ORLA Update: October 2024

Measuring Advocacy ROI | Elections & Measures | Oregon Champions Recognized

Update 10.31.24:

How the Election Could Impact Industry Priorities: The U.S. is in a record-breaking period of “change elections.”  In each of the last 5 national elections, there’s been a change in party control of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, or the White House. The National Restaurant Association policy team takes a look at the likely course of action for some of our industry’s priority issues under the array of possible election outcomes. Get the full assessment.

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All Hands on Deck to Defeat the Costly Tax on Sales: ORLA worked with the No on Measure 118 campaign to create an infographic that illustrates the impact Measure 118 will have on restaurants specifically. To help spread the message, check out the growing collection of collateral available through the campaign’s Action Center.

Oregon Hospitality's ROI on ORLA Advocacy: In case you did not realize, ORLA is the only statewide association defending Oregon hospitality businesses from unwanted local meals taxes, local room tax increases and other government revenue attempts to unfairly target our industry. As a reminder of what ORLA has been able to achieve together on this front, take a look at the Advocacy ROI summary and see how this advocacy work could impact your bottom line.

Election Media Guide for Portland Businesses: With the upcoming election, Travel Portland continues to monitor election news and create strategies and messaging to respond when necessary and appropriate. Acknowledging how potential demonstrations may impact our community and businesses, Travel Portland worked with a Strategic Communications agency to craft a communications guide tailored for use by hoteliers and small businesses. This succinct media kit provides key information to address potential customer concerns during this election season. ORLA was asked to help share these resources in the hope you and your teams find value in the information.

Help shape the 2025 Federal Agenda: What are the trends and challenges that will define your business in 2025? Restaurant members are encouraged to complete the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Business Conditions Survey. Your input will provide valuable data to help illustrate how current business conditions are impacting the industry. Learn more with the Association’s latest 90-Second Update.

Recognizing Industry Champions: Last month, five industry members and one allied member were honored in front of a three hundred of their peers at the ORLA Hospitality Industry Awards dinner. One of our honorees was Sandra Reyes, Guest Services Agent at the SaltLine Hotel in Seaside, recognized for her innate ability to make every person in the hotel feel welcome with the “Aloha Spirit.” Watch her story along with our other 2024 award recipients on ORLA's YouTube channel.

ERTC Refunds Back in Process: The long-delayed Employee Retention Tax Credits (ERTC) are being processed for eligible business owners who have been waiting on these refunds. The IRS says almost 400,000 claims worth $10 billion are being processed for eligible business owners who applied for tax refunds under the Covid-era program.

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ORLA keeps members informed and educated with the latest information, industry intelligence and research via several channels. In addition to the blog, members receive more comprehensive insights via the monthly Insider e-newsletter and access to the Member Portal with data and research. ​Not a member yet? Visit our Membership page or reach out the ORLA Regional Representative near you.