Florida’s Hospitality Industry Celebrates Governor Scott’s Announcement of 2016 Visitor Numbers

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled with the Governor’s announcement today that Florida, once again, welcomed a record number of tourists with 112.8 million visitors to the state in 2016. For fourth quarter 2016, estimates show a record 27.6 million people visited the Sunshine State. This represents the largest fourth quarter visitation number Florida has ever seen and reflects an increase of 6.1 percent over the same period in 2015.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is delighted with Governor Rick Scott’s announcement today proclaiming 112.8 million visitors in 2016. Six years of consecutive, record-breaking visitation growth are a result of VISIT FLORIDA’s efforts. These numbers clearly demonstrate the power of tourism marketing and it’s essential that our lawmakers continue to invest in the state’s number one industry. Not only do our hotels and restaurants rely on tourist spending to support their employees, the overall health of Florida’s economy depends on visitors selecting the Sunshine State as their leading destination,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

Across the state, the FRLA represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including hotels, restaurants, theme parks and attractions.

To Prepare for Spring Break, Daytona Beach Businesses and Employees Receive FREE Responsible Vendor Training

(Daytona Beach, Fla.) –Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS), a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present its 2017 Spring Break Hospitality Workshop to promote a safe and successful spring break season. This free responsible vendor training session will bring together businesses, their employees and Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco agents to promote alcohol sales/service best practices, raise staff awareness and provide valuable resources to assist businesses during the busy season. The event will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017, from 2:00-4:00 PM at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach.

“In preparation for Spring Break, we want to give local businesses the necessary tools and tips that cultivate a safe and enjoyable environment. We are proud to present this opportunity, free of charge, to help businesses be responsible vendors. As Florida’s premier provider of responsible alcohol vendor training, we are passionate about risk management and are excited to help serve the Daytona Beach community,” said FRLA Vice President of Education and Training, Geoff Luebkemann.

Responsible vendor training is a program offered to any entity with an alcoholic beverage license. Instructors present state-mandated content that encourages best management practices and patron safety. Participants learn about alcohol laws, avoiding serving underage patrons, and preventing over-serving patrons. The training contributes to fewer underage alcohol sales, reduced DUIs, and increased professionalism and knowledge among those selling and serving alcohol to patrons. Alcohol beverage licensees who successfully qualify and remain responsible vendors enjoy certain protections under the law for their license, and may reduce their risk liability exposure and costs.

During this event, the training will be presented by RCS in coordination with Florida’s Division of Alcohol Beverages and Tobacco.

The media is invited to attend and if planning to be present will need to contact FRLA Press Secretary Erin Power at 850.224.2250 x255 or via email at epower@frla.org.

WHAT:
2017 Spring Break Hospitality Workshop
Includes FRLA’s RCS FREE Responsible Vendor Training

WHEN:
Thursday, February 23, 2017
2:00-4:00 PM

WHERE:
The Shores Resort & Spa
2637 South Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Businesses looking to participate in the event should contact RCS North Orlando Regional Training Manager, Jacqueline Hayman at 386-690-8264 or jhayman@frla.org. For more information about RCS please visit http://www.regcomplianceusa.com.

Job Creators Network Partners with Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Today, the Job Creators Network (JCN) and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced a new partnership aimed at providing Employer-to-Employee (E2E) materials and resources to the trade association’s 10,000 members.

The FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Its mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality sector—which is the state’s number one industry and employs 1.4 million people. It safeguards the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy and support.

“The Florida hospitality industry is fortunate to support 1.4 million dedicated employees who are collectively committed to its overall success. Through FRLA’s unique partnership with JCN, our employers will have the opportunity to access materials to effectively communicate with their employees the impacts of government policies,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

“Florida has an $108.8 billion hospitality industry, and the FRLA plays a vital role in protecting it,” said Alfredo Ortiz, President and CEO of the Job Creators Network. “Its partnership with JCN can provide it with the materials necessary to protect the industry and its employees from bad government policy that could undermine it.”

JCN will partner with FRLA on policy issues that promote business growth and job creation. More specifically, FRLA will provide E2E educational materials to their members to facilitate a conversation between employers and employees about how government policies affect their workplaces and paychecks.

FRLA Salutes New VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) applauds the selection of Ken Lawson as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. A native Floridian, Ken Lawson has served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) since he was appointed by Governor Scott in March 2011. Previously Lawson held several senior positions with federal law enforcement agencies including Assistant Secretary of Enforcement for the Department of the Treasury, Assistant Chief Counsel for Field Operations at the Transportation Security Administration, and Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa). Lawson has also served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Judge Advocate General’s Division. Additionally, Lawson directed international anti-money laundering, anticorruption, and counterterrorist financing projects for Booz Allen Hamilton and served as Vice-President for Compliance at nFinanSe Inc., a financial services company in Tampa. He is a graduate of Florida State University and the Florida State University College of Law.

“FRLA is extremely pleased with the selection of Ken Lawson as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of VISIT FLORIDA. Lawson is an outstanding and respected leader and I am confident he will continue the momentum of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts. The success of our hotels, restaurants and attractions contributes to a stronger state economy and creates more opportunities for families and all Floridians. The overall economic vitality of the state relies heavily on the ability of VISIT FLORIDA to attract the millions of visitors who travel to enjoy the Sunshine State. The strength of Florida’s hospitality industry relies on the state remaining competitive as a global destination, we must unite together and collectively invest in VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA board member.

According to the EDR ROI study of VISIT FLORIDA, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, the state sees a $3.20 return.

FLORIDA’S LEADING BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FILE SUIT AGAINST MIAMI BEACH’S MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Three leading Florida business organizations filed suit today against the City of Miami Beach regarding a recently passed city ordinance to raise the minimum wage to $10.31/hour starting January 1, 2018, and increase it $1.00/year until it reaches $13.31 in 2021. The Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida Chamber of Commerce filed the suit which states that the ordinance disregards a state statute which establishes the State of Florida will determine one consistent minimum wage for the entire state. This state statute allows for local government entities to adopt ordinances to exceed this wage for those working or contracting with the local government. The suit was filed by Charles Caulkins of the South Florida law firm Fisher Philips LLC.

“We don’t support any mandates in which local governments are dictating what private businesses should be paying their employees, as it should be up to each individual employer to determine what is fair and also helps their business remain competitive,” said FRF President/CEO Randy Miller. “This increase will certainly lead to lost jobs, as small businesses, which make up 80 percent of businesses in Florida, only have a finite amount of money to spend on salaries, and being forced to pay certain employees more, means cutting the salaries or jobs of others, or potentially closing the business altogether.”

“The Florida Chamber of Commerce is focused on creating good jobs and opportunity for everyone and, unfortunately, a patchwork of government wage regulations and mandates hurts job seekers, small businesses, and Florida,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“This unconstitutional mandate sets a dangerous precedent, threatens the strength of Florida’s businesses and increases costs to consumers. This is a critical issue that must be addressed to protect all of Florida’s employers, including the $89.1 billion hospitality industry which employs 1.2 million dedicated workers in the Sunshine State. The government shouldn’t dictate the relationship between an employer and employee. If this ordinance is upheld it could have severe, unintended consequences for employers and employees across the Sunshine State, and across the nation,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Local FRLA Chapter Presents $40,000 to Broward County Public Schools to Support Hospitality Education

(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) – On December 6, the Broward Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) contributed $40,000 to Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) to support the curriculum for the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP) at eight Broward County High Schools. Administered by the FRLA Educational Foundation (FRLAEF), the HTMP program helps high school juniors and seniors take their first real steps toward promising hospitality careers through graphic-rich textbooks and workbooks, and incorporates the best of modern technology with a selection of online coursework.

Superintendent Robert W. Runcie and Broward County School Board Members recognized the hospitality industry’s contributions at the Broward County School Board Meeting held Tuesday at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center. The FRLA Broward Chapter Board of Directors and local high school students currently enrolled in hospitality-related education programs participated in the recognition and check presentation. Students offered testimonials on the positive impacts and benefits of these vocational programs. This year overall, the FRLA Broward Chapter contributed a total of $65,000 in support of local schools and teachers.

In 2016, the FRLAEF has awarded more than $700,000 statewide to support Florida’s next generation of restaurateurs, hoteliers and business leaders. Of this, more than $37,000 was contributed towards Broward County Public Schools.

In addition to these contributions, several FRLA members have formed partnerships with local schools to add further support and provide mentorship opportunities. In Broward County, seven FRLA members have adopted local schools:

McArthur High School • The Diplomat Beach Resort
Stranahan High School • Riverside Hotel
Fort Lauderdale High School • Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
Boyd Anderson High School • Republic Services
Blanche Ely High School • Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa
Stoneman Douglas High School • Duffy’s Sports Grill
Lauderdale Lakes Middle School • The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

The FRLAEF provides school-to-career training for 30,000 hospitality students representing more than 250 high schools statewide. Designed to increase the quality and employability of graduates, the program uses an industry-derived curriculum through Florida ProStart and the HTMP. With a focus on the future of Florida’s hospitality industry, these programs allow students to learn and showcase skills that can be used in foodservice and lodging.

To learn more about the FRLA Educational Foundation, click here. For membership information, contact Anne Sallee, FRLA Broward Chapter Director at 954.253.0850 or by email at asallee@frla.org. For all media inquiries, contact Erin Power, Press Secretary at epower@frla.org or 850-224-2250 ext. 225.

Hospitality Experts Reveal Best Practices to Florida’s Independent Restaurateurs and Hoteliers

(Jacksonville, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is excited to share industry insights with small business owners at its third Independent Operators Workshop. The series, which is designed as an educational and entertaining session about best practices, is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the One Ocean Resort and Spa. The half-day workshop features keynote speakers Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood, who will provide solutions for business growth, tricks of the trade and new management skills. FRLA’s 2017 Chairman of the Board Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse of America, LLC will provide welcoming remarks. The event will also include a power panel of hospitality industry leaders from the Beach Diner, Forking Amazing Restaurants and One Ocean who will offer practical, real-life techniques to accelerate business.

Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood are well-respected and nationally-renowned leaders in hospitality. Knight cut his teeth in the training field, starting out as a restaurant staff-level employee for Olive Garden and Hard Rock Cafe. He is the author of Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture and is a Managing Partner/Owner in PeopleForward, an internal business solutions consortium providing organizational expertise to the restaurant and hotel industry. Wood is the founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, LLC, an innovative growth strategy firm specializing in shifting leaders and businesses to new levels of success. Her “Bold Leadership that Matters” platform has been adopted by CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, non-profits, start-ups and turn-arounds.

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

WHAT: FRLA Independent Operators Workshop Series

WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2016

WHERE:
One Ocean Resort & Spa
1 Ocean Boulevard
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

LINE-UP:
8:00 – 8:30 AM Networking Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 AM Welcome Announcements
9:00 – 10:00 AM Keynote: Kathleen Wood “BOLD Leadership: How to Compete & Win in Today’s Market”
10:15 – 11:00 AM Power Panel Moderated by Kathleen Wood: Successful Independents Sharing Best Practices

Panelists
Barry Adeeb, Co-Owner, Beach Diner
Matt Mannick, Director of Restaurant Operations, Forking Amazing Restaurants
David Mariotti, General Manager, One Ocean Resort and Spa

11:15 AM – 12:30PM Keynote: Jim Knight “Hiring Rock Stars”

COST: $10 Hotel and Restaurant Operators; $20 Suppliers. Registration is open to both FRLA members and non-members.

This event is proudly sponsored by: The Zenith, United Healthcare, Sysco, Heartland, TxtSignal, AmeriGas, Job Creators Network, One Ocean Remington, Royal Cup, Florida Main Street, and PeopleForward. For registration and additional information about the event click here.

For media inquiries, please contact Erin Power, FRLA Press Secretary at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at epower@frla.org.

FRLA Establishes EscaRosa Chapter to Strengthen Local and State Industry Efforts

(Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to announce the recent formulation of the FRLA EscaRosa Chapter, representing Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Since this local chapter was formed less than five months ago, it has grown to more than 150 members representing a wide range of restaurant, lodging and allied member partners working together to positively impact the hospitality and tourism industry. Across the state, the FRLA represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including theme parks and attractions.

Corey Mobley recently joined the association’s team as the new EscaRosa Regional Manager. As regional manager, Mobley will amplify industry outreach efforts, help support members, mobilize grassroots operations and bolster ongoing communications between FRLA headquarters and local offices. He joins FRLA’s ten current regional directors and managers who represent 20 chapters across the state.

“The FRLA EscaRosa Chapter is establishing its foothold as a grassroots representative of the local restaurant and lodging industry. It is a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with fellow industry leaders. We are in the process of scheduling programs and events to highlight our community presence and encourage hospitality industry representatives to become engaged,” said Gus Silivos, Executive Chef at Skopelos at New World and 2016 FRLA EscaRosa Chapter President.

On Wednesday, November 9th, the FRLA EscaRosa Chapter will host its Shoot the Clays networking and team building event, featuring Celebrity Guest NFL Kicker Mike Hollis. The event will kick off with breakfast at 9:30am at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center and conclude with a luncheon and award reception at 12:30pm. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the FRLA Educational Foundation. For further event details and full schedule, click here.

The chapter will host a planning meeting open to current members and potential new members on Wednesday, November 30, 2:00pm at the Pensacola Grand Hotel. Click here for chapter updates.

For membership information, please contact Corey Mobley, FRLA EscaRosa Regional Manager at 850.375.8373 or by email at cmobley@frla.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Erin Power, FRLA Press Secretary at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at epower@frla.org.

FRLA Honors First Responders and Celebrates Florida’s Hospitality Industry Stars at Awards Ceremony

(Orlando, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) honored local first responders who risked their lives to protect and serve during the Pulse tragedy, and recognized the restaurants, employees and guests statewide who supported Dine Out for Orlando United and raised more than $800,000 for the OneOrlando Fund. Speakers at the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Installation and Awards Gala included: Florida Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Chef Emeril Lagasse. State Senator Aaron Bean served as the emcee for the evening.

During the event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, FRLA celebrated the stars of Florida’s hospitality industry. FRLA announced its 2017 Executive Committee and unveiled its 2016 Hall of Fame along with other industry award winners. A live auction at the conclusion of the event raised $9,800 for the FRLA Educational Foundation.

Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer for Firehouse of America, LLC, was named FRLA’s 2017 Chairman of the Board. Fox 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.

2017 FRLA Executive Committee:
Don Fox	Chairman	Firehouse of America, LLC, Jacksonville
Kevin Speidel	Vice Chair	Hilton Worldwide, Fort Lauderdale
Chau Nguyen	Secretary-Treasurer	Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Orlando
Olivia Hoblit	Director 2016-17	Seaside Amelia Inn, Fernandina Beach
Alan Palmieri	Director 2017-18	Marlow’s Tavern, Orlando
Sheldon Suga	Director 2017-18	Hawk’s Cay Resort, Duck Key
Lino Maldonado	Immediate Past Chair	Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Fort Walton Beach

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 2016 Hall of Fame is as follows:

2016 Restaurateur of the Year: Manuel “Manny” Garcia III, Davgar Restaurants Inc., Orlando The Garcia family has been steeped in the food and restaurant industry for many years. Beginning with his Burger King franchise, the successful restaurateur went on to introduce a number of new dining concepts to Central Florida including Pebbles Restaurants, Harvey’s Bistro and Manuel’s on the 28th Restaurant, and more recently in The Villages, City Fire American Oven & Bar and a tavern called Honest John’s Whiskey and Provisions. Garcia will once again break new ground with the mid-December grand opening of Wahlburgers, a casual burger restaurant founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg.

2016 Hotelier of the Year: Julian MacQueen, Innisfree Hotels, Pensacola Julian MacQueen’s hospitality career began five decades ago with a summer job as a busboy at a resort in Destin, Florida. He founded Innisfree Hotels in 1985, leaving a position as the Executive Vice President of Family Inns of America for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Since then, his company has grown from a single-property operation to one of the largest hotel companies in the southern United States, with more than 2,500 rooms owned and managed, 1,300 employees and revenues of $125 million.

2016 Supplier of the Year: Island Oasis Island Oasis has been a loyal FRLA allied member, exhibitor and sponsor for more than 15 years. They are one of the longest standing sponsors at our annual NRA/FRLA Bob Leonard Golf Classic, graciously serving their finest drink selections for our members to sample. Island Oasis also sponsors and participates at several chapter golf tournaments and events around the state. Tim Burks, National Accounts and Regional Sales Manager – Florida / Gulf Coast serves on the Allied Member Council and accepted this award on behalf of Island Oasis.

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

Jim Garris, General Manager, Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City *WINNER

Clayton Green, General Manager, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Sandestin

Lindsey Smith, Senior Restaurant Manager, Orlando World Center Marriott

Hotel General Manager of the Year

Eduardo Fernandez, General Manager, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach *WINNER – TIE

Rey Martinez, Resort Manager, Hyatt Coconut Plantation Resort, Bonita Springs

Tom Williamson, General Manager, Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral *WINNER – TIE

Restaurant Employee of the Year

Lenny Jacobs, Kitchen Manager, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Sandestin

Stacey Landis, Bartender, Applebee’s, Venice *WINNER – TIE

Miranda Steele, Chef’s Office Coordinator, Orlando World Center Marriott *WINNER – TIE

Hotel Employee of the Year

Maria Colon, Executive Assistant, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Santiago Navarro, Assistant Front Office Manager, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach *WINNER

Juan Rivera, Banquet Captain, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Chef of the Year

Geraldo Bayona, Corporate Chef, Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City *WINNER

Tuong (Hirano) Ly, District Head Chef, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Altamonte Springs

James Routhier, Executive Banquet Chef, Orlando World Center Marriott

FRLA Educational Foundation Student of the Year

Tyler Chaffin, The Academy of Culinary Arts at Belleview High School, Ocala

Jose Murillo, Inlet Grove Community High School, Riviera Beach

Sofia Slimak, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach *WINNER

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7th Annual Nashville Songwriters Florida Sunshine Tour Brings Nashville’s Top Songwriters to Sandestin for Free Concerts

(Miramar Beach, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) in conjunction with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is thrilled to present a FREE concert series on Friday, October 7 through Saturday, October 8, 2016, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach, Florida. The seventh annual event, hosted by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, will showcase over ten BMI 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 is a unique opportunity for music fans to interact with the songwriters who wrote several top singles on the radio and to hear the stories that inspired them,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We strongly encourage visitors and residents to take advantage of this free concert series that provides exclusive access to artists with fantastic views from the Village of Baytowne Wharf at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It’s the perfect pairing of wonderful entertainment with a picturesque destination in Florida.”

“We are very excited about the Nashville Songwriters Florida Sunshine Tour event coming to Sandestin,” said Mark Hodgdon, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. “This is a great opportunity for people to visit South Walton to enjoy over ten songwriters performing inside the Village of Baytowne Wharf for an amazing weekend of music. We appreciate the partnership and vision of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to bring this event to Sandestin each year.”

The concert schedule features acoustic performances by Nashville Songwriters including Aaron Barker, Kent Blazy, Skye Claire, Bill LaBounty, Megan Linville, Kendell Marvel, Danny Myrick, Even Stevens, Bobby Tomberlin and Trailer Choir. Their songwriter resumes boast songs for chart-topping artists such as Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Josh Turner and many more. The public is invited to attend these free performances. One of the evening’s artists Aaron Barker will be inducted during the 46th annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, slated for October 9 at Nashville’s Music City Center.

Nightly concerts will be held at numerous venues inside the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin and will be staged progressively, so fans will have the opportunity to see all performances. Locations inside the Village where the songwriters will perform include: Rum Runners, The Village Door, Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack, and the Village Events Plaza Stage.

Click here for more details about the songwriters and for the event schedule. Information about accommodations can be found here.

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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 $89.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.2 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.
About the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,250 vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin
Located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife — not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. Recently voted Best Place to Be Seen on the Emerald Coast and Best Local Attraction, Baytowne Wharf features 16 retail shops, 11 activity and entertainment establishments, and 20 award winning restaurants and night clubs. For more information on events and merchant happenings, follow Baytowne’s Facebook posts and live tweets.