|
The Oregon Restaurant
Association (ORA) is the leading business
association for the restaurant industry
in Oregon. Comprised of more than 9,000
restaurant and foodservice outlets, the
industry employs a work force of more than
110,000, and creates a total economic impact
of $9.7 billion.
The not-for-profit trade
organization is at the forefront of restaurant
associations across the nation. The Association,
with its Education Foundation, works to
represent, educate, and promote the restaurant
industry, which is the cornerstone of Oregon’s
economy, careers, and communities.
What
We Do
Serving the Cornerstone
of the Economy
As the cornerstone of
Oregon’s economy with total sales
of $4.7 billion and a total economic impact
of $9.7 billion, Oregon’s restaurants
need a strong voice before the legislature
and regulatory agencies.
Restaurants are also an
essential part of Oregon’s tourism
industry. The largest share of all travel
expenditures—23 percent—is for
food services. In 2004, travelers in Oregon
spent $1.4 billion in eating and drinking
establishments ranging from expensive restaurants
to fast food outlets. Overall, tourism is
a $6.3 billion industry in Oregon that generates
more than 129,000 jobs in our state and
is currently experiencing strong growth.
One of the most powerful
political forces in the state, the ORA represents
and protects Oregon’s restaurant and
hospitality businesses and their suppliers
at local, state, and national levels. With
one of the state’s largest trade association
political action committees and a strong
government affairs team, the Association
works to elect restaurant-friendly candidates
and battle anti-restaurant initiatives.
Serving the Cornerstone
of our Communities
Oregon’s 9,000 restaurants
are the cornerstone of communities across
our state. These are primarily small businesses:
78 percent of Oregon’s restaurants
are single owner-operator establishments
with strong ties to their communities. To
support these small businesses, the Oregon
Restaurant Association tailors products
and services necessary for their success
and leverages collective purchasing power
to save its members significant dollars.
Membership in the Oregon Restaurant Association
is the best investment a professional foodservice
operator can make to assure economic success.
Serving the Cornerstone
of Jobs and Careers
The food service industry
is the cornerstone of rewarding career and
job opportunities, with a work force of
more than 110,000 employees—one in
14 payroll workers in Oregon. Through its
Education Foundation, ORA trains more than
one third of Oregon’s hospitality
industry each year through its food safety
and alcohol server education programs. The
foundation also encourages young people
to seek foodservice/hospitality industry
careers through its ProStart™ workforce
development program in 37 high schools around
the state.
Your
Voice in Salem
Representing, promoting
and protecting the industry, is the Association’s
Government Affairs staff and committee leadership.
The ORA is committed to providing its members
with a strong voice at all levels and is
dedicated to helping elect business minded
candidates to public office. ORA leadership
is demonstrated in:
- Effective lobbying
at the Oregon Legislature
- A proactive watchdog
in State and Federal Agencies
- Political action support
for candidates
Need
More Information?
For more details regarding
the Oregon Restaurant Association or the
hospitality industry in Oregon:
Oregon Restaurant Association
8565 SW Salish Lane, Suite 120
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-9633
503-682-4422 or 800-462-0619
Fax: 503-682-4455
E-mail: ora@ora.org
BACK TO
TOP
|
