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One minute we are celebrating the New Year, the next we are reaching the end of the first quarter of the year! So, a belated Happy New Year! Here are some important dates and issues ahead in 2023.

Recent data provided by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the National Restaurant Association, and corroborated by our own state agencies, now show that the hospitality industry in South Carolina accounts for 12% of the non-farm workforce and generates almost $1.4 billion in sales, hospitality and accommodation taxes. We are a driving force in our state's economy and we need to start flexing the muscle related to those numbers!

As you will read later in this issue, there have been numerous bills introduced in the 125th session of the SC legislature, as well as critical issues at the federal level, that have direct impact on the hospitality industry. You should be receiving weekly email updates on these issues - please let us know if you are not so that we can get you connected. You can also follow each key issue on our website under Governmental Affairs. We ask that you take a moment and use the QR code on page 19 to connect to our call-to-action platform - we make it as easy as 3 clicks to share support of, or objections to, legislation.

Our ongoing mantra remains, your voice matters.

On Wednesday, April 19th we will host the annual Hospitality Day at the Statehouse. I hope that you will mark your calendar and plan to attend. This event is well attended by elected officials, their staff and the staff of many state agencies. It would be great to have at least one member business of the hospitality industry from every district in attendance!

Two additional dates to note are important events at the federal level: after a brief pause, Hotels on the Hill returns May 15th through 17th at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington. Not only will you hear from key AHLA staff and guest speakers, but also you can join us as we talk to our delegation about industry issues ranging from fees to franchising and workforce to wages. Then just a few short weeks later we will return to DC for the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference on June 19 through 21 at the JW Mariott. Following much of the same format as the AHLA event, the PAC will feature some great speakers and will culminate with each state visiting with their delegations. Register before March 31st for 50% off, or past attendees are eligible for member pricing with the promo code PASTPAFC23.

Using your voice and sharing our positions is not hard - it's simply telling your story as a business owner or manager. How is your workforce? Are you still experiencing supply chain issues? Are you finding it more difficult to obtain or afford liability insurance? Simply sharing the facts of your daily challenges can greatly impact a legislator's understading of, and position on, an issue. At the time of this writing, the SC Senate has 540 bills and the House 954 bills upon which they may be called to act. Educating themselves on all the nuances of each bill is nearly impossible, but your personal story could be the education that decides their vote.

Make a call, send an email or text, invite someone for coffee... be the voice that makes a difference

Susan H. Cohen President & CEO