As the newly appointed President and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA), I am honored to take on this role during a pivotal time for our industry. The legacy of my predecessor, Dale Venturini, who dedicated more than 35 years to RIHA, has set a high standard of leadership and commitment. Building on this foundation, my focus is navigating the challenges, and harnessing the opportunities that lie ahead, to ensure the strength of our industry.
We have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from the impact of the pandemic, to ongoing labor shortages and rising operational costs. These issues have evaluated our resilience and adaptability, but they have also underscored the vital role hospitality plays in the community and economy.
One of the most pressing issues we face is the need to cultivate the next generation of hospitality leaders. Investing in education and training is key to ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. By building strong partnerships with educational institutions and other stakeholders, we can create a pipeline of talent that will support the industry’s future success. This commitment to education is not just about meeting immediate needs, but about laying the groundwork for a sustainable and innovative hospitality sector in Rhode Island.
Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission at RIHA. It is essential that we continue to safeguard the interests of small businesses and their employees, particularly when it comes to policy and legislation. We urge policymakers to engage in thoughtful discussions about the unique challenges our industry faces. Collaboration is key to ensuring that our local businesses can thrive, and that Rhode Island can become a national leader in fostering a vibrant small business environment and a robust workforce. This collaboration extends beyond government, and includes collaborating closely with community leaders and other industry partners.
Rhode Island’s hospitality industry has incredible potential. We already boast world-class hotels and restaurants, driven by talented individuals, who are enthusiastic about their craft. My vision for the future includes elevating Rhode Island’s profile as a top destination for tourists and business travelers alike. This means, not only highlighting our unique cultural, lodging, and culinary offerings, but also ensuring that our hospitality professionals have the framework, resources, and support they need, to excel.
In that vein, we should also consider innovative approaches to community engagement and cultural promotion. Supporting local festivals, food tours, and cultural events, not only highlights the rich diversity and unique offerings of Rhode Island, but also creates a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both residents and visitors. Encouraging collaboration between hospitality businesses and local artisans, musicians, and cultural organizations, can lead to a more dynamic and inclusive industry, where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated.
As we look to the future, it is important to remember that a successful hospitality industry directly supports the broader community. Every job created, every business supported, and every visitor attracted, contributes to the economic health and vibrancy of our state. I encourage you all to support local businesses and be part of our mutual journey towards a brighter future.
Together, we can overcome any challenge, and build a stronger, more resilient industry that benefits everyone in Rhode Island. I am optimistic about what lies ahead, and look forward to meeting it head on by working with all of you to achieve these goals. Let us embrace the future with confidence, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
