PR&LA Winter 2018

6  • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters • Winter 2018 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Jim Gratton IT IS TRULY AN HONOR to be part of this association and I feel fortunate to be working with outstanding industry leaders as well as the amazing PRLA team. The PRLA has a great history, largely due to the commitment and dedication of individuals like our recent chair, Steve Musciano, and all the past chairs who continue to be actively involved and supporting our association’s efforts. I also appreciate and thank our entire membership for your participation and leadership in making our association stronger. Following in my father’s footsteps, not to mention actually living in a hotel for the first 6 years of my life, I grew up in the industry. It is truly in my blood as I know it is for many of you. This is why it is so frustrating to me to see the lack of respect and support our industry receives from the Commonwealth. As the second largest industry in the state, which employs almost half a million Pennsylvanians and generates over $4 billion in state and local taxes, you would think governmental officials would be our biggest advocates, recognizing that our industry helps drive the prosperity of the state. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Our industry continues to be the target of excessive governmental regulations and minimal financial support. Pennsylvania is currently in the bottom 10 percent of all states for funding tourism marketing and far below surrounding states. In addition, our industry was recently targeted for a five percent tax on all overnight hotel stays which, if approved, would have made the tax on hotel rooms in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh the highest in the nation. The misguided beliefs by many legislators are that these examples would have no impact on the industry. Well, the numbers speak quite differently. Pennsylvania has lost significant market share and tax revenue to competitive states as our tourism funding has been cut. In addition, recent state employment reports show the leisure and hospitality sector posting the largest loss of jobs in the Commonwealth despite some overall job growth in the state. In the upcoming year, we must be more outspoken on the importance and value of our industry. We must engage more with our local and state government officials and promote the importance of our industry. From being the first job for many individuals to providing career opportunities to giving back to our communities through charitable efforts, our industry does so much—and our elected officials need to know that. This will be my top priority as we move through the year and I appreciate your support and involvement in this endeavor. I am excited to be chairperson for this year and look forward to working with all of you to help drive the awareness and success of our industry. • “I am excited to be chairperson for this year and look forward to working with all of you to help drive the awareness and success of our industry.”