The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) launched its newest community and legislative engagement effort by forming its Kitchen Cabinet, with a first event hosted at the Providence Marriott Downtown’s Marquis Room on Jan. 17. The Kitchen Cabinet, which reports to the RIHA Board of Directors, was launched to pay careful consideration to the types of industries within the RIHA’s 800-plus membership, from lodging to food service, to allied and ancillary segments and help find solutions to market challenges. Built as a think tank of leaders who have an impact on Rhode Island’s hospitality industry, efforts will focus on initiatives to propel the hospitality industry post-pandemic into a next successful chapter through innovation and collaboration. The first forum featured industry experts Liz Tanner, Secretary of Commerce, State of Rhode Island, and Matt Weldon, Director, RI Department of Labor and Training. Participants were encouraged to come ready with their thoughts and questions in order to have a meaningful dialogue.