ORLA Update – September 23, 2022

Industry Champions / Local Lodging Tax / New GA Team Member

Statewide Hospitality Awards
ORLA honored four industry members during the Hospitality Conference in Eugene on September 11, 2022. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses serving the hospitality industry and communities throughout the state. Congratulations to the Employee of the Year Jodi Doud (Southern Oregon Elmer's), Lodging Operator of the Year Nick Pearson (Jupiter & Jupiter NEXT), Restaurateur of the Year Emma Dye (Crisp), and Allied Member of the Year Matthew D. Lowe (Jordan Ramis PC). View video profiles of this year’s recipients.

Protecting Local Lodging Tax Dollars
ORLA's government affairs team is working closely with our leadership teams and operators to review how local lodging taxes are being spent in jurisdictions across the state. Over the past fiscal year, ORLA has filed over 10 public records requests to evaluate the use of lodging tax dollars collected by local governments. Turnover within government positions just like in the private sector result in the need for ongoing education of the state rules governing local lodging taxes. Watch ORLA's explainer video how local lodging taxes must be expended in accordance with Oregon's state law.

New ORLA GA Team Member
Makenzie Marineau joins ORLA with experience in the non-profit world along with government relations, communication and volunteer engagement skills. Along with expertise in government affairs, she has years of experience working within the hospitality industry in Oregon. In her role as Government Affairs and Regional Leadership Teams Coordinator, Makenzie will be helping the association and its members achieve success through the development and ongoing oversight of regional groups of restaurants and lodging operators as well as programs to benefit the hospitality industry. She will serve as the lead government affairs staff member in the Portland Metro region and will provide administrative support for regional leadership teams outside of the region.

As always, if you have any questions about industry issues, please reach out to your Regional Representative or email us.