RCS Staff Members Earn ‘Certified Hospitality Trainer’ Designation

[Orlando, Fla]

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced the achievement of three RCS Training staff members. Caitie Higginbotham, Lorena Moreno and Leslie Batista all recently earned the Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) credential from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. One of the highest distinctions awarded by the Educational Institute, the CHT designation affirms the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who earn it.

To be named a Certified Hospitality Trainer, hospitality professionals must demonstrate their talent through academic achievement and industry experience. The program requires each candidate to complete a comprehensive exam that tests skills in hotel operations, financial management, human relations, human resource management and administrative skills. Successful completion of the program proves not only their dedication to the industry but their ability to do well within it.

“I could not be more proud to have these three women on our team,” said Geoff Luebkemann, Senior Vice President of Education and Training for FRLA. “They bring extraordinary value to our organization with their understanding of the hospitality industry and their commitment to it. This certification as Certified Hospitality Trainer is an incredible achievement and a nice way to formally acknowledge their talent.”

All three honorees work for FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. Higginbotham serves the Florida Panhandle as a Regional Manager, Moreno is a Regional Sales Manager for Miami-Dade County and Bastita is a Regional Training Manager in Miami-Dade. Together, the have nearly 15 years of experience with FRLA and RCS.

RCS Training is a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and is the state’s leader in providing risk management and regulatory training for the hospitality industry in the Sunshine State. To learn more about RCS Training or to learn what courses trainers can offer, please click here.

Caitie Higginbotham, Regional Manager – Panhandle

Lorena Moreno, Regional Sales Manager – Miami-Dade County

Leslie Batista, Regional Training Manager – Miami-Dade

Federal Action Needed to Protect Florida’s Tourism Industry

As every Floridian knows, tourism is critical to our state’s booming economy. This $111.7 billion industry represents 1.4 million employees, and one out of every four people in the Sunshine State work in hospitality. With more than 850 miles of beautiful coastline, seemingly endless options for entertainment and warm sunshine, it’s no wonder that millions of people come to Florida every year. Our state’s largest industry is in danger as a result of the algal blooms caused when the federal government releases water from Lake Okeechobee into our rivers and estuaries. Governor Scott has taken incredible steps in securing billions of dollars in state funding for repairs to the Herbert Hoover dike and for Everglades restoration projects. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has worked tirelessly to expedite the EAA reservoir project, which is imperative for reducing the discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Further, the SFWMD continues to study the situation and determine what other actions can be taken. But the bottom line is that Governor Scott, the SFWMD and Floridians cannot stop the algal blooms or minimize the damage to our environment and economy on our own. The federal government must take immediate and decisive action to help Florida.

The federal government should immediately fully fund their half of the state-federal partnership for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. To date, the state has contributed more than $2.3 billion, but the federal government has contributed only $1.3 billion. Their failure to follow through on their commitment delays critical projects that will clean, store and move water south and thereby eliminate the need for the Lake Okeechobee releases.

Congress should quickly approve the EAA Reservoir Project. The SFWMD accelerated the planning and design for this project, and the White House Office of Management and Budget approved the plan last month. However, the plan is still sitting in Congress, waiting on approval. Without Congressional approval, this key project is on hold, and the Lake Okeechobee discharges continue.

Finally, the Army Corps of Engineers should evaluate their plan for Lake Okeechobee. We are in the middle of the wet season. Funding for the Herbert Hoover dike rehabilitation is secured thanks to Governor Scott. And yet, the Army Corps of Engineers has not updated the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule for a decade.

Florida’s leaders are doing all that they can to protect our environment, our people, our wildlife and our economy. We all understand that a long-term, lasting solution requires everyone working together, and we are doing all we can. We need our partners at the federal level to do the same.

RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION HIRES CUNHA

[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, representatives from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hire of Guilherme Cunha as Regional Director for the nonprofit’s Central Florida Chapter. Cunha brings extensive experience in event management and fundraising as well as a proven track record in tourism development to the association promoting the Sunshine State’s largest industry.

“Gui’s lifelong involvement with the hospitality and tourism industry make him a natural fit for FRLA,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “His commitment to success, creativity and incredible track record will bring exceptional value to both the Central Florida FRLA chapter and to the association as a whole.”

Cunha grew up in Miami Beach watching both of his parents work in the hospitality industry. What he saw as a child sparked a passion for the industry that has followed him throughout his career. Cunha attended the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in Miami-Dade where he was part of the first Hospitality and Tourism Management Program team to win back-to-back titles at the FRLA competition. He served as Florida International University’s Assistant Director of Events and Operations and worked at The Diplomat Resort and Spa, managing large-scale projects like the Miami Dolphins’ 50^th Anniversary Gala, Monday Night Football with ESPN and the Miss Universe pageant. Most recently, Cunha was the Tourism Manager for Orlando North Seminole County. Under his leadership, the convention and visitor bureau experienced Seminole County’s highest Tourist Development Tax and Average Daily Rate collections in the county’s history.

For more information about the Central Florida Chapter of FRLA, please click here.

FRLA welcomes Guilherme Cunha as a Regional Director in Central Florida

ASSOCIATION HIRES HANDLEY AS NEW PRESS SECRETARY

[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, representatives from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hire of Amanda Handley, APR, as Press Secretary. Handley brings expertise in media relations and strategic message development to the state hospitality trade industry’s association.

“Amanda’s experience, work ethic and passion for communication and community will bring exceptional value to our organization,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “We proud to have her as part of our FRLA family and excited to leverage her talents and skills as we continue to advocate for the hospitality industry.”

Handley’s PR background includes working with clients ranging from local nonprofits to national associations, and she is an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association. She currently serves as the President-Elect of the FPRA Capital Chapter and was the Joe Curley Rising Leader for the chapter in 2018. She is also a member of LeadershipFPRA Class II. Her award-winning work has earned national media coverage in publications such as the Chicago Tribune and Apartment Therapy. A lifelong Florida resident, Handley holds a Master’s degree in English Education from Florida State University. Prior to joining the FRLA team, she was the Public Relations Director at BowStern Marketing Communications, worked in the Florida Senate and taught high school English.

FRLA welcomes new Press Secretary Amanda Handley, APR

Governor Scott Speaks at FRLA Board Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRLA Welcomes New Chairman and Executive Committee

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

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

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

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

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

FRLA congratulates the following 2018 Executive Board Members:

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

Learn more about the 2018 FRLA Executive Committee here.

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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.