ORLA Update - October 28, 2022

ORLA Regional Meetings / Oregon Paid Leave / Hiring Practices / Feeding Kids Healthy Options

Want a Seat at the Table?  Join us at a Regional Meeting
ORLA members are encouraged to attend one of the 11 regional meetings taking place across the state between November–January. We're hosting these meetings for members and new legislators before they go to Salem in February for the 2023 Legislative Session. Regardless of how the 2022 election turns out, we will have a new Governor, a new Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner, and a record number of new faces in our State House and State Senate. We need to make sure our elected officials understand our industry issues and can be partners with us in improving the climate for small businesses in Oregon. While these hosted events are free for members to attend, an RSVP is required.

Are You Ready for Paid Leave Oregon?
Oregon’s new paid family and medical leave insurance program, Paid Leave Oregon, will soon become operational. Employers must submit payroll contributions to fund the program beginning Jan. 1, and employees can start applying for benefits on Sept. 3. Many employers are still weighing whether to participate in the state-administered leave program or an equivalent program offered by an insurance provider. As a reminder, ORLA is actively looking into private sector solutions for an equivalent plan and will keep members posted. In the meantime, we have developed a one-pager that outlines key dates and helps answer some questions regarding Oregon’s new program. In addition, Oregon Business & Industry hosted a webinar this week with Laura Rosenbaum, an employment attorney with Stoel Rives, and Jessica Bolar, senior product manager for paid family and medical leave with The Standard and covered much of what employers need to know.

Top 5 Ways to Beat the Hiring Crisis (webinar)
Today's job market is exceedingly competitive. Almost every restaurant/hotel is struggling to stay staffed, and they're all looking for someone who is ready to return to work. With so much demand, you'll need a major competitive advantage if you want a chance at landing applicants. ORLA recently co-hosted a webinar presented by our allied member, Workstream, covering tactics used by top industry leaders to successfully staff their locations during the current hiring crisis. To watch the recorded webinar, click here.

Leisure travel driving recovery
U.S. hotel leisure travel revenue will be up 14% this year over 2019 levels, while hotel business travel revenue will come within 1% of 2019 levels, according to a new analysis by AHLA and Kalibri Labs. Surging demand has created historic career opportunities for employees, with growing wages, increased flexibility, and expanded benefits. However, the projections are not adjusted for inflation, and real hotel revenue recovery will likely take several years. 

Promote Better-for-You Meals with Kids LiveWell℠
The National Restaurant Association is expanding its Kids Live Well (KLW) program and making it easier for restaurants to offer and promote better-for-you meals to parents and children dining out. The association has created educational resources for restaurants to support these healthier food options. KLW is a voluntary initiative to help restaurants craft healthier kids’ meal options that meet the latest nutrition criteria established by registered dietitians in collaboration with public health and consumer advocates. To learn how you can participate and access resources, visit Restaurant.org.

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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 nearest you.