The Washington Restaurant Association (WRA) and the Washington Lodging Association (WLA) have taken steps to join together as one of the state’s largest trade associations.
According to the WRA, both associations have begun operations under a joint operating agreement, combining staff and operational functions in the WRA’s Olympia office. Under the agreement, the associations remain separate legal entities with independent Boards of Directors. However, the two boards will hold joint board meetings and are governed by a joint executive committee.
“This is an exciting time for our membership and the businesses they represent across Washington. Combined leadership capabilities and viewpoints also creates more opportunities for innovation,” said WRA President & CEO Anthony Anton, who will now also serve as WLA’s CEO. “By joining forces, we now have an expanded government affairs team that is increasing our influence and effectively addressing the challenges facing our industry at both the state and local level.”
The next step in the WLA and WRA collaboration will be the launching of a unified hospitality association under a new brand next year. The new, unified association will have more than 6,000 members and advocate on behalf of an industry that employs more than 250,000 Washingtonians and generates $17.7 billion in revenue each year.
“This alliance delivers even more value to members, and we are excited to be joining forces with the Washington Restaurant Association,” said Matt Van Der Peet, WLA chair and general manager of the Westin Bellevue Hotel, in a press release. “By coming together, we are better able to leverage the strength and resources of both associations, benefiting our members, their employees and, ultimately, the state as a whole.”
