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.

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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:

Derek Baziotis – Local Government Affairs Manager – derekb@wahospitality.org

Derek Baziotis brings a unique blend of industry experience and public service to his role as Local Government Affairs Manager for the Spokane chapter of the Washington Hospitality Association. Raised in a family of restaurateurs, Derek worked at his parents’ restaurant throughout high school, gaining firsthand knowledge of the hospitality industry. Driven by a passion for culinary arts and service, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Culinary Specialist, where he honed his skills over four years.

After his service, Derek returned to Spokane to work alongside his family before fulfilling his dream of opening his own restaurant in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Derek served as Board Chair for the Spokane chapter, which deepened his interest in government affairs and its impact on the local hospitality industry. Inspired to make a difference, he transitioned to his current role, where he advocates for Spokane’s hospitality community and supports policies that foster growth and resilience.

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. 

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