Changes Are At Your Doorstep

We have a monumental change in the White House as Donald Trump prepares to take the reins of leadership in Washington D.C. No matter how you participated in this year’s election process, there are a number of realities that should be discussed in lodging circles as a result of Donald Trump’s rise to the presidency.

First off, Mr. Trump is a hotelier. This fact should give the lodging community some reason to believe there will be a receptive ear to the issues facing the industry and that the United States will continue to promote the growth of international travel experiences to our country with the assistance of our President-elect.

Secondly, it seems clear that infrastructure investment will be made a priority as part of Mr. Trump’s presidency. You may have noticed that infrastructure investments was the second thing mentioned in his victory speech. Here in Oregon that commitment should come as welcome news as we all understand the correlation between transportation investments and travel.

Another element of note is Mr. Trump’s commitment to keeping American jobs at home. As a hotelier, Mr. Trump realizes that the hospitality industry is full of positions that cannot be outsourced effectively and although technology may change that in some respects our industry remains full of growth opportunities for domestic job creation.

According to U.S. Travel, inbound international travel is ranked second as an industry export and accounts for 10 percent of all U.S. export dollars. This reality showcases how key it will be that international travelers continue to receive value for the dollars they bring and spend in our country.

As advocacy efforts ramp up here in Oregon, I hope you will make the decision to get out on the field and join us for ORLA Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 28. That afternoon is our opportunity to mobilize for the hospitality industry and make sure your businesses are further understood by those we choose to elect as lawmakers in our state. If you would like more information, email me at JBrandt@oregonrla.org or visit OregonRLA.org/CapitolDay. | Jason Brandt

Fighting Lodging Tax Creep

In virtually every corner of the state, local and county governments seem to have their eyes fixed on lodging taxes and opportunities to raise them. The recent successes of the lodging industry are being widely reported as more tourists find themselves drawn to Oregon’s wide ranging spectacles. And we of course welcome them with open arms as growth and sales continue to increase.

However, the success we currently enjoy cannot continue in perpetuity. We have been incredibly fortunate in the prolonged status of the current economic recovery and we realize the next recession is not a matter of if but a matter of when.

This distinction seems to be lost on our local and regional representatives who sometimes view the lodging sector as an easy target for their general fund woes. Why not add an extra percent to the local lodging tax to solve our ‘XYZ’ revenue shortfall? Can’t they just pass the tax on to their guests?

If only it were that simple. As “lodging tax creep” continues throughout the state, we’re finding the need for a renewed commitment to support our local and regional stakeholders who are fighting the urge of local governments to tack on more tax burden on the administrative shoulders of our industry.

For one, we’re already making it very clear that we will be strongly opposed to lodging tax increases moving forward unless there is local support from the lodging community. To that end, we are encouraging local governments to reach out to their local lodging stakeholders as a crucial first step if they feel they have a case for why a local lodging tax rate should be adjusted.

Cost drivers within government are strapping city managers and city councils who are determined to balance their budgets. These significant rises in expenses continue to be driven by pension and healthcare obligations that require more revenue as retirees live longer lives and as healthcare premiums continue to rise.
We fully understand these challenges and openly welcome conversations with local governments that feel the lodging tax is somehow a piece of the answer to these challenges.

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association created a “Tourism Best Practices” handout as part of our renewed effort to carefully track lodging tax creep across Oregon. This document is one tool that can be used by lodging operators to help explain the important symbiotic relationship our industry shares with local government partners.

Our success is their success until lodging tax creep gets out of control. I believe we are on the brink of crossing that unsustainable threshold and as a result, we need to be more aggressive in protecting local governments from biting the hand that they rely upon for sustained tourism promotion as well as partial general fund support.

If you are aware of lodging tax creep in your community, please contact us at Advocacy@OregonRLA.org. | Jason Brandt, President & CEO

Realignment, Deeper Engagement on Your Doorstep

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is ramping up an important process to dig deep and implement a rolling strategic plan for the future of the organization. We are now over five years past the merger of the association, which brought lodging and restaurant members under the same umbrella of advocacy and connectivity. Many things have gone well and other areas we are excited to enhance.

As we look to the future, here are some samplings of what you can expect from your association as we further the value proposition for our lodging partners.

The Expansion of Guest Service Gold® Customer Service Training
Over 200 hospitality professionals in Oregon have already been trained through the ORLA Education Foundation’s new training product, Guest Service Gold. The launch has been made possible by the support of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and Travel Oregon. Contact Wendy Popkin with ORLA’s Education Foundation to learn more about adding a new dose of confidence to our front line hospitality workers who have lasting impressions on the guest experience.

Relaunching the ORLA Lodging Policy Committee
In one of ORLA’s most recent scientific polls of the membership, lodging members expressed that the value of greatest importance is industry representation. Our goals will include statewide industry representation, consistent participation, and establishing a regular meeting schedule to tackle the advocacy issues of importance to members.

Online Travel Companies
In my first five months on the job, it has become clear that more exploration is needed to look at how ORLA can assist our independent lodging members in negotiations with online travel companies who carry significant leverage in their talks with this segment of our membership. Given the supply filled by these elusive partners, what can ORLA do to pool the collective power of independents? The issue needs a deep dive.

Human Trafficking
We will not shy away from uncomfortable issues that impact our industry and the professionals that work within it. We recently held a brainstorming session about the importance of introducing legislation in Oregon that could create rehabilitation services needed specifically for victims of human trafficking to break the cycle of abuse as well as harsher punishments for individuals seeking these services. We remain optimistic that a viable partnership between ORLA, lawmakers, law enforcement, and district attorneys is in the works and that our work will be driven by real outcomes that have the potential to change lives.

These issues and others will continue to be explored as we do our best to expand and enhance our deliverables to the lodging industry. We look forward to working with you to accomplish important goals for our future. Our work always starts with your feedback.

Feel free to email me with your suggestions at JBrandt@OregonRLA.org. | Jason Brandt, President & CEO

ORLA to Welcome Change in Leadership

Jason Brandt

After a 32 year career in association management, and a terrific experience it has been by the way, I will be retiring in October. The decision to do so was made after a great deal of thought as I truly enjoy my job. It is an honor to represent ORLA’s members as I very much admire their passion for the industry, the jobs that they produce and the communities that they positively affect every day. Working to protect their rights, represent their positions on issues, provide them with needed information and educate their workforces made every work day something I looked forward to with enthusiasm. That is a gift that many don’t receive in life and one I value greatly.

However, there does come a time when you know it is time to move on to another chapter in your life. That time arrived for me last year. I came to grips with the fact that the energy level I’d always tapped to meet all my work obligations was much lower that it had been. I finally decided, or more truthfully knew, that it was time for ORLA to have a new CEO to lead the association in the challenging and changing times ahead.

So, working with ORLA’s Executive Committee, we developed a succession plan last summer. That plan laid out the search process, the type of person the board wanted to replace me with, and a timeframe for getting all of this done and the replacement hired. The search began in September of last year and culminated in the selection and hiring of my replacement in February of this year. A contract has been signed and your new CEO will start his new career on August 10, 2015.

Your new leader will be Jason Brandt who is currently the CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Jason has worked for the Salem Chamber the past 11 years beginning immediately after graduating from Pacific Lutheran University. Jason grew up in Salem and lives there now with his wife Natalie and their two daughters. He has served as CEO of the Salem Chamber for over four years and is a leader in the chamber world in Oregon and the Western region of the country. He brings with him a thorough understanding of association management principles and law, nearly five years of association management experience, experience in the government affairs arena both at the state and local level, and an enthusiastic, people-oriented can-do attitude that will mean great things for Oregon’s hospitality industry.

I’ll be working with Jason getting him familiarized with all things ORLA through September. You might watch for us as I’m sure we’ll be traveling about the state introducing Jason to ORLA’s thousands of members (see ORLA Convention). Serving as CEO of the association is a demanding job and Jason’s skill set will serve him in good stead as he moves into his new position.

I can’t tell you what a joy and honor it has been to be allowed to lead the association. I know what a great job the ORLA team does every day representing your interests. The ever-changing, challenging times the industry has been through have certainly left you with an experienced team of professionals who know how to produce results. That will serve you and Jason with excellence in the years to come. You’re sure to see new ideas, innovative solutions and a fresh, new look at industry challenges from Jason – all good things that are healthy for ORLA. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining ORLA and supporting what will be another great era in ORLA’s long and distinguished history of representing the industry’s interests. Jason and your business need and deserve that support and participation. | Steve McCoid, President & CEO

Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners To Be Recognized for Community Engagement

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) announced the state winners of the acclaimed National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) Restaurant Neighbor Award. The national winners were chosen in early February from state awardees by a panel of restaurant and foodservice industry leaders from across the country. Oregon finalists were then considered among all other state winners for a national award of $5,000 at the gala awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 2015.

The Restaurant Neighbor Award, developed in partnership with American Express, celebrates the outstanding charitable service performed by restaurant operators throughout the U.S. With nine in 10 restaurants involved in community service, this award recognizes the impact restaurants and entrepreneurs have made on their local communities.

“The involvement and dedication these restaurants have shown in support of local charitable programs is commendable and exemplifies the spirit of our industry and our state,” said Steve McCoid, ORLA President & CEO.

The 2015 Restaurant Neighbor Award winners from Oregon are:

• Beau Delicious International, LLC dba Café Yumm!, Eugene
• Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon
• Cattlemen’s Saloon, Rogue River
• Po’Shines, Portland

Award recipients will be recognized among their peers at the Hospitality Industry Awards Dinner, October 4, 2015, during ORLA’s Convention in Bend, Oregon. A complete list of Oregon’s hospitality industry awards can be found at OregonRLA.org/Awards. For more information on ORLA’s Convention, visit OregonRLA.org/Convention or call 800.462.0619.

Advocating on Behalf of Oregon's Hospitality Industry

Oregon State Capitol

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s (ORLA) stripped down mission statement to “advocate, communicate and educate Oregon’s hospitality industry” has been discussed frequently in this publication. These three words are the reason ORLA exists, however, there is nothing like real world examples of how ORLA is meeting these goals to illustrate the point. I’ll give you some examples below.

We’re certainly in the midst of providing advocacy for you by representing the industry at the 78th Oregon Legislative Session, which began in February 2015. Your association is tracking over 300 bills that could affect your business. The most visible are statewide paid sick leave, a variety of proposals increasing the minimum wage between $12 and $15 an hour, a bill that requires work schedules be written two weeks out for foodservice operations with a penalty for any subsequent changes, and a cancellation of the ban on local governments passing their own minimum wages. ORLA’s lobbyist, Bill Perry, is at the Capitol daily representing your interests to the legislators and working to ensure all damaging legislation is not passed.

ORLA held its bi-annual Taste Oregon Legislative reception on February 17th, drawing over 225 industry members in attendance including a significant number of legislators and their staffers. Here, we’re talking about advocacy in terms of interacting with legislators, and communication by informing our members of the issues being dealt with in Salem. 

ORLA’s Education Foundation helps meet the educational mission by producing the annual OregonProStart High School Culinary Championships. This year’s event was held at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde. There were 20 teams competing in an event that requires teams of four to plan and cook a 3-course meal in one hour using two gas burners while properly handling and prepping the food. The winning team from South Salem High School will compete in the National ProStart Invitational in Anaheim representing Oregon.

Finally, we are in the midst of preparing for and planning the annual Northwest Foodservice Show with our partners at the Washington Restaurant Association. The largest foodservice show in the Northwest, this typically draws over 5,000 and will be held in Portland this year at the Convention Center, April 26-27. We’re anticipating 400 booths featuring the latest in products and services plus a full agenda of educational seminars, new product listings and chef presentations. 

That’s just a sampling of the work and services ORLA delivered to the industry in the first quarter of 2015. For those who haven’t become ORLA members yet, please consider joining. All it takes is a call or email to get a helpful representative to review all the programs membership provides. We look forward to working with you as we support our great industry. | Steve McCoid, President & CEO,

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

ORLA Keeps You Up to Date on Emerging Issues

Ebola, marijuana, data security. These are all current topics that we’ve seen in the news, deal with in our businesses, and that represent challenges to anyone managing a lodging property. Some of these are new, some are issues you might think you’d never deal with, and some are issues that you’ve dealt with that keep changing due to on-going improvements in technology. In all cases, they are matters that you need to know about and know how to deal with if they arrive at your place of business. Our December issue of Lodging News addresses each of these topics for you.

You’re busy running your business on a daily basis. You don’t have the time to keep up with these and the many other issues that crop up daily and monthly to affect your profitability. That is a major reason ORLA exists. We are here to communicate these types of issues to you through communication vehicles like our two magazines, e-newsletters, special e-bulletins and our website.

ORLA provides you a one-stop, go-to organization that you can utilize to stay up to date on these emerging issues. Oh, and by the way, we also advocate for reasonable, manageable solutions at the state and local levels to the policy makers who react to the onset of these challenges with new laws, ordinances and regulations.

You need to be up to date. You need to be responsive. You need to be aware of new and emerging issues. You need to be able to answer questions raised by your customers. You can attempt to find the answers on your own, or you can support ORLA and have that one-stop place to get your questions answered accurately and in a timely manner. Give us a try. I guarantee you’ll like the results and make your business lives just a little bit easier and less stressful while doing so. | Steve McCoid, ORLA President & CEO

Recognizing Pride and Passion

Lodging Operator of the Year Craig Thompson (center)

ORLA recognized four hospitality professionals at our annual Awards Banquet during the convention last month in Bend. The Lodging Operator of the Year was awarded to Craig Thompson, GM of the Hotel Monaco in Portland. Craig’s long, successful, influential and continuing 44-year career was highlighted. He was recognized not only for running the #2 rated Oregon hotel by TripAdvisor, but for the leadership role he played in a number of other industry organizations, and for the influence he has had through mentoring employees who have moved on to successful management careers. In fact, Craig pointed with pride to the fact that the #1 TripAdvisor rated hotel in Oregon is managed by a former employee and front desk manager that Craig hired and mentored! All of the award winners are listed along with links to their videos on ORLA’s website (OregonRLA.org/Awards). I encourage you to check them out as they are all terrific representatives of what makes the hospitality industry great. You’ll see the passion they have for their jobs and this industry and see that it hasn’t waned during their long careers.

In this issue, you’re going to be treated to a wonderful feature story that highlights the philanthropic programs several lodging companies operate to benefit their communities and the state. They’ve developed these programs to support charities that resonate with their team members. Those team members participate in the fundraising design and implementation throughout the year. Those results translate into contributions to designated charities that benefit those in need in their areas. The result for the business is engaged employees who are introduced to these types of charitable activities; a development of teamwork as all the employees get involved in the planning, fundraising and presentation of their hard work; and a very real, personal and professional feeling of accomplishment and pride by all involved.

The thing that links the award winners and the teams of the businesses highlighted in the article is passion. The award winners succeeded in their careers because they discovered and brought a passion for what they did every day. That passion could be seen on the awards night as they graciously and humbly received their well-deserved recognition. They all spoke about the love for their jobs. They transmitted their passion for what they do in their brief remarks to everyone in the room.
Similarly, the people quoted in the article this month cited the passion that their employees felt for being involved in a philanthropic program. They tell you how it creates a real link among everyone on the team and improves their view and appreciation of their employer. They do it because it is right – not because they want to benefit from it. They do it because the team has become passionate about the programs and taken ownership of it.

Passion is certainly the operative word here, isn’t it? The passion for serving people is what makes a successful hospitality industry professional. Whether is it the front desk person, a server, a concierge or a room service person it is passion for what they do that makes the difference between excellence and ‘just okay’ for them in their job and, ultimately, for you as the employer.

I can tell you with pride that your association is staffed with people who are passionate about serving you and the industry. All you need to do is reach out and ask for assistance, answers or information on an ORLA program. You’ll get what you need quickly and enthusiastically from a professional, trained to serve you and your needs. Remember us when you need assistance or information. We’re here to serve you and are passionate about doing so. | Steve McCoid, ORLA President & CEO

Supporting ORLA Ensures Your Industry’s Vitality

Members networking at Convention

ORLA is a membership organization and, thus, it is important for its long term viability and fiscal health that it maintains a large, growing, supportive membership. Over the years the association has used all types of sales approaches in its efforts to convince industry operators that they needed to part with a small portion of their hard earned dollars to support its activities. At times we leaned on our very successful suite of endorsed services and the savings they provided members the key reason for joining. Certainly, in terms of a return this made sense to the thousands of operators who joined for that reason. However, this approach created a purely financial relationship that didn’t last if a program’s returns didn’t meet a member’s expectations, leading to a constant turnover in members.

That has led to ORLA changing its sales message to one focusing on the mission of the association as the key reason for joining. That mission, one that calls for ORLA to advocate for, communicate to, and educate its members, is one that when used as the reason for joining produces long term, loyal members who understand and support what ORLA is there to do for them. For your association is the only organization in the state existing to provide those services to your business.

We advocate by representing your interests before the state and federal legislatures and local city councils and county commissions on all issues affecting your business. In other words we lobby for you on a daily basis and are recognized as a leading business association in this arena. One of the largest business political action committees in the state is also managed by ORLA to increase your political profile. We also proactively promote all the good the industry and your business does for Oregon to the state’s media. We serve as your spokesperson.

We communicate to you the information you need to have to successfully operate a business. Those communications can be an explanation of a new regulation or statute that applies to you and your business. It can be providing information on a new program, new technology, industry news or best practices in management. We communicate to the industry through two print magazines, a great website, two e-newsletters, as-needed government affairs e-alerts, and lottery newsletters and confidential bulletins.

We educate management and their employees by providing cutting edge online training programs in food handling and alcohol serving; classroom management-level food safety training; an annual regional trade show and annual convention; and all the information listed in the communications above.

No other organization provides all of these services to you because protecting and representing your interests is our sole reason for existing. We know that meeting that mission creates a better operating environment for your business, thus enabling you to be more profitable.

Membership also benefits those associates that sell goods and services to the industry. It is in their best interest to support ORLA too as the ability for their customers to turn a profit and grow their businesses means that their business will in turn sell more goods or services. It behooves all industry members – retail and associate - to support the only association representing their interests in Oregon by becoming a member; for what is good for the retailer is good for the associate and what is good for the associate is good for the retailer. We’re one industry and we’re in this together. If you’re not a member, consider our mission, this message, and support your association. It truly is a low cost investment in your business that will produce large returns. | Steve McCoid, President & CEO, ORLA

Your Association’s New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year! Now that we’ve survived the holiday season of 60+ football bowl games, putting up and taking down the Christmas decorations, and attempting to watch what we eat and drink (for me unsuccessfully as usual) it is time for making New Year’s resolutions. I’m a believer in making these and every once in awhile a resolution has actually been made and followed by yours truly.

For instance, my 1986 resolution was to quit smoking and January 1, 2014 marks 28 years of non-smoking – a good thing. I must confess that there are the annual resolutions of losing weight (and keeping it off) and eating healthier that are not religiously kept. However, I’m making them again in 2014 as only a stubborn Irishman can do. One has to set goals to succeed, right?


With that thought in mind, I’m going to share ORLA’s New Year’s resolutions for 2014 with you. These are the best kind of resolutions because they are made by someone else (ORLA’s staff) so you aren’t faced with meeting them yourselves but you will be the beneficiary if ORLA’s staff keeps them. Doing so will benefit the industry and your business. So, with this win/win proposition in mind, here are your association’s 2014 resolutions:

•    ORLA resolves to continue to operate the preeminent government affairs program in Oregon for the benefit of the industry and ORLA’s members. This includes an on-going role as one of the general business lobby’s leaders in Salem.

•    ORLA resolves to be the information source for the industry whenever an issue, question or problem needs to be addressed and/or answered with current and specific information.

•    ORLA resolves to continue to be a leader in the promotion of the industry, and all the wonderful benefits it provides our state, to Oregon’s public and private interests and the state’s print and electronic media.

•    ORLA resolves to continue to be the leader in providing mandated training to the industry. Constantly updating and improving our pioneering online training products is a must to keep our members’ employees properly trained and informed.

•    ORLA resolves to continue to fund and operate one of Oregon’s largest business political action committees to support the campaigns of pro-industry candidates to the Oregon House of Representatives and Senate. Doing so will ensure that the hospitality industry’s stature and voice are recognized and heard in Oregon’s political arena.

•    ORLA resolves to continually ask our members and the hospitality industry what they want their association to do for them, and to act on those requests in an expeditious manner.

•    Finally, and most importantly, ORLA resolves to never forget that we exist to represent, advocate for, inform and educate our members and industry. This is our mission and one we take very seriously.

As you can see, we have a great deal to do in the coming year. All of our resolutions are based on what our members have told us they want their association to do for them. You have a staff of association professionals dedicated to making your industry a better, more profitable one to work in. We welcome you to join us in representing our great industry.

In fact, I would suggest that you make a resolution to join ORLA, if you aren't a member already, in 2014 and become part of the only trade association in Oregon that represents and promotes your business’s welfare. Team up with ORLA’s dedicated staff of professionals this year. Doing so will be one of the best, and least expensive, business decisions you can make in the coming year.

Steve McCoid
President & CEO, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

Evolving ORLA (part 1): The changing demographic of the industry

Demographic information has always fascinated me. Analyzing data about the demographic makeup of an area and how that affects retail sales or elections or local politics is always an eye opener. I’ve maintained my interest in the subject over the years and used it as a tool. I’m glad that I did as the current demographic makeup of our industry tells us that changes are afoot and that ORLA needs to address them to remain relevant.

We’re experiencing a major changing of the guard in the ownership of the businesses that make up the hospitality industry. The dominant generation of our industry for the past 25 years has been the Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964. At that time they were the largest generation in the history of the nation and as they moved through their lives they affected everything in our society from laws to elections to fashion to business and leisure.

The era of the Baby Boomer is passing. Did you know 10,000 Boomers turn the age of 65 every day? That is one every 7 seconds. Why is that important? Well, 65 is the traditional retirement age. Owners and operators of restaurants and lodging properties who have been leaders in the industry and active in your association are reaching retirement age and leaving the industry. It will continue at this pace for the next ten years. Then we’ll see the majority of owners, operators and leaders in the industry are from the Gen X (born 1965-1980) and the Gen Y or “Millennial” (born 1981-2000) generations. (Read also USA Today's "Hotel CEOs getting younger".)

Why does this matter you might ask? Well, the Baby Boomers are joiners. They have traditionally supported those associations and organizations that they felt supported their business or beliefs. Signing them up for membership was not a tough sell. They believed in the concept and were supportive and active as members. However, the generations that follow them are a bit more discriminating when it comes to joining associations. They have to believe that investing their time and money will benefit them personally or professionally before they will join any organization. So, associations, including ORLA, have to be sure they are providing programs and services these generations value and are willing to support.

This environment represents a real turning point for all associations. The membership that they’ve represented for the past thirty plus years is changing rapidly as the numbers above indicate. If ORLA is to remain viable as a membership option, and as the representative of the hospitality industry, the leadership and staff are going to have to review all activities and programs to ensure they are valued by the emerging owners and operators in the hospitality industry. Those individuals are the future of ORLA and our industry. Your association needs their support and participation to continue to be an effective industry representative. | Steve McCoid, president & CEO

(In Part 2 we look at how we need to adapt, change and accommodate to meet the needs of the new generation. )

Training Our Future Workforce

Aside from the economic rut restaurants have faced in recent years, it’s still not easy running a successful restaurant. From rising food costs to employee healthcare, there’s any number of business issues owners need to address every day. One challenge that seems to be top of mind for many continues to be that of hiring qualified staff with experience in the kitchen.

For over a decade, ORLA’s Education Foundation has focused on developing our industry’s future workforce, helping build a stronger connection between the classroom and the industry. This past February, we watched as close to 100 ProStart students from around the state competed for top honors in the Oregon ProStart H.S. Culinary Championships. They represented only a small fraction of the 3,000 students statewide that participate in this two-year culinary arts program. Blending practical skills with real-world experience through internships, the ProStart program prepares these students for the future and growth into leaders our industry needs.

The team from South Salem High School is busy practicing and perfecting their meal preparation in anticipation for their trip to Baltimore, Maryland on April 27 for the 2012 National ProStart Invitational. Teams participating in this national competition are challenged to prepare a three-course meal (from scratch) in only 60 minutes. Their performance during the practical session is observed and rated by judges from leading colleges and universities across the nation. First through fifth place winning teams are awarded medals and scholarships to pursue a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Want to get involved in this cool program? Contact Jami Scott at 503.682.4422 and find out how you can support this program through mentorship, internship or financially.

Giving Thanks & Recognizing Charity

We all know that Thanksgiving in America originated from a combination of European and Native American traditions. The Europeans held festivals celebrating their safe voyages and gave thanks to a bountiful harvest just as Native Americans did. And when the Pilgrims didn’t have enough food for all the colonists, the Native Americans shared their harvest and taught them how to fish.

This tradition of sharing and helping others has continued over the years – and not just on Thanksgiving Day, this philanthropy is seen every day of the year. Nine out of every 10 restaurants participate in charitable activities. We see their contributions all around us - from hosting fundraising events benefitting children’s hospitals to feeding troops returning home from oversees duty – this humanitarianism is led by dedicated leaders and staff of the hospitality industry. With over 9,000 foodservice operations in Oregon, that’s a significant number of businesses making an impact in their local communities.

To celebrate the industry’s successes and show appreciation of the industry’s role in improving the quality of life for the greater audience it serves, the National Restaurant Association and American Express present the Restaurant Neighbor Award. This award recognizes restaurants who give significant contributions back to their communities. Each year, four national winners receive $5,000 each toward continuing their charitable works.

Restaurants of all sizes are encouraged to apply for this award. Not only is the Oregon finalist recognized statewide at ORLA’s Annual Convention but they will also be listed as the state winner in NRA’s media and forwarded on for consideration in the national selection of winners. Applications for the 2012 Restaurant Neighbor Award are due December 20th (updated)– visit Restaurant.org for details.

Minimum Wage Increase In 2012

State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian announced today that Oregon’s minimum wage will be raised to $8.80 per hour next year. The 30-cent increase mirrors a 3.77 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index since August 2010. Oregon’s minimum wage rate remains $8.50 per hour for all hours worked in 2011. Washington state, where the minimum wage is currently $8.67 per hour, will announce its 2012 minimum wage on September 30th. Oregon’s minimum wage is the second highest in the country behind Washington.

Ballot Measure 25, enacted by Oregon voters in 2002, requires a minimum wage adjustment annually based on changes in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is directed to adjust the minimum wage for inflation every September, rounded to the nearest five cents. Washington does not round its wage up.

Oregon’s unemployment rate is still one of the highest in the country, and this wage increase is not expected to help reduce the unemployment rate. The fact that the increase goes up automatically does not take into account some of the factors that most state and federal minimum wages do; for example, youth employment and other income sources like tips.

Most states have a youth or “opportunity wage” that allows employers to reduce the minimum wage for the first 60-90 days on minors, essentially during their training period. The youth unemployment rate is twice what Oregon’s unemployment rate is, and the minority youth rate is even higher at more than 30 percent. Oregon’s minimum wage law ignores this fact completely and will likely increase the disparity that these young workers are facing in Oregon.

Oregon is also one of only a few states that don’t allow an employer to take into account declared tips as part of the wage. Tipped employees average over $20 an hour and are the highest hourly wage earners in restaurants. The state and federal government tax the tips, so they take their share, but do not allow the employer to account for the tips. Restaurant hourly wage workers that do not receive tips average between $11-15 an hour, and the law ignores the struggles these workers are often facing.

Given the economy in Oregon, it seems like more people are worried about “having” a paycheck or job now more than ever before. Oregon should consider ways to address the problems with the failed policies that continue to put us at the bottom of job growth and get more people working and receiving a paycheck. | Bill Perry

Immigration reform continues to be an important topic for the hospitality industry.

As one of the largest trade associations in Oregon, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) has a vested interest in all things generating business for the industry. Bill Perry, vice president of Government Affairs, and ORLA member Gus Castaneda, general manager of The Mark Spencer Hotel, recently attended a roundtable discussion on “Business Imperatives for Immigration Reform” in Portland. The Hon. Francisco J. Sánchez, undersecretary of commerce for International Trade - U.S. Department of Commerce was the featured speaker for the program.

Although it was a small group of only 35 business people, discussions were productive and focused on immigration issues around growing the economy. Specifically, topics covered: how to make it easier for tourists in far eastern countries like China and India to get travel visas, professional or skilled visas, and the importance of overall immigration reform. The forum was sponsored by the White House, Portland Business Alliance and the Hispanic Chamber.

If you weren’t already aware, ORLA serves as co-chair of the Coalition for a Working Oregon (CWO), an organization created with the goal of advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. With 22 member organizations, CWO represents the first consolidated effort by Oregon employers to create support for a measured and sensible approach to comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level. Visit the Coalition’s website for more information or to get involved.

Will electric vehicle charging stations be the next big amenity?

For Oregon that might just come to fruition. Electric vehicles “EVs” are certainly getting attention these days and with a federally-funded program aimed at installing public chargers throughout the state we’ll likely see more hotels (and restaurants) get on board as locations for the service. The Heathman Hotel already has an EV station in their garage for guests to plug in during their stay and the Doubletree Hotel is next in line to offer this as a guest amenity. "We see how electric vehicles are going to change the landscape in the tourism industry for the coming years” says Chris Erickson, general manager of The Heathman.

As early adopters in providing sustainability programs, both Portland hotels were revved up when the opportunity to install a charging station became a reality through the EV Project. This national, federally-funded program will set out to install close to 1,100 pedestal-style stations around the state by the end of the year. Funding for the program in Oregon will also help advance the West Coast Green Highway initiative, planting quick-charge stations along the I-5 corridor. Read more about how these charging stations are bringing EVs into Oregon’s tourism industry in “Electrifying Oregon”. [Lodging News, June 2011]

Siskiyou Welcome Center Slowly Moves Forward

Ealier this week, Ashland City Council approved use of the city’s water and sewer service for the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center, a big step forward for a project 16 years in the making. The proposal does come with a few conditions that must be met however: water use is limited to potable purposes only (not for landscape irrigation), welcome center facility must be built within 4 years and have adequate staffing and maintenance, and Oregon State Police must have a substation on site.

Additionally, for the project to move forward, the Jackson County Commissioners must approve an exception to a land use rule, allowing for an exception in city water use outside city limits. The Commissioners have made exceptions before and will bring this issue to the table in May.

As for funding the project, Oregon Department of Transportation must secure about $5 million to build the rest area, with intent to implement sustainable practices. Travel Oregon will be looking at federal funding to help secure the $2.5 million needed to build the welcome center.

Several industry partners were on hand to testify at the Council meeting including Scott West, Travel Oregon, Drew Baily, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Matt Folz, Xanterra Parks / Crater Lake. Carolyn Hill, CEO of Southern Oregon Visitors Association, shared travel impact data where the average visitor spends $158 a day in the Rogue Valley, illustrating how the availability of additional information on Ashland and area attractions will convince visitors to stay longer.

Although State Welcome Centers are only one component of the state's overall visitor information environment, they are key in helping to provide visitors with valuable information to enhance their experience in our state.

Roseburg City Council Shot Down Proposal That Would Have Reduced VCB's Marketing Budget

On March 28, Roseburg City Council rejected a proposal to use hotel and motel taxes to revamp the South Umpqua waterfront. Under this proposal, the city’s VCB would have had about $200,000 a year less in their advertising budget. Drew Baily, regional representative for ORLA, provided testimony before Roseburg City Council in opposition to this proposal.

Here’s an excerpt from his testimony:

“At this time, we (ORLA) do not support the proposal to reduce the Roseburg marketing budget allocated to tourism promotion and ask that you table any discussion of reducing the funds used for marketing. The hospitality industry is one of the leading economic drivers for the state and we ask that you continue to support and promote a growing, sustainable and productive industry in Roseburg.

There may never be a right time to raise taxes or put jobs at risk, but there certainly are wrong times to do so. Douglas County’s unemployment rate remains in double digits and any decision that puts existing and future business growth at risk should be avoided if at all possible.

Some wine industry experts predict that Southern Oregon and the Umpqua Valley are positioned to be the next Napa Valley. Roseburg should reaffirm its commitment to spurring on economic growth through promotion of sustainable, high yield industries. The tourism industry is one that creates a positive economic impact on communities throughout Oregon.

We ask you to reject any proposal that threatens to further weaken the local tourism economy or negates the long-term benefit gained from a robust tourism industry. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input into this important matter before Council.”

Read more on ORLA's advocacy efforts.

Cannon Beach leaders organize evacuation, shelter.

ORLA member Ocean Lodge helped organize an evacuation of hotel guests during today's tsunami danger. Thanks to Tom Drumheller and his staff for being good citizens and ambassadors of the Oregon hospitality industry. Continue reading