Boiled Down

In this second episode of a 2-part podcast series focusing on building strong company cultures, Ken Henson, owner/consultant with Refettorio Consulting, talks about the behaviors that exemplify success in pursuing a great company culture. He also explains what business owners and operators should focus on to create a great work environment. If you missed part 1, be sure to go back and listen to our discussion on the importance of culture, the hallmarks of a good work environment, and how to turn around a troubled working environment. Host: Greg Astley, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Guest: Ken Henson, Refettorio Consulting

Amid a business environment of extremely high employee turnover, skyrocketing inflation, and other issues impacting hospitality businesses, many companies have found a way to thrive by practicing a company culture that truly values and listens to its employees. In this first episode of a 2-part podcast series focusing on building strong company cultures, Ken Henson, owner/consultant with Refettorio Consulting, talks with us about the importance of culture, the hallmarks of a good work environment, and how to turn around a troubled working environment. Host: Greg Astley, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Guest: Ken Henson, Refettorio Consulting

No, this is not the start of a joke. Hospitality industry members have been experiencing more situations with customers walking into restaurants and hotels with 'questionable' service animals. Unfortunately, their actions could distract legitimate working dogs and hurt their reputation. We've reposted our Boiled Down podcast episode on the subject for some good reminders on what questions business owners and employees can legally ask. We talk with an employment law attorney who sheds light on the dos and don'ts of service animals in your establishment. Host: Greg Astley, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Guest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Guest: Shane Swilley, Employment Law Attorney, Cosgrave Vergeer Kester Websites mentioned: https://www.ada.gov/ https://droregon.org/ https://www.oregonrla.org/compliance.html

In this bonus podcast of Boiled Down, we have the opportunity to talk with two celebrity chefs who will be headlining the Northwest Food Show on June 26-27, 2022, in Portland, Oregon. Sponsored by Harbor Foodservice and fueled by NW Natural, the Cooking Stage hosts a line-up of award-winning chefs demonstrating their favorite recipes and techniques. Learn more and register at NWFoodShow.com. Guests: Chef Shirley Chung, Ms Chi Café, BravoTV's Top Chef Star Chef Tregaye Fraser, host of OWN Network's “Tregaye's Way,” first African American woman to win Food Network Star

In the latest Boiled Down podcast, we have a conversation with one of the hospitality industry's ‘most influential' leaders, Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Our host and ORLA Director of Government Affairs, Greg Astley, talks with Chip about the positive impacts from ARPA funds, the effect of business travel on industry recovery, and federal advocacy relating to lodging industry issues including illegal short-term rentals. Hear more on how the AHLA and the AHLA Foundation have been investing in various initiatives focused on addressing workforce issues– like the new Hospitality is Working campaign– and supporting our communities.  Guest: Chip Rogers, President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association Advocacy Watch: Paid Family Leave, OSHA's Workplace Heat and Smoke Rules, and the Latest Intelligence on the RRF

In the latest Boiled Down podcast, ORLA speaks with our advocacy colleagues at the National Restaurant Association to discuss the federal advocacy landscape for the restaurant industry. From replenishing the RRF to reinstating the ERTC, things are getting more difficult to move along given a less-motivated partisan Congress right now. Hear how the National Restaurant Association and ORLA continue to push for business-supporting legislation.  Guests: Mike Whatley, Vice President, State Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy, National Restaurant Association Michael A. Aguilar, State Affairs Manager, National Restaurant Association

Did you know the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) can have a huge impact and potentially result in thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars back into your business? Eligible businesses qualify for up to $26,000 per employee—but less than 25% of businesses have filed for their ERC funds. We talk about what the ERC is, what steps you need to take, and dispel some myths around who qualifies for this federal tax incentive.  Guest: Mike Rawson, Adesso Capital

From breweries to hotels, and caterers to small cafes, the hospitality industry depends on natural gas as an energy source. With recent news of natural gas bans around the country and now in Oregon, it's important for policymakers to understand how a potential ban on natural gas would impact an industry whose reliance on this energy source is critical to their operations. We talk with Dan Kirschner from the NWGA about the policy direction and how they're fighting on the industry's behalf to ensure our state and community members can continue to rely on a diversified, robust, reliable and affordable energy system. Businesses should continue to educate customers how they use energy and why, highlighting energy savings with their sustainability practices, and how to use that fuel in better, more efficient ways. Guest: Dan Kirschner, Northwest Gas Association

The workplace has been chaotic with a multitude of factors impacting our work environment. How can leading with kindness make a difference in our organization? Justin Freeman, owner/CEO of Bagel Sphere shares how teams, customers and industry partners are all in need of kind and effective leaders. We talk about how to promote the cultural changes we want to see in our operations and the resources available to take the next step. Guest: Justin Freeman, Bagel Sphere Advocacy Watch: No Meals Tax campaigns OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards on vaccine policies in the workplace

Think you're not qualified for the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) or not taking advantage of it yet? ORLA held a successful webinar recently on the subject and discussed some of the misconceptions about eligibility and how this tax credit could provide significant savings for our industry members. Boiled Down rebroadcasts the interview portion of the July webinar and talks briefly about some key advocacy updates. Guests: Tom Perrick, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association John Barofsky, Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria Krista Caulkins, Think LLP Advocacy Watch: Sales tax on meals proposals in Cannon Beach and Newport 2021 Legislative Session had some key wins for hospitality

In a year like no other, we look at how the 2021 Legislative Session will affect Oregon’s hospitality industry. Our guest and Contract Lobbyist, Bill Perry of Balance Point Strategies delves into the changes to the legislative format during the pandemic and how that has altered the exchange of information. We also talk about what hospitality-related bills came up, died, and what is still in play. Discover the latest with TLT, lottery, mobile gaming, scheduling, and making cocktails to-go permanent. We will also touch on the pitfalls of a possible Alcohol Task Force, intellectual property protections for restaurants from third-party delivery services who publish menus without consent, and how recycling and environmental protections are creating winners and losers.   Guest: Bill Perry, Balance Point Strategies Advocacy Watch: Klamath Falls and John Day weigh Transient Lodging Tax increases
 OLCC Commission votes to increase prices on some of the lowest priced alcohol Restaurant Revitalization Fund sample application and guidance now available Listener Question: Where can I find additional Covid-times training for my staff? (For the answer, see "Providing Service While Supporting Safety" training)

In this bonus episode, ORLA President & CEO Jason Brandt, along with host and Director of Government Affairs Greg Astley, walk through some of the many successes and challenges we’ve had this past year. They take a little deeper dive into some of the current issues, what led us to this point and the solutions we have been advocating for all along. Also hear about programs and new training opportunities developed by the Oregon Hospitality Foundation to support our industry. (Total run time = about 35 minutes)

Together with SAIF Corporation experts, we try to highlight and clarify some of the new guidance Oregon’s hospitality professionals are putting into place. Hear some real-life examples of how organizations are putting procedures in place and some of the challenges in implementing the new rules. Learn about what you can and cannot mandate surrounding vaccines, what notifications you’ll need to do if a COVID-19 exposure occurs, and more about face coverings (who needs them, wash and replace, and how many employers expected to provide). We will also explore what new rules we can expect to become permanent.
 Guests: Liz Hill, Total Worker Health Advisor, Safe and Healthy Workplace Center, SAIF Corporation Kim Henry, Industry Hygienist, Safe and Healthy Workplace Center, SAIF Corporation Links Referenced: SAIF Corporation Oregon OSHA EEOC Oregon Health Authority - Dedicated Vaccine Page Providing Service While Supporting Safety (Guest Service course during COVID-19)  Advocacy Watch: Over 100 bills on ORLA’s engage/watch list
 Campaign to remove Oregon’s Extreme Risk category Federal level update: PPP Round 2, New COVID-19 Relief Package with Restaurant Grant Program Listener Question:New guidance for Lottery retailers in the 'Extreme Risk' category.

A business owner’s potential liability with regard to employment practices in the workplace has been one of the most challenging exposures they have and will continue to face, including an aging workforce, #MeToo, increased wage and hour enforcement, and continuously expanding state employment legislation. And now owners face new challenges brought on by the events of 2020 like COVID-19 and political unrest. Guests: Anne Hasenstab, Executive Risk & Cyber Security Practice Leade, Ward Insurance Haley Morrison, Partner, Labor & Employment Practice Group, Tonkon Torp, LLP Links Referenced: ORLA Live!  Alice Training Solutions (Active Shooter)  Oregon OSHA (Workplace Violence) Advocacy Watch: Three Oregon OSHA issues Government Affairs meeting, 2021 Legislative Session ORLA efforts on removing curfew and 100-Person Cap

Discover all the work Travel Oregon does to grow our state economy by promoting tourism. In this episode, Teresa O'Neill and Carole Astley of Travel Oregon walk us through the many programs and events offered by the Tourism Commission, including the Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism and the Oregon Rural Tourism Conference. We talk about the wide variety of research being conducted to benefit the state and help leaders make informed decisions on marketing efforts, destination management, and product development. You'll also hear the benefits of international travelers in addition to domestic guests and how hospitality businesses can get involved, partner and profit through collaboration. Guests: Teresa O'Neill, VP Global Strategic Partnerships, Travel OregonCarole Astley, Director Meeting Services, Travel Oregon Links Referenced:TravelOregon.comIndustry.TravelOregon.com Advocacy Watch:• Madras food and beverage tax proposed• Portland Parks budget gaps, solutions proposed• Trump Administration's proposed tariffs on some European products• Taste Oregon Legislative Reception Listener Question:Single-use plastics clarification on new laws

"Hospitality begins with safety," so this episode we're talking emergency preparedness. Althea Rizzo joins us from the Office of Emergency Management to help us boil down what businesses can do to prepare for a disaster. Learn more about how communities will respond, who is most vulnerable and what resources exist to help Oregon businesses be ready. Guest:Althea Rizzo, Geologic Hazards Coordinator, Oregon Office of Emergency Management Co-Host:Lori Little, Director of Communications, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Links Referenced: Ready.gov Hospitality Begins with Safety: TsunamiSafe.info Ready Business QuakeSmart Toolkit Advocacy Watch: Pendleton's 3 New Taxes for Street Maintenance Taste Oregon Legislative Reception

Hear cautionary tales of the industry and how the Oregon Secretary of State's Office of Small Business Assistance can help. Discover how this resource team has helped other Oregon businesses, including those starting, growing or winding down a business. Learn what to do if you believe you've been subject to unreasonable or unfair state regulatory actions, including: investigations, excessive fines or penalties, even threats or other enforcement by a state agency. Guests:Ruth Miles, Corporate Division Director, Tribal Liaison, Oregon Secretary of StateTrevor Leahy, Small Business Advocate, Oregon Secretary of State Office of Small Business Assistance Advocacy Watch: Food & Beverage taxes being considered Burgerville Union strikes Service charges, fees and tips

ORLA's Greg, Nicole and Steve boil down some of the industry chatter around the state, what's happening where, and the overall trends impacting Oregon's hospitality industry. From an industry-insider perspective, they touch on Portland protests and the City's counter measures, why brewpubs are closing, and a new wave of suburban migration. Hear more about new food cart pod regulations, Corporate Activities Tax rule making, and the Federal DOJ overtime rule soon taking effect.  Guests:Nicole Peterson, ORLA Government AffairsSteve Scardina ORLA Regional Representative Advocacy Watch: Corporate Activity Tax rule making Federal DOJ overtime rule Credit card tip window for servers

We've got the OLCC's Executive Director and Deputy Director in the house answering all our alcohol and marijuana-related industry questions. Our conversation boils down what the License Fee increases mean and how they will help fund automation and software upgrades in the future. You'll also hear about pilot projects with liter sizes, what is legal with CBD and edibles, and new acceptable IDs for Canadians via NEXUS cards. Guests: Steve Marks, Executive Director, OLCCWill Higlin, Deputy Director, OLCC Advocacy Watch: Egg-laying hen protections (and enrichment) for 2024 Lottery Retailer Forums discuss Oregon Lottery's proposed commission rates ORLA Regional Meetings are on the calendar; visit OregonRLA.org for details.

Lindsey Miller, National Restaurant Association grassroots advocacy manager and Nicole Peterson, ORLA government affairs coordinator talk about the Portland Kitchen Cabinet, a civic engagement program committed to growing and preserving opportunity in the local restaurant industry. We discuss the importance of grassroots advocacy around the country as well as local community initiatives that help drive relationships with peers, neighbors and elected officials.  Guests:Lindsey Miller, NRA Grassroots AdvocacyNicole Peterson, ORLA Government Affairs Advocacy Watch:• Possible changes to ACA reporting system• New Pacific Power shutoff policy• In-depth Legislative update at the ORLA Hospitality Conference

Every interaction a guest has with your brand has a direct affect on your company's reputation, your customer's subconscious decision-making, and your bottom line. Chris Nordyke of Summit Cleaning & Restoration stops by to talk customer experience and how common failure points present opportunities for success and how an empowered staff can create wins all around. Guest: Chris Nordyke, Summit Cleaning & Restoration Advocacy Watch: • Plastic bag and straw bans coming into effect• Regional team kickoff around the state• Cannabis tourism and regulations; OLCC guidance coming

We keep it candid with employment law professionals Rich Meneghello and Alex Wheatley of Fisher Phillips as we discuss recent must-know developments for employers. Hear a national check-in on Trump's administration and about the new version of the overtime rule under U.S. Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta. Take note on why you should be prepared with two years of data for the renewed Equal Employment demographic form, EEO1. We also examine off-duty consumption issues, your ability to enforce, and what the recent Oregon Supreme Court ruling surrounding the social host statute means for all employers and those who serve alcohol. Guests: Rich Meneghello, Partner, and Alex Wheatley, Associate, Fisher Phillips Advocacy Watch: Hood River sales tax is defeated Portland short-term rental crackdown Albany lodging facilities under six units no longer exempt from TLT

In this episode, hear about Oregon ProStart–a Career and Technical Education program, it's capstone event ORLAEF ProStart Invitational, and Willamette High School team's upcoming trip to Nationals. Sysco Portland is an important partner to our industry, not only as title sponsor of the event but also its support of ORLAEF and workforce initiatives. Guests: Martha Humphreys, Culinary Arts Instructor, and Shane Wilder, student (Willamette High School) Guest: Cory Schreiber, Chef for Sysco Portland Guest co-host: Wendy Popkin, Executive Director, ORLA Education Foundation Advocacy Watch: Legislative bills now dead and those still alive One Big Night supports the industry and advocacy efforts

'It's what's cookin' was the theme of the 2019 Northwest Food Show and there's still lots of buzz around the event! Featured presenters from the show stage stop by the podcast–hear from world-renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson and local legend Chef Beau Carr of RingSide Steakhouse. You'll also learn more about the show, industry trends and happenings from a few exhibitors and the Show CEO. Enjoy a laugh with several personalities from the TV show Bar Rescue.

Back in 2017, Oregon’s Secretary of State Dennis Richardson graciously appeared on ORLA’s Boiled Down podcast to talk about the many responsibilities of the office, his goals and vision for Oregon. He also agreed to read Green Eggs and Ham in celebration of Dr. Seuss Day. ORLA is sharing this reading again to honor Dennis Richardson, his unwavering commitment to his family, and to publicly thank him for his years of military, legislative and executive service on behalf of our state and our nation. We will miss him.

ORLA's contract lobbyist and director of government affairs discuss what's ahead this legislative session. We get into everything from the dynamics of the Capitol to whether or not the "kicker" will be kicked. Other hospitality concerns this year include the possibility of the DUII threshold to be reduced to .05 BAC, the single-use disposable plastic debate, and paid family leave. And as always, we're keeping an eye on lodging taxes – not only protecting the use of lodging tax dollars, but also lodging tax compliance with home sharing platforms.Guest: Bill Perry, of Balance Point Strategies, BalancePointStrategies.com Guest: Jason Brandt, President & CEO, ORLA ORLA Member Benefit: Discount on Human Trafficking Response and Recognition Training from Guardian Group Advocacy Watch: Meals taxes proposed: Curry County, Hood River County Initiative Measure 124 lawsuit and win in Seattle Taste Oregon Legislative Reception, presented by Sysco

As we move toward 2019, healthcare options and requirements continue to vex employers. In this episode, we revisit some of the basics of what is required and what offerings are available under the ORLA Health Solutions umbrella of options. These levels of coverage provide options for every ORLA member’s budget. Understand the difference between Standard, Essential and Supplemental coverage. Learn about special small business options, the relatively easy administrative process to offering health coverage, and free resources including the pharmacy discount card. Guest: Garth Rouse, Garth T. Rouse & Associates Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association ORLA Member Benefit: Discounts on the everyday price of select Dell products. Key Links to Visit: Free Pharmacy Discount Card at HospitalityRxCard.com See the full suite of ORLA member-exclusive offerings at OregonRLA.org/HealthSolutions Advocacy Watch: November Elections Recap ORLA Public Policy Committee to discuss 2019 Legislative Framework Taste Oregon Legislative Reception set for February 19, 2019 BOLI guidance still missing ahead of implementation of Pay Equity Law Portland’s Single-use Disposable Plastics Ban turns into voluntary ordinance

Cease and desist letters can serve as a warning ahead of full scale litigation, however there are some possible resolutions before ending up in court. Alicia Bell and Carla Quisenberry of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP walk us through deciphering demand letters, how to avoid them, and your options if you receive one. Find out how to be sure you are not infringing on other's intellectual property, trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Guests: Alicia Bell and Carla Quisenberry of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association ORLA Member Benefit: Special incentive for ORLA members in First Data's Merchant Processing Program.

Our friends at SAIF share some very relatable stories regarding safety in hospitality. And with years of experience, comes valuable tips and strategies for owner/operators and management teams. Also hear how members are saving 10% with ORLA's Workers’ Compensation Group program through SAIF. Guests: Pat Morrill, Agency and Group Coordinator, SAIF CorporationJudi Croft, Safety Services Supervisor, SAIF Corporation Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Website Mentioned:  SAIF.com ORLA Member Benefit: Special program services and discounts through Summit Cleaning & Restoration.  

In a wave of #MeToo revelations, protect your employees and your business by taking a proactive approach to sexual harassment prevention. Hear pragmatic approaches and practical solutions from industry expert Darcey McAllister, who has over 20 years of hands-on HR experience. Learn the difference between quid pro quo sexual harassment and hostile work environments, so you can ensure you have a respectful workplace for all. Then get wise to ways of resetting the bar of what is acceptable in your business, if needed. Guest: Darcey McAllister, HRT Northwest Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Websites mentioned: HRTNorthwest.com ORLA Member Benefit: Discounts with Guardian Group on sex trafficking recognition and response training.

There are currently over 1,200 businesses composting in the Metro area. Hear from an Oregon hotel and a restaurant owner about how diverting food waste from the landfill brings financial gains, changes company culture, and makes business sense. Guests: Alex Bertolucci, Green Business Advisor, Washington County Scott Youngblood, Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland, Washington Square Punky Scott, The Bomber Restaurant and Catering Guest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association   Websites mentioned: Foodwastestopswithme.org www.b17alliance.com   ORLA Member Benefit: 10% off Snagajob's full suite of hiring software and solutions

The floor was bustling at the Northwest Food Show, April 22-23 at the Portland Expo Center. Between zesty chef cooking demos and cutting-edge ed seminars, we invited celebrity guests and show participants to give us a taste of what’s going on in their slice of the industry. Listen in for bites on food waste prevention, agricultural economies, fostering the next generation of culinary professionals, and plant-based cheese. Hear about the relationship that launched Ox Restaurant, feeling fed with gluten-free, the future of Pok Pok, blending media types for better business, and how you can partner with the Oregon Food Bank.   Guests:  0:20 - Pam Peck, Resource Conservation and Recycling Manager, Metro 6:50 - Chef Rick Bayless, Frontera Farmer Foundation 18:14 - Chef Andrew Hunter, Foster Farms 26:24 - Chef Heidi Lovig, Heidi Ho! Organics 35:50 - Chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton, Ox Restaurant and Bistro Agnes 44:26 - Phebe Rossi, Founder, Nuflours 51:03 - Chef Andy Ricker, Pok Pok 1:01:52 - Ben Powers, CEO, Visiting Media 1:16:22 - Sharon McFadden,  Food Resource Developer, Oregon Food Bank   Website mentioned:www.foodwastestopswithme.org

You may have heard of OregonSaves by now, the state-sponsored retirement savings program, facilitated by employers. If you don't currently offer a retirement plan to employees, listen up! The program is rolling out in phases over the next few years and Joel Metlen, Public Engagement Manager for OregonSaves, guides us through employer responsibilities, schedules, and resources available to help you easily implement the program— and help your employees see their savings grow. Guest: Joel Metlen, Public Engagement Manager, OregonSaves, Oregon State TreasuryGuest host: Sarah Schenck, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association   Websites mentioned:oregonsaves.comORLA Member Benefit:10% off Snagajob's full suite of hiring software and solutions

Feel like there's been a firehose flow of regulation changes recently? Rich Meneghello is back after a year, following up on predictions about our hotelier president and his administration's impact on hospitality operations. Get a recap of overtime regulations, pay equity, immigration, and joint employment. Plus, predictive scheduling, how "number fudging" may affect the tip pooling decision, and how #metoo has impacted confidentiality agreements. Guest: Richard Meneghello, Attorney at Law, Fisher & Phillips LLPGuest host: Sarah Schenck, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Websites mentioned:oregonfoodhandler.comoregonrla.org/webinarsORLA Member Benefit:Restaurant Financing Webinar

Oregon has had a pay equity law on the book for years, so what’s new and unique about the Oregon Equal Pay Act of 2017? Find out what the expansion means for you as an employer, how it impacts your employment forms and hiring processes, and how to take advantage of the law’s unique employer safe harbor. Labor attorneys Jennifer Nelson and Anne Milligan help us understand the “legalese” of pay equity. Guests: Anne Milligan, Fisher Phillips and Jennifer Nelson, Ogletree DeakinsGuest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

Business owners, how do you differentiate between purse accessory pup and service animal? What questions can you ask without getting into legal hot water? Can you require a service animal to be crated in a hotel room? With so many uncertainties, it can be a zoo out there! Employment Law Attorney Shane Swilley joins us in this episode to shed light on the dos and don’ts of service animals in your establishment. Guest: Shane Swilley, Employment Law Attorney, Cosgrave Vergeer KesterGuest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Websites mentioned:https://www.ada.gov/https://droregon.org/https://www.oregonrla.org/compliance.html

What do you do if an ICE agent shows up at your establishment? Sean Ray of Barran Liebman LLP boils down what employers need to know about Forms I-9 and how to stay out of hot water with U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We get into employer responsibilities and best practices regarding documentation, how to prepare for an audit, and consequences of being out of compliance with the law.   Guest: Sean Ray, Barran Liebman LLPGuest host: Sarah Schenck, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Websites mentioned:https://www.barran.comhttp://oregonrla.org

Metro’s venues draw over 1 million patrons to Portland every year, including the Oregon Zoo, Portland Expo Center, Oregon Convention Center and the Portland5 Centers for the Arts. Scott Cruickshank, General Manager of Metro Visitor Venues, talks about how they drive economic development, a strong hospitality and tourism industry, and job growth for the region. We also discuss the long-anticipated Convention Center's headquarter hotel, new Zoo projects, and ponder Portland’s hotel outlook. Guest: Scott Cruickshank, Metro Visitor Venues Guest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Website mentioned: http://www.OregonMetro.gov

How often do you think about the role your business plays in Oregon’s thriving tourism industry? Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO, joins us to divulge the stats surrounding Oregon’s growing presence on the international map and how you can ensure your business welcomes guests, drives repeat visits, and is more impactful in the marketplace. We uncover ways you can capitalize on major upcoming events across the state, plus, why your business is missing out if you aren’t tapping into Travel Oregon’s tools and resources.   Guest: Todd Davidson, Travel OregonGuest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association   Websites mentioned:http://industry.traveloregon.comhttp://traveloregon.com    

When it comes to hiring and maintaining a quality team, employers in the hospitality industry are channeling their inner 80s pop star and declaring, “I need a hero!” Preferably, a whole staff of them, with strong work ethic and a dose of dedication. Dani Rosendahl from On Deck Sports Bar & Grill chats with us about non-traditional resources for recruiting great workers, the benefits of investing in employees, and how policy plays a role in staffing. Guest: Dani Rosendahl, On Deck Sports Bar & GrillGuest host: Sarah Schenck, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Websites mentioned:ondecksportsbar.comvetworkpdx.comoregonrla.org

Hear what’s sprouting from Oregon’s culinary student talent in this episode where we sit down with guests from McMinnville High School’s ProStart Program as they prepare to compete in the National ProStart Invitationals. Learn the history of this Career and Technical Education program, supported by ORLA’s Education Foundation, and its role in the hospitality industry’s workforce development. Guests:Devin Baldwin, ProStart Student Team Manager, McMinnville High SchoolKrista Carpino, Culinary Instructor, McMinnville High SchoolGuest host: Wendy Popkin, Executive Director, ORLA Education Foundation  

In a special Boiled Down episode, Oregon's Secretary of State Dennis Richardson joins us to talk about his varying roles and goals in the office.  Oregon elections - 3:07Redistricting commission - 7:15Nonpartisan office - 12:35Citizen engagement and inclusion - 15:55How businesses can help themselves - 22:39Becoming a Government Authority Office (audits) - 25:10State Land Board - 31:40The Archives Division and Oregon's Constitution - 38:40Goals in office - 42:14Green Eggs and Ham - 44:35ORLA Advocacy Watch - 50:33 Guest: Dennis Richardson, Oregon Secretary of StateGuest host: Sarah Schenck, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

Get insights into hospitality industry issues at the national level with perspectives from American Hotel & Lodging Association and National Restaurant Association. Guests, Troy Flanagan and Matt Walker, discuss legislative developments you need to know regarding immigration, healthcare, tax reform, and more. AHLA advocacy watch - 1:00 NRA advocacy watch - 6:53 Immigration and travel restrictions- 10:10Swipe fees - 13:58Short term rentals - 18:10Healthcare - 26:50Tax reform - 31:30 Events* - 33:25ORLA advocacy watch - 37:10Member deal - 40:06Guests:Troy Flanagan, VP of State and Local Government Affairs, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Matt Walker, VP of Government Affairs, National Restaurant Association (NRA)*Corrected event date:AHLA Legislative Action SummitMay 17-18, 2017

ORLA’s chief lobbyist sits down with the association’s president and CEO to chat about key issues we’ll be focusing on this legislative session and which bills will have the greatest impact on the hospitality industry. With income equality, restrictive scheduling, tourism investment, and transportation infrastructure as hot topics, now is the time to embrace a commitment to spontaneity. Advocacy watch - 1:18 ORLA’s Legislative Agenda - 6:42 Bills in the legislature - 16:07ORLA and Oregon Legislators - 31:42“Son of 97” bill - 37:04Comparing legislative sessions - 39:57How you can get involved - 42:16 Guests:Bill Perry, Balance Point StrategiesJason Brandt, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association This episode of Boiled Down is sponsored by: Sysco Portland: http://www.syscoportland.com/

In face of a higher minimum wage and income disparity between front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house employees, two Portland restaurateurs share how and why they have embraced the gratuity free restaurant model. Scott Dolich and Andy Fortgang discuss the cultural shift for both guests and employees in their restaurants, plus offer advice for others thinking about implementing a no-tipping system.  Advocacy watch - 1:10Introductions - 5:15 No-tipping transition - 8:46The future of restaurants - 28:25One-house system - 34:45 Guests: Scott Dolich, Park KitchenAndy Fortgang, Le Pigeon & Little Bird Bistro
Guest host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association This episode of Boiled Down is sponsored by: Sysco Portland: http://www.syscoportland.com/

How will President-elect Donald Trump change the landscape of the hospitality industry and what can we anticipate with Andrew Puzder as Labor Secretary? Rich Meneghello shares his thoughts on how the new administration may impact the following: Overtime regulation - 10:45Pay equity - 15:25OSHA rules - 20:40Employment leave - 24:20Immigration - 26:18Joint employment - 28:37OLMS - 31:33Marijuana - 35:26 Guest: Richard Meneghello, Attorney at Law, Fisher & Phillips LLP This episode of Boiled Down is sponsored by: Sysco Portland: http://www.syscoportland.com/

We bring you a preview of what’s to come in ORLA’s new podcast series, Boiled Down, in which we condense industry issues and intelligence into digestible information for Oregon’s hospitality businesses. Guest: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.