[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, representatives from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hire of Tommy Toth as the Director of Operations for Education and Training. A veteran of the Ritz-Carlton, Toth spent time working in hospitality across the nation
“We are so happy to welcome Tommy to the FRLA family,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “His experience in lodging operations lends itself to his position in our Education and Training Department as he is well-versed in managing both large teams and budgets.”
A native of Tallahassee and a graduate of Lincoln High School, Toth holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Colorado Mountain College. His professional background includes leading entire hospitality departments and developing people and teams. Toth has held positions in Scottsdale, Ariz.; St. Thomas, USVI; and Aspen, Colo.
Find more information about FRLA’s Education & Training Division here.
[Tallahassee, Fla] Representatives from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the launch of an online training course on human trafficking specifically designed to help hoteliers, restaurateurs and their staff. Created in conjunction with subject matter experts, the FRLA course objectives include teaching participants to recognize the signs of human trafficking, understand best practices to protect victims and promote anti-trafficking awareness. Available in both English and Spanish, the course is free for all who take it.
“FRLA believes we have a moral obligation to do all we can to prevent this atrocious crime, and offering this course at no charge is one way we can help fight human trafficking,” said Carol Dover, CEO and President of the association. “We are committed to educating our members and others within the hospitality industry about the dangers of human trafficking, and this course underscores that commitment.”
Florida is the third-highest trafficking destination in the United States, and there were 604 cases of trafficking reported last year in the Sunshine State according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Geoff Luebkemann, Vice President of Education and Training at FRLA, says that those in the hospitality industry must understand that no one is immune.
“Most people think trafficking is sex trafficking that occurs in seedy motels in a bad part of town, but the facts are contrary to popular belief,” Luebkemann said. “The reality is that trafficking is also forced labor, which happens in broad daylight and can be found at diverse venues ranging from agricultural operations to golf resorts and upscale restaurants. Sex trafficking happens at properties across the price, service and luxury spectrum.”
Available online at StopHumanTraffickingFL.com, the course features research and resources from Polaris, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as the International Labor Organization. To help learners fully engage with the subject matter, the course is divided into two parts and includes interactive elements. Each section of the course contains information relevant to hotels and restaurants, underscoring Luebkemann’s position that trafficking can occur anywhere. Currently, the course is available in both English and Spanish.
The launch of the free online course is the latest in a series of moves FRLA has made to engage and educate the hospitality community on the realities of human trafficking. The association has been actively involved in the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking for two years, and FRLA hosted a panel discussion on human trafficking at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show on Sept. 8. Moderated by Luebkemann, the panel included Laura MacFarland of Places of Hope, Tomas Lares of Florida Abolitionist, Robin Thompson of STAC, Maurice Edwards of the Seminole County Sheriffs Office and Shelly Weir of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. These experts offered first-hand accounts of trafficking issues they have faced and discussed strategies for fighting trafficking at all levels including legislation.
Those interested in taking FRLA’s course on human trafficking can find it at StopHumanTraffickingFL.com or through the FRLA’s training website, SafeStaff.org. To learn more about human trafficking and why it matters to the hospitality industry, check out this article in the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Magazine. Find resources regarding human trafficking on FRLA’s trafficking page.
[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will provide an additional $3 million to counties impacted by red tide off the Gulf Coast. This brings the total grant funding for southwest Florida counties to $9 million. $3 million is designated for counties impacted by the blue-green algae, and $6 million is designated for counties impacted by red tide.
With newly-designated funds included, DEP has allotted the following grant funding:
More than $190,000 for Collier County
A total of $3.17 million for Lee County
$750,000 for Manatee County
$700,000 for Martin County
$1.1 million for Sarasota County
For the latest information regarding red tide, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s red tide tracking page. You can also call 866-300-9399 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and listen to a recording about the latest red tide conditions.
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association from Carol Dover, CEO/President, regarding the shooting in Jacksonville:
“Our hearts are broken over the tragic shooting this afternoon. We will continue to pray for the victims and their families as well as the first responders and medical professionals who are coming to the aid of those in need. Jacksonville is a beautiful city with a wonderful hospitality community, and we stand ready to help them however we can.”
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.
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.
[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’ 50th 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
[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
[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.
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.
