RALEIGH, NC – Jan. 19 – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) has added two new lobbyists, Philip Isley and Hardy Lewis from Blanchard, Miller, Lewis & Isley, to represent the association on restaurant and hotel policy issues for 2023. They join Isabel Villa Garcia, who has recently been promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs for NCRLA. Isley and Lewis are replacing longtime hospitality industry lobbyist, Frank Gray from Jordan Price Law Offices who has represented NCRLA at the general assembly for the last 20 years. Gray will continue to work with the association as general counsel and strategic advisor.
Philip Isley is known as a problem fixer. After more than 20 years as a commercial litigator and eight years of public service on the Raleigh City Council, Philip has demonstrated a unique ability to resolve complicated legal challenges. The lessons learned in the courtroom and the political arena provide Philip with a diverse skill set to solve his clients’ most complex issues.
Hardy Lewis has specialized experience in the alcoholic beverage industry. He has worked with small and large breweries, wineries, importers, wholesalers, hotels, restaurants, taverns, big box and independent retailers, internet retailers, and airlines. A large part of this practice is focused on representing North Carolina craft brewers in general business matters, litigation, and legislative advocacy.
Legislative priorities for NCRLA for 2023 include alcohol beverage control modernization, credit card fee relief, leveling the playing field for short-term rentals, promoting robust funding for tourism marketing and promotion, and tax policy issues impacting hospitality businesses.
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