retailers remain the most comprehensive network of operators who can identify and address problem gambling in partnership with the Oregon Lottery.” As stakeholders in the gaming industry, Oregon Lottery retailers are required to take retailer training to promote Responsible Gaming. Retailer employees can access the ‘Responsible Gaming and You’ training and earn a certificate on the Oregon Lottery website. Some warning signs of a gambling problem are:
If you know someone who may need help, they can call the National Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for more information about problem gambling and referral to local help.  AAHOA Northwest Regional Director Taran Patel and ORLA President & CEO Jason Brandt Capitol Day Assembly, Taste Oregon Events Provide Members with Face to Face Connections [Wilsonville, OR - 2/22/23] – Over 300 hospitality industry members, state agency representatives, legislators and staff participated in a day of activities supporting Oregon's hospitality industry. The morning kicked off with several discussions on industry-related issues during ORLA's Capitol Day Assembly. Attendees engaged with questions for invited representatives from state agencies including Oregon Employment Department, Paid Leave Oregon, Oregon Lottery, and BOLI. The afternoon was left open for members to meet with legislators and staff in pre-arranged meetings at the Capitol. The day culminated with the Taste Oregon Legislative Reception co-hosted by ORLA and AAHOA and presented by DoorDash. This favored legislative event provided a unique opportunity for industry operators to meet face to face with their legislators in a casual forum, conducive for building connections over some great food and beverage. “ORLA’s partnership with AAHOA is of crucial importance as we work to mobilize our very busy members in support of Oregon’s hospitality industry,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Our Taste Oregon reception is one of the ways we create value for our members across the state. Without a doubt, relationships matter.” Attendees from both ORLA and AAHOA had the opportunity earlier in the day to hear more about ORLA's legislative agenda and discuss talking points on some of the key issues that have potential impact on restaurant and lodging operators. A huge thank you to the restaurant and beverage companies who provided great tastes including:
For more information on ORLA's legislative priorities, or to view bill tracking, visit OregonRLA.org. About
ORLA is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon. A not-for-profit trade organization, ORLA represents over 3,000 member units and advocates for over 10,000 foodservice locations and over 2,400 lodging establishments in Oregon. The hospitality industry is the second largest business sector behind healthcare. In 2021, our industry provided over 153,700 jobs to working Oregonians and brought in over $10.9 billion in annual sales for Oregon. Hotel Industry Report Released
[From the desk of Chip Rogers, President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association] Today, AHLA released its 2023 State of the Hotel Industry report. The report forecasts that the hotel industry in 2023 will surpass pre-pandemic levels of demand, nominal room revenue and state and local tax revenue, while inching closer to other key 2019 performance metrics. It is based on data and analysis from Oxford Economics and was created in collaboration with AHLA Platinum Partners STR, Avendra, Ecolab, Encore, and Oracle. Top findings of the report include:
You can view the report here. For more information, visit AHLA.com. AHLA is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. In addition to hoteliers, AHLA membership includes partner state associations, industry vendors and suppliers, hospitality students and those who teach and mentor them. Meet Your Elected Leaders / Service Animals / Small Business Grants Capitol Day & Taste Oregon With a record number of new legislators in Salem, in addition to a new Governor and a few agency heads, now's the time to engage in opportunities to meet face to face with these elected leaders and help them understand our unique industry issues. There's a full menu of activities with ORLA and AAHOA's Capitol Day and Taste Oregon events presented by DoorDash in Salem on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. You are encouraged to participate in one or more of these activities with multiple chances to tell your story and discuss issues of importance with our elected leaders. Take a look at the day's schedule and plan to join us for some or all the activities. While these events are free to attend, an RSVP is required. California FAST Act Update It was an incredibly busy Fall for ORLA’s colleagues down in California as the state association worked alongside the National Restaurant Association to submit over one million voter signatures to stall the implementation of the FAST Act passed by the state legislature. In short, Californians will get the opportunity to either affirm the decision of their legislature or vote against it in November 2024. Until voters decide, we will not see the FAST Act take effect in California. Expect to see an expensive and hard hitting opposition campaign during the 2024 election season for our neighbors to the south. ORLA’s Government Affairs Committee will be following the issue closely as policy issues in California and Washington tend to find their way to Oregon. A Miniature Horse Walks into a Bar... Hospitality industry members have been experiencing more situations with customers walking into restaurants and hotels with "service animals" that may not actually be trained as such. We've reposted our Boiled Down podcast episode on the subject for some good reminders on what questions business owners and employees can legally ask customers. A local employment law attorney helps shed light on the dos and don’ts of service animals in your establishment. For additional resources, including downloadable posters for your place of business, visit ORLA's web page on compliance. New Small Business Grant Applications Business Oregon has partnered with the CCD Business Development Corporation to offer $3 million in Statewide Small Business and Microenterprise Grant Assistance (SBMA). This program is funded with federal grant funds from the Oregon Community Development Block Grant program CARES Act funding for communities affected by COVID-19. The application process opens January 23 and closes February 7, 2023. The grant applications are open to microenterprises (5 or fewer employees) or small business (more than five employees) that meet the eligibility requirements. Oregon Governor’s Conference Registration Open The 2023 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism will be in Portland April 3-5, 2023. This is your opportunity to join your travel and tourism colleagues at Oregon's largest tourism gathering of the year. Keynote speakers and breakout session details are still to come but will focus on objectives aligned with Travel Oregon's 10-Year Strategic Vision, which includes experiences, equity, economy and environment. For more information and to register, visit Travel Oregon's industry site. Questions on Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association's advocacy work? Contact Director of Government Affairs, Greg Astley or visit our Advocacy page. 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 to an ORLA Regional Representative nearest you.
With the new year around the corner, hospitality employers should be aware requirements coming into play in 2023.
Close to 120 bills were passed in the 2022 short legislative session earlier this year. While some have already gone into effect, an additional 20 new laws go into effect January 1, 2023. Read more on OregonLive.com. The laws most relevant for our industry include:
Want to stay informed with ORLA's activity in the 2023 Legislative Session? Visit our website to view our legislative framework for the upcoming session, subscribe to email alerts and updates, and sign up to be a Hospitality Advocate. 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.
Keeping Alcohol Out of The Hands of Minors “Can I see your ID?” can be a refreshing and somewhat amusing question for those of us who ‘comb gray hairs.’ Such a request can catch some customers off guard; as asking them to rummage through their purses, pockets or ‘fanny packs’ is never a fun chore. However, keeping alcoholic beverages out of the hands of minors is a serious responsibility that front-of-the-house staff take on and must monitor throughout their shifts. Alcohol is the number one abused controlled substance by teens. A 2019 Center for Disease Control survey revealed that 29 percent of high school students reported drinking alcohol within the last 30 days while a shocking 17 percent rode with a driver who had been drinking. These statistics show how serious the issue is and how vigilant hospitality businesses need to remain to prevent alcohol from getting into minors’ hands. So why is keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors so important? Besides being illegal, alcohol drastically impacts minors’ ability to make sound judgements and sets them down a dangerous path for their future. Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder later in life. To confront this problem, restaurant and bar owners need to be proactive by ensuring there is an ongoing discussion with front-of-the-house staff. Bars and restaurants should:
Even with all that effort, minors still can be deceitful. Fake IDs are a common occurrence, and some minors look older than they actually are. College towns are particularly prone to fake ID problems and our Inspectors have received piles of these IDs from businesses. This is why it is so vital for bar and restaurant operators to stay on top of employee training, so staff are prepared to catch a fake and prevent a sale. Frontline staff should feel empowered to ask questions and trust their instincts when in doubt. Asking a questionable patron details about their ID can reveal a lot.
Ultimately, all servers should remember they have the right to refuse a questionable sale. Due to the serious impacts of underage drinking, the OLCC is charged with conducting minor decoy operations. In order to carry out this charge, the OLCC employs minors between 18-20 years old who look under the age of 26. These decoys attempt to purchase alcohol or marijuana at OLCC licensed businesses. If asked for identification, the minor decoy shows their own valid Oregon identification, which indicates they are underage. Minor decoys do not disguise their real age or encourage the sale of alcohol or marijuana. While not the most popular part of the agency’s mission, minor decoy operations uncover when businesses become too lax and forget the seriousness of their responsibilities. When marijuana became legal, retailers had a great deal to learn about running a front-facing legal operation. One challenge that was identified quickly was preventing sales to minors. As reports came in about such suspected sales, the OLCC responded by initiating minor decoy operations on the budding market. In late 2017, the first set of operations showed that the industry was not taking the issue seriously with an 81 percent compliance rate. The Commission responded by increasing the penalty for any sale to a minor and engaged in a campaign to educate licensees and worker permit holders of their responsibilities. In January of 2018, the Commission reengaged in minor decoy operations and saw compliance improve to 89 percent. Establishing a name for a business takes time, dedication, and hard work. Not being proactive and enabling minors to drink in your establishment can endanger all of that work and put lives at risk. It is vital for the health of Oregonians that the hospitality industry work to prevent minors from obtaining alcoholic beverages. OLCC Inspectors are available to meet with your staff to provide education and tips on how you can prevent selling alcohol to minors. | Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission This article first published in the Autumn 2022 issue of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Magazine.
 Restaurant and Hotel Industry Members Honored by Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association [Wilsonville, OR] – The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) honored four members of Oregon’s foodservice and lodging industry as the 2022 Oregon Hospitality Industry Award recipients earlier this month. Jodi Doud with So. Oregon Elmer’s was named Employee of the Year, Nick Pearson with Jupiter and Jupiter NEXT hotels in Portland was named Lodging Operator of the Year, Emma Dye with Crisp restaurants was named Restaurateur of the Year, and Matthew Lowe with Jordan Ramis PC was named Allied Partner of the Year. Recipients were recognized among their peers and over 270 delegates of ORLA’s Hospitality Conference on September 11, 2022, at the Graduate Eugene. These statewide awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses serving the hospitality industry and communities throughout the state. “Oregon’s hospitality industry is overflowing with individuals who contribute significantly to the health of the trade,” says Jason Brandt, president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “These recipients represent not only some of our industry’s most dedicated leaders and advocates, but also the exemplary service that sets the high standard for the entire industry to achieve.” Employee of the Year: Jodi Doud, Server, So. Oregon Elmer's With over 20 years working for So. Oregon Elmer’s, Jodi knows how to win over customers for life by providing exceptional service and bringing her kindhearted demeanor to every customer, during every shift. Being able to make positive, lasting connections with her customers comes naturally and she has played an integral role in helping create memorable experiences for her customers time and again. Beloved by the staff as much as her customers, Jodi epitomizes hospitality and reaffirms how frontline employees truly are the heart and soul of our industry. Lodging Operator of the Year: Nick Pearson, General Manager, Jupiter & Jupiter NEXT During the first weeks of Covid shutdowns, Nick and his team collaborated with local municipalities to convert the original Jupiter hotel as a temporary voluntary isolation shelter for houseless folks who were experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to rest, recuperate, and receive treatment. In addition to supporting local community programs, Nick continuously engages with organizations like ORLA and participates in activities that foster growth for Oregon hospitality. He’s being recognized not only for his outstanding contributions to the industry but also for exemplifying exceptional leadership among his peers. Restaurateur of the Year: Emma Dye, Founder + Chief Salad Officer, Crisp When Emma founded Crisp, her passion was to provide better food options for as many people as possible while keeping their carbon footprint and environmental impact minimal. Emma’s first priority, however, was to provide a place that is welcoming, respectful, and safe for her employees as well as for every customer that walks into the door. Emma and her staff are very proud of the culture at Crisp and the fact that it is a woman-owned, local startup that gives back to the community. Her vision and message about inclusivity also resonates through partnerships with locally owned businesses and nonprofits where Crisp contributes 10 percent of sales every month. Emma is recognized with this hospitality award not only for her accomplishments as a successful restaurateur, but also for the exceptional culture she’s created in her restaurants. Allied Partner of the Year: Matthew D. Lowe, President, Jordan Ramis PC Matthew’s passion for hospitality can be seen in every interaction with his clients, having dedicated over 20 years helping restaurant and lodging operators achieve success in their endeavors. As President of Jordan Ramis, he consistently demonstrates outstanding service, and under his leadership, the firm continues to make innovative contributions to support Oregon’s hospitality industry. Matt and his colleagues work hard on behalf of the lodging industry keeping local jurisdictions accountable in how they expend lodging tax dollars. He is recognized as a friend of the industry by his clients, proving time and again the value of his representation on critical issues impacting Oregon hospitality. Click here to access photos from the event, view ORLA’s photo library. To watch the 4 award videos, visit www.oregonrla.org/nominate. For more information on the ORLA Hospitality Awards, visit www.Oregonrla.org/nominate. The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which provides over 150,000 paychecks to working Oregonians. Currently ORLA represents over 2,800 members and advocates for over 10,000 foodservice locations and more than 2,000 lodging establishments in Oregon. The affiliated Oregon Hospitality Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, supports the workforce, educational, training, and philanthropic needs of Oregon’s hospitality industry through educational opportunities and job training programs.
Gubernatorial Candidate Events / Oregon PFML / ORLA Conference
Gubernatorial Candidate Events The Oregon Beverage Alliance (OBA) is hosting three events with Oregon’s Gubernatorial candidates coming up in the next several weeks. This is a unique opportunity for our industry to have an audience with the future Governor to talk specifically about the hospitality sector, our force as an economic driver for the state, and the importance of considering the impact of policy decisions on our sector. Having a large presence at these events will help ensure that Oregon’s next Governor understands the depth, diversity, and strength of our voice. These events provide a forum for open dialogue on issues of importance to our group. The events are all free of charge and will be held at Columbia Distributing, 27200 SW Parkway Ave, in Wilsonville, Oregon.
Oregon's Paid Family Medical Leave Program Oregon’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program (PFMLI) goes into effect January 1, 2023, and is funded by employer and employee contributions. Employers with less than 25 employees are not required to contribute to the program, but their employees are. Employers will be required to participate in the program or provide an equivalent plan. ORLA is actively looking into private sector solutions right now. Here are some key dates:
Still Time to Register for the Conference ORLA is excited to have both Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association joining us in person as keynote speakers at the ORLA Hospitality Conference in Eugene. This will mark the first time in ORLA’s history where both national CEOs will be present for a gathering of our members. All details relating to the conference can be viewed on our designated conference site. View the “Sessions” tab on the following website to review the flow of the conference and reach out with any questions. This is a great time to bring key staff and those you’re looking to develop as part of your long term sustainability plan for your operation. Affordable Housing / Economic Report / Per Diem Increase / Oregon Hospitality Heroes
‘People for an Affordable Oregon’ Involvement ORLA is part of a broader business coalition challenging the latest rulemaking conducted by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) without appropriate levels of public input. There’s potential that legal action may result out of this movement: the business coalition challenging the lack of public process within the rulemaking effort and municipalities questioning DLCD’s authority over local zoning controls. To learn more about this developing issue visit: Operators Endure Weaker Business Conditions The costs of goods restaurateurs need most have continued to accelerate, and according to a new survey released today by the National Restaurant Association, 46% of operators say business conditions are worse now than they were 3 months ago. More than 80% of operators say the cost of food, labor and occupancy are higher than 2019; 94% say operating costs in general are higher. 85% report profits are down. See full survey results and the press release. GSA Increases Per Diem rate The FY2023 standard per diem rate will increase to $157 for the continental U.S., and rates for the 316 non-standard areas will be at or above FY2022 rates, the General Services Administration (GSA) announced this week. This is extremely welcome news for the hospitality industry as our recovery continues. By increasing the standard rate and setting a floor at pre-pandemic rates for NSAs, GSA has ensured fair increases in markets that warrant them while also avoiding hurting hotels in markets that have taken longer to recover. See Oregon rates. ORLA Hospitality Award Winners We will celebrate four hospitality heroes Sunday evening, September 11 at our Awards Dinner during the annual Conference in Eugene. Congratulations go to Nick Pearson (Jupiter & Jupiter NEXT) as the Lodging Operator of the Year, Emma Dye (Crisp) as the Restaurateur of the Year, Jodi Doud (Elmer's Roseburg) as Employee of the Year; and Matthew D. Lowe (Jordan Ramis) as the Allied Partner of the Year. As always, please let us know if you have any questions by emailing [email protected]. In the News / Sports Economy / Reigniting Travel / Worker Shortage
ORLA's professional staff is in full swing as we turn the corner on event season and gear up for our final productions – Swig & Savor August 12 at the Nines in Portland and the ORLA Hospitality Conference at the Graduate Hotel in Eugene in September. See below for our latest association updates: Media Coverage – State of Sport The Portland market and secondary markets in Eugene and Bend are working collectively to amplify the State of Sport within Oregon’s economy. Findings of a recent report launched intentionally in advance of the World Athletic Championships in Eugene elevates the identity we have in Oregon around sports and recreation companies. Of course the hospitality industry benefits greatly as we continue to develop a more comprehensive identity around sports and recreation. The Oregon Hospitality Foundation, ORLA’s 501 c(3) arm, financially supported the creation of the study and continues to be involved in the ongoing task force work. Here are some of the media pickups resulting from the collaborative work.
Reigniting Travel Press Event Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association joined ORLA alongside Travel Portland and the Portland Business Alliance in holding a press event July 22 about reigniting travel in the Portland region. Here’s a sample of some of the coverage:
Where Have All the Workers Gone? Almost everyone in the industry still needs more help to meet demand. And there are some misunderstandings about how much our workforce has been effected by Covid compared to trends that started long before the pandemic hit. If you haven’t already, read the Wall Street Journal's article, The ‘Great Resignation’ Started Long Ago, it’s worth your time. Something to ponder: "There are more than 11 million job openings in the U.S. but only six million unemployed workers. So what’s happening?" ORLA Hospitality Conference Both Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association will join us in person as keynote speakers at the ORLA Hospitality Conference in Eugene. This will mark the first time in ORLA’s history where both national CEOs will be present for a gathering of our members. This is a great time to bring key staff and those you’re looking to develop as part of your long term sustainability plan for your operation. Questions? Give us a call at 503.682.4422 or email us. Industry Awards / Whiskey Event / Sports Economy / Job Fairs
Award Nominations ORLA's Hospitality Conference in Eugene will include recognition for our Restaurateur Of the Year, Lodging Operator of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Allied Member of the Year. Nominations are open until end of day on Monday, July 11 so please submit a nomination form if you know of a deserving candidate. Swig & Savor ORLA’s public-facing high-end Swig & Savor liquor event has opened ticket sales! This is a unique event featuring top-shelf whiskies for tastings, educational seminars, and allocated and rare products–an opportunity that does not currently exist in the Pacific Northwest market. VIP participants will automatically entered into a raffle with drawings for hard-to-get allocated bottles. Sports Economy and Jobs The Oregon Hospitality Foundation contributed to the production of the economic report released last week by the Portland Business Alliance in partnership with U.S. Bank. Oregon: The State of Sport highlights the economic power and competitive advantage in Oregon stemming from the athletic, outdoor, team, and recreation industries. The report’s initial focus was on the Portland Metro area, Eugene, and Bend, but there is widespread recognition that Oregon’s strength in this space is truly statewide. The report articulates what many of us already knew: if you want to be in this ecosystem as an entrepreneur, employee, or even customer…Oregon is the place to be. The report and key findings can be found here. Youth Job Fair The Oregon Hospitality Foundation will be doing more work to elevate workforce development efforts from partners and stakeholders around the state in the coming years. We look forward to documenting our success in getting industry professionals sharing their stories in high school and community college classrooms, assist with lining up student job shadow experiences with industry professionals, and build out more options for educators to take their students on experiential field trips of industry businesses when it makes sense. Our work also includes shining a brighter light on youth job fairs and other events focused on connecting employers with prospect employees. Questions? Send us an email or give us a ring at 503.682.4422. Leveraging Oregon’s Leadership in the Sports Ecosystem to Boost Workforce Opportunities This July, the World Athletics Championships come not only to the United States for the first time, but to Oregon. We are a leader in track and field with Hayward Field consistently hailed as an elite track and field venue, but we are also a global leader in the “sports adjacent.” In the area forming Eugene to Bend to the greater Portland area, there are over 800 sports apparel companies and thousands of sports related manufacturers, therapists, coaches, semi professional and professional athletic teams, Olympic trials, skiing, outdoor adventure, mountains, rivers, fields, venues, hopes, and dreams. Where else in the country can you engage in the quality of recreation and athletics, live in the region where those amenities already exist, and make a living at the very activity that brings us joy? When the World Athletics Championships meet later this month, they bring with them media opportunity from around the globe. We have a rare opportunity to tell the world that Oregon is much more than Nike, Hayward Field, Portland Thorns, and Trailblazers. We are a state dedicated to sports and everything that supports those sports. That is why ORLAs’ Hospitality Foundation (OHF) has partnered with the Portland Business Alliance (PBA) to bring into focus the major impact that sports and recreation have on the economy and workforce of Oregon. As OHF is digging deep into workforce development for our industry, it seemed logical that we needed a voice at the table to be a part of this important work. PBA has completed an economic analysis and is in the process of naming what we will eventually promote as a brand for Oregon’s sports related economy, but what good does a bunch of data do except tell us what we already know? The truth is, not everyone knows, and we are going to tell the world. This is about, creating awareness for existing investment and attraction of additional sports opportunities. We need to engage in legislation at every level of government to get traction for investment in our state and local sports economies. From workforce development to infrastructure, it is time to leverage our leadership in outdoor recreation and sports and and get creative with how we use it to make everything in Oregon more attractive and inclusive. While we are unsure exactly how the messaging will be employed, we know that the powerful information this provides us would be lost if we don’t use it to leverage into real actionable help for our restaurants and lodging partners in Oregon. How can we use this information to bring economic relief to workforce development, engage housing initiatives, affect transportation, food security, lift BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-run business voices, help with houselessness, mental health, and addiction and recovery services? Right now we are meeting and talking through how to use this data to best affect the State of Oregon. Watch for more information on the analysis and branding as we welcome the world into our homes for the World Athletics Championships. Let’s be ready to tell the narrative that Oregon is the leader in sports, outdoor recreation, and the opportunity it provides us all. | Ken Henson, Vice Chair, Oregon Hospitality Foundation This article originally published in the July issue of ORLA Magazine.
Third Party Deliver Fee Cap / Hotel Loading Zones
Recently, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) went to bat on a couple of issues affecting restaurants and lodging properties in Portland and we came away with two huge wins! On the restaurant side, ORLA was instrumental in securing an extension of the 10% Delivery Fee Cap for an additional eight months. The ordinance takes effect June 29 when the ordinance from 2020 was set to expire. ORLA will now work with restaurant owners, the City of Portland, the third party delivery companies and other stakeholders on a proposal around a permanent delivery fee cap within the city limits. A huge thanks to the restaurant operators who testified and shared their stories to City Council. On the lodging side, ORLA reached out and communicated with Commissioner Hardesty’s office about proposed changes to hotel loading zones that would have turned the current 15-minute zones into 3-minute zones. Our discussions were successful in maintaining the 15-minute loading zones. ORLA pointed out that as Portland hotels continue to recover from the last two and a half years, making it more difficult and less welcoming for visitors to enjoy our city is the opposite of what we need to be doing. Advocacy on behalf of the hospitality industry and our members is at the core of what we do at ORLA and we appreciate your involvement and your support as we continue to fight on your behalf. Questions? Contact ORLA Regional Representative Steven Scardina or ORLA Director of Government Affairs Greg Astley. Inflation / Job Loss / Travel Forecast
More than two years into the pandemic and we're still realizing the effects of Covid on travel, supply of goods, and inflation. We appreciate the work our national partners do to provide valuable insights and data highlighting the ongoing economic issues facing our industry. RESTAURANTS This week, the National Restaurant Association released an updated summary of the Misery index based on the May jobs and sales reports. While job growth is still slow, sales are continuing to grow. American restaurant owners and operators are experiencing the impact of several global factors influencing food supply. The war in Ukraine, India’s record heat wave, and delayed planting in China last year mean that wheat is in short supply. With wholesale food prices already up nearly 18% in the last 12 months, the growing list of unavailable or items in short supply is adding pressure to an already strained industry. Highlights from the June 2022 Misery Index:
LODGING A recent survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shares how new concerns about gas prices and inflation are impacting Americans’ travel plans in a variety of ways. Majorities say they are likely to take fewer leisure trips (57%) and shorter trips (54%) due to current gas prices, while 44% are likely to postpone trips, and 33% are likely to cancel with no plans to reschedule. 82% say gas prices will have at least some impact on their travel destination(s). The survey of 2,210 adults was conducted May 18-22, 2022. Other key findings include:
AHLA recently relaunched its Hospitality is Working campaign with a focus on reigniting travel across the nation and highlighting hotels’ positive economic impact in cities across the country. With travel ramping back up, hotels have embarked on an unprecedented hiring spree to recruit hundreds of thousands of workers for more than 200 hotel career pathways. Bottom line, restaurant and lodging operators are feeling the same economic pressures that our customers and guests are, and we’re always going to work hard so we can keep serving them, our employees, and our communities. Stay strong, serve well! ERC Eligibility / National CEO Presence / Board Nominations
Eligibility Clarification for 2021 Q3 Employee Retention Tax Credits The law states there are two criteria by which an employer may qualify for the Employee Retention Credit:
AHLA and NRA CEOs to Speak at ORLA's Hospitality Conference Mark your calendars and plan on attending the ORLA Hospitality Conference September 11-12 in Eugene. We are excited to host both CEOs from our national affiliates for the first time at an ORLA event. Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO for the National Restaurant Association and Chip Rogers, President & CEO for the American Hotel & Lodging Association will be speaking in person during the kickoff lunch on Sunday. This is a rare opportunity to hear insights directly from these industry leaders on legislative activity in Congress, industry trends, emerging issues, and projected industry recovery. In addition to the general sessions, we have eight breakout sessions including two that will offer a deeper dive on restaurant and lodging advocacy. ORLA Board Nominations Committee Convenes in July Active ORLA members provide the backbone for all association efforts and we remain fortunate in having committed restaurant, lodging, and allied members who serve on ORLA’s Board of Directors. The ORLA Board is made up of 10 restaurant member representatives, 10 lodging member representatives, and 3 Allied member representatives. Board members serve 3 year terms and attend 4 board meetings each year. Those serving are eligible to serve two consecutive terms before reaching their term limit. For ORLA’s upcoming fiscal year beginning October 1 there are 3 openings on the board due to term limits – 1 restaurant, 1 lodging, and 1 allied position. If you are interested in being considered for ORLA Board service please reach out to ORLA President & CEO Jason Brandt. Sysco Sponsors Teacher Flex Fund Thanks to our partners at Sysco, the Oregon Hospitality Foundation had the opportunity to extend a small grant application in support of the ProStart program across the state. The Oregon ProStart Teacher Flex Fund encouraged teachers to apply for a $500 grant for to prepare for the 2022–2023 school year. At the teacher's discretion, these funds can be spent on much-needed products or equipment within the classroom to help facilitate their culinary program. Allocations from the $5,000 Flex Fund were made on a first come, first serve basis, and will be dispersed later this month. To learn more about how ProStart is helping foster our next generation of industry leaders, or to see how you can support this valuable career technical education program, visit OregonRLA.org/prostart. Questions? Feel free to contact your association.  Lodging operators are optimistic about leisure travel returning to Oregon. In addition to Oregonians traveling locally around the state, the World Athletic Championships - Oregon22 should bring visitors from around the globe to experience Oregon’s unique hospitality.
According to a recent survey conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, nearly seven in ten Americans (69%) report being likely to travel this summer, with 60% saying they are likely to take more vacations this year compared to 2020-21. The survey of 2,210 adults was conducted May 18-22, 2022. Other key findings include:
As business and leisure travel continue to rebound from the last two and a half years of restrictions and shutdowns, lodging operators in Oregon are looking to in-state travel as well as the boost from over 200 countries and their fans coming to our state for the 2022 World Athletic Championships. Although the competition is in Eugene, there’s no doubt visitors to Oregon will take the opportunity to explore every corner of our state and take advantage of the natural beauty and hospitality our industry and others will offer. You can find much more information on the World Athletic Championships on Travel Oregon's website. An industry-facing toolkit has also been developed to provide additional information, resources, broadcast-quality b-roll and hi-res images, as well as inspirational trip ideas and media contact information. Questions can be directed to Jaime Eder, Industry Communications Manager at Travel Oregon. | Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs, ORLA |
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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