Member Update
May 15, 2020
What's Inside:
Advocacy on Recreational Camping
PPP Conversation with Rep. Craig
KSTP Goes In-Depth
AHLA Launches #TakeMeBack
AHLA Front Desk Feedback Results
Specialty Session
On a Lighter Note
Advocacy on Recreational Camping
In support of our request to the DNR, we submitted the following responses and comments to their communication on why recreational camping remains closed: 

DNR: Camping often involves distance travel. During the Stay at Home order, we need to curtail non-essential travel to avoid potentially spreading the virus. We also do not want to overwhelm rural communities—for example, health systems or even grocery stores—should a visitor become ill or need supplies.

HM Comments: Dr. Michael Osterholm, world-renowned epidemiologist, was recently asked to comment on similar concerns in an interview with the Star Tribune about outdoor recreation: 

“Q: Some rural communities worry that a summer influx of tourists, beginning with the fishing opener, might overwhelm smaller health care systems if travelers get sick. Do you see that as a problem? 

A: Generally, no. This is not an illness that knocks you off your feet in a few hours. Most people who are healthy when they head up north or wherever they’re going will be able to get home if they get sick while traveling. It’s not like you’ll be taken to an emergency room, in most cases.” 

Given that the state currently allows Minnesota residents and others to access personal cabins, commercial cabins, resorts, hotels and now “dispersed and remote camping sites” it seems clear that such travel is already occurring, and it appears in our view inconsistent and arbitrary to single out RV camping for such a ban, especially in light of the inherent ability to social distance and remain safe with these self-contained vehicles. 

DNR: Campgrounds do not lend themselves to social distancing. We are drawn to congregate with each other over campfires and in common spaces. Although individual campsites may provide space for social distancing, shared bathroom facilities and other campground amenities do not.

HM Comments: While this may be true of tent or group camping sites, this not the case for RV camping for the reasons laid out above. These operators and their guests are prepared to operate by closing public restrooms, common areas and amenities to ensure social distancing. Again, the self-contained nature of these RVs necessitate that they be treated differently from tent camping, and similar to cabins when it comes to public health and safety. 

DNR: It is difficult to maintain the enhanced sanitation protocols required by COVID-19. Many camping locations are not staffed 24/7 and most bathroom and shower facilities are not single-occupant. As a result, we don’t have the capacity to ensure facilities are properly sanitized between each camper.

Comments: Again, while this may be the case in state parks or other public campgrounds, enhanced sanitation at RV sites is quite strait forward and practicable and these private RV campgrounds typically are staffed 24/7. There are minimal points of contact, including a picnic table and the hook-ups, all of which will be wiped down and sanitized thoroughly between guest usage. Shared bathrooms, shower facilities and other amenities will remain closed.
PPP Conversation with Rep. Craig
Today, Liz Rammer spoke with Congressman Angie Craig, and thanked her for her continuing support on fixing the PPP, and for  her concern for restaurant and brewery owners  in her district. This past Monday, Rep. Craig, with Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Andy Kim (NJ-03),  introduced the Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act of 2020.  This legislation will ensure that small business owners with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that are forgiven are also eligible to receive tax deductions for wages and other expenses paid during the period of the loan.
KSTP Goes In-Depth
KSTP’s investigative reporter, Ryan Raiche took  a longer, in-depth look  at the devastation facing the restaurant industry in a story featuring CEO Liz Rammer and members Brent Frederick and Troy Reding.
AHLA Launches #TakeMeBack
The hotel industry is taking to social media to launch the #TakeMeBack campaign to encourage individuals to remember their favorite travel experiences and hotel visits. Until we can all travel safely, the campaign aims to show support to the industry by remembering the incredible people, places and memories that truly embody the spirit of hospitality. Get involved by using the  AHLA toolkit  to invite your loyal guests to share their #TakeMeBack.
AHLA Front Desk Feedback Results
The American Hotel & Lodging Association conducted a “Front Desk Feedback” survey. Submissions from more than 900 responders revealed:

  • 84% of respondents reported being forced to lay off or furlough staff because of COVID-19. 
  • Only 37% of staff have thus far been able to return any of the furloughed or laid off workers back to full-time employment. 
  • When asked when they expect to be back to pre-COVID-19 staffing levels:  
  • 20% reported by June 30th 
  • 29% by August 31st 
  • 16% by December 31st  
  • And 35% said they expected it would not be before next year
Specialty Session
Join us this Monday, May 18 at 1:30 pm as Sarah Norton Webster and Adam Borgen share the work of  Serving Those Serving, including the importance of mental and workplace wellness in the service industry; connecting folks to public services when they need support, and how to adapt in the time of COVID19. They’ll also tell us about some new plans for Serving Those Serving and share how you can help or get help.
"PAY AS YOU CAN" option 
If you are able, please consider supporting the set-up costs for this virtual meeting. Hospitality Minnesota is dedicated to providing ongoing professional development opportunities to all colleagues in the hospitality industry. You will see an option to choose a free or paid ticket. All ticket levels provide equal access to the webinar and any related content. Thank you!
On a Lighter Note
Our Member Updates are generally sent to members only. In the interest of public health and the health of our industry, we encourage you to share this update widely. Additional resources can be found on our  website  and through our social media posts on   Facebook , LinkedIn  and  Twitter .