7/22/20
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 .
News You Can Use
LEAD NEWS - Governor Northam & VTC Announce 90 Virginia DMOs to Receive WanderLove Funding

Today, the Governor announced that 90 DMOs will receive part of $866,000+ through VTC's WanderLove Recovery Grant Program (more about the program here ). The program, designed to support DMOs impacted by COVID-19, awarded up to $10,000 to each locations. Funds will be used for recovery marketing efforts. The program was developed as research began indicating that travelers are looking for safe, nearby destinations. Read the full press release here .

Virginia Department of Labor & Industry COVID-19 Regulations

VRLTA has been engaging with the Virginia Health and Safety Codes Board for the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry regarding their COVID-19 regulations. We provided comment to VDOLI related to these regulations and provided our feedback. Thankfully, it appears many of the issues we raised have been addressed; however, there are still some troubling provisions in the new Emergency Temporary Standards. Currently, VDOLI is working to develop training and outreach productions that will be made available to the employers, employees, and the general public as soon as they are available, including training powerpoints, FAQs, preparedness and response plan templates, and risk assessment tools.

In the interim, VRLTA has reviewed the new regulations and created a summary for your review. You can read VRLTA’s summary of the regulations  here .

You can read the full regulation  here .
AHLA Lays Out Priorities for COVID-19 4.0 Legislation

AHLA sent a letter to Congress calling for more support for the hotel industry. The request includes help in several areas, including extending PPP, creating targeted lending facilities and liquidity measures to help hoteliers meet debt service, and passing reforms to benefit hotel employees and employers, and more. Read the letter to Congressional leadership here .
Upcoming Events
Recognize the BEST of our industry - Ordinary Awards Nominations NOW OPEN!

The Ordinary Awards may look different this year (currently, the plan is to host an in-person luncheon instead of a dinner and reception, and we'll be taking all of the necessary safety precautions), but we don't want to miss out on recognizing the amazing people and businesses that make up the hospitality and tourism industries.

Please take a few minutes to NOMINATE an outstanding person or organization. This year, we have 20 categories, including - NEW! - Hospitality Hero categories for individuals and organizations.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, again at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa in Short Pump. Tickets will be on sale soon. If you're interested in being a sponsor, reach out to your Membership Director, Kristen Karrfalt or Brittany Blythe .
Mark Your Calendar...

  • Norfolk Chapter Virtual Chapter Meeting - July 28, at 9 a.m. - Register here
  • Charlottesville Chapter Virtual Chapter Meeting - July 30, at 10 a.m. - Register here
  • Fairfax - Loudoun Chapter Virtual Chapter Meeting - July 30, at 2 p.m. - Register here
  • Shenandoah Valley Chapter Virtual Chapter Meeting - August 4, at 9 a.m. - Register here
  • Richmond Chapter Virtual Chapter Meeting - August 6, at 10 a.m. - Register here
  • VRLTA Government Affairs Call - August 7, at 2 p.m. - Dial in information: 202.602.1295, conference ID 789-103-256#
  • Ordinary Awards - September 29 - Current plans include an in-person luncheon and awards ceremony. Tickets on sale soon!
  • VA1 Tourism Summit - November 16 - Join us for a one-day, currently in-person event, in Richmond, at the Omni. Registration opens soon!
VA1 Tourism Summit -
November 16 in Richmond!

This year has been unlike any other, but the tourism industry remains united in our belief that travel is still worthwhile and necessary. The Commonwealth is a premier destination and offers experiences like nowhere else. The VA1 Tourism Summit may look different in 2020, but we still believe it's worth gathering to explore, learn, and connect.

Join us at the 2020 VA1 Tourism Conference, and learn why  We Still Believe . Meet with up to 250 of your peers in Richmond; this year's event is currently scheduled to be a one-day, in-person event. The event will follow all guidelines for safety and distancing, and adhere to current federal, state, and locally-mandated protocols. Of course, we'll be monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis and adjusting plans as necessary.

This year's theme,  We Still Believe , reminds us why we love our industry, our places, and our people. Conference programming will focus on travel in the time of COVID-19; "back to business" strategies; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and more relevant and timely topics. We're working to bring together an incredible slate of speakers and panelists and will share more information soon.

VA1 is presented by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations. Learn more at www.va1tourismsummit.org . We hope to see you there!
Education & Training
ServSafe: Classes Are Up and Running!

Speaking of ServSafe, most of VRLTA's preferred ServSafe training partners are again offering in-person classes. Click here to see the entire upcoming schedule . Many partners' classes are filling quickly, so register now if you have employees that need training.
AHLA Safe Stay Course for Hotel Staff

To further expand the hotel industry's Safe Stay initiative, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is offering  COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels , an online course developed in partnership with the  American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute  (AHLEI) and created to help hotels train their staffs on the enhanced safety and cleanliness guidelines.
Webinars We Recommend...

  • U.S. Travel Association - Advancing Industry Priorities in Phase 4 COVID-19 Relief Legislation - July 23, 12 p.m. EDT - Register here.
  • National Restaurant Association - Blueprint for Restaurant Revival Overview and Q&A - July 23, 4 p.m. EDT - Register here.
  • National Restaurant Association on-demand webinars on a variety of topics can be found here.
  • AHLA also has many on-demand webinars for members. Find them here.
Support Members & VRLTA
Support These VRLTA Members - Vote for them for Best Destination Resort in America!

Primland, in Meadows of Dan, and Salamander Resort & Spa, in Middleburg, have been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for the Best Destination Resort in America. Voting is open until July 27; you can vote once per day.
 
 
Alewerks in Williamsburg Supporting VRLTA Relief Fund
 
Alewerks Brewing Company has released a new, limited-edition brew called Absolute Uncertainty, and proceeds will benefit VRLTA's Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund. Learn more about it here !

One place teaming up with Alewerks to sell the beer is the Lost Dog Cafe McLean - eat there and drink an Absolute Uncertainty, and you'll be helping out the Lost Dog Rescue Foundation AND VRLTA's Relief Fund!

Thank you, Alewerks, for supporting VRLTA's work in supporting restaurant and hospitality employees and businesses.
There is Still Time to Support the VRLTA Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund

VRLTA's industry relief fund is aiding workers displaced by the recent restaurant and hospitality industry shutdowns and also helping affected businesses. Over $45,000 has been raised to date!

The fund is still open, and the need is still there. Please consider a donation today.

Donations can be made through VRLTA's website at    https://www.vrlta.org/donations/donate.asp?id=19606   .
Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Merchandise Supports the VRLTA Relief Fund - Make a purchase to show your support today!

VRLTA has also partnered with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to create a Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers t-shirt, and other merchandise, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Fund.