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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VRLTA applauds Fairfax County for dedicating relief funds to tourism
VRLTA has been working to advance relief for the hospitality and tourism community at the local level and state level. Yesterday, Fairfax County adopted a proposal called the PIVOT Grant. This grant fund provides relief specifically for the hospitality and tourism industry. VRLTA applauds Fairfax County for voting to dedicate $25 Million, or nearly 11% of relief funding, to helping Fairfax’s tourism industry recover from a $10 billion statewide pandemic-caused deficit. See the full release here.
We have also learned that Loudoun County is moving forward with their own plan. All of these proposals are based on the relief proposals we have been advocating for adoption.
View the Fairfax PIVOT portal here and the F airfax PIVOT plan here.
View the Loudoun ARP Relief plan here.
View VRLTA’s local relief proposal here.
View the webinar VRLTA did with the Virginia Municipal League here.
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NRA seeking additional funding for Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) has been an incredibly effective recovery tool for the restaurant industry, but for too many owners, the $28.6 billion in funding won’t last long enough for them receive a dollar in disaster funding. The SBA estimates that they need at least an additional $50 billion just to fund the applications submitted before the application portal was closed.
We have been in close contact with the sponsors of the RESTAURANTS Act, and are pleased to announce that today, the RRF Replenishment Act will be introduced. This new legislation will direct $60 billion in funding to the SBA, allowing them to complete the mission and provide sorely needed recovery dollars for the restaurant industry.
The work of these sponsors, Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has been critical. But they need our help. This bill will not be brought to the floor for debate unless there is broad bipartisan support. Congress heard our voice when they created the RRF – they need to hear from us again to ensure it receives more funding. Many here in Washington think that the return to indoor dining means that the restaurants will be fully back to normal within a few months. The truth is that this industry is incredibly vulnerable and faces a long path to recovery. We need this bill.
If you care about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and agree that the struggles of the restaurant industry warrant continued federal support, I urge you to weigh in with your representatives in Washington. Add your voice, share your perspective, and together we can move Congress to support our favorite local restaurants.
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Upcoming Richmond-area vaccination event and job fair
Join the City of Richmond, VRLTA, and the Virginia Hispanic Chamber at an in-person vaccination and job fair event THIS SATURDAY, June 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Southside Plaza, 4100 Hull Street Road, Richmond.
Over 25 employers will be represented, and all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) are available - no appointment necessary! Come out to this community event to get protected, find a job, and have lunch on us!
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June 4 - July 4 is National Month of Action
Last week, President Biden announced a National Month of Action to mobilize an "All-of-America" sprint to increase vaccination rates to 70% of adults by July 4. National Month of Action will mobilize national organizations, local government leaders, community-based and faith-based partners, businesses, employers, social media influencers, celebrities, athletes, colleges, young people, and thousands of volunteers. The President will highlight additional efforts by businesses and organizations across the country to advance equity and make it even easier to get vaccinated. The Vice President will lead a National Vaccination Tour to encourage vaccinations in key communities across the country.
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New VRLTA Webinar Wednesday - Learn more about hiring Veterans
VRLTA is continuing our webinar series on June 23 at 10 a.m. Jasmine Gore, Central Virginia Regional Program Manager for the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, will share information about a FREE state certification program for employers. The V3 Program not only aims to educate and train companies on why it is a good business decision to recruit, hire, train, and retain Veterans, but also to help those committed companies meet their hiring goals.
Virginia has a unique opportunity to help Veterans gain career employment. Our Commonwealth has one of the youngest Veteran population in the United States, and the fastest growing Veteran labor force in the United States. Thousands of new Veterans enter Virginia’s workforce each year, and that number is projected to rise in the coming years. While many employers are unaware of the value Veterans can bring to their workforce, thousands more are seeking to hire Veterans as a part of their workforce but don’t know how. To date, over 2,000 Virginia employers are V3 members, of which 1,400 employers have hired over 81,000 Veterans!
Registration ends on June 22 at 5 p.m.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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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 below.
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June 23, 10 a.m. - VRLTA Webinar Wednesday: Virginia Values Veterans - Learn about the V3 certification and hiring Veterans. Register here.
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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Upcoming AHLA member events
- June 23, 11 a.m. - Industry Insights on Hotel Profitability Performance and Recovery, Presented by STR
- This P&L webinar will provide the latest on U.S. hotel profitability and where the industry stands in the recovery timeline. By comparing recent monthly data with pre-pandemic benchmarks, we examine these early stages of bottom-line recovery across the segments and markets. Breaking the data down further, we will also explore breakeven points and how they have shifted because of the pandemic. AHLA members register here.
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June 23, 1 p.m. - AHLA Forum Speaker Series featuring U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina M. Raimondo
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Secretary Raimondo will discuss the Biden Administration’s latest plans and projections for economic recovery and the key role of travel. Also stepping into Forum are Brand USA President & CEO, Chris Thompson, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation President & CEO and AHLA Chair of the Board, Mark Hoplamazian, who will discuss the return of international travel and what to expect this summer as leisure travel resumes. AHLA members register here.
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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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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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Virginia Supreme Court affirms ruling allowing localities to regulate and tax AirBnB rentals
Recently, the Virginia Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling related to the AirBnB ordinance in Fairfax County. As you may recall, there has been ongoing litigation brought by AirBnB in Fairfax County that challenged the local ordinance that was passed. The decision by the Virginia Supreme Court ensures that the local measure that regulates zoning and collection of lodging taxes is constitutional. The decision further bolsters the VRLTA backed state law that we pushed several years ago that allow localities to regulate and tax AirBnB rentals. Moreover, this decision will provide support through case law for local Short Term Rental regulations. This is a huge win for VRLTA and the hospitality and tourism industry in Virginia. More information here.
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OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards to be limited to Healthcare Sector only
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Walsh testified earlier this afternoon before the House Education and Labor Committee regarding the Department’s policies and priorities. When questioned regarding the delay of OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), Walsh stated that the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has completed its review and that the ETS will be issued tomorrow but will only apply to the health care sector given the risk of exposure to healthcare workers and that it will NOT apply to other industries. He stated, however, that “updated guidance for general industry which will reflect the CDC’s latest guidance” will be forthcoming that will include how to protect workers who have not yet been vaccinated. The NRA, therefore, does not anticipate the ETS will directly impact the restaurant and foodservice industry. The NRA is continuing to track the issue closely and will provide any new updates. The Association is on record officially opposing the issuance of an ETS on the restaurant and foodservice industry as staff participated in multiple OSHA stakeholder meetings as well as a recent meeting with the White House.
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Virginia ABC releases additional guidance related to outdoor dining areas and alcohol service
The Virginia ABC has updated guidance that should clear up any misunderstandings about outdoor dining areas. Upon expiration of Executive Order 51, the Authority will permit any outdoor dining area(s) previously approved by the Authority while under Executive Order 51 to remain in effect, as well as permit the application and approval for any new or additional space subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the attached Circular Letter.
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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. 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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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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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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