Leadership Reports Letters from the CEO and Board Chairwoman

Message from Carol Dover

I’m so excited to share our spring issue of Florida Restaurant & Lodging, which is full of updates on our advocacy successes and other important updates for our industry.

We recently completed Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session in Tallahassee. One of the great accomplishments this year was our successful advocacy for VISIT FLORIDA, whose operational authorization was extended to October of 2028 with $50 million in nonrecurring funding. While this bill awaits Governor DeSantis’ official signature, he fully funded VISIT FLORIDA in his proposed budget, and we anticipate his continued support and approval of this bill.

Another huge win was our protection of Tourist Development Tax revenue. Each year it seems these dollars are targeted for usage outside the original intended usages. We will always defend this funding and do all we can to protect it for its intended use — to promote tourism dollars and bring back our guests. For more details on all of our issues and how they fared this session, please visit our web page to view our full legislative report and score card.

FRLA is thrilled to have recently launched our FRLA mobile app to help our members better engage with FRLA and each other while staying up to date on the very latest industry news. Having access to all of this at your fingertips will ensure you stay connected. Visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store to download today.

As Florida’s recovery continues and our visitation numbers surpass that of the 2019 pre-pandemic record year, it is critical that we are consistent and aggressive with our promotion of Florida as the top tourist destination. We are incredibly proud of our record-breaking seasons we are having and the impact to Florida’s unparalleled lodging industry. But, we still have work to do as we face inflation, supply chain issues and continued staffing shortages. We continue to fight for you every day and are here to support you. Thank you for all you do to make the Sunshine State the best place to live, work and play.

Carol B. Dover

Carol B. Dover

FRLA President & CEO

Message from the Chairwoman

I am humbled and grateful to represent an association with great members and wonderful leadership. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of so many successful past chairpersons. Our people and their passion set our industry apart and play an essential role in protecting and growing the businesses that matter so much to our entire state's economic well-being. Hospitality is very special to me. Years ago, I was on track to go into the legal field when a part-time opportunity opened my eyes and heart to the possibility of someday managing a property myself. It was so rewarding to become a part of a tradition going back hundreds of years to the days of innkeepers hosting travelers in their homes, playing a role in creating memories. I would not have been able to achieve my dreams of managing hotels if I had not had so much support along the way. That is the support I would ask of you — join us in actively reaching out to young people, introducing them to our world and mentoring them. This is going to be so important in an increasingly competitive labor market during a time when we want our industry to keep growing. Also, we need to be focused on the retention and fostering of the smart, savvy hospitality professionals who are our teammates today. If we do this together, we will be taking steps to address the challenges while laying a foundation for the next generation of leaders, including a future board chair to carry on FRLA's essential work!

Olivia Hoblit

Olivia Hoblit

2022-23 Chairwoman of the Board

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