The National Restaurant Association held their annual Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. at the end of April, bringing together more than 600 operators representing every segment of the restaurant industry for discussions on politics, policies, and the future of the industry. The event serves as the restaurant industry’s largest grassroots lobbying event, giving key stakeholders the opportunity to share with their elected officials the opportunities and challenges currently facing restaurants and their employees. The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association was represented by Susan Cohen, as well as Carl Sobocinski, SCRLA’s NRA Liaison and Vice Board Chair, and his team from Table 301. The event served as a valuable resource in reasserting and maintaining a visible presence of our Association on a national level. Attendees asked members of Congress to ensure the restaurant industry is kept top of mind as lawmakers continue crafting bills in the House and the Senate that will impact the hospitality industry. Topics included: •
replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which has served as a critical lifeline for restaurants during the ongoing economic recovery;
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passing the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, which would expand the country’s workforce specifically in occupations that provide growth opportunities and career paths without a college degree by creating a 3-year, market-driven, nonimmigrant visa program;
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passing the ERTC Reinstatement Act, which would allow for small businesses such as restaurants to withhold tax payments until any amended Form 941s are processed; and
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the importance of preserving the tip credit, providing tipped employees with greater earning potential and restaurant owners with the capability to reinvest in their nontipped employees and business.
Working with state restaurant association partners, the NRA organized and executed over 200 meetings with congressional offices during the multi-day event, giving attendees the opportunity to move our agenda forward on behalf of the restaurant industry.
Pictured: Carl Sobocinski and his team at Table 301 with U.S. Representative William Timmons
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National Restaurant Association Hosts Annual Public Affairs Conference
