As we celebrate Women's History Month, we're highlighting the remarkable impact that women have had in shaping Wisconsin's rich hospitality tradition. From pioneering figures like Hattie Mosher, who ran one of Milwaukee's first successful female-owned hotels in the late 1800s, to Wisconsin native Alice Washburne, whose innovative management transformed Northwoods resorts into world-class destinations.
 
Wisconsin's hospitality industry was built on the shoulders of determined women. From the iconic supper clubs that define our state's dining culture to the lakeside resorts that have welcomed generations of visitors, women have been central to creating our unique brand of Midwestern hospitality.
 
Today, the restaurant and hospitality industry is home to so many amazing women who are creating award-winning experiences while mentoring the next generation. Their success builds on Wisconsin's strong tradition of female hospitality leadership, dating back to the German and Scandinavian immigrant women who established the state's first boarding houses and restaurants.
 
The legacy of diverse and accomplished women in the restaurant and hospitality industry will be celebrated at the 20265 Women in Hospitality Conference on October 20th in Madison. The event will bring together Wisconsin’s hospitality industry professionals with the purpose of connecting, celebrating and inspiring the supportive community of powerful women transforming the hospitality industry.

Registration is now open for what promises to be an inspiring celebration of Wisconsin's hospitality heroines, past and present and future.
 
Find out more about Women’s History Month
Read about some iconic women in hospitality throughout history from Talking Hospitality
More info and registration for the 2025 Women in Hospitality Conference on October 20th in Madison

As we’ve seen, the tariff issue has been fluid with frequent policy changes. Here’s an update with the latest on tariffs from the National Restaurant Association
 
President Donald Trump temporarily delayed a 25% tariff for Canadian and Mexican imports that are covered under the US - Mexico - Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under the White House fact sheet, there are no current tariffs on those goods from Canada and Mexico that claim and qualify for USMCA preference.
 
Under USMCA, most agricultural products, food, and alcohol generally have zero tariffs but it is advisable to check with your supply chain on specific products. This is the second temporary tariff delay on Canadian and Mexican issued by President Trump since taking office on January 20.

In February, the Association requested a full exemption for food and beverage imports, citing an estimated $12.1 billion in increased costs if a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports was in place. Analysis indicates that imported food and beverage products range from produce, meat, cooking oil, potatoes and alcohol.
 
Separate from the North America tariff discussion, President Trump plans to advance “reciprocal tariffs” April 2 on foreign nations that have import taxes on U.S. goods. There may be additional pressure on products covered under USMCA leading up to the April 2 deadline.
 
The National Restaurant Association is monitoring the situation and actively lobbying on this issue to help mitigate negative effects on the restaurant industry. Look to this alert section for future updates.
 
Questions? Contact us!
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You may have heard about a new filing requirement issued by the federal government last year that's been on-again, off-again due to a lawsuit. It’s called Beneficial Ownership Information  or BOI for short.

The Department of Treasury recently announced that it has suspended enforcement of the BOI filing requirement which means they will NOT issue fines to businesses that do not comply with the filing requirement. 

It is WRA's understanding that the filing requirement is still in effect, but the threat of fines for not filing is no longer in play. However, the Treasury Department has indicated that they will further be issuing a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. 

WRA has heard from restaurant operators who have completed the BOI filing requirement that filing is easy and doesn't take very long. Your business can file free of charge through the federal agency’s secure website.

• Here’s the link for BOI filing
• More Info on BOI Filing Requirement 
• The AskWRA Team is Happy to Answer Your Questions? Contact us!