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.

###

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.

High Schoolers from Nine NWFL Counties to Participate in Culinary Workshop Hosted in Tallahassee

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to present high school students in Northwest Florida with an opportunity to enhance their culinary education. On Friday, November 13, 2015, the FRLAEF is hosting a regional workshop at Keiser University’s Tallahassee campus. More than 60 students from nine Florida counties are slated to participate in the event, designed to enhance their culinary skills. Students participating in the workshop are part of the Florida ProStart program, which is an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and helps prepare students for careers in hospitality.

“We are thrilled to help these students build on their education because we believe they are the future leaders of Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This workshop will give these students an opportunity to further develop their culinary talents and will help set them up for success right here in the Sunshine State, where hospitality is the number one industry and employer.”

During the workshop, students will demonstrate knife skills and various cooking techniques as they rotate through three Italian courses. The courses include an antipasto platter, chicken parmesan and tiramisu. Media is invited to attend this event. Details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLAEF Regional Culinary Workshop

WHEN:
November 13, 2015
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

WHERE:
Keiser University, Tallahassee Campus
1700 Halstead Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32309

Media interested in attending this event should contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] for details. For more information about the FRLAEF, click here.

###

Representative Clay Ingram to Speak at FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting

(Pensacola, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Greater Pensacola Chapter is proud to host Representative Clay Ingram at its next chapter meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2015. The event, slated to take place at the University of West Florida, is designed to give hospitality insiders an opportunity to hear from a community leader who is invested in supporting Florida’s largest industry which employs more than a million Floridians across the state.

Representative Ingram is a passionate community leader with a history of service to the people of Northwest Florida. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010 and has been re-elected subsequently. He currently serves as the Chair of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on the Florida Defense Support Task Force and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. He also serves as the President of the Greater Pensacola Chamber.

The event was created in partnership with UWF’s Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management and details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting

SPEAKER:
Representative Clay Ingram

WHEN:
November 12, 2015
5:00 – 6:00 PM

WHERE:
University of West Florida, College of Business
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514

COST:
Free to Members
$25 for Non-Members
*Media is invited to attend

Public interested in attending this event should contact John Bloodworth, FRLA Regional Director at 850-736-0228. Please click here to learn more about the Greater Pensacola Chapter.

###

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.

FRLA and DBPR Advise South Florida Restaurateurs to Educate Employees and Consumers about Automatic Gratuities

(Tallahassee, FL) – To avoid potential abuses of automatic gratuities, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are advising South Florida restaurateurs to educate employees and consumers about tipping policies. After receiving complaints about unclear practices, both organizations are working to raise awareness about rules regarding service charges. In Florida, it is required by law to indicate to consumers if gratuity is automatically included.

“Florida businesses want to do what’s in the best interest of both the employee and the customer,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “To help ensure restaurant employees are rewarded for their hard work by satisfied customers who look forward to coming back, it’s imperative for all parties to understand the importance of clearly communicated tipping practices and the requirement that automatic gratuity notices must be published.”

“Florida’s hospitality reputation relies on caring, exceptional service. For that reason, it is imperative that our industry clearly communicate tipping policies and adhere to all legal requirements,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Employees and consumers must be made aware of these requirements and abuses should be reported to our partners at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.”

For further guidance on Florida’s laws regarding automatic gratuities, please click here.

###

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.

AH&LA Action Alert: Stop the NLRB Overreach

As you know, an overreaching National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has upended 30 years of labor law by changing the definition of “joint employer” under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). In doing so, they are fundamentally altering what it means to be a business owner or an employer. This marks a very significant liability shift and as an owner or employer, you can now be held liable for actions and activities of employees who are not your own.

This past August, the NLRB issued its decision in a case called Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) in which the NLRB completely re-wrote the joint employer standard by including “indirect” and “potential” control as part of a new standard. In doing so, the NLRB ignored years of legal precedence and created an environment of uncertainty that will put pressure on primary companies to assert more authority over small businesses to limit new potential liabilities under federal labor law. This short-sighted and highly political decision by the NLRB could impact virtually any business to business contractual relationship and force many larger employers or corporations to stop outsourcing any aspect of their business or limit franchising opportunities.

AH&LA co-chairs The Coalition to Save Local Businesses which has been working aggressively to educate members of Congress on the negative consequences of this change to our industry and urge them to reinstate the previous joint employer standard. Through our collective efforts, legislation entitled: “Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act” has been introduced in the Senate (S. 2015) and the House (H.R. 3459) and would protect the traditional, direct-control definition of joint employer which has been the standard under the NLRA for decades. We need your help to ensure Congress acts on this legislation and moves it to the finish line.

Please take a few short minutes now to urge your member of Congress to cosponsor and support S. 2015/H.R. 3459, the “Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act.”

Click here and please take 30 seconds to send a letter that helps make this legislation a priority for our industry.

FRLA Hosts World-Renowned Hospitality Leaders in Miami

(Miami, FL) – The Miami Dade Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to host two global hospitality industry leaders at its Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting. Former McDonald’s USA President and CEO, Ed Rensi, is scheduled to speak Monday, November 2, 2015, along with Global Officer of Worldwide Operations for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Bob Kharazmi. The half day event, slated to take place at Jungle Island in Miami, is designed to provide exclusive insights centered on building sustainable businesses that recruit and retain great staff.

“Ed Rensi and Bob Kharazmi are world-renowned and we are thrilled to provide hospitality industry employees with an opportunity to be engaged and inspired by their success stories,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “In addition to the valuable knowledge they will present at this must-attend event, we are glad to offer attendees educational opportunities that will help boost businesses in South Florida.”

Ed Rensi now serves as an executive consultant to McDonald’s Restaurant Systems. Rensi’s enthusiasm and commitment to the company during his 31-year tenure helped establish McDonald’s as one of the world’s most successful quick service restaurants. Major innovations spearheaded and overseen by Rensi include the: enhancement of McDonald’s breakfast menu, development of Chicken McNuggets in 1983, fresh-tossed salads in 1987, the McChicken sandwich in 1989, lowfat frozen yogurt in 1990, and the McGrilled Chicken Classic in 1994. Rensi was also instrumental in the development of the first Ronald McDonald House, a temporary residence for families of children with serious illnesses that has grown to include 165 houses in 12 countries.

Bob Kharazmi joined The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1984, shortly after it was formed. Over the years, he has established and cultivated the company’s motto of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” and its culture of personalized service excellence for which the brand is renowned. As a member of the Corporate Executive Committee and the Chairman of the Corporate Operating Committee, he oversees the operations, development and strategic positioning of one of the world’s most iconic and powerful luxury brands. The Ritz-Carlton portfolio currently includes 90 hotels in 32 countries.

The presenting sponsor of this event is the Job Creators Network. The schedule is as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting

WHO:
Ed Rensi, former McDonald’s USA President and CEO
Bob Kharazmi, Global Officer, Worldwide Operations, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

WHEN:
Monday, November 2, 2015
9:00 AM-1:30 PM

WHERE:
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND*

COST:
$80 per person
$299 per team of four
$550 per team of eight

To register for the FRLA Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting, click here. For additional information, please contact Lynne Hernandez FRLA Regional Director at 305-710-3962 or by email at [email protected]. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or email at [email protected].

###

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.

CALLING ALL FLORIDA CHEFS TO PARTICIPATE IN A HEALTHY COOKING COMPETITION

Contact:
DOH Communications Office
[email protected]
850-245-4111

FDACS Communications Office
[email protected]
850-617-7737

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are partnering to offer the “Healthy, Fast, ‘Fresh from Florida’ Challenge,” part of the World Food Championship. The competition is open to Florida residents. Three finalists will be invited to cook their healthy recipes live at the World Food Championship on Friday, Nov. 6, in Kissimmee for a chance to win
$2,500.

“Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be a time-consuming effort,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “This challenge shows just how easy it is to put together a healthy meal fast and how the healthy food choice can become the easy choice for families in the Sunshine State.”

“This competition provides a fun way for Floridians to engage in making good dietary decisions, which improves health and gives children the fuel they need to excel in the classroom,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Florida’s agriculture

industry provides an abundance of healthy foods that people can find at their local grocery stores—just look for the ‘Fresh From Florida’ label.”

Floridians 18 and older are invited to submit their healthy recipes online at worldfoodchampionships.com/florida. All recipe submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Use no salt added or low sodium products;
• Be 500 calories or fewer;
• Include food items of at least three colors;
• Contain at least two “Fresh From Florida” fruits or vegetables;
• Contain one source of protein – plant or animal sources;
• Take no more than five minutes to cook, excluding prep time; and
• Must be original, titled and include a picture.

The three contestants chosen will compete at the live event for the chance to win
$2,500, $1,000 or $500.

For more information on the World Food Championship, visit the event webpage.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps support Florida’s
$123 billion agriculture industry. As part of this effort, the department administers the “Fresh From Florida” program to help Florida producers market their products. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

About Healthiest Weight Florida
Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. To learn more about how to be active and make nutritious food choices, visit www.healthiestweightflorida.com/.

FRLA Boosts Forgotten Coast Tourism by Sponsoring Blast on the Bay Featuring Nationally Renowned Songwriters

(Port St. Joe, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor Blast on the Bay, a FREE festival along Florida’s Forgotten Coast featuring celebrated songwriters. The event is scheduled to take place Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, 2015 at various venues in Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach and Indian Pass.

“The Forgotten Coast is one of Florida’s treasures and is truly the perfect backdrop for this unique festival that offers visitors an opportunity to hear the incredible stories behind the hit songs they hear on the radio,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are proud to sponsor this event that spotlights wonderful venues in the Sunshine State and the best and brightest in the songwriting business.”

Celebrating its 7th anniversary in 2015, Blast on the Bay will play host to a group of talented musicians and songwriters straight from the streets of Nashville. Festival performances will consist of 30+ musicians who have collectively written hundreds of hit songs for chart topping artists like Faith Hill, George Strait, Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks. Click the following links for a full schedule of events, list of artists and suggested lodging.

The FRLA is a prime sponsor of these local concert performances through its Great Florida Events program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these can’t miss events.

###

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, October 6-8, 2015 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.

FRLA Celebrates Florida’s Hospitality Industry Stars at Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala

(ORLANDO, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) celebrated the stars of Florida’s hospitality industry at its Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. During the ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, FRLA announced its 2016 Executive Committee and unveiled its 2015 Hall of Fame along with other industry award winners. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Susan G. Komen Central Florida to help fund breast cancer research.

Lino Maldonado, Vice President of Operations for Wyndham Vacation Rentals, was named FRLA’s 2016 Chairman of the Board. Maldonado 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 Committee, Hall of Fame and Shades of Pink award winners.

2016 FRLA Executive Committee:
Lino Maldonado	Chairman	Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Gulf Region
Don Fox	Vice Chair	Firehouse of America, Jacksonville
Kevin Speidel	Secretary-Treasurer	Hilton Worldwide, Ft. Lauderdale
Chau Nguyen	Director 2016-17	Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Orlando
Pam Avery	Director 2016-17	Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, Tampa
Paul Hineman	Director 2016	First Watch Restaurants, Sarasota
Andrew Reiss	Immediate Past Chair	Andrew’s Downtown, Tallahassee

At the event, 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 2015 Hall of Fame is as follows:

2015 Restaurateur of the Year: Chris Christini, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Orlando
For more than three decades, Chris Christini’s namesake, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, has been recognized as a world-class dining establishment. Christini’s is a five-star dining experience like no other. The experience of opening more than 19 restaurants and hotels (including five original Alfredo’s of Rome in the United States) has earned Christini significant recognition in the restaurant business. He has received a number of prestigious awards including: the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, the Ivy Award and the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. More than 30 years later, Christini still oversees every aspect of the operation. His impeccable reputation has drawn celebrities, dignitaries and professionals from all over the world.

2015 Hotelier of the Year: Russ Kimball, Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater
Russ Kimball arrived in Florida 1966 and began his career as General Manager of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Clearwater Beach. He is still serving in that position today. His dedication to customer satisfaction, non-stop reinvestment in facilities, and his continuous advancement of quality standards has brought significant attention to the hotel, leading to it being ranked consistently in the “Top 10” for customer satisfaction in North American Sheraton Hotels. Kimball’s leadership extends beyond hotel operations through his service as an international marketing pioneer for Florida. As an original board member of VISIT FLORIDA, he championed the establishment of international offices and continues to travel as an ambassador. He has served for more than 30 years as a member and now Vice Chairman of the Pinellas Tourism Development Council and is engaged in numerous associations dedicated to enhancing regional and national hospitality. The city of Clearwater awarded him the title of “Mr. Clearwater” (2010) and he has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame for both VISIT FLORIDA and the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University.

2015 Supplier of the Year: Greg Ohlemacher, Ecolab
Ecolab has been a strong supporter of FRLA for many years, and Greg Ohlemacher has contributed greatly to the association throughout his employment with Ecolab. Ohlemacher is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He started his career with Hyatt Hotels in 1990 and held various management positions including: Executive Steward, Restaurant Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager. Greg started with Ecolab 1994. His diverse experience with Ecolab includes working as: Territory Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, Area Route Manager, Operations Director for Global Marine, Corporate Accounts Manager, and currently is the AVP of Sales for North Florida.

During the evening, FRLA also announced four new 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 and Hotel Employee of the Year. Winners and nominees were chosen by a panel of independent industry judges.

Restaurant General Manager of the Year
*WINNER: Long Mai	General Manager, Kobe Japanese Steak House, Orlando
Al Romeo	General Manager, Flemings Steak House, Naples
Danielle Williams-Rosse	Owner/Operator, Oceans 234, Deerfield Beach

Hotel General Manager of the Year
*WINNER: Roger Amidon	General Manager, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
Brian Comes	General Manager, Hyatt Regency Orlando
Carlton Hudson	Managing Director, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

Restaurant Employee of the Year
*WINNER: Joejie Laxamana	Pool Bartender, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale
Monica Alarcon	Server, Sergio’s Family Restaurants, Miami
Karen Hourigan	Chef, Corporate Trainer, Café 4750 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Hotel Employee of the Year
*WINNER: Joseph Louis Jeune	Stewarding Supervisor, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Orlando
Eileen Abrams	Guest Services Representative, Hampton Inn and Suites, Largo
Suzette Wong	Guest Service Agent, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale

Please contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray, for photos or additional information.

###

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, October 6-8, 2015 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.