Member Update
July 23 2020
What's Inside:
Congressional Outreach
Call to Action
Special Pricing Ends July 31!
Upcoming Online: Allied Network
In the News
Congressional Outreach
Minnesota's Congressional delegation heard from CEO Liz Rammer yesterday, urging their strongest support for our industry in the next round of relief.

Given that the parties remain far apart on their plans, we will continue our direct advocacy and urge you to take action by sharing your story to bring the need for additional relief into sharp focus.
Call to Action!
Nothing is more powerful than your voice! Please contact your U.S. Congressperson and Senators today and tell them to support the survival of our industry. Remind them that the hospitality industry supports over 1 in 10 jobs in Minnesota and we cannot afford to let these businesses collapse.
 
Ask them to:
  • Authorize a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) relief. Increase the maximum loan amount, create greater expense flexibility and make them tax-deductible;
  •  Support S.4012 (the senate version of the Restaurants Act) to create a $120 billion recovery fund, with grants up to $10 million;
  •  Provide targeted liability protection to create a safe harbor for those acting in good faith to follow public health guidelines;
  •  Create a federal program to support business interruption claims by impacted businesses;
  •  Advance additional lending options, including:
  • New loan program with long-term maturity, deferred payments, low-interest and forgiveness provisions;
  • Expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funding and new advance grants for businesses experiencing significant revenue reduction; and
  • Tailored assistance for lodging companies with Commercial Mortgage Back Securities (CMBS) loans and expand access to the Main Street Lending Facility established by the CARES Act.
  • Expand tax credits for hospitality businesses, including:
  • Temporary travel tax credit for qualified travel expenses such as lodging, meals, recreation, transportation, entertainment, business meetings or events, etc.
  • Tax credits for customer and employee wellness expenditures for PPE, enhanced sanitation, and other efforts;
  • Enhance the Employee Retention Tax Credit, including making sure that businesses are eligible after a PPP loan is exhausted.
  • Provide economic stimulus through additional direct payments to Americans. Congress should also consider an extension of certain targeted unemployment benefits. We support the State of Minnesota’s position that workers who are offered their job back and can return safely should do so. Any additional federal benefits should not disincentivize safe return to employment. Nevertheless, given the current capacity limitations in our industry and others, it’s clear that some workers are likely to require additional assistance and we cannot as a nation turn our back on them. Such stimulus also has the benefit of supporting economic activity at a time when it is most needed. 

Additional information on industry relief efforts is available from the American Hotel and Lodging Association and the National Restaur ant Association .
Special Pricing Ends July 31!
SERVSAFE MANAGER COURSE
WITH ONLINE PROCTORED EXAM
Just $134 through July 31st!

Take the course and the exam from the privacy of your own home!

Upcoming Online: Allied Network
Join us on  Thursday August 6th from 9-10:30 am for our Allied Network Zoom Meeting  .

This month we'll have have a  virtual COVID-related panel  , featuring three hoteliers: Howard Anderson of ZMC Hotels in Duluth, Jason Subbert of TPI Hospitality in Fairmont, and Rick Bertram of the Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel.

Learn about the COVID-related struggles, innovations, and needs from operators in the lodging industry. Representing multiple properties and a wide swath of MN, our panelists will provide viewpoints from a variety of lodging facilities and locations.

There is no charge to attend this event, but please register:
Questions?
Contact  samuel@hospitalitymn.com  or 651.332.1410
In The News
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 .