Chef Emeril Lagasse Tours Eccentric Florida Restaurants on National Television

Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, January 10, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, “Tattoos, Rebels and a Rooster,” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse visits three unique restaurants in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Boca Raton. Emeril rounds out the episode cooking Char Sui BBQ.

“Florida is known for restaurants with flare and this episode features some of our absolute favorites,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “We are thrilled to participate in this show, which showcases the Sunshine State’s hospitality industry and encourages viewers around the country to come savor flavorful experiences that are found nowhere else in the world.”

On this episode, Emeril’s first stop is Z Grille in St. Petersburg. There, he meets with owner and Executive Chef Zack Gross who opened the restaurant with his wife Jennifer in 2005. The menu features New American and Southwestern staples with an inventive SoCal twist. For Emeril, he prepares some of his signature dishes including 3 different kinds of deviled eggs: Beet Truffle Arugula/Tomato Basil Parmesan/California Avocado Bacon; along with Dr. Pepper Ribs: Kale Salad with Pork Belly; Achiote Chicken; and Black Grouper with Smoked Pimento Cheddar Cheese Grits and Old Bay Whipped Crème.

Next Emeril visits Rebel House, a restaurant in Boca Raton that’s a little out of the ordinary, which explains their rebel name and rebellious reputation. In 2012, when owners Mike Saperstein and Evan David opened Rebel House they enlisted a friend and local artist to plaster the centrally located space with rebellious sayings, paintings of rebellious figures, and even a few shadowbox pieces symbolizing various rebellious eras in history, all of which were made for the restaurant. Mike is the chef and he brings out some of their most popular dishes for Emeril to try including: House Made Charcuterie; Wahoo Crudo; Lambcetta; and Belle Glade Corn Pudding Brûlée.

Finally, Emeril heads to Tampa where two local guys and their rooster mascot have taken the dining scene up a few notches with their inventive cuisine. At Rooster & the Till he meets with the two owners who started hatching their own restaurant plan back when they met working at another restaurant. Emeril gets to sample some of the dishes that are making this a popular restaurant in Tampa including: Grilled Octopus; House-Made Tofu; Gnocchi; and Salmon Belly.

The show reruns on Monday, January 11 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Four is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the fourth season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer. The FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA sponsor the series.

For additional information on the series, including links to previous episodes, please go to the Cooking Channel website here. For a preview of Sunday’s episode, click here.

Editor’s Note:
For photo and video requests of Emeril Lagasse with personnel from Z Grille, Rebel House or Rooster & the Till, photos of signature menu items and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] or 850.224.2250 x255.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, September 27-29, 2016 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Gov. Rick Scott: More Than One Million New Jobs in Florida

NAPLES, Fla. — Governor Rick Scott announced today that Florida’s private sector has created more than 1 million jobs since December 2010. In November, the private sector added 35,600 jobs across Florida, resulting in 1,011,800 new private sector jobs created in the last five years. Florida’s unemployment rate also dropped to 5.0 percent, the lowest in seven years. Florida’s annual private sector job growth rate, now at 3.6 percent, has exceeded that of the nation since April 2012.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida’s hardworking businesses have created MORE THAN 1 MILLION JOBS across Florida in just five years. Thanks to our focus on cutting taxes and making it easier for job creators to succeed, our businesses are creating jobs faster than we ever expected. Even though today’s news is great, we have to continue to diversify our economy by cutting $1 billion in taxes and creating the Florida Enterprise Fund so Florida can be FIRST for jobs.”

Governor Scott made the announcement at Azimuth Technologies, a manufacturer founded in Naples. Azimuth has created more than 100 jobs for local families, including 30 new jobs in the past eight months. The company has also saved more than $200,000 from the tax cut on manufacturing equipment, which has allowed them to invest more in growing their businesses and hiring new employees.

Len Zaiser, CEO of Azimuth Technology, said “We are proud to celebrate Azimuth Technology’s continued success in Florida with Governor Scott today. Our company has directly benefitted from the Governor’s commitment to cutting taxes, allowing us to make more investments in purchasing new manufacturing equipment and hiring new team members. We look forward to seeing these tax cuts continue so Azimuth Technology can keep expanding and providing more opportunities in our community.”

The November 2015 unemployment rate is the lowest since January 2008. Florida’s unemployment rate has declined by 5.7 percentage points since December 2010. Florida’s unemployment rate is down by a 0.7 percentage point over the year, and down by a 0.1 percentage point over the month.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “In November, Florida’s economy hit two milestones: 1 million private-sector jobs in five years and the highest job demand in our history. This incredible economic recovery has happened because of the leadership of Gov. Scott, who from day one has supported the policies that have helped families get good jobs – tax cuts, a sensible regulatory climate, and major investments in education and infrastructure. If we stay the course, Florida will have the strongest economy in the nation.”

Other positive economic indicators include:

Florida’s private sector job growth month-to-month has been positive for 49 consecutive months.
Private sector industries gaining the most jobs over the month in November were construction with 10,600 new jobs; trade, transportation, and utilities with 6,500 new jobs; and professional and business services with 6,400 new jobs.
Florida job postings showed 299,530 openings in November 2015.
Statewide, closed sales for single-family homes in October rose 1.2 percent over-the-year.

In November, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 37,095 Floridians, including 1,827 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the November 2015 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

New Video Highlights Importance of Cutting Florida’s Burdensome and Costly Business Rent Tax

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Dec. 17, 2015) – A new video highlighting Florida’s burdensome and costly business rent tax was released today as part of a statewide campaign to encourage lawmakers to eliminate– over six years –this Florida-only tax starting with one percent during the 2016 Legislative Session.

Coalescing around a common goal of making Florida’s business climate more competitive, small businesses, job creators and business groups, known as the Business Rent Tax Coalition, are collectively advocating for a one percent business rent tax cut.

Click the image above, or watch the video here: cutmybizrent.tax

“For Florida to be more competitive and inviting to business, we must cut the business rent tax,” said Carrie O’Rourke, Florida Realtors® vice president of public policy. “Adding sales tax to rent can mean the difference in whether a small business is able to grow and expand – or even if they can stay in business at times. We urge lawmakers to take action this year to cut the business rent tax by one percent, which will provide broad-based tax relief for businesses across Florida, increase job opportunities and encourage economic growth.”

Florida is currently the only state in the nation that charges a business rent tax. That means in Florida, businesses pay a six percent tax on the space they lease, including added costs to that lease, such as property taxes, maintenance and the cost of insurance.

Florida’s business rent tax costs Florida businesses $1.7 billion every single year. A one percent reduction this year, as advocated by the Business Rent Tax Coalition, would keep $287 million in the hands of Florida’s job creators, allowing employers to hire additional employees, increase employee benefits and reinvest back into their businesses.

The Business Rent Tax Coalition currently includes 31 statewide, regional, and local organizations, including:

Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Florida
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida Ports Council
Florida Realtors
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
International Council of Shopping Centers
Manufacturers Association of Florida
NAIOP of Florida
Bay County Chamber of Commerce
Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce
Citrus County Chamber of Commerce
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
Flagler County Chamber of Commerce
Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
JAX Chamber
Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce
Manatee Chamber of Commerce
North Port Area Chamber of Commerce
Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce
Ocala-Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership
Orlando,
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce
Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce
West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Each member of the Business Rent Tax Coalition is actively engaging their grassroots member network and pooling resources to create awareness of this costly tax and engaging lawmaker support to cut – and eventually phase out – the Business Rent Tax.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

Florida Chamber of Commerce: “With two out of three jobs being created by small businesses, reducing the business rent tax will help small businesses grow, benefit Florida’s families and make Florida more competitive,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber.

Florida Ports Council: “Florida is working to be more competitive at all levels, including reducing the cost of doing business for our companies,” said Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council. “We appreciate the efforts of Governor Scott and the Florida Chamber to eliminate the burdensome business rent tax and increase our ability to attract businesses to Florida.”

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association: “Burdening our businesses with an unnecessary rent tax cuts directly into state revenues generated by the tourism industry, which represents the state’s number one job creator,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “By cutting the business rent tax, lawmakers will help ensure restaurants, hotels and attractions can continue to offer employment opportunities for Florida families and the dollars saved by our businesses can be put back in the pockets of taxpayers.”

Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida: “Reducing the sales tax on commercial leases will make business more competitive,” said Gary Stout, Chairman of the Board of Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida.

BOMA of Florida: “A vibrant commercial real estate industry housing expanding small businesses is a key contributor to economic and employment opportunities for individuals, and their families. The Business Rent Tax cut will play a prominent role in the economic well-being of our industry and therefore our communities, positively impacting the quality of life that has become synonymous with the State of Florida,” said Lacey Willard, President of BOMA Florida, and Director with CBRE, Inc.

International Council of Shopping Centers: “The business rent tax in our state unfairly disadvantages our business owners, whether they are small retail shops or new businesses requiring office space. There is no other state in the country that imposes this tax and if there is a choice for where to locate based on cost, Florida is immediately at a disadvantage. This tax inhibits businesses from expanding given the added costs and directly impacts employment and our ability to grow jobs in our state,” said Ivy Greaner, Florida Government Relations Chair, ICSC and Executive Vice President, Lennar Commercial.

Manufacturers Association of Florida: “Manufacturers in Florida are growing. When they grow they need more space. Competing with others for land space to build and along with facing months and years of planning and permits forces them to turn to leasing and renting existing space for their expanding operations. When they realize Florida is the only state that charges sales tax on commercial rents and leases, they think twice about expanding here. Reducing the tax will keep more of them in Florida and attract others that provide those well-paying jobs for Florida’s families,” said Nancy Stephens Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida.

NAIOP of Florida, Commercial Real Estate Development Association: “Elimination of just one percent of the business rent tax can put $287 million of revenue back into Florida’s economy for job creation and expansion or to help with the ever rising cost of such things as healthcare for employees.” Nelson Bradshaw, President 2016 NAIOP of Florida, Commercial Real Estate Development Association.

Orlando, Inc.: “Businesses throughout Central Florida are increasingly concerned about the business rent tax, which is why Orlando, Inc. is urging the Florida Legislature to take action to reduce this tax.” Jose Fajardo, Executive Vice President, Orlando, Inc.

Learn more about the Business Rent Tax Coalition by visiting cutmybizrent.tax.

FRLA Supports the Florida Competitive Workforce Act in 2016

The Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition is pleased to have the support of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, one of 37 major Florida employers backing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. House Bill 45 by Rep. Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) and Senate Bill 120 by Sen. Joe Abruzzo (D-Boynton Beach), commonly referred to as the Competitive Workforce Act, is a bi-partisan measure that will go before state lawmakers during the 2016 Florida Legislative Session, slated to begin Jan. 12, 2016.

While it is illegal to discriminate in employment, housing and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or marital status, the gay and transgender community is left out of statewide non-discrimination protections. The Competitive Workforce Act would modernize state law to include anti-discrimination protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in the workplace, and in housing and public accommodations. Thirty-seven Florida counties and municipalities have local protections in place for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, but local government ordinances cover only 56 percent of the state’s population.

The Competitive Workforce Act not only has the backing of major Florida employers, including nine Fortune 500 companies, but also more than 400 local businesses in Florida have endorsed the legislation. The coalition believes that the Competitive Workforce Act will make Florida more competitive in the national and global marketplace in much the same way companies have benefitted from adopting anti-discrimination policies.

Want to show your support for the Competitive Workforce Act? Here are some ways you can participate on a personal level:

Endorse HB 45/SB 120 by signing the online petition by clicking here.
Contact your local lawmakers to voice your support for the Competitive Workforce Act.

Learn more by visiting Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce online at www.FLCompetitiveWorkforce.com or visit the coalition on Twitter and Facebook.

Central Florida Hospitality Leaders Help Support Military Service Members and Their Families

(Orlando, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Central Florida Chapter is proud to support military service members and their families during its Traditional Holiday Celebration on Thursday, December 10, 2015. The event, scheduled to take place at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, is slated to celebrate the successes of Florida’s hospitality industry and to raise funds for members of our military who help make our great state a wonderful place to live, work and play. Donations will be made to the Camaraderie Foundation, whose mission is to provide healing for invisible wounds of war through counseling, emotional, and spiritual support for all branches of military service members, veterans and their families.

Media is invited to attend this event. Details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA’s Central Florida Chapter Traditional Holiday Celebration

WHEN:
Thursday, December 10, 2015
6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE:
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, FL 32821

COST:
$50 to Members/Nonmembers

For additional information about the event, please click here or contact Dannette Lynch, FRLA Director of Membership, at 727-642-3404. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director, at 850.224.2250 x255.

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Zenith Insurance Company Selected as FRLA’s Endorsed Workers’ Compensation Carrier

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to announce the selection of Zenith Insurance Company as its endorsed workers’ compensation carrier. As a result of the partnership, Zenith is committed to workplace safety and health and will provide FRLA members superior service including: quality medical care, management of claim costs, returning employees to work and fighting fraud and abuse.

“In the hospitality industry, businesses face unique risks and we are confident in our decision to choose Zenith Insurance Company as FRLA’s endorsed workers’ compensation carrier,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Zenith Insurance Company strives to improve workplace safety and values long-term relationships with customers.”

For more than 60 years, Zenith Insurance Company has been a specialist in workers’ compensation. The company built its reputation as an industry leader by providing customers with outstanding service and achieving results that continually outperform the industry. Zenith Insurance Company is a top 5 writer of workers compensation insurance in Florida, and Zenith National Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Zenith Insurance Company, are independently rated and have received an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company.

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FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover Named A “Top Influence” in Florida Politics

In case you missed it, FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover was named by INFLUENCE Magazine as a “top influence” in Florida Politics. Read the article here: http://bit.ly/1N1rNpO

Gov. Rick Scott: Florida Continues All-Time Tourism Record

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 79.1 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This record amount of visitors represents a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year. In the third quarter of 2015 (July – September), 25.5 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2014 and Florida’s largest third quarter for visitation ever. The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter three was also a record high, with 1,195,400 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 5.2 percent over the same period last year.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that the Sunshine State continued our record-breaking success and welcomed the most visitors in Florida’s history over the first three quarters of the year. Our growing tourism industry employs 1.2 million Floridians and is helping us meet our goal of becoming first for jobs. We look forward to more than 100 million tourists visiting Florida this year.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 22.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting an 8.2 percent increase over the same period last year. Estimates also show that 3.4 million international visitors came to Florida in quarter three of 2015. Preliminary figures for the first three quarters of 2015 show 67.4 million domestic visitors, 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.4 million Canadians have come to the Sunshine State.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “With three record quarters and a fifth consecutive record year on the horizon, it’s clear that this continued growth does not happen by accident. It’s the direct result of a global marketing strategy focused on maximizing the economic impact of Florida tourism. Today’s announcement shows tourism marketing works and we have Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature to thank for their unparalleled support that will enable us to reach our goal of generating $100 billion in visitor spending by 2020.”

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased year-over-year for January through August 2015 (last reported month), representing an 8.2 percent increase over the same period in 2014. For quarter three of 2015, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 5.1 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increased 3.6 percent and the demand in rooms sold grew 4.8 percent compared to quarter three of 2014.

John Tomlin, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, said, “The continued growth of tourism for the third quarter, including a record number of tourism-related jobs, puts Florida on pace for a fifth consecutive record breaking year. These records also emphasize the power of tourism as an economic leader and job creator for the state. Outcomes like these are the direct result of the vision and support of the Governor, Legislature and our amazing tourism industry, as well as world-class strategies and execution by the VISIT FLORIDA staff.”

Bill Talbert, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “Florida’s tourism continues to make history with another record-shattering quarter. New and established hotels, attractions, restaurants and hospitality-related businesses are fueling strong industry job growth and increased tax revenues. Those who enthusiastically welcome and serve our visitors continue to deliver great experiences, contributing to our state’s growing popularity. We are fortunate to have a Governor and Legislature that support our industry and VISIT FLORIDA so that we can share the diverse treasures of our state with the world.”

Andrew Hertz, Immediate Past Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & General Manager of Miami Seaquarium said, “Achieving record visitation for the third quarter of 2015 provides strong momentum towards our goal of $100 billion in tourism-related spend by 2020. Florida is fortunate to have the strong support of Governor Scott and the Legislature, as well as funding matched by dollars from great industry partners. This support allows VISIT FLORIDA to reach even more markets and potential visitors with compelling reasons to visit Florida and create memories that last a lifetime.”

Carol Dover, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Public Affairs Committee and President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association said, “Florida is continuing to break the mold by setting record-breaking trends that prove our state leads the way in hospitality and tourism. These numbers highlight Governor Scott’s leadership, and along with support from Florida’s Legislature, ensures a business-friendly environment that allows hoteliers, restaurateurs, suppliers and attractions to thrive. We were proud to help provide incredible guest experiences in the first three quarters of the year and are excited to welcome even more visitors to the Sunshine State throughout the rest of the year.”

Bill Lupfer, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association said, “Florida’s outstanding attractions and iconic destinations have a lot to be proud of, and this record third quarter means we are on track for what is sure to be another stellar year. As we continue to shatter industry records and make the Sunshine State the gold standard for tourism across the country and around the world, we are grateful for the hard work of our industry partners and the support of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature.”

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

FRLA Lends its Support to Small Business Saturday® and Drives Commerce to Florida’s Small Businesses

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced its participation in this year’s Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 28, 2015. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses.

Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. In 2014, nearly 3,000 Neighborhood Champions rallied local businesses and created events and activities to drive shopping at small businesses around the country. The day was also championed by elected officials in all 50 states.

“Small businesses represent the backbone of our industry and we are thrilled so many of our members are participating in this event,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are proud to support efforts at the local level and encourage all Floridians to shop small this holiday season.”

FRLA recognizes the importance of supporting small business in Florida, the jobs they help create, and the culture they instill in local communities. According to the U.S. Small Businesses Administration, as of 2014, small businesses nationwide accounted for 63% of net new private-sector jobs created and represented 99.7% of all employer firms.¹

Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com and the official Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

Contact:
Heather Norton

American Express

212.640.0496

[email protected]

About Small Business Saturday
November 28th marks the sixth annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

1Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy Frequently Asked Questions, March 2014.

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, Septmeber 27-29, 2016 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube

Broward County Hospitality Leaders Help Support International Culinary Opportunity for Local High School Students

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Broward Chapter is proud to support an opportunity for J.P. Taravella High School students to participate in an international culinary exchange program. This week, the chapter presented a check for $2,500 to help support the students’ trip to study at one of France’s top hospitality schools, Lycée hotelier Georges Frêche. These students were selected after winning first place at Florida’s statewide ProStart competition in 2014, which allowed them to compete nationally in Minnesota. The trip is scheduled for December 29, 2015 through January 9, 2016.

“As we grow the tourism industry in South Florida, it is critical that we develop a strong ‘bench’ to ensure the ongoing success of our destination as a world-class venue. Our participation and support of educational programs such as Florida ProStart and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, shows our commitment in developing our leaders of tomorrow in an industry that is so critical to the success of our state, county, city and overall destination. The students traveling to France on this exchange program represent some of our best and brightest. We are honored to be able to help them experience the culinary arts at this level,” said FRLA Broward Chapter President and Sonesta Ft. Lauderdale General Manager, Eduardo Fernandez.

“We are truly grateful for the FRLA’s commitment to our students, who are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills abroad during this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Broward Chapter recognizes how incredibly talented our students are, as the high schoolers work the entire year to build their culinary skills through educational and career opportunities. Through support of community organizations like FRLA, these aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals are already on the road toward success right here in the Sunshine State,” said J.P. Taravella High School Culinary Arts and Hospitality Instructor, Scott Goodman.

Participating students are part of the Florida ProStart program, run by FRLA’s Educational Foundation. It is an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and helps prepare students for careers in hospitality. To learn more about the FRLAEF please click here. Students are still working to raise $25,000 in order to financially support their trip to France. To donate additional funds to the high schoolers, please click here.

Next week, the Chapter is also pleased to present an additional opportunity for some of Broward County’s youngest chefs. On Monday, November 16, 2015, students from 12 area high schools will compete at BB&T Center to have their dishes presented in Club Lexus and the ADT Club. The competition will take place at the Tampa Bay Lighting v. Florida Panthers game scheduled from 7:30-10:00 PM. For more information about this event, please click here.

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