NEWS BRIEFS Happenings From Around the Industry
Hospitality Members Appointed to Tourism Commission
FLSA Compliance
In an effort to help operators minimize risk of violations and work towards greater compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), ORLA has developed a web page of curated information and guidance from the U.S. DOL Wage & Hour Division. FLSA covers federal law which sets minimum wage, overtime, record keeping and youth employment standards. Visit ORLA’s website at OregonRLA.org/wage-and-hour to access links to regulatory information, posters, materials and other resources helpful in your business operation and ensure you stay in compliance.
Governor Kate Brown has appointed two new members to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon): Erin Stephenson, founder of a boutique lodging company in McMinnville, and David Penilton, owner of America’s Hub World Tours and Oregon Tour Experts. Stephenson's company includes two brands, the Atticus Hotel, and 3rd Street Flats, a curated collection of vacation rentals in two historic buildings in downtown McMinnville. For more than 15 years, David Penilton has been helping visitors from all over the world explore the wonders of Oregon though his tour companies, America’s Hub World Tours and Oregon Tour Experts. They will join seven other commissioners including Scott Youngblood, manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton at Washington Square (Chair), and Richard Boyles, president of Sycan B. Corporation, a real estate development firm (Vice Chair).
Remembering a Hospitality Team Member
In memoriam... Michael Braxton, manager of The Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge in Cannon Beach, tragically lost his life, along with his seven-year-old son, Kobe, in an auto accident in November. Michael's light heart, friendliness, and sense of fun will be deeply missed. Escape Lodging, the Driftwood family, and the greater community extend our sincere sympathies to Michael's fiancé Amber, their daughter Kaia, and the rest of Michael's family. In his memory, please consider joining this community in support of the family in the face of such unimaginable loss. (https://bit.ly/mbraxton)
Data, Trends & Resources
Looking for industry data, research and training to assist in running your operation? Remember that ORLA and the Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF) serve as valuable resources to you. As workforce shortages continue to be cited by employers as the number one issue facing businesses, OHF has collected helpful resources from our state partners as well as our national affiliates to assist operators in addressing workforce needs; visit OregonRLA.org/workforce for details. ORLA members are afforded access to the Resource Library, which includes Oregon and national industry research, reports, whitepapers, and the latest hotel performance report from STR (Smith Travel Research). To access this information, log in to the Member Portal on ORLA's website and click on the Resource Library. If you have any questions, email Membership@OregonRLA.org.
Your Association Turns 90!
November 14, 2021 marked the 90th anniversary of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA), the largest statewide trade association representing restaurant and lodging owners/ operators in Oregon. Over the last several decades, ORLA has evolved not only in name but also in its strength and depth of representation of the industry on numerous issues and business challenges. Your association and its foundation continue to sharpen their focus on providing leadership, training and resources to protect, improve and promote Oregon hospitality. We extend tremendous gratitude to our long-standing members who have supported the association along the way. Not a member yet? Visit OregonRLA.org/membership and consider joining the ORLA family. OregonRLA.ORG 45
