The Slice gives you all the news you can use. Each issue will include any COVID-19 updates, reopening information, legislative news, and other relevant items for our readers. Please let us know if you'd like to see anything in particular or have other feedback - just email marketing@vrlta.org.
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Announcing VRLTA's New JOB BOARD! |
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First we introduced our all new website, at www.vrlta.org, full of useful information, resources, and reasons to join. (Haven't checked it out yet? Go there now and see what you're missing!)
Now, we're adding EVEN MORE value with the introduction of our brand new Job Board, specifically focused on our industry.
Employers can list hospitality and tourism jobs, and VRLTA members get unlimited listings for free through the end of the year (choose 30, 60 or 90 days - up to $100 value for each listing!). A 30-day listing for nonmembers is just $50. Job seekers can search jobs statewide and post their resume.
Let VRLTA help your business during this challenging time with a job board focused just on hospitality and tourism jobs. Take advantage of your membership and get free listings through the end of the year.
There's no cost or risk to members - why not give it a try?
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Looking to Change Up Your Employee Insurance Programs?
It's that time of year! Did you know that VRLTA's partnership with UnitedHealthcare can save you money, time, and headaches?
VRLTA is part of a strategic alliance program with UnitedHealthcare to help provide access to more affordable health care solutions for the hospitality industry. Through UHC, members have access to exclusive discounts including: Up to a 5% discount on medical rates for fully insured groups with 51 or more full-time employees; an annual invoice credit of up to 5% on administrative fees for new self-funded medical products for groups with 100 or more full-time employees; and up to a 5% discount on specialty benefits (dental, vision, life, disability, accident and critical illness) for all-size fully insured groups.
In addition, UHC offers wellness programs and services designed to help improve employee health, productivity and retention. Contact your broker or learn more here.
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VA1 Tourism Summit - November 16 in Richmond!
The 2020 VA1 Tourism Summit is still on, although in a modified format. We'll gather for a one-day event in Richmond, but it will be jam-packed with amazing speakers and content focused on travel in the time of COVID-19; "back to business" strategies; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and more relevant and timely topics.
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The event will follow all guidelines for safety and distancing, and adhere to current federal, state, and locally-mandated protocols. Visit this page to learn more about how we are keeping VA1 healthy and safe! We continue to monitor the situation and will adjust plans as necessary. Learn more at www.va1tourismsummit.org. We are working to finalize the schedule and speakers now.
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Senator Warner Hosts Restaurant Roundtables
Senator Mark Warner hosted a restaurant roundtable in Richmond on Monday, and another one in Alexandria last week. On the table for discussion? What is needed to keep Virginia's restaurant industry running. Thanks to the many VRLTA members who attended and provided feedback to Senator Warner and speaking on behalf of the restaurant industry.
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AHLA Survey Finds 9 in 10 Voters Favor Another COVID-19 Relief Bill to Help Business
Americans are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of the economy, and 90 percent support Congress passing another economic stimulus bill to help distressed small businesses and employees, according to a new survey of registered voters conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). A resounding 89 percent agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package.
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Streamlined Forgiveness for PPP Loans <$50,000
Restaurants who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $50,000 can now access a new forgiveness application designed to simplify the forgiveness and loan review process, as announced by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This “streamlined” PPP forgiveness form does not require businesses to show the calculations used to determine their loan forgiveness amount. However, SBA may request information and documents to review those calculations as part of its loan review process.
Important to note – this is not “automatic PPP loan forgiveness,” as borrowers are still required to submit documentation to lenders on payroll costs, rent/lease payments, and utilities. Additionally, there is a restriction for any otherwise eligible applicants if they have affiliated businesses receiving PPP loans totaling $2 million or greater – we are following up with SBA to ensure the “Affiliation Rules” are waived for restaurants and hotels as outlined in earlier PPP guidance (p. 2).
Here are related documents:
For background, the SBA reports that there are approximately 3.57 million outstanding PPP loans of $50,000 or less, totaling approximately $62 billion of the $525 billion in PPP loans.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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October 27, 9:30 a.m. - Virginia Sporting Clay Shoot PAC and Restaurant Advocacy Fundraiser - Old Forge Sporting Clay, Providence Forge. See below for details.
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November 16, all day - VA1 Tourism Summit, Omni Richmond Hotel. Register here.
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Still Time to Join Us for the Virginia Sporting Clay Shoot, October 27
This annual event benefits the restaurant industry through the Restaurant PAC and Restaurant Advocacy Fund. Join the fun on October 27 at the Old Forge Sporting Clay in Providence Forge. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and you can join as an individual shooter or at various sponsor levels. Don't miss it! To get more information or to RSVP, contact Annie McEniry at amceniry@restaurant.org or 202-331-5920.
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AHLA Offering New Enhanced Version of COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels
AHLA is proud to announce a new enhanced version of COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels, a hotel-specific online training course designed specifically for cleaning and safety during the pandemic. This valuable training tool was developed in partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and now includes a brand new module focused on de-escalation training for employees. The new de-escalation module offers all hotel employees guidance on how to reduce tensions and promote a safe environment while maintaining the spirit of hospitality throughout all interactions. The course is available for $5 for individual purchase, and can also be purchased at an enterprise level.
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ServSafe: Classes Are Up and Running
VRLTA's preferred ServSafe training partners are offering ServSafe training around the state - we currently are listing more than 30 classes in 10+ different localities (including some classes in Spanish), so there is bound to be a class to meet your needs. ORS and RVA Food Safety are also offering test proctoring. Click here to learn more and see the entire upcoming schedule. Partners' classes are filling quickly, so register today!
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Diageo Will Donate $1 per Tweet or Instagram Post to the VRLTA Relief Fund!
You Post. Diageo Donates. Feel The Love. ❤ Post on Twitter or Instagram using #BackToMyBarVA & Diageo will donate $1 to Virginia service industry professionals.
Between 12:01 a.m. ET on 9/1/2020 and 11:59:59 p.m. (ET) on 12/31/2020, for each social media post that uses the hashtag #BackToMyBarVA, Diageo will donate $1 to the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association. Maximum donation of $5,000. Must be 21 or older.
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Highland Brewing is Supporting the Virginia Restaurant and Hospitality Relief Fund
We are pleased to announce that Highland Brewing is contributing a portion of sales of their Gaelic Ale to the VRLTA Restaurant and Hospitality Relief Fund!
Highland distributes in areas of the state such as Roanoke, Bristol, Martinsville, Salem, and Radford. Look for their products on the shelves and in restaurants starting in September and through the end of the year!
The Relief Fund has already distributed thousands of dollars to organizations around the state. To learn more about the recipient organizations, visit this page.
Thank you, Highland Brewing, for your support of restaurant and hospitality employees in Virginia!
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Offer Your Employees Virtual Health and Mental Health Visits with Teladoc!
Teladoc gives employers yet another option to help employees during this challenging time. This program offers virtual visits with doctors and mental health specialists. The program is available to ALL VRLTA members. Enroll your business and pay just $7 per employee per month for unlimited visits with no copay for employees and their families.
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