ORLA Update: August 3, 2022

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. 

• KOIN: Portland Sports Outdoor Activity Industries See Economic Growth in 2022

• Portland Tribune: Oregon Winning in National Sports and Recreation
• Portland Business Journal: Oregon Sports Business Industry Remains Top Tier
• Oregon Business Report: Editors Pick, New Oregon Report: The State of Sport
• An e-clip even appeared in the State Library of Oregon: Oregon Winning in National Sport, Recreation
• Sponsored Content – Portland Monthly: Portland Business Alliance and Coalition Partners Release Oregon: The State of Sport ‘The most comprehensive report of its kind to date finds the state’s sports ecosystem is a thriving economic force.’

 
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:

• KATU ABC: Hospitality Industry Optimistic In Portland's Post-Pandemic Recovery
• KGW NBC: Leaders In Lodging Industry Push For More Hotel Workers As Tourists Return To Portland
• Oregonian (Oregon Live): Portland Tourism Is Bouncing Back From COVID, But Hiring Challenges May Hold Back Full Recovery

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.