FRLA Partners With Snagajob to Bolster Opportunities for Hourly Job Seekers and Employers

(Tallahassee, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to partner with Snagajob to provide industry leading hiring and talent management solutions to FRLA members.

“Our industry is always on the search for new talent. In fact, by 2019, Florida is projected to have 1.5 million people directly employed in travel and tourism. That’s one of the many reasons we decided to partner with Snagajob and we are thrilled about the opportunities we will create together,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

“Snagajob couldn’t be more excited to launch our partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association,” said Joe Gabriel, Business Development Manager at Snagajob. “FRLA has been providing top of class benefits for members for years and we are so excited to be a part of the FRLA family. With thousands of Florida employers struggling to find quality hourly employees, there is a tremendous need to connect hourly workers with FRLA members. Our innovative products and mobile app provide a great opportunity for FRLA members to attract hourly workers as well as benefit from our paperless tracking and onboarding solutions.”

Snagajob, America’s #1 spot for hourly work, is the only company solely committed to providing recruitment and hiring solutions to the hourly industry. With more than 65 million registered job seekers and a leading hourly-focused talent management system, Snagajob has been serving hourly workers and those who employ them since 2000. With offices in Richmond, VA, and the Washington, D.C., metro, Snagajob has been named to Fortune Magazine’s Great Place to Work® list for each of the past eight years.

Members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association can take advantage of exclusive member pricing, including 10% off Snagajob’s full suite of solutions, which includes talent sourcing, hiring manager, and paperless onboarding. To schedule a demo or for more information on special benefits for FRLA members, please visit www.snagajob.com/FRLA.

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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.

Tourism Leaders to Gather in Tallahassee for 2016 Florida Tourism Day on Wednesday, Jan. 20

(Tallahassee, Fla.) –The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism is proud to present Florida Tourism Day on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in Tallahassee. Tourism and hospitality leaders from across the state will convene for a daylong event designed to educate the legislature, media and Floridians about the importance of Florida’s tourism industry. Eleven statewide organizations are participating in the effort and will be hosting a downtown celebration that evening.

Media interested in attending either the morning CEO Briefings and/or the Florida Tourism Day Street Party are asked to contact Christina Johnson at 850.391.5040 or via email at Christina@On3PR.com.

WHAT:

Florida Tourism Day

CEO Briefings and Guest Speakers, Legislative Visits, and Downtown Street Party

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

CEO Briefings and Guest Speakers from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Legislative Visits at the Capitol from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Street Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:

CEO Briefings and Guest Speakers

Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Exhibit Hall

505 West Pensacola Street

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Street Party, Downtown Tallahassee

Corner of Adams Street and College Avenue

GUEST SPEAKERS*:

Attorney General Pam Bondi

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam

Department of Business and Professional Regulations Secretary Ken Lawson

*List as of 01.14.16

PARTICIPANTS:

Film Florida

Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations

Florida Association of Museums

Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds

Florida Attractions Association

Florida Cattlemen’s Association

Florida Department of Agriculture / Fresh from Florida

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Florida Sports Foundation

Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association

VISIT FLORIDA

About the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism

The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism began in 2006 as a grassroots coalition designed to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and increase public funding of tourism marketing. Key stakeholders in the tourism industry have joined in this effort. The Partnership consists of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Florida Attractions Association, Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations and VISIT FLORIDA. For additional information, please go to TourismWorksforFlorida.org.

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.

Small Business Saturday Spending Reaches $16.2 billion in 2015, a 14% increase from 2014

NEW YORK, November 30, 2015 — This year, more shoppers reported visiting their local independent businesses on Small Business Saturday than ever before, according to results from the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released today by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express. More than 95 million consumers shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, marking an eight percent increase from 2014.

This year Small Business Saturday saw record levels of support from communities and local organizations. More than 4,100 Neighborhood Champions around the country rallied local businesses and created events in their communities for Small Business Saturday — an increase of 48 percent over last year. And more than 425 organizations joined the Small Business Saturday Coalition – an increase of 11 percent over last year.

According to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, total spending among U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reached $16.2 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on the day, an increase of 14 percent from $14.3 billion in 2014. Among those who shopped on Small Business Saturday, 31 percent attended a community event on the day and 81 percent encouraged family and friends to support their local small businesses.

Additionally, consumers and small businesses helped rally support for Small Business Saturday and their favorite small businesses on social media channels. In the month of November, there were 85 million social media engagements1 in support of Small Business Saturday.

“It’s very encouraging to see small businesses participate every year and more shoppers giving local entrepreneurs a chance to compete for their business,” said NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner. “Americans are returning to Main Street for the things they need and ultimately that’s a very healthy economic trend.”

“Small Business Saturday is an increasingly important economic engine for independent businesses,” said Janey Whiteside, senior vice president and general manager of American Express OPEN. “These impressive numbers demonstrate the value that Small Business Saturday brings to local businesses, and American Express is proud to support the Shop Small Movement. We encourage shoppers to support their local businesses not only on Small Business Saturday, but all year long.”

Elected Officials across the U.S. Show Their Support

President Obama shopped at a local bookstore and dined at a local popsicle shop on Small Business Saturday in Washington, D.C.
Elected officials in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. – including President Obama and many senior government officials – championed Small Business Saturday.
Over 200 Federal officials and agencies showed support for Small Business Saturday through posts on Facebook and Twitter.
551 city proclamations in support of Small Business Saturday were issued by mayors and other elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating November 28th, 2015 as Small Business Saturday.
14 Public Service Announcements encouraging the public to “Shop Small” were recorded by government officials across the nation.

Communities and Supporters Contribute To Big Success in Year Six

In addition to the growth of the Neighborhood Champion Program and the Small Business Saturday Coalition, corporations, consumers and businesses across the country rallied their communities around Small Business Saturday. For example:

In a substantial show of corporate support, nearly 100 larger companies signed up to become Official Supporters of the day and helped promote Small Business Saturday. Corporate supporters including Ace Hardware, AT&T, Etsy, Eventbrite, Hertz, Sam’s Club, Square, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts helped rally their combined millions of small business customers and consumers to take part in Small Business Saturday. Their efforts ranged from social media posts and webinars to in-store and employee events.
More than 685,000 free online tools and materials were accessed by small business owners on ShopSmall.com to help get the word out about Small Business Saturday.
In the month of November more than 241,000 posts combined were posted on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using Small Business Saturday and Shop Small related hashtags, more than 100,000 of which were posted on November 28th alone.2 Posts included consumers showing their love for their favorite small businesses, business owners raising awareness for promotions and activities taking place on Small Business Saturday, as well as government officials and celebrities showing their support for the day and their favorite small businesses.

About the Survey

The Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2,363 males and females 18 years of age or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study was conducted anonymously by independent marketing performance specialist Ebiquity on November 29, 2015. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 2.0%, at the 95% level of confidence.

About Small Business Saturday

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

About NFIB

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 states. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

1 Social media engagements are defined as any proactive action taken by a social media user related to the Small Business Saturday or Shop Small related social media content and conversations on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Snapchat, including but not limited to, likes, shares, comments, video views, etc.

2 This includes the hashtags #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat, #SmallBusinessSaturday, #ShopSmallBusinessSaturday, #ShopSmallForAll, and #ShopSmallSaturday.

Orlando Sentinel: State Can’t Ban Credit-Card Surcharges, Court Rules

TALLAHASSEE — Pointing to the First Amendment, a federal appeals court has struck down a Florida law that bars businesses from imposing a surcharge on customers who pay with credit cards.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision Wednesday, sided with four small businesses that faced potential prosecution for telling customers they would face additional costs for using credit cards.

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.

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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.

CALLING ALL FLORIDA CHEFS TO PARTICIPATE IN A HEALTHY COOKING COMPETITION

Contact:
DOH Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
850-245-4111

FDACS Communications Office
Communications@freshfromflorida.com
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 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.

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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, 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.