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.

Carol Dover Releases Statement on Short Term Rentals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today released the following statement from Carol Dover, President and CEO, in response to today’s press conference on short term rentals.

“FRLA’s more than 10,000 members represent a wide range of lodging accommodations, from bed and breakfasts and independent operators to corporate chains, who all share one common goal – keep visitors coming to Florida. While it’s absolutely critical in this day and age for our industry to embrace modern rental technology, unregulated short-term rentals pose a serious risk to both our tourists and residents. We urge our lawmakers not to put Florida’s world-class lodging reputation at risk for illegal commercial operators. FRLA looks forward to continuing the conversation and working closely with our legislators to protect our visitors and consumers.”

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.

Local FRLA Chapters Host “Hiring Rock Stars: How to Build an Iconic Team” Event Featuring Nationally-Renowned Speaker and Author Jim Knight

(St. Petersburg, FL) – The Hillsborough, Pinellas and Suncoast Chapters of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), is excited to feature Jim Knight, a nationally-renowned speaker and training and development veteran of more than 30 years, at their upcoming Hiring Rock Stars: How to Build an Iconic Team event. This educational workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at the The Vinoy® Golf Club in St. Petersburg. Knight will energize hospitality industry professionals with his rock ‘n’ roll spirit and discuss key strategies to build a strong rock star team.

Jim Knight is the bestselling author of Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture. Knight is the Founder & Owner of Knight Speaker and a Founding Partner/Owner in CareersForward, a restaurant management recruiting company. Knight cut his teeth in the training field, starting out in the snack bar at Gatorland Zoo and as a restaurant staff-level employee for Olive Garden and then Hard Rock Cafe. He eventually became the head of the School of Hard Rocks, running point on all learning & development functions for Hard Rock International. Read full bio here.

Media is invited to attend. Event details are as follows:

WHAT: FRLA Regional Chapters’ Hiring Rock Stars: How to Build an Iconic Team

WHEN: Tuesday, October 31, 2017

WHERE:
The Vinoy® Golf Club
600 Snell Isle Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33704

AGENDA:
8:30 AM                      Registration Opens
9:00 AM                      Breakfast & Networking
9:30 AM                      Keynote Presentation: Jim Knight
11:00 AM                    Event Concludes

COST:
FRLA Member Attendee – $30 Per Person
Future Member – $35 Per Person
REGISTER HERE

This event is open to the public and proudly sponsored by PrimeNet and VISIT FLORIDA.

For media inquiries, please contact Erin Power, FRLA Press Secretary at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at [email protected].

Nashville’s Top Songwriters Free Concert Tour Begins in Northwest Florida

(Fort Walton Beach, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and VISIT FLORIDA, in conjunction with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is thrilled to present a free concert series on Wednesday, October 25 through Saturday, October 28, 2017 throughout various locations in Northwest Florida.

The music series event, supported will showcase Nashville songwriters who will sing country’s biggest hits and share the stories behind the songs. The FRLA is the leading sponsor of these concert performances through its Nashville Songwriters Florida Sunshine Tour Music Series program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. This series is also a part of the Great Florida Events program supported by FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA, which promotes in-state tourism.

The concert lineup features acoustic performances by Aaron Barker, Even Stevens and Chris Wallin. Their songwriter resumes boast songs for chart-topping artists such as George Strait, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Neal McCoy, Brad Paisley, Eddie Rabbit, Joe Cocker, Tim McGraw, Kenney Chesney, Martina McBride, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty, Tom Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, The London Symphony Orchestra, Willie Nelson, Locash, Lonestar, and many more.

Nightly concerts will be held in the evenings, beginning at 6:00pm at numerous venues across Northwest Florida. A weekend show will begin at 1:00pm. The public is invited to attend these free performances.

TOUR SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
6:00 PM
30Avenue
12805 US 98
Inlet Beach, FL 32413

Thursday, October 26, 2017
6:00 PM
The Bay
24215 US Highway 331
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Friday, October 27, 2017
6:00 PM
Al’s Beach Club & Burger Bar
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Saturday, October 28, 2017
1:00 PM
The Pointe
10711 East County Highway 30A
Rosemary Beach, FL 32461

Click here for more details about the songwriters, event schedule and accommodations.

New Compensation Analysis of Tampa Bay’s Hourly Hotel Employees Reveals Salaries Significantly Higher Than Minimum Wage

Tampa, FL (Oct. 13, 2017) A 2017 survey of the salaries and benefits afforded to employees earning hourly wages at Tampa Bay area hotels indicates most are being paid significantly more than minimum wage. In addition, part-time workers could qualify for days off with pay and may have opportunities to achieve career advancements with commensurate pay increases.

“In this market, (non-tipped, hourly) employees are earning anywhere from 12.3% to 121.5% over minimum wage at hire in 2017. This is an increase from 2016,” said Marissa Orlowski, Ph.D. M.B.A., an assistant professor with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, reported to members of the Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association (HCHMA) in October.

“Your (hourly employee) pay has increased over the past two years and is outpacing the national average,” she added.

The exceptions were pay rates for common tipped positions, such as bartenders and restaurant servers. However, on average, those employees still earned a starting pay rate of $7.03 per hour, an amount that exceeds the minimum wage for those positions of just over $5 per hour. Plus they receive tips on top of that salary.

This marks the second year that Tampa Bay hoteliers commissioned a study about current pay rates and job related benefits for hourly employees directly employed by the lodging industry.

Commissioned by the HCHMA, with logistical support from Lykes Insurance, the research also showed that, depending on the length of service and the policy of each hotel property, hourly employees are eligible for paid days off that can be used as vacation, sick days, personal time or for holidays.

“The hospitality industry has long been attacked as low wage, no benefit dead-end career job creators. Unfortunately, our historic response has been almost uniform silence, with no data to counter the negative description placed over our hotels and hospitality partners,” said Bob Morrison, HCHMA executive director.

“The 2017 HCHMA Tampa Bay Hotel Wage and Benefit Survey offers a very different conclusion. We believe this survey provides a very unique snapshot of what we as an industry deliver to Tampa Bay’s workforce.”

Dr. Orlowski collected survey data in July from general managers and human resource directors of participating hotels.

The findings were compiled from online surveys submitted by 41 hotels, an increase from the 35 represented in last year’s report. Wages for 89 hourly positions, ranging from cooking and spa staff to housekeeping personnel and banquet servers, are represented in the report.

Those properties voluntarily responding to the survey included 28 full service properties and 13 select service. Those totals compare with the 24 full and 11 select service hotels that participated in the 2016 survey.

Properties from the four designated Hillsborough County regions (Downtown/Historic Ybor City, Westshore/Rocky Point, Brandon/Fairgrounds and Busch Gardens/USF/New Tampa) were included in the findings.

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.

Study Reveals Economic Impact of Miami Beach Ordinance on Local Businesses

(Miami Beach, Fla.) – Today, Fishkind and Associates released a study outlining the economic impact on Miami Beach if a Miami Beach Commission approved an ordinance to implement a ban on sales of alcohol on Ocean Drive after 2:00 AM is passed by voters.

The report entitled “Economic Impact of Proposed Ban on Sales of Alcoholic Beverages from 2:00 AM until 5:00 AM on Ocean Drive,” specifically outlines the negative economic impact the ordinance would have on the city and its taxpayers if passed.

The report, which was commissioned by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), details a loss of more than $340 million in sales revenues – translating to a loss of more than $19 million annually to the City in property, resort and sales taxes and shifting the burden of these lost city revenues onto local taxpayers. The report also indicates a potential loss of more than 5,500 jobs as a result of immediate and cascading effects of the late-night ban.

“The ballot referendum which will ban alcohol sales on just a few businesses on Ocean Drive will have far-reaching negative economic effects for Miami Beach taxpayers and businesses,” said Hank Fishkind economist with Fishkind and Associates. “After a full economic impact study, we found that direct and cascading revenue losses to local businesses will top $340 million dollars. This loss in sales from tourists will result in millions in lost tax revenue for the city, a significant loss in jobs and lower property values.”

Additional highlights from “Economic Impact of Proposed Ban on Sales of Alcoholic Beverages from 2:00 AM until 5:00 AM on Ocean Drive,” include:

• There will be cascading losses in sales to nearby hotels and restaurants with Dr. Fishkind estimating a 15% reduction in Ocean Drive restaurant sales and 10% reduction for nearby business sales, resulting in upward of $341 million in lost income to local restaurants, clubs, and hotels.

• Ocean Drive and nearby hotels will also see a decline due to the curb on late-night entertainment, resulting in a loss of upwards of $225 million in lost hotel revenues.

• The city will see an $19.6 million hole in their budget, as a result of lost tax dollars usually paid by tourists.

• The loss of sales and profits realized as a direct result of the ban and translates to a loss of more than 5,500 jobs in city bars, restaurants, and hotels.

“This ordinance will severely alter a formula that has proven successful and allowed hotels and restaurants to flourish. If this destructive measure passes, jobs will be lost and taxpayers in the City of Miami Beach will be responsible for footing the bill for the millions of dollars in lost tax revenue,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.