Every interaction a guest has with your brand has a direct affect on your company's reputation, your customer's subconscious decision-making, and your bottom line. Chris Nordyke of Summit Cleaning & Restoration stops by to talk customer experience and how common failure points present opportunities for success and how an empowered staff can create wins all around.

Guest: Chris Nordyke, Summit Cleaning & Restoration

Advocacy Watch: 

We keep it candid with employment law professionals Rich Meneghello and Alex Wheatley of Fisher Phillips as we discuss recent must-know developments for employers. Hear a national check-in on Trump's administration and about the new version of the overtime rule under U.S. Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta. Take note on why you should be prepared with two years of data for the renewed Equal Employment demographic form, EEO1. We also examine off-duty consumption issues, your ability to enforce, and what the recent Oregon Supreme Court ruling surrounding the social host statute means for all employers and those who serve alcohol.

Guests: Rich Meneghello, Partner, and Alex Wheatley, Associate, Fisher Phillips

Advocacy Watch:

• Hood River sales tax is defeated

In this episode, hear about Oregon ProStart–a Career and Technical Education program, it's capstone event ORLAEF ProStart Invitational, and Willamette High School team's upcoming trip to Nationals. Sysco Portland is an important partner to our industry, not only as title sponsor of the event but also its support of ORLAEF and workforce initiatives.

Guests: Martha Humphreys, Culinary Arts Instructor, and Shane Wilder, student (Willamette High School)

Guest co-host: Wendy Popkin, Executive Director, ORLA Education Foundation

Advocacy Watch:

• Legislative bills now dead and those still alive

'It's what's cookin' was the theme of the 2019 Northwest Food Show and there's still lots of buzz around the event! Featured presenters from the show stage stop by the podcast–hear from world-renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson and local legend Chef Beau Carr of RingSide Steakhouse. You'll also learn more about the show, industry trends and happenings from a few exhibitors and the Show CEO. Enjoy a laugh with several personalities from the TV show Bar Rescue.

Back in 2017, Oregon’s Secretary of State Dennis Richardson graciously appeared on ORLA’s Boiled Down podcast to talk about the many responsibilities of the office, his goals and vision for Oregon. He also agreed to read Green Eggs and Ham in celebration of Dr. Seuss Day. ORLA is sharing this reading again to honor Dennis Richardson, his unwavering commitment to his family, and to publicly thank him for his years of military, legislative and executive service on behalf of our state and our nation. We will miss him.

ORLA's contract lobbyist and director of government affairs discuss what's ahead this legislative session. We get into everything from the dynamics of the Capitol to whether or not the "kicker" will be kicked. Other hospitality concerns this year include the possibility of the DUII threshold to be reduced to .05 BAC, the single-use disposable plastic debate, and paid family leave. And as always, we're keeping an eye on lodging taxes – not only protecting the use of lodging tax dollars, but also lodging tax compliance with home sharing platforms.

Guest: Jason Brandt, President & CEO, ORLA

ORLA Member Benefit: Discount on Human Trafficking Response and Recognition Training from Guardian Group

Advocacy Watch:

• Meals taxes proposed: Curry County, Hood River County

As we move toward 2019, healthcare options and requirements continue to vex employers. In this episode, we revisit some of the basics of what is required and what offerings are available under the ORLA Health Solutions umbrella of options. These levels of coverage provide options for every ORLA member’s budget. Understand the difference between Standard, Essential and Supplemental coverage. Learn about special small business options, the relatively easy administrative process to offering health coverage, and free resources including the pharmacy discount card.

Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

ORLA Member Benefit: Discounts on the everyday price of select Dell products.

Key Links to Visit:

• Free Pharmacy Discount Card at HospitalityRxCard.com

Advocacy Watch:

• November Elections Recap

Cease and desist letters can serve as a warning ahead of full scale litigation, however there are some possible resolutions before ending up in court. Alicia Bell and Carla Quisenberry of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP walk us through deciphering demand letters, how to avoid them, and your options if you receive one. Find out how to be sure you are not infringing on other's intellectual property, trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets.

Guests:

Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

ORLA Member Benefit: Special incentive for ORLA members in First Data's Merchant Processing Program.

Our friends at SAIF share some very relatable stories regarding safety in hospitality. And with years of experience, comes valuable tips and strategies for owner/operators and management teams. Also hear how members are saving 10% with ORLA's Workers’ Compensation Group program through SAIF.

Guests:

Guest Host: Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

Website Mentioned:  SAIF.com

ORLA Member Benefit: Special program services and discounts through Summit Cleaning & Restoration.

In a wave of #MeToo revelations, protect your employees and your business by taking a proactive approach to sexual harassment prevention. Hear pragmatic approaches and practical solutions from industry expert Darcey McAllister, who has over 20 years of hands-on HR experience. Learn the difference between quid pro quo sexual harassment and hostile work environments, so you can ensure you have a respectful workplace for all. Then get wise to ways of resetting the bar of what is acceptable in your business, if needed.

Darcey McAllister, HRT Northwest

Guest Host:

Lori Little, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

HRTNorthwest.com

Discounts with Guardian Group on sex trafficking recognition and response training.