TAKE ACTION

ORLA Needs You to Get Engaged on the Issues

​Your involvement truly makes a difference. At the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, we work to make sure the restaurant industry is well represented at meetings across all levels of government, but we need your help to really make a difference when it comes to blocking bad regulations and laws and fighting for good ones.  

You have the opportunity right now to be a hospitality champion by signing up as an official Advocate. This new tool will assist us in creating a stronger voice for hospitality at the city, county, state, and federal levels of government. By signing up, you will be among the first to learn about important hospitality issues while receiving the intelligence you need to take action to protect your small business and your employees. 
Why is it important and how can you get involved?
As owners and operators, you have tremendous stories to tell and real-life experiences to share. The bills and laws elected officials consider or pass can have a huge impact on your business and they need to hear about it straight from you. In addition to signing up as an Industry Advocate, here are some ways to engage in the issues:

  1. Level One: Write a letter to an elected official or make a personal phone call.
    This is one of the simplest ways you can get involved but an important one. As a constituent and as a business owner, your story and opinion matters to elected officials. Hearing from you directly can help change an opinion or strengthen the resolve of a good decision. We also want to make sure we thank elected officials who “get it” and help block bad laws or pass good ones.
  2. Level Two: Make a personal visit to an elected official.
    Making an appointment and having a face-to-face meeting with an elected official reminds them who you are, what you do and how important an issue is to you and our industry. It also helps establish a more personal relationship with him or her, hopefully making it easier the next time you need to talk about an important issue.
  3. Level Three: Testify before an elected body and commit to Level One and Level Two as well.
    When you are willing to take time to come to a meeting and speak before an elected group, it sends a strong message. It says the issue being discussed is important enough for you to leave your business, however temporarily, and ask that your voice be heard. It says you feel strongly about an issue and the impact it could have on your business is enough that you felt you needed to personally testify or comment on it.

We recognize not everyone feels comfortable speaking in front of a group or comfortable writing a letter, and some would rather talk to someone over the phone. However you want to contribute and get involved, just let us know. Bottom line, we need you to engage! Your time and commitment to our industry matters and we can’t do it without you. 

Contact Greg Astley, director of government affairs at Astley@OregonRLA.org or call 971.224.1502 to sign up and get involved today! ​
ORLA REGIONAL MEETINGS

Twice a year (Spring and Fall) ORLA hosts regional meetings around the state to share information and intelligence on government affairs activities and how to address operational challenges. If you are interested in attending a meeting, contact your regional representative.

GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY

The Portland Kitchen Cabinet is a grassroots movement of restaurant operators, employees and supporters committed to growing and preserving restaurant opportunities in Portland. Created by the National Restaurant Association in partnership with ORLA, the Kitchen Cabinet aims to build bridges and foster long-term relationships with elected officials and the community. For more info, email Nicole Peterson, ORLA's Government Affairs Coordinator at NPeterson@OregonRLA.org.