| (Miami, FL) – The Miami Dade Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to host two global hospitality industry leaders at its Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting. Former McDonald’s USA President and CEO, Ed Rensi, is scheduled to speak Monday, November 2, 2015, along with Global Officer of Worldwide Operations for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Bob Kharazmi. The half day event, slated to take place at Jungle Island in Miami, is designed to provide exclusive insights centered on building sustainable businesses that recruit and retain great staff.
“Ed Rensi and Bob Kharazmi are world-renowned and we are thrilled to provide hospitality industry employees with an opportunity to be engaged and inspired by their success stories,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “In addition to the valuable knowledge they will present at this must-attend event, we are glad to offer attendees educational opportunities that will help boost businesses in South Florida.” Ed Rensi now serves as an executive consultant to McDonald’s Restaurant Systems. Rensi’s enthusiasm and commitment to the company during his 31-year tenure helped establish McDonald’s as one of the world’s most successful quick service restaurants. Major innovations spearheaded and overseen by Rensi include the: enhancement of McDonald’s breakfast menu, development of Chicken McNuggets in 1983, fresh-tossed salads in 1987, the McChicken sandwich in 1989, lowfat frozen yogurt in 1990, and the McGrilled Chicken Classic in 1994. Rensi was also instrumental in the development of the first Ronald McDonald House, a temporary residence for families of children with serious illnesses that has grown to include 165 houses in 12 countries. Bob Kharazmi joined The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1984, shortly after it was formed. Over the years, he has established and cultivated the company’s motto of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” and its culture of personalized service excellence for which the brand is renowned. As a member of the Corporate Executive Committee and the Chairman of the Corporate Operating Committee, he oversees the operations, development and strategic positioning of one of the world’s most iconic and powerful luxury brands. The Ritz-Carlton portfolio currently includes 90 hotels in 32 countries. The presenting sponsor of this event is the Job Creators Network. The schedule is as follows: WHAT: WHO: WHEN: WHERE: COST: To register for the FRLA Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting, click here. For additional information, please contact Lynne Hernandez FRLA Regional Director at 305-710-3962 or by email at [email protected]. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or email at [email protected]. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
News Release Category: FRLA News
FRLA Boosts Forgotten Coast Tourism by Sponsoring Blast on the Bay Featuring Nationally Renowned Songwriters
| (Port St. Joe, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor Blast on the Bay, a FREE festival along Florida’s Forgotten Coast featuring celebrated songwriters. The event is scheduled to take place Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, 2015 at various venues in Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach and Indian Pass.
“The Forgotten Coast is one of Florida’s treasures and is truly the perfect backdrop for this unique festival that offers visitors an opportunity to hear the incredible stories behind the hit songs they hear on the radio,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are proud to sponsor this event that spotlights wonderful venues in the Sunshine State and the best and brightest in the songwriting business.” Celebrating its 7th anniversary in 2015, Blast on the Bay will play host to a group of talented musicians and songwriters straight from the streets of Nashville. Festival performances will consist of 30+ musicians who have collectively written hundreds of hit songs for chart topping artists like Faith Hill, George Strait, Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks. Click the following links for a full schedule of events, list of artists and suggested lodging. The FRLA is a prime sponsor of these local concert performances through its Great Florida Events program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these can’t miss events. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
FRLA Celebrates Florida’s Hospitality Industry Stars at Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala
| (ORLANDO, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) celebrated the stars of Florida’s hospitality industry at its Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. During the ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, FRLA announced its 2016 Executive Committee and unveiled its 2015 Hall of Fame along with other industry award winners. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Susan G. Komen Central Florida to help fund breast cancer research.
Lino Maldonado, Vice President of Operations for Wyndham Vacation Rentals, was named FRLA’s 2016 Chairman of the Board. Maldonado will preside over the FRLA, one of the state’s largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry. FRLA congratulates its newly elected Executive Committee, Hall of Fame and Shades of Pink award winners.
At the event, Hall of Fame Awards were given to individuals who have attained career distinctions of the highest level and were recognized for distinguished service to their industry, community, charitable organizations and family. The 2015 Hall of Fame is as follows: 2015 Restaurateur of the Year: Chris Christini, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Orlando 2015 Hotelier of the Year: Russ Kimball, Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater 2015 Supplier of the Year: Greg Ohlemacher, Ecolab During the evening, FRLA also announced four new annual award categories to recognize exceptional service throughout the state: Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year and Hotel Employee of the Year. Winners and nominees were chosen by a panel of independent industry judges.
Please contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray, for photos or additional information. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
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Jacksonville Restaurants and Seafood Nutrition Partnership Announce Seafood Week Oct. 12-17, Featuring Special Menu Items, Discounts
| (JACKSONVILLE, FL) – The First Coast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced it is launching its first Jacksonville Restaurant Seafood Week. From Oct. 12-17, area restaurants will feature special seafood dishes in order to celebrate October as National Seafood Month. FRLA is working in cooperation with Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP), a national nonprofit organization whose goal is to educate Americans about the nutritional benefits of eating seafood, as well as promoting ways to prepare seafood.
“This is a great opportunity for our chefs to shine with the best of the best, working with one of Florida’s natural resources,” said Corkey Bergamo, Northeast Florida Regional Director, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Some of the most wonderful seafood dishes anywhere in this state are prepared right here in our own backyard. It’s an honor for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association to have such a great group of members willing to help get the message out about how healthy seafood really is.” Jacksonville Seafood Week posters announcing the campaign will be posted at participating restaurants. They include: One Ocean, Atlantic Beach; Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach; North Beach Fish Camp, Neptune Beach; Marker 32, Jacksonville Beach; Palm Valley Fish Camp, Ponte Vedra; Julington Creek Fish Camp, Jacksonville; Lexington Hotel, Jacksonville; Junior’s Seafood in Jacksonville, Callahan and Yulee; Blue Bamboo, Jacksonville; Los Loros, Jacksonville; Beech Street Bar & Grill, Fernandina; and La Mancha, also in Fernandina. “Our mission is to help Americans gain the skills and knowledge to eat, buy and cook seafood as part of a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and we are pleased to share this important information with the residents of Jacksonville ,” said Linda Cornish, Executive Director of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership. “We are pleased to see so many Jacksonville area restaurants joining us in demonstrating that seafood is not only healthy, but it tastes good and is adaptable to many types and styles of cooking.” Cornish notes: Research shows that eating seafood twice a week can reduce your risk of heart disease by at least 36 percent and give you more energy throughout the day. That’s why SNP is encouraging people to take the Healthy Heart Pledge and eat seafood twice a week. ### |
| About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. About the Seafood Nutrition Partnership Seafood Nutrition Partnership is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit whose mission is to inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about the essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood. Through its education efforts, the organization aims to help Americans gain the skills to select, order, and prepare fish and shellfish. |
Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Partnership with FRLA to Expand “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu”
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to expand its “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” program, which highlights restaurants that feature “Fresh From Florida” products on their menus. The partnership has already yielded 50 restaurants around the state that are in the process of becoming “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” restaurants, bringing the total number of restaurants in the program to 75.
“Partnering with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is a natural fit for our ‘Fresh From Florida: On the Menu’ program, and we’ve already tripled the number of restaurants participating in the program,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I thank Carol Dover for her support, and we look forward to ensuring that every Floridian and visitor can enjoy fresh Florida cuisine.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help showcase the Sunshine State’s unique flavors at venues that feature ‘Fresh from Florida’ ingredients,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We applaud Commissioner Putnam’s efforts to promote local cuisine and are thrilled to help support this wonderful program that gives Floridians and visitors another opportunity to enjoy dining experiences at exceptional establishments.”
The following restaurants are becoming “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” restaurants:
- Yardbird – Miami Beach
- Swine – Coral Gables
- Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – Miami Beach
- Blue Bamboo – Jacksonville
- Lexington Hotel & Conference Center – Johns Café – Jacksonville
- Beech Street Bar & Grill – Fernandina Beach
- Grinders American Diner – Jacksonville
- Terra & Acqua – St. Augustine
- 101 Restaurant – Tallahassee
- BurgerFi – 30 locations throughout Florida (from Tallahassee to Miami)
- Bistro – Jupiter
- BellaBrava – St. Petersburg
- Stillwaters Tavern – St. Petersburg
- Sergio’s – Miami (6 restaurants / 2 cafes)
- Captain’s Table – Punta Gorda
- Village Fish Market & Restaurant – Punta Gorda
FRLA is a non-profit hospitality industry trade association that represents more than 10,000 members across the state.
“Fresh From Florida: On The Menu” restaurants feature delicious, fresh ingredients from Florida, including produce grown by local farmers and seafood caught in Florida’s waters. Restaurants must apply with the department and certify that they are sourcing products from Florida. Once part of the free program, members can use the iconic “Fresh From Florida” logo in promotional materials as well as their menu. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Celebrated Key West Chef to Help Raise Funds for Hospitality Students at Wine on the Water Event
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| About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. |
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary to Share Licensing and Inspection Insights at Local FRLA Meetings
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]
(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present an opportunity for business leaders to receive licensing, regulation and inspections insights from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Ken Lawson. Secretary Lawson is scheduled to be at two separate FRLA events on Wednesday, September 16, at The Fish House Deck in Pensacola and Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort Conference Center in Panama City Beach.
“Secretary Lawson has worked hard to help streamline the regulatory process across the state and is full of invaluable information for business owners,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “It is crucial that restaurateurs and hoteliers understand the regulatory process and Secretary Lawson can shed light on the best practices that promote the health and safety of the public.”
A native Floridian, Lawson has spent more than 12 years serving and protecting the public in numerous regulatory positions. Lawson began his legal career in the United States Marine Corps, Judge Advocate General’s Division and spent seven years serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. After serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Lawson was appointed Assistant Secretary of Enforcement for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He most recently served as Vice President of Compliance at nFinanSe Inc., a financial services company in Tampa, where he was responsible for the company’s Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering program and its compliance with state money transmitter licensing regulations for 42 states.
DBPR’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants (H&R) is responsible for licensing, inspecting and regulating public lodging and food service establishments in Florida. The mission of the division is to protect the health and safety of the public by providing the industry with quality inspections and fair regulation. The division is also responsible for licensing and regulating elevators, escalators and other vertical conveyance devices.
Media is invited to both events, which are free to all attendees. The schedule is as follows:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FRLA Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting
The Fish House Deck, Pensacola
3:00 – 5:00 PM
FRLA Bay Chapter Meeting
Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort Conference Center, Panama City Beach
Public interested in attending the event in Pensacola should contact John Bloodworth, and those interested in attending the event in Panama City Beach should contact Ray Green. Please click here for information on the Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting or click here for the Bay Chapter Meeting.
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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.
FRLA President/CEO to Headline Events in Sarasota & St. Pete Beach on September 1
Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]
(Tampa, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present business leaders an opportunity to hear hospitality industry insights directly from FRLA President and CEO, Carol Dover. Dover is slated to be at two separate events on Tuesday, September 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach.
As the FRLA President and CEO, Dover works to protect, educate, and promote the diverse interests of Florida’s hospitality industry before the Florida Legislature and lobbies against unfair government regulation. The industry represents a $82 billion industry, 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees, making it Florida’s largest employer.
Dover has led the more than 10,000 member association since July of 1995. She is a professional association manager, a lobbyist, a former government insider, and a Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Dover is also a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Council of State Restaurant Associations, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida Tourism Commission, Florida TaxWatch, and the Florida Horse Park. Dover is the recipient of the prestigious Dedman School of Hospitality Alumna of the Year Award, and the first-ever Dick Pope Legacy Award, recognizing leaders who have strengthened the sustainability of Florida’s hospitality and tourism industries.
Media is invited to both events. The schedule is as follows:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1:
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
The 5th Annual Suncoast Chapter Luncheon
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Cost: $25 Per Person
3:30 – 5:30 PM
FRLA Pinellas & Hillsborough Chapter Meeting
Loews Don CeSar Hotel
Cost: $23 Per Member, $28 Per Future Member
Public interested in attending these events should contact Dannette Lynch at [email protected], FRLA Director of Membership. Please click here for information on the Suncoast Chapter Luncheon or click here for the Pinellas & Hillsborough Chapter Meeting.
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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.
Gov. Scott: Florida Hits All-Time Record High for Tourism
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 54.1 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This record amount of visitors represents a 5.8 increase over the year. In the second quarter of 2015 (April -June), 25.8 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 5.5 percent over the year. The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter two of 2015 was also a record high, with 1,213,500 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 4.9 percent over the year.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce the Sunshine State continued our record breaking success and welcomed the most visitors in Florida’s history over the first half of the year. Our growing tourism industry employs over 1.2 million Floridians and is helping us meet our goal of becoming the best place in the world for jobs. We are excited to mark the first half of 2015 with our biggest second quarter ever, and we look forward to exceeding our goal of 100 million visitors to Florida this year.”
VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 2.7 million overseas visitors and 1.2 million Canadians came to Florida in quarter two of 2015. Estimates also show that 21.9 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the second quarter of 2015, reflecting a 6.8 percent increase over the year. Preliminary figures for the first half of 2015 show 45.7 million domestic visitors, 5.5 million overseas visitors and 2.9 million Canadians have come to the Sunshine State, representing increases of 6.7 percent, 1.7 percent and 1.1 percent respectively.
“The continued growth of tourism for the second quarter, including a record number of tourism related jobs, puts Florida on pace for a fifth consecutive record breaking year,” said John Tomlin, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. “These records also emphasize the power of tourism as an economic leader and job creator for the state. Results like these are the direct result of the vision and support of the Governor and Legislature, as well as world-class strategies and execution by the VISIT FLORIDA staff.”
Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased year-over-year for January through May 2015 (last reported month), representing a 9.0 percent increase over the same period in 2014. For quarter two of 2015, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 4.7 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increased 2.9 percent and the demand in rooms sold grew 4.4 percent compared to quarter two of 2014.
“With all indicators continuing to climb, Florida tourism has strong momentum,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “This continued growth does not happen by accident. We know tourism marketing works and we have Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature to thank for their unparalleled support that has put us well on our way to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”
Bill Talbert, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “Another record shattering quarter for Florida tourism is not really a surprise. It’s actually the byproduct of tremendous efforts each and every day by those who serve their guests with a passion and deliver GREAT experiences. We are fortunate to have a Governor and Legislature that support our industry and VISIT FLORIDA so that we can continue to share the beautiful stories 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 second quarter of 2015 provides strong momentum towards our goal of bringing 100 million visitors to Florida this year. 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 prove that Governor Scott’s leadership, 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 half of the year and can’t wait 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 second 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.
*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.
FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter Announces New Officers and Board of Directors for 2015
Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]
(Pensacola, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) Greater Pensacola Chapter today announced the installation of new officers. The installation took place in recently at the Hilton Garden Inn in Pensacola. The 2015 officers are:
| 2015 President | Gus Silivos, Scenic 90 Café/Nancy’s Catering & Events |
| VP of Lodging | Joe McCay, Margaritaville Hotel |
| VP of Restaurants | Dave Knudsen, Beef O’Brady’s |
| Treasurer | Robert Remig, Fisher Brown Insurance |
| Secretary | Becky Jones, Highpointe Hotel Corporation |
“Our Greater Pensacola Chapter hit the ground running. We were thrilled to launch earlier this year and are proud to now have some of the best in the business on our area Board of Directors. We look forward to advocating for the hospitality industry at the local level and are excited to help continue to promote the state’s number one job creator,” said Gus Silivos, owner of Scenic 90 Café and Nancy’s Catering & Events.
In addition to the officers, the Greater Pensacola Chapter also swore in the following Board of Directors:
| Lisa Assante, University of West Florida | Reid Radford, Alsco Linens |
| Steve Sapp, Heartland | Steve Mobley, Johnny Huston’s Grille and Bar |
| Dennis Barnes, Barnes Insurance | Beverly McCay, Holiday Inn Express Hotel |
| Maria Goldberg, Great Southern Restaurants Group | Alt: Drew Hardgrave, Hiles McLeod Insurance |
For more information on the FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter, please contact Regional Director John Bloodworth at [email protected]. You may also visit http://frla.org/chapters/greater-pensacola/.
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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association:
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.
About 2015 Chapter President, Gus Silivos:
Owner and Chef Gus P. Silivos is a third generation restaurateur. He owns and operates Scenic 90 Cafe and Nancy’s Catering & Events. Following in the footsteps of his step-father and grandfather, Gus began working in the family business at the age of 11. He learned each aspect of the restaurant with hands on experience. His formal education includes graduating with a Business degree from the University of West Florida. From there he pursued his love of the culinary by attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He graduated in May of 1982. After graduation and internship he returned to Pensacola to the family business. Gus is a founding member of the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. He has served as president and treasurer. He was instrumental in the development of a local culinary and apprenticeship program with Pensacola State College. Gus is actively involved in the Pensacola community. He is a member of Five Flags Rotary and a Paul Harris fellow. He has been a member of the FRLA for more than 40 years.
About 2015 Chapter VP of Lodging, Joe McCay:
Joe began his career in hospitality at the Dunes Hotel on Pensacola Beach after an 18 year career in education as a teacher and football coach. He took the job temporarily while awaiting his teaching transcripts to transfer. He became hooked on hospitality management. He went on to manage the Holiday Inn Pensacola Beach and currently is the General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand and Operations Manager of the Margaritaville Beach Hotel, the first hotel and standard bearer of a successful new franchise. The Crowne Plaza has won two IHG Torchbearers and three IHG Quality Excellence Awards over the past five years. Margaritaville was named to the Expedia Select list and the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame after being open only five years. Joe has served as past President of the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. When not running between the 2 hotels Joe enjoys sailing, swimming, kayaking, and traveling, all with his wife, Bev.
About 2015 Chapter VP of Restaurants, Dave Knudsen:
David Knudsen for the past 10 years has been a Franchise Consultant for Family Sports Franchise Company, DBA, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. His area covers 42 locations in nine states, along with locations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Prior to his current role, David was Owner/Operator of Mr. Manatee’s Casual Grille, Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant, and Quietwater Beach Concessions. He also served as Vice President of Panhandle Foods, 18 Rax Restaurants in Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana and as Director of Operations for seven Wendy’s in Pensacola and Ft Walton Beach. David has been with the FRLA since 1996, is a past Chapter President and served as Chairman of the FRLA’s Educational Foundation. He served in the United States Marine Corps, attended Harper College and LaSalle University, and has two children: Eric David and Allison.
About 2015 Chapter Treasurer, Robert Remig:
Rob Remig is Vice President, Insurance and Risk Consultant, with Fisher Brown Insurance. His responsibilities include risk analysis, program design, client development and retention. Prior to joining Fisher Brown, Rob held similar positions at Marsh and Aon in Silicon Valley. Rob began his career as an underwriter and reinsurance broker, with Aetna C&S and TPF&C, in New York.Rob holds a Bachelor’s degree with a Major in Insurance and Risk Management, from The Tobin School of Business, St Johns University. Rob lives in Gulf Breeze Florida with his sons. In his free time, Rob tinkers with his classic sports car and plays golf.
About 2015 Chapter Secretary, Becky Jones:
Becky Jones was promoted to the Area Sales Manager for Highpointe Hotel Corporation in 2014, representing the Hampton Inn Pensacola Airport, Homewood Suites Cordova Mall and the Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Airport. Becky’s previous positions with Highpointe over the past 12 years include Director of Sales at Homewood Suites Cordova Mall, Sales Manager at Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Airport, and Director of Sales at SpringHill Suites Pensacola Beach. Becky began her hospitality career in 1999 at the Comfort Inn Pensacola Beach, where she worked her way from Front Desk Representative to Sales Manager and then Assistant General Manager. Becky and her husband Charlie both grew up and live in Gulf Breeze, and are the parents of a nine year old daughter named Bella. In her spare time, Becky loves the beach, paddle boarding and spending time with her family.