14 minute read
Advocacy Update
Elections, Short-term Rentals, and National Advocacy Efforts
Christine Drazan Tina Kotek Betsy Johnson
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ORLA’s Government Affairs team remains engaged in several local actions relating to short-term rental regulations and local lodging tax revenues as well as state and federal advocacy issues. If you haven’t already, register for the ORLA Hospitality Conference in September and join us in person for a high-level discussion of the most relevant state and local legislation impacting the hospitality industry. With at least 24 newly elected Oregon legislators, ORLA has a big job to do educating them on how their decisions impact restaurant and lodging operations. At the Conference we’ll also preview Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session and handicap the 2022 general election.
ELECTION RECAP As of this writing, the results of some races are still unknown due to a printing error in Clackamas County and the resulting delay in hand counting thousands of ballots. Below are the unofficial results of some of the key races to date. Official results from all 36 counties will be certified as of June 13, 2022.
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Oregon Governor
Three candidates will face each other on the November ballot to determine who will be Oregon’s next Governor. The Republican nominee, Christine Drazan, defeated 18 other Republicans to secure the nomination while Tina Kotek, Democrat nominee, fought off 14 opponents in the primary to win the Democratic nomination. As an unaffiliated candidate, Betsy Johnson will need to gather 23,743 valid signatures from voters in order to get her name placed on the ballot this fall.
Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Commissioner
A non-partisan position, this race looks headed for a runoff in the fall between Christina Stephenson, a Portland civil rights attorney and Cheri Helt, a former State Representative and owner of Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails in Bend, as neither received 50 percent of the votes.
BOLI is responsible for enforcing wage and hour, overtime, and other employment laws. The agency also investigates complaints of discrimination in housing and in places of public accommodations, such as restaurants and hotels.
Congress
U.S. Senate: Jo Rae Perkins (R) will be taking on U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D) this fall after winning the Republican primary with roughly 33 percent of the vote. Senator Wyden secured his spot with 89 percent of the vote in the primary. CD 1: Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D) won the Democratic nomination with 88 percent of the vote in the primary and will face challenger Christopher Mann (R) who won the primary with 67 percent of the vote.
CD 2: Congressman Cliff Bentz (R) was victorious in the Republican primary winning 75 percent of the votes and will face challenger Joe Yetter (D) in November.
CD 3: Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D) won the primary with 95 percent of the votes and will face Joanna Harbour (R) who won her primary with 97 percent of voters casting a ballot for her.
CD 4: With Congressman Peter DeFazio choosing not to run for re-election in this seat, Val Hoyle (D), current BOLI Commissioner and former State Representative, decided to run and ended up overtaking her competition with 64 percent of the vote in the primary. Alek Skarlatos (R), who ran against DeFazio previously, won the Republican nomination with 98 percent of the vote.
CD 5: In a surprising upset, incumbent Congressman Kurt Schrader (D) was defeated by challenger Jamie McLeodSkinner (D) in the primary, 42.9 percent to 57.1 percent. McLeod-Skinner will face Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in November. Results were delayed in Clackamas County, after blurry bar codes were rejected by vote-counting machines.
NATIONAL NEWS
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Senate Vote – Oregon Senators Voted Yes
On May 19, the United States Senate was unable to overcome a filibuster on a motion to begin debate on a $48 billion bill that would have replenished the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The vote to invoke cloture and overcome the filibuster failed by a vote of 52-43 (60 votes were needed to prevail).
Highlights of the vote:
• Every Democrat (and Independent) present voted in favor of invoking cloture. Notable that Joe Manchin was secured. Three
Democrats were not present: Rosen (NV), Brown (OH), and
Van Hollen (MD).
• Five Republicans voted to invoke cloture: Blunt (MO), Cassidy (LA), Collins (ME), Murkowski (AK), Wicker (MS). Two
Republicans were not present: Sen. Ernst (IA) and Marshall (KS).
ORLA Leaders Lobby Congress for Workers
During a recent trip to attend the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., ORLA staff and volunteer leaders took to Capitol Hill to address the workforce shortage and urge our members of Congress to support the Essential Workers Economic Advancement Act (EWEA). The Act (H.R. 7239) would create a pathway for foreign workers to come to the United States on non-immigrant visas to fill essential jobs that don’t require a college degree. Features of the Act include a match-making system based on job position and location, year-round renewable visas, a market-driven cap on the number of visas issued per year and employer obligations to hire from the U.S. first.
For more information on the EWEA Act, please visit restaurant.org and search “EWEA”.
DHA and DOL Release H2B Visas
The Departments of Homeland Security and Labor are now accepting petitions for an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the second half of fiscal year 2022.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and its partners in the H-2B Workforce Coalition worked hard to get the Biden Administration to make these visas available, but also recognize they will not be enough to meet hoteliers’ labor needs in this competitive job market.
AHLA is continuing its push to make available even more H-2B visas by advocating for a number of other important reforms, including adding a returning worker exemption to this year’s appropriations package.
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LOCAL NEWS
ORLAPAC Reception at the ORLA Hospitality Conference
Our ability to help elect business-friendly candidates to the State Legislature depends on the generous contributions of our members to ORLAPAC, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Political Action Committee.
We raise funds every year through our One Big Night Dinner and Auction, the ORLA Open Golf Tournament and direct contributions sent in with dues payments. Those funds are critical in helping our Government Affairs team support candidates who understand the challenges of running a business in general and more specifically, here in Oregon.
To help recognize and honor our larger contributors, ORLAPAC is hosting a special reception on Saturday, September 10 in Eugene prior to the ORLA Hospitality Conference on September 11-12, 2022. The reception will feature the opportunity to talk one-onone with peers and government affairs staff from ORLA about the upcoming November election, politics in our state, and other important issues.
For more information on this exclusive event or how to contribute to ORLAPAC, please contact Greg Astley, ORLA Director of Government Affairs at astley@oregonrla.org.
Short-Term Rental Ordinances in Oregon
Several counties, including Clatsop and Tillamook, are reviewing their short-term rental ordinances. Some of the issues counties are looking at include limiting the number of licenses issued for shortterm rentals, a moratorium on new licenses, noise restrictions, and sewer and water capacities.
ORLA recently submitted a letter to Clatsop County encouraging the formation of a Short-Term Rental Workgroup to help county staff review these issues and others as well as any proposed changes. Engaging industry representatives and concerned citizens will help with a more accurate picture of what is needed when reviewing these rules and regulations.
In addition to the issues mentioned above, ORLA continues to advocate for accurate reporting and submission of lodging taxes as well as enforcement of applicable health and safety codes.
With municipalities looking to potentially limit or eliminate short-term rental properties from their communities, ORLA is also encouraging these elected officials and staff to factor in the loss of lodging tax revenue from their budget and the budgets of organizations, such as DMOs and RDMOs, who may be impacted by those decisions.
Want to learn more about how local lodging tax revenues can be used? Visit OregonRLA.org/Advocacy to watch “Oregon Lodging
Tax Defined.” GREG ASTLEY, ORLA
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PRESENTED BY
REJOIN YOUR PEERS THIS FALL September 11-12 • Eugene
Thought Leaders. Networking. Workshops. Parties.
3ENGAGING 8 300 40
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS ESSENTIAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL PEERS SHOWCASED INDUSTRY VENDORS
Major Sponsors:
Join us this fall as we bring the industry together at Graduate Eugene. Industry leaders, owners and operators gather for this multi-day event of illuminating keynotes, informative seminars, breakout sessions, networking and parties. You do not need to be an ORLA member to attend.
REGISTRATION $275
If you are bringing three or more people, your third and additional attendees will receive a discounted rate of $245.
Breakout Sponsors:
Deacon Construction, Fournier Group, Garth T. Rouse & Associates, Jordan Ramis PC, SAIF
Vendor Showcase to Date:
Allied Partners, Ball Janik, Brown & Brown Insurance, Crystal Investment Property, Curtis Restaurant Equipment, Deacon Construction, Dyson, Energy Trust of Oregon; Existing Buildings, HR Annie Consulting, McCormick Distilling Company, National Purchasing Partners, Sandin Insurance Group, STR, Togather Restaurant Consulting, United Midwest Savings Bank, Workstream Technologies
Recharge, Retool, and Reconnect
Take part in meaningful discussions on critical issues affecting our industry, learn new best practices, and connect with industry leaders and peers.
INDUSTRY PROGRAMMING
• Building Exceptional Company Cultures • Workforce Recruitment and Retention • Lodging Industry Performance and Forecast • Local, State & Federal Legislative Updates • Respectful, Inclusive Workplace Practices • Economic Outlook for Oregon
ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING
Hear a recap of the successes and the challenges your association has engaged in over the past year and help elect the Board of Directors for 2022-2023.
VENDOR SHOWCASE
Meet face-to-face with allied members and see what products and services will help your business thrive.
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
ORLAHospitalityConference.com
REGISTRATION $275
If you are bringing three or more people, your third and additional attendees will receive a bulk rate of $245. ORLA HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AWARDS
Join us in recognizing four outstanding individuals who raise the bar for excellence in performance, service, and commitment to the industry. The following awards will be presented:
• Employee of the Year – A frontline employee (nonmanagement/supervisory level) who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service and contributions to their company and their guests/ customers.
• Restaurateur of the Year – Owner, operator, or manager who demonstrates exceptional leadership in supporting the industry, the restaurant, employees, and guests.
• Lodging Operator of the Year – Owner, general manager, or property manager who demonstrates exceptional leadership in supporting the industry, the property, employees, and guests.
• Allied Member of the Year – A company or organization that has demonstrated outstanding service and has made innovative contributions to support and grow Oregon’s hospitality industry.
PRESENTED BY
Agenda At-A-Glance
(Subject to change)
Saturday, September 10
5:00pm – 7:00pm ORLAPAC VIP Reception (Requires separate registration, OregonRLA.org/Events)
Sunday, September 11
11:30am – 1:30pm Lunch & General Sessions 1:45pm – 2:45pm Breakout Sessions (choice of 2 concurrent sessions) 3:15pm – 4:15pm Breakout Sessions (choice of 2 concurrent sessions) 4:30pm – 6:30pm Vendor Reception 7:00pm – 9:00pm Hospitality Industry Awards Dinner
Monday, September 12
8:00am – 9:00am Industry Breakfast 8:30am – 9:30am General Session 9:30am – 10:15am Vendor Showcase 10:20am – 11:20am Breakout Sessions (choice of 2 concurrent sessions) 11:25am – 12:25pm Breakout Sessions (choice of 2 concurrent sessions) 12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch & Keynote / Closing Session
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
(Note: this is a partial list of educational sessions; visit ORLAHospitalityConference.com for a complete schedule)
AHLA: Federal & Industry Update
Chip Rogers, President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association Hear insights from American Hotel & Lodging Association CEO, Chip Rogers, on legislative activity in Congress, industry travel trends, and projected travel demand and recovery.
Restaurant Advocacy: Federal Activity & Emerging State Issues
Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO, National Restaurant Association Get an update on federal activity relating to the restaurant industry and hear about efforts and policies addressing emerging state and federal issues.
ORLA Advocacy: State & Local Issues, Legislative Session, and Elections
Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs, ORLA Bill Perry, Balance Point Strategies Join ORLA’s Government Affairs team for a high-level discussion of the most relevant state and local legislation impacting the hospitality industry. With at least 24 newly elected Oregon legislators, ORLA has a big job to do educating them on how their decisions impact
restaurant and lodging operations and how critical our industry is to Oregon’s economy. We’ll also preview Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session and handicap the 2022 general election.
Mission Possible: It Takes an Industry
Eric Aebi, Program Chair, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Chemeketa Community College We know the future of the hospitality industry depends on key factors including (and maybe most importantly) a healthy workforce pool. The Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF), in partnership with Travel Oregon, are knee deep in hospitality workforce development efforts, coordinating with destination management organizations (DMOs) and industry members to increase engagement with schools and employment agencies statewide. Hear from a panel of professionals representing these entities and learn how you can support this effort to collectively build and enhance career pathways for our future workforce.
Building Exceptional Company Cultures
Panel of Industry Operators Given the hospitality industry’s role as the largest base of employers for essential skill development, having a company culture that fosters employee retention is critical to addressing workforce challenges. We talk with a panel of industry operators–representing both the restaurant and lodging sectors–about what it takes to cultivate an exceptional culture that attracts and retains a strong workforce.
Hospitality Performance Overview: Total US, State of Oregon, and overview of Market and Submarkets within the State
Chase Oeser, Regional Sales Manager, STR STR’s Chase Oeser will provide an overview of the current State of the Hospitality Market compared to not only 2021, but also how the industry is performing versus 2019. In this session, we will take you through the hospitality industry’s national performance and forecast for the state of Oregon, as well as the markets and submarkets within the state. We will also have an opportunity to measure the recovery by comparing 2022, 2021, and 2019 which achieved the highest overall performance across all KPI’s on record.
Respectful Workplace: Mitigating Risk of Harassment Discrimination and Supporting a Culture of Respect and Belonging
Cindy Free, CEO & Sr. Consultant, HR Annie Consulting From social justice movements to social media callouts, workplace conversations have evolved, and employers have an important opportunity to engage in those critical conversations through listening, learning, and training. Employers, managers, and staff all have a responsibility to contribute to a Respectful Workplace and how we can get there together. In this session, HR Annie will dig into how employers can implement training and tools to go beyond a simple policy, to create a culture where everyone feels safe and comfortable to do their best work.
The Economic Outlook for Late 2022 and Beyond
John Tapogna, Senior Policy Advisor, ECONorthwest Oregon's leisure and hospitality sector was at the center of the pandemic downturn and isn't expected to return to pre-recession levels of employment until 2026 or later. Businesses that survived the extraordinary disruption are in a fierce competition for labor that's likely to continue into next year. And now as the Federal Reserve attempts to slow down inflation, economists see a risk of another recession on the horizon. This session will look back at where we've been and provide some guesses on what's ahead.
