Happy Monday!

In case you missed our social posts, this past week, I spent some time in Harrisburg testifying before the PA House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee.

Let me just say… talk about “learning how the sausage is made”!

It’s equal parts fascinating, eye-opening, and—if I’m being honest—a little unsettling. Not because anything nefarious is happening, but because you realize just how much interpretation, opinion, and (sometimes) misunderstanding can shape the rules that ultimately govern our businesses.

And that matters. A lot.

I’ll admit something… back in my innkeeping days, I hated spending money on things I couldn’t see.
Marketing? Sure. I could track bookings.
Renovations? I could see and touch them.
But “advocacy”? That felt like invisible money that was hard to justify.

I get it. Truly.

But here’s the difference: as an innkeeper, I didn’t have a Borough, Township, HOA—or the State—actively considering rules, regulations, and fees that could fundamentally change (or even end) my business model.

Sorry folks… but you do.

And sitting in that room this week made one thing crystal clear: if we’re not at the table, we could be on the menu.

That’s why what we’re building with the Poconos VRO matters.
It’s not just about networking or education (though those are great).
It’s about making sure our voice is heard when decisions are being made that impact your livelihood, your investment, and your future.

Whether it’s pushing back on ideas that don’t make sense, offering real-world perspective, or working collaboratively toward better solutions—this is the work that happens behind the scenes so you can keep doing what you do best.

• If you’re already a member—thank you. You’re part of this voice & you’re helping to make it possible.
• If you’re not, I’d encourage you to consider joining us. Because this is one of those areas where sitting on the sidelines just isn’t a great strategy.

If you’re curious about the hearing, I’ll include a link below so you can watch (or listen to) the full hearing and see exactly what I mean.

And don’t worry… I’ll spare you any future sausage analogies.
(At least until my next trip to Harrisburg )

Have a great week,
Rebecca

PS - PA Tourism Committee Hearing:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BolSwbCt4MQ 

• My remarks start at 40:00
• Q&A starts at 55:30