NEWS BRIEFS

Happenings From Around the Industry

ORLA CEO Named President of National Council

This past February, the Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA) welcomed this year’s 2023 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, naming ORLA’s CEO Jason Brandt as President of the Council. CSRA helps foster collaboration, connection, and coordination among its 52 state restaurant association members and works in partnership with the National Restaurant Association to support more than 675,000 restaurant businesses across the United States. With Jason’s leadership, CSRA will continue their hard work supporting collective efforts in government relations, member services, workforce development, and education foundation support.

State of the Industry Reports Released

The National Restaurant Association released its 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report, which examines key factors impacting the industry including the current state of the economy, operations, workforce, and food and menu trends to forecast sales and market trends for the year ahead. Key findings include: Sales are forecast to reach $997B, up from $937B in 2022, and the entire foodservice industry is forecast to add 500K jobs to reach 15.5M in 2023.

AHLA published its 2023 State of the Hotel Industry report, forecasting the hotel industry to surpass pre-pandemic levels of demand, nominal room revenue and state and local tax revenue, while inching closer to other key 2019 performance metrics. You can find these resources and more in the ORLA Member Portal by logging in to OregonRLA.org

Capitol Day & Taste Oregon Success

Hospitality is Working Campaign Promotes Hotel Jobs

AHLA affiliate Hospitality is Working recently launched an ad campaign highlighting the unprecedented career opportunities hotels are offering. The campaign includes television and digital advertising as well as AHLA events happening around the country alongside local hoteliers, economic development organizations and community groups. Hospitality is Working showcases the broad range of benefits hotels provide the communities they serve while highlighting the industry’s strong commitment to investing in its workforce, providing quality career opportunities, and protecting employees and guests. To view Portland’s ad visit https://bit.ly/HWPDX

Over 300 Oregon hospitality industry members, state agency representatives, legislators and staff participated in a day of activities supporting Oregon's hospitality industry. The Capitol Day Assembly kicked off with several discussions on industry-related issues and attendees engaged with questions for invited representatives from state agencies including Oregon Employment Department, Paid Leave Oregon, Oregon Lottery, and BOLI. The day culminated with the Taste Oregon Legislative Reception co-hosted by ORLA and AAHOA and presented by DoorDash. A huge thank you to the restaurant and beverage companies who provided great tastes including South Salem High School’s Culinary Program.

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 what they have learned about working in hospitality, and their thoughts on security and safety. And for a little fun, we also wanted to know about their favorite books and what their first paying job was.

GET TO KNOW SOME OF YOUR PEERS BY READING

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.

What does your company do to ensure a safe environment for employees and customers?

What have you learned about working in hospitality?

Brenna Leech

Eugene Lodge and International Hostel, Eugene

Title: Owner/Operator

Joined the Company: 2022

Member Since: 2022

First paying job: Soccer Referee

Fav book: The Body Keeps the Score

What is one thing you have learned about working in the hospitality industry?

The customer is NOT always right; your staff is ALWAYS more important. Happy staff = killer atmosphere. Work for your staff, and everything will work out.

KATHLEEN (KATIE) McCARRON

Portland Pet Food Company, Portland

Title: Top Dog

Started the Company: 2014

Member Since: 2022

First paying job: Ticket seller/Circus Vargas

Fav book: The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan

What is one thing you have learned about working in the hospitality industry?

As a former hotel front desk employee and now hospitality supplier, I have learned that it takes teamwork, empathy, flexibility and innovation to meet consumers' needs.

CHRISSY OUELLETTE

SpotOn, Greenville, SC

Title: VP of Business Development

Joined the Company: 2019

Member Since: 2022

First paying job: Car Hop, Sonic Drive-In

Fav book: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

What is one thing you have learned about working in the hospitality industry?

It is hard, hospitality has many people to please and satisfy. You have to be a cameleon.

What is one thing your company does to ensure a safe environment for your employees / customers?

SpotOn is focused on providing the best technology to its restaurant customers so that they can provide a safe and secure environment for staff and customers.

Tyler Young

VersiTech, LLC, Clackamas

Title: CEO & Founder

Joined the Company: 2017

Member Since: 2018

First paying job: Picked Blueberries

Fav book: Hire with Your Head

What is one thing you have learned about working in the hospitality industry? Working in hospitality taught me that hospitality isn't just about taking care of guests, it's about taking care of each other.

Matthew Harrison

Scout Septic, Grease & Drain, Boring

Title: Owner

Started the Company: 2011

Member Since: 2022

First paying job: Paperboy Fav book: Outliers

What does your company do to ensure a safe environment?

We are focused on cleanliness. Specifically, the garbage area of restaurants and keeping oil containers clean. This goes a long way to prevent slips, trips & falls.

Katie Shaw

Buoy Beer Company/Pilot House

Distilling, Astoria

Title: Hospitality Director

Joined the Company: 2014

Member Since: 2016

First paying job: Drive thru coffee

Fav book: Anything by Jody Picoult

What is one thing you have learned about working in the hospitality industry?

I have learned to be patient and kind. A smile goes a long way. Never know what someone is going through.

NIKKI HAEBLER, CSP

Safety Northwest, LLC, Portland

Title: Co-Owner

Joined the Company: 2013

Member Since: 2012

First paying job: Camp Counselor

Fav book: True crime quick reads

What does your company do to ensure a safe environment?

As Safety Consultants, we help other companies improve their safety culture and stay in compliance, so your employees go home safe each day.

Your Name Here

Tell your peers about yourself! Would you like to be profiled in the next issue of Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association magazine? Reach out to Lori Little at LLittle@OregonRLA.org

Not yet a member? By banding together we make Oregon's hospitality industry stronger. Visit OregonRLA.org/membership to see the many benefits of membership and join today!

HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?

Membership in ORLA means being a part of the only organization in the state devoted to protecting and promoting the interests of the entire hospitality industry. Contact us for questions; let us know what issues are affecting your business and how we can help. We have your back!

MEMBERSHIP CONTACTS:

STEVEN SCARDINA

Regional Representative

503.718.1495

SScardina@OregonRLA.org

TERRY HOPKINS

Regional Representative

541.441.2219

THopkins@OregonRLA.org

MARLA McCOLLY

Director of Business

Development

503.428.8694

MMcColly@OregonRLA.org

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONTACTS:

JASON BRANDT

President & CEO

503.302.5060

JBrandt@OregonRLA.org

GREG ASTLEY Director of Government Affairs

503.851.1330

Astley@OregonRLA.org

MAKENZIE MARINEAU GA and Regional Leadership Teams Coordinator

541.404.0033

MMarineau@OregonRLA.org

GLENDA HAMSTREET Executive Coordinator

Government Affairs

971.224.1509

GHamstreet@OregonRLA.org

OREGON RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION MAIN OFFICE: 503.682.4422 • info@OregonRLA.org

Member Solutions

Save Time and Money with ORLA’s Cost-Saving Member Programs | OregonRLA.org

PREFERRED PARTNERS

WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE

ORLA’s group program with SAIF affords members an additional 10% premium discount if they meet the eligibility requirements.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND IT SUPPORT

ORLA Members receive up to 30-40% off the everyday price on select Dell products. Members can also receive round-the-clock access to IT help with ProSupport, only from Dell.

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

ORLA Members get a discounted flat swiped rate of 2.3% + .05 a transaction, plus additional fees waived and tools to run your business more efficiently.

PHHOSPITALITY BUSINESS INSURANCE:HIP

ORLA Members receive a free audit of insurance and risk management programs and can save an average of 10-15%.

NATIONAL PARTNERS

MUSIC LICENSING

ORLA Members can save 10% on first year annual fee.

MUSIC LICENSING

ORLA Members can save up to 20% off their music licensing fees.

HOSPITALITY PARTNERS

Find additional member-to-member exclusive cost-saving offers and benefits aimed at improving your bottom line online at OregonRLA.org/hospitality-partners

• Asesso Capital

• Garth T. Rouse & Associates

• HR Annie Consulting

• My Accounting Team

• Oregonian | OregonLive