TAKE ACTION & BE A HOSPITALITY ADVOCATE!

ORLA needs you to get engaged on issues impacting the hospitality industry! We make sure the restaurant and lodging industry is well represented across all levels of government, but we could use your help. 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. Read on for opportunities to share your story, testify, and/or participate in the Government Affairs Committee calls.

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HOW CAN YOU ADVOCATE FOR THE INDUSTRY?
Your first step to getting involved is to stay informed by signing up to receive text alerts as a Hospitality Advocate. Go online to register or you can simply text "ORLA" to 52886. Contact Greg Astley, director of government affairs at 971.224.1502 with additional questions. Here are more ways to engage:
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• LEVEL 1: Write a letter to an elected official or make a personal phone call.​
  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. It's also important to thank elected officials who “get it” and help block bad laws or pass good ones. Copy ORLA on your written letter and email communication. Find Your Legislator
• LEVEL 2: 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 them, hopefully making it easier the next time you need to talk about an important issue. You can either do this in Salem at their legislative office or invite them to your business in-district to see firsthand your operation, your employees and help them remember who you are and who you represent.
• LEVEL 3: Testify before an elected body and commit to Levels 1 & 2.
  When you are willing to take time to come and speak before an elected group, it sends a strong message. 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 so your voice is heard.​ For reference, watch how to testify remotely in committee hearings.​ 

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BE A PART OF THE DISCUSSION, HELP STEER POLICY DIRECTION!
ORLA’s Government Affairs Committee meets regularly to discuss issues of importance to the hospitality and tourism industry in Oregon, and is led by industry member co-chairs and ORLA’s government affairs department staff.
 
Interested members from around the state participate to voice their concerns on current issues, while providing valuable input on the direction of our government affairs and advocacy efforts. Agenda items often include:

• Policy directives and position papers
• Legislative agenda promoted by the association
• Legislative bill review with opportunities to testify as needed
• Guest speakers including state agency directors, regulatory managers, elected officials
• Election information on ballot measures and candidates for office
• Political action committee oversight for ORLAPAC and ORLA Local Action Committee, and more!

 
During the legislative session, the Government Affairs Committee meets virtually weekly so members can be involved from the convenience of their businesses. Outside of the session, the committee holds monthly calls. For more information, contact Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs.

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