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E28A9076B0BBFB0187258772006902CC Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For TOURISM, LODGING, AND HOSPITALITY PANEL

INTERIM COMMITTEE  TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND RELIEF CASH FUND
Date Oct 18, 2021      
Location Old State Library



Tourism, Lodging, and Hospitality Panel - Committee Discussion Only


01:07:04 PM  
Chris Howes, Colorado Retail Council, spoke
regarding the difficulties experienced by the retail industry, including
workforce shortages and increased crime and distributed a handout (Attachment
E). He highlighted the changes  to the industry that occurred during
the pandemic shutdowns as well as supply chain issues.
01:12:17 PM  
Sonia Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association,
distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment F). She described the
experience of restaurants during the pandemic, and stated that the recovery
has yet to begin for the industry. She spoke regarding the labor shortage
in the restaurant industry. She asked for the state's consideration in
creating an employee retention tax credit. She spoke regarding the effect
of increased UI payments on employers, and asked the state to consider
providing more direct aid to restaurants.
01:19:23 PM  
Tim Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office, also
speaking on behalf of Amie Mayhew, Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association,
discussed the effect of the pandemic on the office's tourism promotion
strategy.  He discussed how increased in-state tourism has affected
rural areas and small towns in terms of workforce shortages and increased
traffic. He discussed the decline in business, convention, and international
travel. He discussed the efforts of the office to promote tourism in Colorado.
01:27:41 PM  
Ms. Riggs responded to questions from the
task force regarding whether the impact on restaurants varies geographically.
 Mr. Howes responded to questions about the increase in crime and
violence experienced by the retail industry and the workforce shortage.
Ms. Riggs also commented on factors affecting the workforce. The task force
and panel discussed workforce and supply chain disruptions and the solvency
of the UI Trust Fund. Discussion continued about how to create incentives
for workers to return to jobs in restaurants, hospitality, and retail.






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