News Release Category: FRLA News

FRLA Supports the Florida Competitive Workforce Act in 2016

The Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition is pleased to have the support of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, one of 37 major Florida employers backing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. House Bill 45 by Rep. Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) and Senate Bill 120 by Sen. Joe Abruzzo (D-Boynton Beach), commonly referred to as the Competitive Workforce Act, is a bi-partisan measure that will go before state lawmakers during the 2016 Florida Legislative Session, slated to begin Jan. 12, 2016.

While it is illegal to discriminate in employment, housing and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or marital status, the gay and transgender community is left out of statewide non-discrimination protections. The Competitive Workforce Act would modernize state law to include anti-discrimination protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in the workplace, and in housing and public accommodations. Thirty-seven Florida counties and municipalities have local protections in place for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, but local government ordinances cover only 56 percent of the state’s population.

The Competitive Workforce Act not only has the backing of major Florida employers, including nine Fortune 500 companies, but also more than 400 local businesses in Florida have endorsed the legislation. The coalition believes that the Competitive Workforce Act will make Florida more competitive in the national and global marketplace in much the same way companies have benefitted from adopting anti-discrimination policies.

Want to show your support for the Competitive Workforce Act? Here are some ways you can participate on a personal level:

  1. Endorse HB 45/SB 120 by signing the online petition by clicking here.
  2. Contact your local lawmakers to voice your support for the Competitive Workforce Act.

Learn more by visiting Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce online at www.FLCompetitiveWorkforce.com or visit the coalition on Twitter and Facebook.

Central Florida Hospitality Leaders Help Support Military Service Members and Their Families

(Orlando, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Central Florida Chapter is proud to support military service members and their families during its Traditional Holiday Celebration on Thursday, December 10, 2015. The event, scheduled to take place at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, is slated to celebrate the successes of Florida’s hospitality industry and to raise funds for members of our military who help make our great state a wonderful place to live, work and play. Donations will be made to the Camaraderie Foundation, whose mission is to provide healing for invisible wounds of war through counseling, emotional, and spiritual support for all branches of military service members, veterans and their families.

Media is invited to attend this event. Details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA’s Central Florida Chapter Traditional Holiday Celebration

WHEN:
Thursday, December 10, 2015
6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE:
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, FL 32821

COST:
$50 to Members/Nonmembers

For additional information about the event, please click here or contact Dannette Lynch, FRLA Director of Membership, at 727-642-3404. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director, at 850.224.2250 x255.

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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.

Zenith Insurance Company Selected as FRLA’s Endorsed Workers’ Compensation Carrier

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to announce the selection of Zenith Insurance Company as its endorsed workers’ compensation carrier. As a result of the partnership, Zenith is committed to workplace safety and health and will provide FRLA members superior service including: quality medical care, management of claim costs, returning employees to work and fighting fraud and abuse.

“In the hospitality industry, businesses face unique risks and we are confident in our decision to choose Zenith Insurance Company as FRLA’s endorsed workers’ compensation carrier,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Zenith Insurance Company strives to improve workplace safety and values long-term relationships with customers.”

For more than 60 years, Zenith Insurance Company has been a specialist in workers’ compensation. The company built its reputation as an industry leader by providing customers with outstanding service and achieving results that continually outperform the industry. Zenith Insurance Company is a top 5 writer of workers compensation insurance in Florida, and Zenith National Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Zenith Insurance Company, are independently rated and have received an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company.

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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.
 
 

Gov. Rick Scott: Florida Continues All-Time Tourism Record

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 79.1 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This record amount of visitors represents a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year. In the third quarter of 2015 (July – September), 25.5 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2014 and Florida’s largest third quarter for visitation ever.  The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter three was also a record high, with 1,195,400 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 5.2 percent over the same period last year.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that the Sunshine State continued our record-breaking success and welcomed the most visitors in Florida’s history over the first three quarters of the year. Our growing tourism industry employs 1.2 million Floridians and is helping us meet our goal of becoming first for jobs. We look forward to more than 100 million tourists visiting Florida this year.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 22.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting an 8.2 percent increase over the same period last year.  Estimates also show that 3.4 million international visitors came to Florida in quarter three of 2015. Preliminary figures for the first three quarters of 2015 show 67.4 million domestic visitors, 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.4 million Canadians have come to the Sunshine State.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “With three record quarters and a fifth consecutive record year on the horizon, it’s clear that this continued growth does not happen by accident.  It’s the direct result of a global marketing strategy focused on maximizing the economic impact of Florida tourism. Today’s announcement shows tourism marketing works and we have Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature to thank for their unparalleled support that will enable us to reach our goal of generating $100 billion in visitor spending by 2020.”

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased year-over-year for January through August 2015 (last reported month), representing an 8.2 percent increase over the same period in 2014.  For quarter three of 2015, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 5.1 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increased 3.6 percent and the demand in rooms sold grew 4.8 percent compared to quarter three of 2014.

John Tomlin, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, said, “The continued growth of tourism for the third quarter, including a record number of tourism-related jobs, puts Florida on pace for a fifth consecutive record breaking year. These records also emphasize the power of tourism as an economic leader and job creator for the state.  Outcomes like these are the direct result of the vision and support of the Governor, Legislature and our amazing tourism industry, as well as world-class strategies and execution by the VISIT FLORIDA staff.”

Bill Talbert, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “Florida’s tourism continues to make history with another record-shattering quarter.  New and established hotels, attractions, restaurants and hospitality-related businesses are fueling strong industry job growth and increased tax revenues. Those who enthusiastically welcome and serve our visitors continue to deliver great experiences, contributing to our state’s growing popularity.  We are fortunate to have a Governor and Legislature that support our industry and VISIT FLORIDA so that we can share the diverse treasures of our state with the world.”

Andrew Hertz, Immediate Past Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & General Manager of Miami Seaquarium said, “Achieving record visitation for the third quarter of 2015 provides strong momentum towards our goal of $100 billion in tourism-related spend by 2020.  Florida is fortunate to have the strong support of Governor Scott and the Legislature, as well as funding matched by dollars from great industry partners.  This support allows VISIT FLORIDA to reach even more markets and potential visitors with compelling reasons to visit Florida and create memories that last a lifetime.”

Carol Dover, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Public Affairs Committee and President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association said, “Florida is continuing to break the mold by setting record-breaking trends that prove our state leads the way in hospitality and tourism.  These numbers highlight Governor Scott’s leadership, and along with support from Florida’s Legislature, ensures a business-friendly environment that allows hoteliers, restaurateurs, suppliers and attractions to thrive.  We were proud to help provide incredible guest experiences in the first three quarters of the year and are excited to welcome even more visitors to the Sunshine State throughout the rest of the year.”

Bill Lupfer, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association said, “Florida’s outstanding attractions and iconic destinations have a lot to be proud of, and this record third quarter means we are on track for what is sure to be another stellar year.  As we continue to shatter industry records and make the Sunshine State the gold standard for tourism across the country and around the world, we are grateful for the hard work of our industry partners and the support of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, please go to the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

FRLA Lends its Support to Small Business Saturday® and Drives Commerce to Florida’s Small Businesses

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced its participation in this year’s Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 28, 2015. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses.

Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. In 2014, nearly 3,000 Neighborhood Champions rallied local businesses and created events and activities to drive shopping at small businesses around the country. The day was also championed by elected officials in all 50 states.

“Small businesses represent the backbone of our industry and we are thrilled so many of our members are participating in this event,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are proud to support efforts at the local level and encourage all Floridians to shop small this holiday season.”

FRLA recognizes the importance of supporting small business in Florida, the jobs they help create, and the culture they instill in local communities. According to the U.S. Small Businesses Administration, as of 2014, small businesses nationwide accounted for 63% of net new private-sector jobs created and represented 99.7% of all employer firms.1

Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com and the official Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com and the official Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

 

Contact:
Heather Norton

American Express

212.640.0496

[email protected]

 

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

1Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy Frequently Asked Questions, March 2014.

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, Septmeber 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

Broward County Hospitality Leaders Help Support International Culinary Opportunity for Local High School Students

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Broward Chapter is proud to support an opportunity for J.P. Taravella High School students to participate in an international culinary exchange program. This week, the chapter presented a check for $2,500 to help support the students’ trip to study at one of France’s top hospitality schools, Lycée hotelier Georges Frêche. These students were selected after winning first place at Florida’s statewide ProStart competition in 2014, which allowed them to compete nationally in Minnesota. The trip is scheduled for December 29, 2015 through January 9, 2016.

“As we grow the tourism industry in South Florida, it is critical that we develop a strong ‘bench’ to ensure the ongoing success of our destination as a world-class venue. Our participation and support of educational programs such as Florida ProStart and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, shows our commitment in developing our leaders of tomorrow in an industry that is so critical to the success of our state, county, city and overall destination.  The students traveling to France on this exchange program represent some of our best and brightest.  We are honored to be able to help them experience the culinary arts at this level,” said FRLA Broward Chapter President and Sonesta Ft. Lauderdale General Manager, Eduardo Fernandez.

“We are truly grateful for the FRLA’s commitment to our students, who are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills abroad during this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Broward Chapter recognizes how incredibly talented our students are, as the high schoolers work the entire year to build their culinary skills through educational and career opportunities. Through support of community organizations like FRLA, these aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals are already on the road toward success right here in the Sunshine State,” said J.P. Taravella High School Culinary Arts and Hospitality Instructor, Scott Goodman.

Participating students are part of the Florida ProStart program, run by FRLA’s Educational Foundation. It is an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and helps prepare students for careers in hospitality. To learn more about the FRLAEF please click here. Students are still working to raise $25,000 in order to financially support their trip to France. To donate additional funds to the high schoolers, please click here.

Next week, the Chapter is also pleased to present an additional opportunity for some of Broward County’s youngest chefs. On Monday, November 16, 2015, students from 12 area high schools will compete at BB&T Center to have their dishes presented in Club Lexus and the ADT Club. The competition will take place at the Tampa Bay Lighting v. Florida Panthers game scheduled from 7:30-10:00 PM. For more information about this event, please click 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 $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.

High Schoolers from Nine NWFL Counties to Participate in Culinary Workshop Hosted in Tallahassee

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to present high school students in Northwest Florida with an opportunity to enhance their culinary education. On Friday, November 13, 2015, the FRLAEF is hosting a regional workshop at Keiser University’s Tallahassee campus. More than 60 students from nine Florida counties are slated to participate in the event, designed to enhance their culinary skills. Students participating in the workshop are part of the Florida ProStart program, which is an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and helps prepare students for careers in hospitality.

“We are thrilled to help these students build on their education because we believe they are the future leaders of Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This workshop will give these students an opportunity to further develop their culinary talents and will help set them up for success right here in the Sunshine State, where hospitality is the number one industry and employer.”

During the workshop, students will demonstrate knife skills and various cooking techniques as they rotate through three Italian courses. The courses include an antipasto platter, chicken parmesan and tiramisu. Media is invited to attend this event. Details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLAEF Regional Culinary Workshop

WHEN:
November 13, 2015
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

WHERE:
Keiser University, Tallahassee Campus
1700 Halstead Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32309

Media interested in attending this event should contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] for details. For more information about the FRLAEF, click 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 $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, Septmeber 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.

Representative Clay Ingram to Speak at FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting

(Pensacola, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Greater Pensacola Chapter is proud to host Representative Clay Ingram at its next chapter meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2015. The event, slated to take place at the University of West Florida, is designed to give hospitality insiders an opportunity to hear from a community leader who is invested in supporting Florida’s largest industry which employs more than a million Floridians across the state.

Representative Ingram is a passionate community leader with a history of service to the people of Northwest Florida. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010 and has been re-elected subsequently. He currently serves as the Chair of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on the Florida Defense Support Task Force and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. He also serves as the President of the Greater Pensacola Chamber.

The event was created in partnership with UWF’s Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management and details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting

SPEAKER:
Representative Clay Ingram

WHEN:
November 12, 2015
5:00 – 6:00 PM

WHERE:
University of West Florida, College of Business
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514

COST:
Free to Members
$25 for Non-Members
*Media is invited to attend

Public interested in attending this event should contact John Bloodworth, FRLA Regional Director at 850-736-0228. Please click here to learn more about the Greater Pensacola Chapter.

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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.

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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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.