Governor Scott Speaks at FRLA Board Meeting

[Key West, Fla] (June 12, 2018) – Today, Governor Rick Scott spoke to members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) at the organization’s summer board meeting. In a speech focused on the significant gains for tourism in the sunshine state, the Governor praised FRLA members for their contributions to the state’s number one industry.

“No one moves to Florida without coming to visit first,” Scott said to the standing-room-only hospitality crowd. “Thank you for giving people great experiences, and thank you for giving people great jobs.”

Since Scott took office in 2011, the state’s tourism numbers have steadily increased. More than 116.5 million people visited Florida in 2017, marking a 44 percent increase from 2010. Lauded as “The Tourism Governor” by FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover, Scott has championed funding of VISIT FLORIDA, the public/private partnership founded by the state legislature in 1996 to market Florida to visitors.

“We are proud of the job Governor Scott has done in the last seven and a half years as his pro-business, pro-tourism efforts have had a tremendously positive impact on the hospitality industry,” said Dover. “Because of the Governor’s support for tourism, our $111.7 billion industry is now the number one employer in the state with more than 1.4 million employees. Governor Scott has set us on a path for a record number of visitors in 2018, and I am grateful for his leadership.”

Earlier this year, VISIT FLORIDA released tourism numbers for the first quarter. In the first three months of 2018, more than 33 million people visited the Sunshine State, a 7.4 percent increase over last year. Scott touted this number and challenged VISIT FLORIDA President/CEO to hit 125 million visitors this year. Lawson, who was in the room for Scott’s speech, accepted the challenge to a round of applause from the audience.

For more information on the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, please visit FRLA.org.

Gov. Scott: Florida Sets Another Tourism Record in 2017

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another tourism record in 2017 by welcoming the highest number of visitors in any year in the state’s history with 116.5 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 112.4 million visitors in 2016.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record-breaking success by welcoming more than 116 million visitors in 2017. Because of VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open to visitors following Hurricane Irma, we are able to celebrate another record-breaking year for tourism. This is especially great news for the 1.4 million jobs that rely on our growing tourism industry. We will continue to market our state as the number one global destination for tourism.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 116.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2017, an increase of 3.6 percent over last year. This number breaks down to 102.3 million domestic visitors, 10.7 million overseas visitors and 3.5 million Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in 2017 increased 4.1 percent over the same period the previous year, with 87.2 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during 2017 grew by 4.6 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 2.6 percent and occupancy by 3.2 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Florida welcomed a record 116.5 million visitors in 2017, which is great news for our state. Because of the cutting-edge marketing programs at VISIT FLORIDA, particularly following Hurricane Irma, we were able to increase total visitation by 3.6 percent over last year, resulting in billions of dollars in revenue for the state. We are continuing to aggressively market the Sunshine State to the rest of the country and the rest of the world.”

Maryann Ferenc, Board Chair of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “I would like to offer gratitude to the Governor and the Legislature for funding VISIT FLORIDA, the VISIT FLORIDA team for their successful efforts, the tourism industry for creating a Florida that people want to visit and residents for creating the real welcome. Alignment at the local, state and national level have created prosperity in Florida!”

Carol Dover, President and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said, “Given all the Sunshine State has to offer as a vacation destination, it comes as no surprise that each year, Florida continues to attract visitors in record numbers, however this welcomed outcome is incredible considering the tough year our state has faced in the wake of Hurricane Irma and validates the state’s sound investment in tourism marketing. FRLA salutes the diligent efforts of VISIT FLORIDA, as well as our hospitality industry partners, who work in concert to ensure Florida remains competitive as a leading global destination. Visitors are not only enjoying our hotels and restaurants, they’re simultaneously boosting state and local revenues, and supporting 1.4 million industry jobs across the state.”

Florida set another record despite losing 1.8 million visitors due to Hurricane Irma, according to a recent report commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA. The impact report of Hurricane Irma shows that it cost the state 1.8 million visitors. An estimated 34.9 million out-of-state visitors came to Florida in the final four months of 2017. In the “no hurricane” model, Florida would have hosted 36.7 million visitors during that same time period. Additionally, Irma resulted in a loss of $1.5 billion in visitor spending, with $1.1 billion attributable to domestic visitors and $400 million for international visitors. Visitation was hit hardest in September, with visitation falling 13.5 percent relative to anticipated growth. However, losses were drastically reduced by October, and even more so in the following months. VISIT FLORIDA’s Post-Irma Marketing Campaign helped curb the effects of Irma on visitation, with an estimated 358 million impressions in the month following Irma.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 28.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 5.5 percent over the same period last year. This Q4 number breaks down to 25.0 million domestic visitors, 2.8 million overseas visitors and 705,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q4 2017 increased 6.7 percent over the same period the previous year, with 21.7 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter four of 2017 grew by 8.1 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 5.4 percent and occupancy by 7.0 percent.

To view the full Hurricane Irma Impact Report, click HERE.

To view additional Florida visitor data, click HERE.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Scholarships Awarded to Florida High School Students Participating in Hospitality and Tourism Management Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 7, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF ) is proud to congratulate the winners of the 15th Annual Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Competition (HTMP) which was held Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 11 schools participated in the competition with 3 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. Scholarships from Johnson & Wales University as well as the FRLAEF were distributed to the winning schools. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s HTMP program, the official industry-recognized curriculum to prepare students for roles in the hotel industry and beyond. More than 2,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The three main event competitions included: the Hotel Operations Competition, Hospitality Project Competition and Knowledge Bowl Competition.

Miami Beach Senior High School won first place in the overall competition. Winter Park High School took home second place in the overall competition, with Osceola High School placing third.

“These talented students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are extremely proud to help support their education by awarding scholarships. We are passionate about investing in these inspiring, young leaders of the trade and are thrilled to celebrate their incredible talents and pursuit of successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.

Overall Competition Winners
1st Place:    Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory
2nd Place:   Winter Park High School | Instructor: Meg Pietkiewicz
3rd Place:   Osceola High School | Instructor: Valerie Woodring

Hotel Operations Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their hospitality knowledge in four key topics relating to hotel operations: night audit/hotel accounting, food and beverage and guest service.

1st Place: Osceola High School | Instructor: Valerie Woodring
2nd Place: Winter Park High School | Instructor: Meg Pietkiewicz
3rd Place: Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Hospitality Project Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities required in planning an event to include two BEOs (Banquet Event Order) containing two different menus and set up options.

1st Place: Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory
2nd Place: Winter Park High School | Instructor: Meg Pietkiewicz
3rd Place: Miami Sunset High School | Instructor: Milagros Perez

Knowledge Bowl Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry during this “Jeopardy Style” question and answer event.

1st Place: Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory
2nd Place: Oakridge High School | Instructor: Vanessa Zameza
3rd Place: Gainesville High School | Instructor: Dawn Bekaert

For a complete list of participating Florida HTMP schools, click here.

$1 Million in Scholarships Awarded to High School Students Participating in Florida ProStart Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 6, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to congratulate the winners of the 18th Annual Florida ProStart Competition which was held Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 50 schools participated in the competition with 15 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $1 million in scholarships was distributed to the winning students. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s ProStart program, a career technical education program where high school students learn from an industry-derived curriculum that teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills. More than 20,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The four main event competitions included: the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition, The Art Institute Management Competition, the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition, and the Waiters Relay Competition.

East Ridge High School in Clermont won first place in the overall competition. Tarpon Springs High School in Tarpon Springs took home second place in the overall competition, with John A. Ferguson High School in Miami placing third.

“These talented students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are extremely proud to help support their education by awarding more than $1 million in scholarships. We are passionate about investing in these inspiring, young leaders of the trade and are thrilled to celebrate their incredible talents and pursuit of successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.

Overall Competition Winners
1st Place: East Ridge High School
Instructors: Ken Pitts & Christopher Dwyer
2nd Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
5th Place: Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative abilities during the competition through the preparation of a meal consisting of: starter (such as soup, salad or appetizer), protein (such as meat, fish or fowl), starch, vegetable, and dessert.
1st Place: Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky
2nd Place: Eastside High School
Instructors: Pam Bedford & Sarah Waters
3rd Place: East Ridge High School
Instructor: Ken Pitts
4th Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo & Vincent Pesce
5th Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructor: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba

The Art Institute Management Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a business proposal for a new restaurant concept. The business proposal consisted of a defined restaurant concept, supporting menu, and supporting marketing plan. Teams prepared a comprehensive written proposal, verbal presentation and visual display.

1st Place: East Ridge High School
Instructors: Ken Pitts & Christopher Dwyer
2nd Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructor: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Holmes County High School
Instructor: April Coe
5th Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative ability during the competition through the preparation of an edible centerpiece consisting of fruits and vegetables. Contestants explained nutritional information, product availability, and preparation techniques.

1st Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan
2nd Place: Estero High School
Instructor: Jeremy Jasper
3rd Place: Eustis High School
Instructor: Nicole Austin
4th Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
5th Place: Mainland High School
Instructors: Jason Kester & Troy Logan

Waiters Relay Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their ability to duplicate a table setting while racing against the clock.

1st Place: South Lake High School
Instructors: Candy Huxhold & John Thunberg
2nd Place: Leon High School
Instructors: Christine Beam & Karen Stribling
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Instructors: Calvin Lewis & Christina Gedke-Balaschak
5th Place: Lake Minneola High School
Instructors: Nick Sandora & Lance Bowles

First-place teams from the management and culinary competitions will advance to the prestigious National ProStart Invitational, April 27-29, 2018, in Providence, Rhode Island.

FRLA Welcomes New Chairman and Executive Committee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 19, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to announce its incoming 2018 Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee. Kevin Speidel, vice president of resort operations with Hilton Grand Vacations (NYSE:HGV), began serving as FRLA’s new Chairman effective Jan. 1. Speidel presides over FRLA, one of the state’s largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry.

Speidel is an industry veteran with nearly 30 years’ experience. He joined HGV in 2016 prior to its spin-off from Hilton. In his role at HGV, Speidel provides strategic leadership for the company’s resort operations, rental sales and rental marketing teams across the globe. In addition, he is instrumental in overseeing the planning and execution process for opening new resorts.

Prior to his current role, Speidel served as an area managing director with Hilton for more than a decade, and oversaw hotel and resort operations for Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Waldorf Astoria properties throughout South Florida.

“Kevin Speidel is a demonstrated leader who has devoted his entire career to providing an exceptional lodging experience. Kevin is highly regarded in the hospitality industry, and FRLA is extremely fortunate to have a professional of his stature lead our association through 2018. We’re excited at the opportunity to have Kevin serve alongside our 2018 Executive Committee and confident the Association will continue to flourish with their direction,” says Carol Dover, president and CEO, FRLA.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality trade association,” says Speidel. “My primary goal will be to empower members to participate in advocacy efforts and inspire collaboration across the tourism industry to improve and influence communities throughout the state. I look forward to another outstanding year for Florida’s hospitality industry.” Speidel holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Lynn University and completed the General Manager Excellence program at Cornell University.

FRLA congratulates the following 2018 Executive Board Members:

2018 FRLA Executive Committee
Chairman of the Board
Kevin Speidel, Hilton Grand Vacations, Orlando
Vice Chairman of the Board
Alan Palmieri, Marlow’s Tavern, Orlando
Secretary-Treasurer
Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key
Restaurant Director for 2018-19
Jim Shirley, Great Southern Café, Santa Rosa Beach
Lodging Director 2018-19
Olivia Hoblit, Seaside Amelia Inn (Innisfree Hotels), Amelia Island
Restaurant Director 2018
Cathie Koch, Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Tampa
Immediate Past Chairman
Don Fox, Firehouse of America, LLC, Jacksonville

Learn more about the 2018 FRLA Executive Committee here.

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VISIT FLORIDA RELEASES NEW ECONOMIC IMPACT FIGURES

VISIT FLORIDA released new figures on the economic impact of visitors to Florida. In 2016, out-of-state visitor spending in Florida reached a record $112 billion, an increase of 2.7 percent over the previous year. Visitors generated $88 billion, or roughly 10 percent, of Florida’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), up 4.2 percent over 2015, and visitors generated $11.6 billion in state and local taxes, up 3.3 percent.

Governor Scott said, “It is great news that Florida has reached yet another tourism record with a historic $112 billion in visitor spending in 2016. Florida’s tourism industry helps support more than 1.4 million jobs across our state and is a major driver in our growing economy. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session to secure $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA so we can continue to market our state as the top tourism destination in the world.”

President & CEO Ken Lawson said, “We are continuing to set visitation records in Florida, and new economic indicators show that VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing is working. Thanks to the leadership of the Governor and legislature, we’re continuing to see increases in not just visitation numbers, but economic indicators as well. Visitor spending, Gross Domestic Product, and state and local revenue are all up thanks to our success marketing the Sunshine State. We hope to continue building on this success by receiving full funding this upcoming year as we work to make Florida the number one global destination.”

Lodging represented the largest visitor spending sector at $31.8 billion, an increase of 3.3 percent over 2015. Visitor spending growth in the food & beverage sector accounted for $23 billion, growing 4.2 percent, and visitors spent more than $16 billion in recreational activities, accounting for a 3.6 percent increase.

The study continued to show visitor spending supporting 1.4 million Florida jobs, with an associated income of $53 billion. These jobs represent 17.1 percent of total employment, supporting one out of every six jobs in the state.

To view the full report, produced by Oxford Economics, click HERE.

To view the updated Florida Tourism Infographic, click HERE.

Florida’s Hospitality Industry Goes Blue in January to Combat Human Trafficking

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced today its proud support of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign to combat human trafficking. During the month of January, which is recognized by Presidential Proclamation as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, FRLA encourages its 10,000 members consisting of hotels, restaurants, suppliers, theme parks and attractions to be vigilant when it comes to combating human trafficking in the State of Florida. Florida’s hospitality industry can take a stand against human trafficking by raising public awareness, recognizing the signs and reporting suspected instances.

On January 11, FRLA’s employees and 10,000 members will join others across the nation to participate in the Blue Campaign’s “Wear Blue Day.” On this day, by wearing blue and contributing to the campaign on social media using the dual hashtags #JoinFRLA #WearBlueDay, the industry will stand in solidarity with victims of human trafficking, raise awareness, and inspire efforts to work together to eradicate this crime.

“With 113 million visitors coming to our state each year, Florida’s hospitality industry must serve as a leader in the fight to combat human trafficking. We strongly encourage our 10,000 members to join us in this important fight and to #JoinFRLA #WearBlueDay on January 11. Our entire industry must work diligently to raise public awareness and provide the necessary tools to protect victims from this atrocious crime,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

Industry resources available to help combat human trafficking are available at FRLA.org/human-trafficking-prevention.

Padgett Joins Government Relations Team at the FRLA

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is excited to announce the recent addition of Samantha H. Padgett as General Counsel. Padgett joins FRLA’s stellar Governmental Relations team, currently led by Richard Turner, who will assume a new title as Senior Vice President of Legal and Legislative Affairs. Padgett will perform legal functions, provide legal advice and strengthen the association’s advocacy efforts at the state and local levels. Across the state, the FRLA represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including theme parks and attractions.

“We’re extremely proud to have Samantha H. Padgett join our team. Padgett is a well-respected professional in Tallahassee circles and across the state. I’m confident her legal expertise and experience will enhance the Florida hospitality industry’s presence,“ said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

Previously, Padgett served for ten years as the Vice President and General Counsel of the Florida Retail Federation (FRF). Padgett is a member of The Florida Bar and received her J.D. degree cum laude from the University of Florida College of Law in 2005, and received her B.A. from Emory University in 2001. She also volunteers as a Board Member on the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, University of Florida Center for Retailing and the Florida Recycling Partnership.

Padgett will begin her role with FRLA in mid-January 2018 and be based at FRLA’s headquarters in Tallahassee.

Gov. Scott: Florida Hits All-Time Record High for Tourism

MIAMI, Fla. – On November 20, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another tourism record by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 88.2 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.3 percent increase over the 85.4 million visitors from the same period in 2016. This includes 77.6 million domestic visitors, 7.9 million overseas visitors and 2.7 million Canadian visitors. Governor Scott made the announcement at Azucar Ice Cream Company, a locally-owned ice cream boutique that has been nationally recognized as one of Little Havana’s top tourist destinations.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record breaking success by welcoming more than 88 million visitors to our state over the first nine months of the year. Florida has had three record quarters in 2017, which would not be possible without our relentless work to market Florida as the top tourism destination. This includes VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open for tourism following Hurricane Irma. We will work with the Legislature to invest $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA this upcoming session to continue this success and make sure Florida can continue to break tourism records.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 27.9 million visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter of 2017 (July-September), an increase of 3.3 percent over the same period last year. This Q3 number breaks down to 24.9 million domestic visitors, 2.6 million overseas visitors and 428,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q3 2017 increased 2.4 percent over the same period the previous year, with 20 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter three of 2017 grew by 4.7 percent compared to quarter three 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 3.0 percent and occupancy by 2.9 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Back-to-back-to-back record quarters in the first nine months of this year show the Florida tourism industry has great momentum. VISIT FLORIDA will not rest on our laurels, but will continue to be at the forefront of creating leading-edge, original marketing programs for our industry partners so that together we can make Florida the number one vacation destination in the world.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

FRLA SUPPORTS HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS AND CELEBRATES FLORIDA’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY STARS

(Orlando, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) joined together to celebrate hospitality’s finest and to highlight the exceptional service delivered by the stars of the industry. FRLA announced its 2018 Executive Committee and unveiled its 2017 Hall of Fame along with other industry award winners.

During the event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, FRLA included a special tribute to the industry’s Hurricane Irma response, recovery and relief efforts. The silent auction beneficiary for this evening was the Florida Disaster Fund, the State of Florida’s official private fund established to provide support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster.

Kevin Speidel, Vice President of Resort Operations for Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) was named FRLA’s 2018 Chairman of the Board. Speidel will preside over the FRLA, one of the state’s largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry.

FRLA congratulates its newly elected executive board and Hall of Fame award winners.

2018 FRLA Executive Committee:
Kevin Speidel	Chairman	Hilton Grand Vacations, Orlando
Alan Palmieri	Vice Chair	Marlow’s Tavern, Orlando
Sheldon Suga	Secretary-Treasurer	Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key
Jim Shirley	Director 2018-19	Great Southern Café, Santa Rosa Beach
Olivia Hoblit	Director 2018-19	Seaside Inn (Innisfree Hotels), Amelia Island
Cathie Koch	Director 2018	Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Tampa
Don Fox	Immediate Past Chair	Firehouse of America, LLC, Jacksonville

In addition, Hall of Fame Awards were given to individuals who have attained career distinctions of the highest level and were recognized for distinguished service to their industry, community, charitable organizations and family. The 2017 Hall of Fame is as follows:

2017 Restaurateur of the Year: Andrew Reiss, Tallahassee: To call Andy Reiss anything but a Tallahassee legend would be an understatement. Elected officials, students and Tallahassee residents alike recognize Andy not only as a creator of delicious food, but also as an engaged and considerate employer. At a time when most restaurants were moving away from the Capitol in downtown Tallahassee, Reiss seized an opportunity. Believing the time was right for Tallahassee’s first New York-style delicatessen, he opened The Deli in November 1972. Through the subsequent 45 years, Reiss’ restaurant concepts included Andrew’s 2nd Act, Maxin’s, Tutto Bene, Andrew’s Upstairs, Andrew’s Catering, Trio, Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar, and Andrew’s 228. Reiss has advocated for the restaurant industry and Downtown Tallahassee throughout his career. He was FRLA’s first Chairman of the Board from Tallahassee in 2013 and 2015. Appointed by 4 different governors, he served 24 years on the DBPR Hotel and Restaurant Advisory Council. Andrew helped found and chaired the Tallahassee Convention and Visitors Bureau, currently known as Visit Tallahassee.

2017 Hotelier of the Year: Don Seaton, Clearwater Beach: The late Don Seaton was a hotelier by profession. He and his wife Nan owned, developed, built and operated four hotels in Clearwater Beach, one in Crystal River, and two in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Mr. Seaton was not only a successful businessman, but was also involved in his community and was devoted to Florida’s tourism industry. His Florida contributions included two terms as President of the Greater Clearwater Innkeepers Association, three terms as Vice Chairman of the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council, terms as Secretary, Treasurer, Board of Directors and Chairman of the Florida Hotel & Motel Association, and as Director and Chairman of the Board of Best Western International. He was honored as the Florida Hotel & Motel Association’s Hotelier of the Year, received the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and was a two-time Paul Harris Fellow of the Clearwater Beach Rotary Club.

2017 Supplier of the Year: UnitedHealthcare: UnitedHealthcare, represented by Kimberlee Vandervoorn, is a strong supporter of the hospitality industry. It offers exclusive health care pricing and solutions for every size FRLA member business, including a soon-to-be available NRA Association Plan option for fully insured small business groups. Since 2009, UnitedHealthcare has worked with the National Restaurant Association and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association in a strategic alliance to help provide easier access to cost-effective health care coverage and related products and services for the hospitality industry. UnitedHealthcare features an expansive network of more than 1 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide; various online tools and resources; and a range of wellness programs designed to help improve employee health, productivity and retention.

2017 Special Honoree Randy Spicer: Randy Spicer was truly a friend to the industry. Randy worked 23 years for Prudential Insurance Company then was hired by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield in Little Rock where he spent the next ten years as President and CEO of their subsidiary, First Pyramid Life. Randy and his wife Diane then resided in Southlake, Texas with him working for UnitedHealthcare. When he passed away on March 20 of this year, he was working for the National Restaurant Association as Vice President of Health Insurance Services. After multiple years of hard work, Randy had very recently completed a significant project developing with UnitedHealthcare, an NRA Association Trust Plan for small hospitality business. Randy was driven by the desire to create access to affordable health insurance for restaurant employees. His legacy will carry forward for years to come.

At the event, FRLA also announced annual award categories to recognize exceptional service throughout the state: Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, Hotel Employee of the Year and Chef of the Year. Nominees and winners were chosen by a panel of independent industry judges.

Restaurant General Manager of the Year

Jonathan Miller, Restaurant Manager, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando *WINNER

Edson Canua, Director of Outdoor Dining, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Gregg Podraza, Managing Partner, Tijuana Flats

Hotel General Manager of the Year

Jim McManemon, General Manager, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island *WINNER

Heidi Dennis, General Manager, The Pelican Grande Beach Resort

Oliver Key, Area General Manager, The St. Regis Bal Harbour

Restaurant Employee of the Year

Kelita Williams, Line Cook, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cocoa Beach Oceanfront *WINNER

Heather Ann Smith, Service Director & Training Coordinator, The Edison Restaurant / Cascade Holdings

Tuong (Hirano) Ly, District Head Chef, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

Hotel Employee of the Year

Evelyn Wilson, Guest Services Agent, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach *WINNER

Carmencita Tsuchigane, Public Space Attendant, The Sandpearl Resort

Cassie Williams, Laundry Supervisor, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Chef of the Year

Dan Dunn, Executive Chef, Hilton Pensacola Beach, Innisfree Hotels *WINNER

Gregory McGowan, Executive Chef, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six

Matthew Slattery, Executive Chef, The Southernmost Beach Resort

FRLA Educational Foundation Garrett M. Hughes Student of the Year

Juana Pascual, Martin County High School, Stuart *WINNER

Michael Adams, Lecanto High School, Lecanto

Samuel Torres, Dunnellon High School, Dunnellon

Find event photos here.