News Briefs

Happenings From Around the Industry

ORLA Board Chair Recognized for National Philanthropy Award

During the 2021 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in August, Masudur Khan (Seaside Lodgings and former ORLA Board Chair), was recognized for achievement and excellence in the hospitality industry. The Philanthropy Outreach Award is given to an individual deeply involved with helping humanity through philanthropic and charitable activities, domestically or overseas. We applaud Masudur and his amazing team for their efforts and for inspiring other hoteliers to support local and international charity programs by engaging staff, guests and community members. Photo by Kallol Photography.

ORLA, Plaintiffs Prevail in Suit Protecting TLT

The importance of appropriately spending local tourism tax revenue was affirmed on August 11 by the State of Oregon Court of Appeals after a case brought forth by Bend lodging operators and the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) against the City of Bend. The court reasoned that a local ordinance passed in the City of Bend violated ORS 320.350 by decreasing the percentage of total local TLT revenues expended to fund tourism promotion from 35.4 percent to 31.2 percent. This legal decision makes a clear statement that strong protections remain in place for how local lodging tax dollars can be spent across Oregon.

JOIN ORLA AND THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION TO GET BETTER-FOR-YOU KIDS MEALS ON YOUR MENUS!

VISIT RESTAURANT.ORG/ KIDSLIVEWELL TO GET INVOLVED

Simple Steps to Help ‘Kids LiveWell’

The National Restaurant Association launched the Kids LiveWell (KLW) program to help parents and children select better menu options when dining out. Restaurants that participate in this free, voluntary program commit to offering healthful meal items for children. Participants not only benefit from publicity efforts about Kids LiveWell but also join a community of operators demonstrating their commitment to healthier children. This program relaunched with focused efforts to support the needs of restaurant members as well as to better align with the current nutrition science. Get started by emailing KidsLiveWell@restaurant.org your commitment to joining KLW and visit Restaurant.org/kidslivewell.

Fighting Hunger and Reducing Food Waste

Urban Gleaners is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year as Portland’s KLW Ad.indd 1 9/1/21 2:54 PM volunteer-powered organization feeding thousands of families every week by rescuing fresh, unsold food. The last year and half has seen many ups and downs, with constant pivots and struggles for every business involved in feeding people including restaurants, grocery stores, corporate food services, caterers, distribution facilities and more. Through it all, Urban Gleaners has continued to work hard to pick up excess food that would otherwise go to waste and redistribute it to our neighbors in need. That said, they have only been receiving about 60 percent of the food donations as compared to a typical year and they need more donations. If your organization is interested in partnering, visit UrbanGleaners.org.