The Slice gives you all the news you can use. Each issue will include the latest news, COVID-19 updates, 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.

As of 4/21/21, Virginia restaurants will now be able to seat patrons at the bar, as long as a distance of six feet is maintained between parties. This is an update to Executive Order 72, and is effective immediately. Learn more here or here.

The Small Business Administration, the NRA, VRLTA, and the restaurant associations in Washington D.C. and Maryland held a webinar yesterday with the latest information on the RRF grants. The webinar came together at the last minute, so if you missed it yesterday, you can still view it here. See the NRA's slides from the webinar here and the SBA's slides from the webinar here.

Other related resources:

As of April 18, anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to get a vaccine in Virginia. What does this mean? If you can find a vaccine, you are eligible to receive it!

Trying to find a vaccine? Check out these resources:

Mark Your Calendar!

Remember, some new legislation goes into effect May 1 which may affect your business.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on April 19 that it is taking action to ensure that American businesses are equipped with the resources needed to recover successfully and contribute to the economic health of local communities. In light of increased labor demands, DHS is announcing a supplemental increase of 22,000 visas for the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker program.

AHLA and the H-2B Workforce coalition have been working with Congress on H-2B reform legislation which will permanently increase the cap while simultaneously working on Appropriations language to provide further relief in the FY’22 appropriations package.

For more details, see the full press release.

Register for this April 26 event here. Learn more about the Registered Apprentice Program here.

VRLTA members get unlimited listings for free (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 in the resume bank. 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?

Our new effort to recognize VRLTA members on social media is a hit! Want to have a chance to be featured? Fill out this quick form for us. Thanks!

The 2021 Virginia Travel Guide is now available! The Guide is the official guide of VRLTA and is distributed at all Virginia Welcome Centers, State Rest Areas and regional visitor centers throughout the state. Check it out here!

Sign up for Richmond Region Tourism's I Am Tourism (IAT) Ambassador Class

Richmond Region Tourism has three upcoming sessions of their I Am Tourism training class. The program is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about the Richmond Region and local tourism assets. The training includes an overview of the economic impact of tourism in the Richmond region; information about the attractions, restaurants and business partners located in the area; and a virtual tour of favorite places in the region. Upon completion of the 2 hour online class, IAT graduates will be eligible to receive their IAT Ambassador Toolkit which includes the Attractions Guest Pass which offers free or reduced admission to many of the area attractions.

Complete details and videos about the I Am Tourism program can be found at IATRVA.COM.