Greenheart’s Summer Work Travel (SWT) cultural exchange program partners with U.S. attractions such as amusement parks and waterparks to match international full-time university students with businesses who have seasonal staffing needs. Varying by country, the SWT program is short-term, only lasting for up to four months of working with a 30-day travel period at the end. Summer Work Travel programs help seasonal businesses fill staffing gaps in tourist hotspots all over the USA. We know that without these cultural exchange programs, international university students AND U.S. businesses and communities would suffer.
We believe in the power of cultural exchange to help promote peace and understanding. And that’s why we support advocacy actions that safeguard cultural exchange programs and share their value. Keeping connected to advocacy across industries, Greenheart Exchange joined the IAAPA Public Affairs Conference in Washington, DC. Founded in 1918, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the leading trade association representing the diverse and ever-changing attractions industry. IAAPA members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
Greenheart’s Renee Clarke, Senior Account Manager, attended IAAPA’s Public Affairs Conference alongside attractions industry leaders to learn from experts about initiatives and regulations shaping the future of these seasonal businesses. Here’s what she shared with us!
“With the 118th US Congress return to The Hill, IAAPA Public Affairs Conference spanned multiple events in Washington DC, September 9-11, 2024, organized by IAAPA’s North America Public Affairs team. Greenheart collaborated with over 30 attendees across the amusements industry for this well-choreographed event. The Conference launched with a deep dive on each of the mindfully-selected talking points through engagement with subject matter experts. The day was tied out nicely with an overlapping networking event, IAAPA Meetup: International Spy Museum, bringing even more industry professionals together to connect on the topics at hand.
Utilizing this exposure to topics such as amusement ride safety, workforce, standing legislation around credit card transaction fees, tax reform and more, the group was empowered to have engaging discussions with congressional representatives from more than twenty states.
Why it was important for Greenheart Exchange to be there:
- This annual advocacy event has consistently included the topic of workforce–and supporting the BridgUSA Summer Work Travel (J-1) program as a key option for the attraction businesses IAAPA represents.This is Greenheart’s third time participating in the conference. We were joined this year by other sponsors (CENet and CIEE) to support BridgeUSA programs.
- Specifically, for 2024 the following topics affect our cultural exchange program (outlined by IAAPA for this event):
- Workforce:
- The attractions industry faces significant workforce challenges, including seasonal recruitment and retention issues. IAAPA supports the BridgeUSA (J-1 visa) Summer Work Travel Program and adequate H-2B visa to supplement the domestic workforce. The association also advocates for improved federal workforce development programs, vocational education initiatives, and addressing housing and transportation needs.
- U.S. Department of Labor Overtime Rule:
- The rule increases the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA. Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the rule. IAAPA supports a balanced approach to overtime regulations that considers the unique operational needs of an industry that hires large numbers of seasonal and part-time employees in addition to full-time year-round staff and advocates for flexible employee classification and compensation structures.
- OSHA Heat Rule:
- On July 2, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a proposed rule on “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings.” The rule would apply to all employers and would be triggered when employees are exposed to temperatures of 80ºF for more than fifteen minutes in any given sixty-minute period. IAAPA advocates for voluntary standards for industries with strong safety records. Should OSHA find evidence that voluntary standards are not adequate in high-risk industries, IAAPA urges industry-specific practices and regional variations.
- On July 2, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a proposed rule on “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings.” The rule would apply to all employers and would be triggered when employees are exposed to temperatures of 80ºF for more than fifteen minutes in any given sixty-minute period. IAAPA advocates for voluntary standards for industries with strong safety records. Should OSHA find evidence that voluntary standards are not adequate in high-risk industries, IAAPA urges industry-specific practices and regional variations.
- Workforce:
As a sponsor, speaking firsthand with legislators and contributing to the stories shared by attractions on how their operations, financials, and seasonal coordination efforts would be adversely affected by the above topics; we made a powerful impression across all states. Further, Greenheart had the opportunity to learn how we, as a sponsor, can better partner with our host employers around the requests presented in these congressional visits.
Personally, my day on Capitol Hill was a crescendo of nine meetings across the House and Senate Side! I got to speak, firsthand, to the teams of PA, IL, and CO on supporting BridgeUSA’s Summer Work Travel program and the role in the amusement industry.
The Illinois meet-up included the offices of Representative Bill Foster of the 11th congressional district and Representative Daniel K. Davis from the 7th congressional district. Colorado Representatives from the 1st [Diana DeGette] and 7th [Brittany Pettersen] congressional districts with constituent Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology Corporation.
Connecting with others after their equally busy day on Capitol Hill, we were all impressed by how receptive and knowledgeable the offices were on our topics and requests. The 2024 IAAPA Public Affairs Conference was a very impactful opportunity where goals were not only met but exceeded! Greenheart looks forward to carrying this momentum into our upcoming Winter and launching our Summer 2025 onboarding season and beyond.
Thank you, Renee, for sharing your reflections on such an important event!
If you are a business who would like to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange, please visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.
To learn more about Greenheart’s Summer Work Travel program visit GreenheartExchange.org.