What Your Peers Are Saying

Meet Some Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Members

Membership in ORLA means being part of the only organization in the state devoted to protecting and promoting the interests of our industry. It’s all of us together that makes that possible. Get inspired by these peer profiles where members share their thoughts on new and old trends. We also wanted to know what social media platform gets the most engagement for their company.

Tell Your Peers a Little About You!

If you are a member, and are willing to be profiled here, please email us at info@OregonRLA.org. Also, let us know if there is a question you would like to see your peers answer.

GET TO KNOW SOME OF YOUR PEERS BY READING THEIR RESPONSES TO THESE BUSINESS RELATED QUESTIONS:

What trend or innovation has been beneficial for your company to embrace? How does your company (or you personally) give back to your community?

JENNY MOWE Sweet Wife Baking, Baker City

Title: Owner Open Since: 2010 Member Since: 2022 Fav Retro Music: Vinyl Top Social Engagement: Instagram

What trend or innovation has been beneficial for your company to embrace?

Transparency. From day one it has been important for our customers to understand that we are not using mixes or pre-made doughs for our baked goods. We have an open kitchen that people like to look into and watch us rolling out doughs or making mass amounts of scones on our worktable. It allows our customers to understand why our items are a little bit more than the local chain grocery store.

PAUL PERALTA Canopy Portland Pearl District, Portland

Title: Chief Enthusiast (GM) Joined the Company: 2019 Member Since: 2018 Fav Retro Music: Vinyl, of course. Fun fact, I was a nightclub DJ during my college years. Top Social Engagement: Instagram/LinkedIn

What trend or innovation has been beneficial for your company to embrace?

Canopy and PM Hotel Group focuses on our people. Our hotel teams are empowered to create our own culture which is supported by our Support Center (not Corporate office).

JEFF & JULI LABHART Bonta - Natural Artisan Gelato, Bend

Title: Owners Open Since: 2011 Member Since: 2021 Fav Retro Music: Vinyl Top Social Engagement: Text/email

How does your company (or you personally) give back to your community?

We donate thousands of dollars each year to non-profits, schools, churches, and other causes we love to support. We have found that giving back to Central Oregon is a win-win for the community and us as a business.

ANTWAIN PETERSON Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, Portland

Title: Director of Sales & Marketing Joined the Company: 2006 Member Since: 2011 Fav Retro Music: Definitely Vinyl Top Social Engagement: Instagram

How does your company (or you personally) give back to your community?

I started a Care Committee a few years back on behalf of Kimtpon. Care Committee’s focus is staying engaged and providing community support for a city we all love.

LYNDSAY KOOISTRA, CIC LaPorte Insurance, Portland

Title: Shareholder Joined the Company: 2015 Member Since: 2018 Fav Retro Music: Vinyl of course! Top Social Engagement: LinkedIn/Facebook

What trend or innovation has been beneficial for your company to embrace?

Working remote for our team. We have 70 employees and the ability to work from home these past 2 years has been immensely helpful to our staff so they can keep the focus on our clients needs.

COURTNEY SMITH Oregon Hospitality Foundation, ORLA

Title: ProStart Liaison and Executive Coordinator Joined the Company: 2022 Fav Retro Music: Vinyl Top Social Engagement: LinkedIn

How does your company (or you personally) give back to your community?

OHF is giving back to our community by focusing on our youth by making the National ProStart curriculum available to all schools in Oregon interested in growing their culinary and restaurant management programs.

MIKE EDWARDS McCormick Distilling Co., Weston, MO

Title: President/Owner Joined the Company: 2010 Member Since: 2021 Fav Retro Music: Cassette Top Social Engagement: Facebook

How does your company give back?

Every year our 360 Vodka brand runs the Close the Loop Program to raise money for an in-state charity. In 2021 we raised $16,226 for Camp Howard/CYO in Oregon and this year we are on track to exceed that number.

MIKE RAWSON Adesso Capital, Scottsdale, AZ

Title: Director of Sales Operations Joined the Company: 2015 Member Since: 2022 Fav Retro Music: Vinyl Top Social Engagement: LinkedIn/Facebook/Insta

What trend or innovation has been beneficial for your company to embrace?

Our program is unique in that we can provide ERC relief now rather than in 7 months. We have facilitated more than $200mm in COVID relief when considering PPP and ERC.

SHELLY CONLON Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center, Florence

Title: Director of Sales & Marketing Joined the Company: 2021 Member Since: 2006 Top Social Engagement: Facebook

How does your company give back?

Networking and strategizing with businesses, Chamber of Commerce, locals on doing business and growing in this changing world. We also strive to donate opportunities to experience our resort to local and state-wide charities.