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.
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All Virginia COVID-19 mitigation measures end May 28
As previously shared, all COVID-19 mitigation measures in Virginia, such as social distancing and capacity requirements, will end tomorrow, May 28.
- Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
- Some exceptions for fully vaccinated people apply, such as in healthcare or congregate settings or while traveling.
- Businesses retain the ability to require masks in their establishments.
- Employees in certain business sectors - including restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care, and entertainment - must wear masks unless fully vaccinated.
- Masks will be required in K-12 public schools.
- People who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings.
- The Governor will take executive action to ensure that individuals will have the option to wear masks after the state of emergency ends June 30.
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RRF Update
The Small Business Administration has closed the Restaurant Revitalization Fund online application portal. Over 362,000 applications for $75 billion were submitted. The NRA and VRTLA continue to work with legislators to work toward replenishing the RRF.
Have you already received an RRF grant? Here are some helpful tools:
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The NRA has prepared a "next steps" guide to help you ensure that the grant is used effectively and legally. Find the guide here.
- The NRA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants have created an expense tracker to help you document your use of RRF funds. Download the expense tracker here.
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The NRA is asking for additional funding and wants restaurants and other interested parties to sign their petition to federal leadership. Do that by clicking the button below. We'll share additional action alerts as needed.
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VRLTA partnering with Mike King for 'A Crisis in the Kitchen' to look at the current state of the restaurant industry
VRLTA is pleased to partner with Mike King for an upcoming radio event on June 21, from 5 - 7 a.m. on ESPN Richmond 106.1 and from 2 - 3 p.m. on The Choice 106.1. We'll take a look at what's happening in the industry and what the future holds. Expert guests include Carl Knoblock, District Director for Virginia for the Small Business Administration; Katherine O'Donnell, Executive Vice President of Richmond Region Tourism; Chef Robin Carter; Brunswick AgNCulture; and more to be announced. Listen in!
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VRLTA offering FREE job training for hospitality workers
VRLTA recently received grant funding from GO Virginia Region 4 and local partners to create a free job training and upskilling program. In addition, some funds will be used to promote VRLTA's hospitality industry job board. See the press release here. Key details of the program include:
- The program offers the training to restaurant and lodging workers who are unemployed, underemployed, or currently working in the industry.
- Training is available to those who live or work in GO Virginia Region 4, which includes the cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond; and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, Surry, and Sussex.
- Classes are available to all levels, from entry-level to management employees. Each training package offers employees training options to be successful in their current job and grow in the industry.
- Training is provided through the NRA's ServSafe and ServSuccess programs and AHLA's Educational Institute.
- Individuals can register for training and businesses can request training for their employees.
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Training is completely free for those that sign up - training costs are covered by grant monies.
- You do not need to be a member of VRLTA to participate.
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New VRLTA Event - Restaurant Component Meeting
Join the VRLTA Restaurant Component on June 9 at 10 a.m. for the Restaurant Component Meeting. During this meeting, our Restaurant Component Members will be updated on issues that are directly related to their industry sector. We will conclude this meeting with Q&A. We look forward to connecting with all of our VRLTA Restaurant Component members!
Meeting Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions- Component Officers, Tony Stafford & Shannon Conway
- Government Affairs update on changes to legislation- VRLTA President, Eric Terry & VRLTA Director of Government Affairs, Robert Melvin
- Staffing for the Recovery- VRLTA Vice President of Education & Workforce Development, Jim Wilson
- Panel Discussion with Curt Archambault, Vice President of People, Performance Strategies and Antwon Brinson, CEO of Culinary Concepts AB
- Q&A
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New VRLTA Event - Lodging Component Meeting
The VRLTA Lodging Component will gather on June 10 at 10 a.m. for a Lodging Component Meeting. Lodging Component members will be updated on key issues. The agenda includes:
- Welcome and Introductions- Russ Cronberg & Thida Win-Love
- Government Affairs update on changes to legislation & VRLTA advocacy efforts as it related to Lodging- Eric Terry & Robert Melvin
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) VRLTA ask- Eric Terry & Robert Melvin
- GO Virginia Grant- Eric Terry & Jim Wilson
- Staffing for the Recovery - Jim Wilson
- Lodging Market Review - Dan Roberts, Director of Research & Market Intelligence
- High Level Economic Overview – why consumer health will drive a strong travel recovery.
- Recent Trends in Virginia Lodging Market - How has the recovery gone so far?
- Labor Market – what is the data saying for Leisure & Hospitality vs. other sectors?
- Looking Forward - How do we expect the recovery to go?
- Q&A
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Mark Your Calendar!
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June 9, 9 a.m. - Richmond Region Tourism I Am Tourism Class. Register here.
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June 9, 10 a.m. - VRLTA Restaurant Component Meeting. Register here.
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June 10, 10 a.m. - VRLTA Lodging Component Meeting. Register here.
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June 21, 5-7 a.m. & 2-3 p.m. - VRLTA-sponsored radio program - "A Crisis in the Kitchen". See information above.
Other Webinar Resources...
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Past VRLTA webinars can be seen here.
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National Restaurant Association on-demand webinars on a variety of topics can be found here.
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AHLA also has many on-demand webinars for members. Find them here.
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The Restaurant Law Center has free webinars on demand here.
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The U.S. Travel Association has past webinars available for download here.
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VRLTA Job Board: FREE Listings for VRLTA Members
VRLTA's hospitality- and tourism-specific job board currently has over 260 jobs listed. Has your company listed open positions? If not, you might be missing that perfect candidate.
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. There's no cost or risk to members -give it a try!
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Action Alert! Sign on to support VRLTA's funding request to help hospitality and tourism
VRLTA recently submitted a request to the general assembly asking for comprehensive support for tourism and hospitality. The request totals over $273 million. See the proposal here. To show the General Assembly that our request has widespread support, we are asking members and others in the industry to sign on to the request. You can do that in less than 2 minutes by filling out this quick form. Thank you to all who have already signed on (over 230 organizations!); if you haven't yet had a chance, please take a minute to advocate for tourism and hospitality. |
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Action Alert! Save Hotel Jobs Act Update
AHLA and Unite Here have joined forces to save hotels and hotel jobs. The organizations have been working for months on the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill provides a lifeline to hotel workers and hoteliers, providing critical assistance to bring back workers and to help bridge the gap until travel returns. While leisure travel is resuming, business travel -- the largest source of hotel revenue -- is down 85% and is not expected to return soon. Full recovery is not expected until 2024.
Other hard-hit industries have received direct aid – such as airlines, restaurants, and live venues – but hotels are suffering just as badly if not worse than any other sector of the economy. To gain support for this bill so it has a chance of becoming law, your help is needed. Contact your legislators using this quick form today!
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VRLTA Partner USI publishes Hospitality Reopening Guide
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Want to be featured on Member Monday?
We want to share your story! Each week, we highlight a member on our social media accounts, and it could be you! Tell us what's special or new about your organization, why you joined VRLTA, and what benefits you like. Want to have a chance to be featured? Fill out this quick form for us. Thanks!
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Virginia Travel Guide now available
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!
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