The Washington Hospitality Association is the state’s leading hospitality trade group, representing more than 6,000 members of the hotel, restaurant and hospitality industry. Our members are our focus and we provide advocacy with state and local governments, solutions and training for industry skills and our workforce, industry news, information and resources as well as cost saving programs to help our members succeed and thrive.

​

With an increase in legislation being pushed at the local level, the hospitality industry faces many challenges. Washington Hospitality Association’s Government Affairs team is focused on building relationships at the local level so that the hospitality industry is involved in crafting legislation that has the best outcome for employees and businesses. Our Membership team is focused on providing solutions, programs and value to our members to ensure a vibrant hospitality community.

Washington Hospitality Staff Working for You:

John Lane – Director of Local Government Affairs – johnl@wahospitality.org

John Lane joined the SRA in July 2015. He brings extensive public policy experience from his previous experience as legislative and legal counsel at the Office of Financial Management (2013-2015), a senior policy advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee on public safety and government operations (2013), executive policy adviser to Chris Gregoire (2005-2013) and the assistant attorney general (2001-05). He holds a law degree from Seattle University and a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross.

Marla Fruit – Northeast & Spokane County Territory Manager – marlaf@wahospitality.org

Marla Fruit has over two decades of experience in companies servicing the business sector in Spokane, joining the Washington Hospitality Association in October of 2017. Marla also serves as Vice President for Überfire, a family business which is a proprietary survival product designed and produced for downed U.S. military crewman. Prior to joining the Association, she served as Membership Director for Associated Industries Inland NW, and as a recruiter for Aspen Personnel Service.  Marla’s a Coug—she holds a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University. 

Visit us on Facebook for more updates here, or follow us on twitter.

For membership information, please contact Marla Fruit at marlaf@wahospitality.org