The Washington Restaurant Association (WRA) and the Washington Lodging Association (WLA) have taken a further step in strengthening a partnership that will lead to the creation one of the state’s largest trade associations.
On Oct. 1, the WRA and WLA began operations under a joint operating agreement, combining staff and operational functions in the WRA’s Olympia office. Under the agreement, the associations remain separate legal entities with independent Boards of Directors. However, the two boards will hold joint board meetings and are governed by a joint executive committee. WRA’s President & CEO Anthony Anton is now also serving as WLA’s chief executive officer.
