INDUSTRY CHAMPIONS Hospitality Heroes Serving Communities & Industry
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uring the ORLA Hospitality Conference this past September, we had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate more than a dozen “hospitality heroes” who have supported their communities as well as the restaurant and lodging industry. Their work hasn’t slowed down, nor has the need, especially as businesses continue to face historic challenges. From restaurant owners to hotel managers, legislative leaders to agency heads, industry members and partners serve up positive contributions that lift their communities and drive our industry forward. Join us in celebrating these “Heroes” for their contributions: Wildfire Relief Response Award Sarah Smith, InnCline Hotel Management The onset of Labor Day Weekend 2020 brought with it historic and unrelenting wildfires across Oregon. Thousands of Oregonians lost their homes and were permanently displaced as a result. Sarah Smith with InnCline Hotel Management is recognized for her consistent and professional work in bringing the best of hospitality to those in need of shelter. Coordination with federal agencies including FEMA, and disaster response organizations like the Red Cross can bring its challenges, especially when third parties are involved in the financial transactions for overnight stays. Sarah represents the best in coordination and facilitation in taking a difficult crisis situation for Oregon families and bringing comfort and care to those in desperate need of both. Sarah’s recognition is representative of a strong group of ORLA members who answered the call in responding to emergency shelter needs throughout the duration of the pandemic. For those that answered the call, well done and thank you for representing the best of the industry.
Legislative Champions for Hospitality Award House Republican Leader Christine Drazan State Representative Rob Nosse ORLA recently recognized a Democrat and a Republican who stood up for Oregon’s hospitality industry in legislative sessions taking place during the course of the pandemic. House Republican Leader Christine Drazan was recognized for her work as part of a bipartisan effort to course-correct unemployment insurance taxes given the way Oregon’s formula inequitably taxed hospitality businesses. The result was employer tax cuts worth $2.4 billion over 10 years. In addition, State Representative Rob Nosse assisted the industry in passing “To-Go Cocktail” legislation on a temporary and then a permanent basis. The new tool available to foodservice establishments has the potential to increase sales as well as profit margins for years to come as we work to assist local restaurants in their recovery across the state. Magic Multiplier Award Ken Henson, Pelican Brewing Company Times of crisis require strong leaders who rub off on others and inspire us to find our best selves. Ken Henson, co-owner with Kiwanda Hospitality Group which includes his role as Director of Restaurant Operations for Pelican Brewing Company is an example of a colleague who is in the business of creating more leaders. Ken filled a natural leadership role as part of the inaugural Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy class which met in person with safety protocols during Covid and wrapped up their experience in September of 2021. In addition, Ken serves as Vice-Chair of the Oregon Hospitality Foundation representing a crucial position as we grapple with workforce challenges. In his spare time Ken is working to open up another Pelican Brewing location in Lincoln City with beer slated to flow in the Spring of 2022. OregonRLA.ORG 23
