WELCOME
Letter from the President
BUILDING OUR MISSING WORKFORCE
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BY SARAH OATES | ALASKA CHARR PRESIDENT & CEO
Even prior to the pandemic , the Alaska hospitality industry ’ s primary challenge – aside from COVIDrelated financial hardship – has been finding and retaining a reliable workforce . This has been exacerbated by COVID-specific factors including increased unemployment insurance benefits for months on end , public hostility toward workers for enforcing mitigation procedures , employment insecurity due to shutdowns and restrictions , and health concerns of employees .
For decades , CHARR has trained , developed , and supported our current and future workforce in many ways . We brought the nationwide ProStart program to high school students all over Alaska . From culinary techniques to management skills , ProStart ’ s industry-driven curriculum provides reallife experience opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation for students that will last a lifetime . The Alaska CHARR Educational Fund holds annual fund raisers and has awarded over $ 300,000 in scholarships to college students who will bring their skills back to the Alaska hospitality industry after graduation . These incredible programs are active today !
We have partnered with the Department of Corrections to provide ServSafe training for justice-involved adults and help put them on a path to employment and independence . In 2019 , I worked with the University of Alaska and restaurant owners to begin development of the first restaurant apprenticeship program in Alaska . Sadly , due to the state ’ s financial hardships , that work has been suspended .
SO WHAT ELSE IS CHARR DOING NOW ?
We are working more closely than ever with our partners at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ( NRAEF ) to provide skilled training and opportunities to potential workers and develop a better workforce for an industry in dire need . Through the NRAEF ’ s highly-successful Hospitality Opportunities for People ( Re ) Entering Society ( HOPES ) program , we hope to better connect young adults with current or previous justice involvement to career opportunities in the hospitality industry . We also plan to expand our training programs and career support for more U . S . military veterans , spouses , and service members who are transitioning out of service .
CHARR and the National Restaurant Association are advocating for federal immigration reform that would make it easier for you to hire seasonal workers . We are also working with the government officials to hopefully appropriate federal and state dollars toward hospitalityspecific training and workforce development programs .
HOW CAN YOU HELP ?
Sponsor the Annual Selman Memorial Golf Tournament – register a team or sponsor in other ways if you are unable to participate . There are sponsorship levels for all budgets , and funds go toward scholarships for hospitality students !
Support your local high school ProStart program . Don ’ t have one ? Contact us , and we will work with you , the high school ( s ), and your local officials to bring ProStart to your community ! You can also provide support by hosting field trips or judging competitions . Call ( 907 ) 274-8133 or email berickson @ alaskacharr . com for more info .
Contact your state legislators and urge them to appropriate funds for hospitality workforce development – specifically to fund ServSafe and / or TAP training along with hospitality programs at the University of Alaska and ProStart programs around the state . Contact our office if you need help finding contact information for your elected officials .
Help your teams obtain COVID vaccinations in whatever way possible . Contact your local health department or the CHARR team if you are interested in arranging vaccination clinics at or near your establishment .
There are no simple solutions to this complex , ongoing problem , but the CHARR team and our national partners continue to work hard and develop effective ways to support you .
At your service ,
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 5