PRLA Restaurant & Lodging Matters Spring 2021

6 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters • Spring 2021 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE We struggled and suffered when it was taken from us. We dreamed about it. We worked for it. And now, with steadily increasing numbers of Americans vaccinated and mitigation restrictions being lifted, our cherished hospitality industry is starting to look and feel “normal.” Yes, the labor and supply issues left in the wake of the pandemic are certainly no cause for celebration. But our survival is a cause for celebration! Most importantly, our customers are showing increasing confidence and optimism regarding spending their time and money with us. As reported by Morning Consult, the number of consumers who said they felt safe dining out never rose above 42 percent in 2020. That number has risen to 60 percent in late April and held steady through three weeks of May. Outdoor dining stimulates a higher level of confidence in consumers, with 68 percent indicating that they currently feel safe sitting down to dine outside. With all of this increasing consumer confidence and demand, I hope you’ll choose to reward yourself with some quality time with your peers by attending our PRLA Annual Conference and Awards Gala to be held on November 8 and 9 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. With an incredible lineup of presenters, including Chip Rogers, President & CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association; Tom Bené, President & CEO of National Restaurant Association; Meridith Elliott Powell, our Keynote Speaker on leadership; and Dane Wysocki, author of Magic of Humor in the Workplace, the conference is guaranteed to provide you with valuable insight, perspective, and sustaining energy to take full advantage of the normal operating conditions we struggled for. I look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh in November! “Normal” Feels New Bill Covaleski FOUNDER, VICTORY BREWING COMPANY DOWNINGTOWN