[Tallahassee, Fla] The National Restaurant Association and fellow restaurateurs need your help. Over the next three weeks, Congress is finalizing legislative measures they aim to pass by the end of the year. Unintentionally, the 2017 tax reform bill left improvements to your restaurant with a 39-year depreciation period instead of the 15-years Congress intended. They need to hear from constituents how critical it is that those bills fix the restaurant depreciation tax glitch.
Why this is an issue:
Can you imagine eating in a restaurant that hadn’t been upgraded since 1980? What’s more, you are ineligible for one of the biggest benefits of the new tax law: 100% bonus depreciation for improvements from 2018 through the end of 2022. Bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to fix this mistake. We need you to ask your Members of Congress to include the fix into any legislative package moving by the end of the year.
The solution:
Bipartisan legislation, the “Restoring Investments in Improvements Act” (S.803/H.R.1869), would restore the 15-year improvement depreciation period for “Qualified Improvement Property” (QIP) and also restore temporary bonus depreciation for your restaurant.
How you can help:
Click here to take action and tell your lawmakers to fix this issue by passing the “Restoring Investments in Improvements Act” (S.803/H.R.1869) by the end of this year.
TAKE ACTION
[Tallahassee, Fla] As you well know, VISIT FLORIDA must be reauthorized and fully funded in order to ensure that the hospitality industry continues to provide economic benefit the state needs.
The Senate is advancing a bill that would reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA, and Rep. Ponder in the House filed HB 213 to reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA until 2028, but his bill has not been placed on the agenda of the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee‘s last two meetings. Bills must be heard in both the House and the Senate in order for VISIT FLORIDA to have a chance to be reauthorized.
Unless both the House and Senate bills are passed through their respective chambers, VISIT FLORIDA will cease to exist on June 30, 2020, and Florida’s economic landscape will change forever.
Here’s how you can help:
Click the links below to tweet to Representatives La Rosa and Plasencia and urge them to place HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee’s agenda. Without a hearing in the house, there will never be an opportunity to demonstrate the value VISIT FLORIDA brings to the state and our communities.
Tweets & Click to Tweet Links for Rep. La Rosa
- Tourism promotion keeps FL’s taxes low for residents. Visitors generate revenue so residents don’t have to pay more in taxes. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- Floridians don’t have to pay a state income tax thx to revenue generated by visitors to our state. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to keep it that way. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
- No state tourism promotion = loss of state revenue = fewer jobs = raising taxes on FL residents to pay for programs & services in the state budget. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
- Without tourism and tourism promotion, every FL household will pay an additional $1,549 in taxes/yr to maintain our current level of services. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), put HB 213 on your next agenda. Reauthorize & full fund @VISITFLORIDA!
- Tourism promotion helps generate $5.5 billion in local tax revenues that our communities use to pay for infrastructure, education, public safety & more. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- FL visitors mean no state income tax, lower tax base, economic opportunity & 1.4 working Floridians. Tourism & tourism promotion helps to make it happen. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- Keep powering FL’s economy thru tourism promotion. Tourism brings business & opportunities into the state, which means no state income tax. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- 3+ BILLION in state sales tax collection can be directly attributed to purchases made by visitors to FL. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to prevent a state income tax. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s next agenda.
- Tourism is FL’s top economic driver. Our communities & local businesses rely on out-of-state visitors and the revenue they bring. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), let us show you the value and benefits @VISITFLORIDA provides by putting HB 213 on your next agenda.
- The FL Legislature’s own economist says, “most recent sales tax forecast relies heavily on strong tourism growth.” Tourism growth = tourism promotion = @VISITFLORIDA. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- FL’s chief economist says that a heathy Florida economy relies on ensuring that “no events that have significant repercussions affecting tourism” occur. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), our state budget revenue relies on @VISITFLORIDA. Put HB 213 on the agenda.
- FL’s chief economist: “Currently, tourism-related revenue losses pose the greatest potential risks to the economic outlook” of the state. @VISITFLORIDA helps fund our state budget. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), please put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
Tweets & Click to Tweet Links for Rep. Plasencia
- Tourism promotion keeps FL’s taxes low for residents. Visitors generate revenue so residents don’t have to pay more in taxes. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- Floridians don’t have to pay a state income tax thx to revenue generated by visitors to our state. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to keep it that way. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
- No state tourism promotion = loss of state revenue = fewer jobs = raising taxes on FL residents to pay for programs & services in the state budget. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
- Without tourism and tourism promotion, every FL household will pay an additional $1,549 in taxes/yr to maintain our current level of services. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), put HB 213 on your next agenda. Reauthorize & full fund @VISITFLORIDA!
- Tourism promotion helps generate $5.5 billion in local tax revenues that our communities use to pay for infrastructure, education, public safety & more. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- FL visitors mean no state income tax, lower tax base, economic opportunity & 1.4 working Floridians. Tourism & tourism promotion helps to make it happen. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- Keep powering FL’s economy thru tourism promotion. Tourism brings business & opportunities into the state, which means no state income tax. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- 3+ BILLION in state sales tax collection can be directly attributed to purchases made by visitors to FL. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to prevent a state income tax. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s next agenda.
- Tourism is FL’s top economic driver. Our communities & local businesses rely on out-of-state visitors and the revenue they bring. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), let us show you the value and benefits @VISITFLORIDA provides by putting HB 213 on your next agenda.
- The FL Legislature’s own economist says, “most recent sales tax forecast relies heavily on strong tourism growth.” Tourism growth = tourism promotion = @VISITFLORIDA. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
- FL’s chief economist says that a heathy Florida economy relies on ensuring that “no events that have significant repercussions affecting tourism” occur. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), our state budget revenue relies on @VISITFLORIDA. Put HB 213 on the agenda.
- FL’s chief economist: “Currently, tourism-related revenue losses pose the greatest potential risks to the economic outlook” of the state. @VISITFLORIDA helps fund our state budget. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), please put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
[Tallahassee, Fla] Florida ProStart raised $138,781.94 on Oct. 17 in partnership with Whole Foods Market Florida stores. As part of the grocer’s quarterly Community Giving Day, 5% of the day’s net sales were donated to Florida ProStart to better serve high school students in the vicinity of Whole Foods Market stores statewide by furthering their education and training in the foodservice industry.
“This donation from Whole Foods Markets will have a tremendous impact on Florida ProStart students as it will allow us to offer over 50 more scholarships in the Sunshine State,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF). “Florida ProStart is in 238 schools around the state, helping high school students get a solid start in an incredible industry filled with opportunity for advancement. We look forward to finding more ways to partner with Whole Foods Markets as we continue to promote hospitality education in Florida.”
Whole Foods Markets hosts several Community Giving Days per year, offering customers the opportunity to make a difference through their regular grocery shopping. Florida ProStart was chosen as the third quarter nonprofit in August of this year, and 29 Whole Foods Market stores around Florida participated in the event. Money raised through the October Community Giving Day will be used to bolster ProStart scholarships as well as for ProStart kitchen grants.
Each year, FRLAEF gives out more than $40,000 in scholarships and awards $80,000 in mini grants to schools throughout the state. Additionally, one school is selected each year to receive a $50,000 kitchen remodel, and the 2019-2020 grant was awarded to Coral Shores High School last month.
[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized Dave Jarrett, retired Disney Executive and active FRLA member, as the 2019 Special Honoree at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.
Jarrett has actively been engaged with the hospitality industry for more than 40 years. 32 of those years have been spent as a member of the FRLA, where he has spearheaded the Educational Foundation’s ProStart Program, which is the largest in the nation with 238 participating high schools. In 1997, he served as the FRLA Chairman of the Board. Career wise, Jarrett has owned his own restaurant and catering company, worked with Walt Disney World for 23 years and served as the Senior Vice President of The Filta Group. He has also served on numerous state and national boards, including the Camaraderie Foundation, several college hospitality boards in Central Florida and as a Trustee for Webber College.
Jarrett’s dedication and passion for the industry showcases why FRLA honored him as their 2019 Special Honoree.
[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized William Ryan, Resort Chef of Hawks Cay Resort, as the 2019 Chef of the Year at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.
A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Chef Ryan has spent more than 30 years in culinary management. In 2014, he joined the Hawks Cay Resort team as Resort Chef where he oversees all aspects of food and beverage operations. His culinary skills, creative menu planning and artful presentations showcase why FRLA awarded him with Chef of the Year.
[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized Sandra Cottrell, head server at Half Shell Raw Bar, as the 2019 Restaurant Employee of the Year, at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.
Cottrell has worked at Half Shell Raw Bar for 34 years, since she first moved to Key West in 1985. Dedicated to the Key West community, Cottrell spends her time away from the restaurant helping with local relief efforts, fundraising events and non-profits. She is “the heart of the Half Shell Raw Bar,” according to her team, and her passion showcases why FRLA awarded her with Restaurant Employee of the Year.
[Clearwater, Fla] Last Wednesday, Oct. 9, over 160 people gathered at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach for the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) inaugural ROSE Awards. The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor hospitality industry employees in the region dedicated to excellent customer service. Area hotels, vacation rentals and restaurants nominated 33 individuals from Pinellas County to acknowledge those making a difference in the local hospitality community. Last week’s winners each received a bouquet of a dozen roses, an award pin, certificate and a crystal award.
“These incredible men and women represent just a small fraction of the outstanding hospitality employees in the Tampa Bay area,” said Eric Waltz, General Manager of the Sandpearl Resort and ROSE Award Chairman. “Our region’s hospitality workers are what make the biggest difference and keep guests coming back. We are thrilled to be able to honor them and their hard work.”
The 2019 ROSE Award winners are are:
Lina Gomez, Retail Attendant at the Don Cesar Hotel
David Kent, Activities Beach & Pool Attendant at the Sandpearl Resort
Michael Kilmer, Housekeeping: Window Cleaner at the Opal Sands Resort
Amy Scott, Opening Server at Village Inn Restaurant
Danielle Wainwright, Sales System Administrator at the Hyatt Clearwater Beach
For more information about the ROSE Awards, contact FRLA Pinellas Chapter Regional Director, Dannette Lynch at 727-642-3404 or dannette@frla.org.
[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized John Pedaggi, general manager of the Columbia Restaurant Group, as the 2019 Restaurant GM of the Year at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.
Pedaggi has worked in restaurant industry for 39 years. Since 2007, he has served as the general manager of Columbia Restaurant Group, located in St. Augustine. Before landing in St. Augustine, Pedaggi served tables and oversaw other Columbia restaurant locations throughout the state. His customer service and passion towards the industry showcases why FRLA awarded him with Restaurant GM of the Year.
[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized Karen Padgett, Sales and Catering Coordinator at Doubletree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, as the 2019 Hotel Employee of the Year, at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.
Since joining this industry in 2007, Padgett has continuously shown what it means to work in hospitality. Internally, she serves on the DoubleTree CARE Committee, a group focused on reaching out to staff members in need and pursuing community involvement. As the committee’s secretary, she has organized countless events in the past year, most notably raising $12,000 for Give Kids the World.
Padgett embodies hospitality culture and inspires the DoubleTree team she works with. Her passion showcases why FRLA awarded her with Hotel Employee of the Year.
[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized Heidi Dennis, general manager of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, as the 2019 Hotel GM of the Year at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.
Dennis has worked in the food services and hospitality industry for over 30 years, holding numerous leadership positions nationally and internationally including working with Hyatt, Sheraton and Marriott Hotels. In 2016, she joined The Pelican Grand, Noble House Hotels & Resorts team as general manager. Dennis currently serves as the Co-Chair of Events within the FRLA Broward Chapter, and she was also recently recognized as FRLA’s June Member of the Month.
