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Spokane Chapter

Local advocacy, partnership, and relationship building in eastern Washington’s largest city.

 

The mission of the Spokane Chapter is to develop an active network of business owners, operators and managers to improve the business environment for the Spokane hospitality community through education, collaboration and advocacy.

Meetings and Events

Meet Your Spokane Team

Would you like to connect with our Spokane team? Fill out the form below and a representative will reach out to you.

Derek Baziotis – Bio
Local Government Affairs Manager
360-246-4490
Email Derek

Marla Fruit – Bio
Senior Territory Manager Spokane & Northeast WA
360-246-4522
Email Marla

Derek Baziotis

Derek joined the association in November 2023. He brings a unique blend of industry experience and public service to his role as Local Government Affairs Manager for the Spokane chapter of the Washington Hospitality Association. Raised in a family of restaurateurs, Derek worked at his parents’ restaurant throughout high school, gaining firsthand knowledge of the hospitality industry. Driven by a passion for culinary arts and service, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Culinary Specialist, where he honed his skills over four years.

After his service, Derek returned to Spokane to work alongside his family before fulfilling his dream of opening his own restaurant in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Derek served as Board Chair for the Spokane chapter, which deepened his interest in government affairs and its impact on the local hospitality industry. Inspired to make a difference, he transitioned to his current role, where he advocates for Spokane’s hospitality community and supports policies that foster growth and resilience.

Marla Fruit

Marla Fruit has over two decades of experience in companies servicing the business sector in Spokane, joining the Washington Hospitality Association in October of 2017. Marla also serves as Vice President for Überfire, a family business which is a proprietary survival product designed and produced for downed U.S. military crewmen.

Prior to joining the association, she served as membership director for Associated Industries Inland NW, and as a recruiter for Aspen Personnel Service. Marla’s a Coug—she holds a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University.