ORLA Day of Advocacy Fosters Relationship Building

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:

• 360 Vodka
• Adam's Rib Smoke House
• Blue Star Donuts
• Five Farms Irish Cream
• Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant
• Geppetto's Italian Restaurant
• Grain Station Brew Works
• Great Harvest Bread Co.
• South Salem High School Culinary Program
• Sunriver Resort’s ACF Apprenticeship Program
• Swire Coca-Cola, USA
• Willamette Valley Vineyards

For more information on ORLA's legislative priorities, or to view bill tracking, visit OregonRLA.org.

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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.