Weekly Update: Washington Hospitality Association Partners with DSHS to Create More Than 65 New Jobs

On Oct. 6, the Washington Hospitality Association hosted a hiring event in Seattle. In partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services (DSHS) Employment Pipeline Region 2 and Motif, Washington Hospitality was able to provide community members with valuable employment opportunities. In just one day, more than 65 deserving individuals were given new jobs. For more information about this event, and future hiring events, contact Stephanie McManus.
Tip Pooling Update
The National Restaurant Association has carried forward with its petition to the Supreme Court on tip pooling. However, the court has not decided to hear the case yet and may never. Therefore, the Ninth Circuit Court ruling still stands. We strongly advise that if you are tip pooling that you revise your policies to adhere to new rules. Restaurants now have until Dec. 5, 2016, to remove tip pooling practices before they could be subject to agency review or penalty. See our information page for the details. An additional resource has been added. Bob Donovan’s presentation on tip pooling, including questions from members can now be found on our website. For more information, email StephanieM@wahospitality.org.
2016 Washington Tourism Summit Postponed
Due to the approaching storm in Western Washington, the 2016 Washington Tourism Summit is postponed until a later date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that results from the postponement. The Washington Tourism Alliance is extremely excited to launch its Grass Roots Campaign in the coming days and optimistic that 2017 will be the year the Legislature finally passes WTA legislation. Look for information about a new date soon. If you have questions, contact Mike Moe at mike@watourismalliance.com or at 425.444.0589.
Washington Hospitality 2 Minute News Update: Welcome to Hospitality
Don’t miss this week’s Washington Hospitality 2 Minute News Update. It is a great recap of last week’s unveiling of the new Washington Hospitality brand, an update on the spread of secure scheduling legislation and a reminder of the important issues and reasons that you need to make sure your vote counts in the 2016 general election.
New Edition of HERO Manual Available
Washington Hospitality recently updated the HERO Manual. Among the changes are updates on hourly and salaried overtime, terminating an employee, breastfeeding, tip pooling and prohibited duties for minors. For more information, contact Paul Schlienz.
Don’t Miss Washington Hospitality’s Regional Meetings
Our industry is facing some big issues this year – minimum wage, restrictive scheduling, paid leave and more. Members can learn more from our Government Affairs team at our regional meetings held in October and November throughout the state. For more information, contact Stephanie McManus.
Washington Lodging Convention, Spokane, Nov. 6-8 – Register Now!
Join fellow hoteliers and lodging professionals at Washington’s premier lodging event. This year’s focus is on the trends, talent and technology shaping tourism and our industry. You’ll connect with your peers and gain information and training you need to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, you’ll find one-stop shopping for your property at the state’s best lodging trade show. This great event will be at Spokane’s Davenport Grand Hotel. Click here for more information and to register.
Hill Climb & Taste Our Best: Feb. 6, 2017
The Washington Hospitality Association organizes Hill Climb and Taste Our Best each year. The annual event gives hoteliers and restaurant operators an opportunity to interact one-on-one with legislators. Throughout the day, members meet with lawmakers to discuss business outlooks, special challenges and to communicate the state of the hospitality industry. Later in the evening, the Taste Our Best legislative reception brings together the people of the hospitality industry and legislators for a night of great food and the finest beers and wines. Save this date: Feb. 6, 2017. For more information, email StephanieM@wahospitality.org.
Copperworks Distilling and Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery on This Week’s DineNW Radio Show – Listen Online!
Don’t miss this week’s DineNW radio show, now online. Co-hosts Andy Cook and Paul Schlienz interview Jason Parker, co-owner of Seattle’s Copperworks Distilling. Andy and Paul then chat with Shelby Varden, owner of Seattle’s Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery.
INDUSTRY ROUNDUP
- With Initiative 1433, Washington voters could increase minimum wage to $13.50 and mandate paid sick leave (Spokesman-Review)
- The Times recommends: Reject Seattle I-124 on hotel safety standards (Seattle Times)
- Industry honors Hispanic restaurateurs (National Restaurant Association)
- Training Your Staff for Menu Labeling Compliance (Restaurant Hospitality)
- Half of U.S. Hotel Employees Don’t See Education or Skills Training as Essential (Skift)
- Washington hospitality chief: We’re moving away from ‘no’ (The Olympian)
- Initiative 1433: Con: Heed warnings on Seattle wage hike before changing law (Spokesman-Review)
- Inside Politics: Statewide Minimum Wage Initiative (KING 5)
- Hotels without humans (Travel Weekly)
- Restaurant study group calls for back-to-basics approach (Food Safety News)