(West Palm Beach, Fla.) The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is proud to raise scholarship funds for local high school students at its second annual educational fundrasier. The FRLA Education and Arts Together Showcase (E.A.T.S.), which pairs talented students with professional counterparts in their respective fields of study, is scheduled to take place at the West Palm Beach Marriott on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Proceeds from the event will benefit the FRLA Educational Foundation, which supports hospitality students, schools and teachers in Palm Beach County.

“We are thrilled that Palm Beach County community members care about the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and are willing to give students wonderful real-life experience,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This event raises the necessary funds to help local students pursue their education and ultimately, their careers. Plus, it’s slated to be a fantastic, fun-filled evening for all attendees.”

During the event, students will collaborate with local artists, chefs and musicians to prepare original artwork, a unique dinner and entertaining music led by the Palm Beach Symphony. Their art will be sold during a silent auction, alongside professional art pieces, hotel stays, and gift certificates to area restaurants, spas and businesses. Outstanding students will also be presented with scholarships and awards.

This event is open to the community, parents, students and the media. Event details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA Palm Beach Chapter’s Education and Arts Together Showcase (E.A.T.S.)

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
6:30– 9:00 PM

WHERE:
West Palm Beach Marriott
1001 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
*Media invited to attend.

COST:
$75: Adult Ticket Price
$25: Parent or School District Staff
$700: VIP table of 8
Registration Deadline April 13, 2016

For more information about the event please click here or contact Regional Director, Lois Croft, at [email protected]. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at [email protected].

###

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.

(Orlando, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) commends Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council for recognizing exceptional women leaders. On March 28, 2016, Commissioner Regina Hill presented a proclaimation announcing March as “Women’s History Month” in Orlando to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions made by American women and to encourage all residents to learn more about the generations of women who have played such an important role in our history. Within the proclamation, women in the hospitality industry were specifically highlighted as business owners who provide career opportunities for every race, class and ethnic background and who help shape the lives of employees in a positive manner. To read the full proclamation, please click here.

“I’m proud that Orlando is a welcoming, inclusive City that values the contributions of all citizens. Women in the hospitality industry are a positive force in our community, providing career opportunities for women from all walks of life. Their leadership and guidance helps strengthen our economy and the City of Orlando is proud to recognize their impact,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

“We are grateful that Mayor Dyer and the City Commission appreciate the accomplishments of the incredible women who help sculpt the hospitality industry in Orlando and who positively impact our economy and families across the state,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are excited to continue celebrating Women’s History Month and applaud the City of Orlando for encouraging the community to reflect on the great leaders who created a legacy in the City Beautiful.”

FRLA participated in the announcement through its Engage Orlando program, which is a working group of informed, active and motivated hospitality community members that serve as industry ambassadors with policy makers, opinion leaders, community organizations and the general public. The goal is to continue building a reliable team of 100 leaders that can promote the positive aspects of the hospitality sector and position our industry as a valuable community partner.

###

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.

(Tampa, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to host grammy award winning songwriter, Frank Myers, at the “Essentials of Music Licensing” scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Presented by FRLA’s Hillsborough and Pinellas Chapters at the Chart House in Tampa, the event is designed as an expert educational and entertaining session on how to use music licensing to protect local businesses. The focus will be on when a restaurant or venue needs a public performance license and how copyright licensing fees are determined. The special performance is presented by BMI, a global leader in music rights management.

At the event, Myers will play his biggest hits and share the stories behind the songs he wrote, including: John Michael Montgomery’s “I Swear,” Crystal Gayle and Eddie Rabbitt’s “You and I,” and Lonestar’s “I’m Already There.” Myers moved to Nashville in 1981 to pursue a career in music as a band leader, road manager and lead guitarist for Eddy Raven. With more than 50 songs recorded by country and pop artists, he has 12 number one hits and 20 top tens.

Media is invited to attend this event, details are as follows: 

WHAT:
Essentials of Music Licensing Featuring Grammy Award Winner, Frank Myers

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
2:00-4:00 PM

WHERE:
Chart House
The Skyline Room
7616 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway
Tampa, FL 33607

COST:
$10 per person

For more information about the event please click here or contact FRLA Director of Membership, Dannette Lynch, at [email protected]. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at [email protected].

###

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.

(Miami, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to host the South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Jungle Island in Miami. The event, designed to provide exclusive industry insights and share tips to build a sustaining career, will feature Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, National Restaurant Association President/CEO Dawn Sweeney, American Hotel and Lodging Association President/CEO Katherine Lugar and FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover.

“I am thrilled to be on a panel with so many incredibly talented leaders who are filled with invaluable knowledge about success and specifically, our hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “I feel humbled to share the stage with them and look forward to experiencing it with all of our colleagues in South Florida who are eager to learn and build on the momentum of our state’s record-breaking achievements.”

Carlos Lopez-Cantera is the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Florida. He is the first Hispanic elected to hold this position in Florida. He has been part of the team that has brought over 850,000 jobs to the state, lowered taxes for Florida families, reduced government regulation and increased education spending and achievement for Florida’s students, including making higher education more affordable for Florida’s students and veterans.

As President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, Dawn Sweeney has been instrumental in focusing the mission of the association through a unique, multi-year strategic plan, highlighting key areas of opportunity within the restaurant industry. Before joining the National Restaurant Association, Sweeney was president and CEO of AARP Services. Her 25+ years of marketing, advocacy and policy experience also include leadership positions at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the International Dairy Foods Association.

As the head executive of AH&LA, Katherine Lugar implements and directs AH&LA’s services and works directly with the volunteer officers and board of directors in determining the industry’s major strategic initiatives. In addition, Lugar also oversees AH&LA’s two affiliate organizations, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) and the Educational Institute (EI). Lugar has more than 20 years of experience in private sector public affairs, working on Capitol Hill and previously served as executive vice president, public affairs, with the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).

Carol Dover has served as President and CEO of FRLA since July of 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist and a former government insider. After graduating from Florida State University, Dover accepted the position of Assistant Director of the Beer Industry of Florida. In 1989, she was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the Governor, serving under the Martinez administration. Dover’s other professional accomplishments include positions at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, she was the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and President/CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association.

Media is invited to attend this event, the schedule is as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA’s South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera

INDUSTRY PANELISTS:
Carol Dover, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO
Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO
Katherine Lugar, American Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO

WHEN:
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
11:30 AM-1:00 PM

WHERE:
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND*

COST:
$35 per person
$300 for VIP Reserved Table of Eight

To register for FRLA’s South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon, 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
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.

(Cape Canaveral, Fla.)  The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor the Space Coast Crab Smash & Oyster Bash Seafood Jubilee, scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Wild Ocean Market. In addition to boosting local tourism, the 4th annual event will raise funds for Brevard County’s High School Culinary Programs.

“This event is near and dear to my heart, because it helps provide necessary funds to support the future leaders of Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “It’s for a good cause and it’s truly great fun, as our Space Coast members always deliver savory seafood that the community is sure to enjoy.”

Media is invited to attend this event, details are as follows:

WHAT:
Space Coast Crab Smash & Oyster Bash Seafood Jubilee

WHEN:
January 30, 2016
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

WHERE:
Wild Ocean Market
710 Blue Water Drive
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

COST:
$42 per person
*Click here for ticket purchase information

This event is part of FRLA’s Great Florida Events program, co-sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA, which is 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 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.

(St. Petersburg, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, January 31, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, “Sugar Sand Paradise,” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse visits three fantastic properties in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, including: Locale Market, Guy Harvey’s RumFish Grill and Palm Pavilion. Emeril rounds out the episode preparing Cedar Key Baked Oysters with Portuguese Chorizo Butter.

“Florida’s West Coast is packed with wonderful restaurants featuring picturesque backdrops and unique dining experiences,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “Emeril’s Florida certainly selected some of our favorite spots this year and we are proud to help give visitors the opportunity to sample them.”

On this episode of Emeril’s Florida, the first stop is Locale Market, a gourmet market located in downtown St. Petersburg that’s owned by nationally renowned chefs Michael Mina and Don Pintabona. It’s chef driven and offers locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce along with house made pastas and artisanal products. Emeril tours the market with Chef Don Pintabona and then sits down with Chef Michael Mina to sample some of Locale’s signature dishes including Steamed Two Docks Clams; Faithful Farms Tuscan Kale Salad; The “St. Petersburger” (a dry aged beef monster hamburger); a 32 oz. Bone In Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye; and a Liquid Nitrogen Bon Bon Sundae.

Next, Emeril visits Guy Harvey’s RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. The centerpiece of the restaurant is the 33,500 gallon aquarium in the dining room that was built by Wayde King and Brett Raymer of Animal Planet’s hit series Tanked. Emeril sits down with Executive Chef Justin Harry to sample some of the seafood dishes on the chef’s menu including Caribbean Ceviche; Cedar Key Oysters; Jerk Lion Fish; and Seafood Brochette with shrimp sea scallop and fish.

Then, Emeril visits Palm Pavilion, a restaurant that was built on Clearwater Beach in 1926 and sold in 1964 to the family that continues to own and operate it today. Emeril gets the backstory from owner Ken Hamilton on this family run, gulf front icon. Emeril then sits down with Executive Chef Marlin Kaplan to sample some of Palm Pavilion’s signature dishes including St. Louis BBQ Ribs; The Palm Burger; The Palm Grouper Sandwich; and The Palm Nachos.

The show reruns on Monday, February 1 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Four is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the fourth season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer. The FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA sponsor the series. For additional information on the series, including links to previous episodes, please go to the Cooking Channel website here. For a preview of Sunday’s episode, click here.

Editor’s Note:
For photo and video requests of Emeril Lagasse with personnel from Star Fish Company, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and Crazy Fish Bar & Grill, photos of signature menu items and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] or 850.224.2250 x255.

###

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.

(Key Largo, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, January 24, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, “Seafood Shacks” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse visits three of the great seafood shacks around the state, including: Star Fish Company, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and Crazy Fish Bar & Grill. Emeril rounds out the episode preparing Crab Jalapeno “Hot Pot,” Garlic and Lemon Toasts.

“Seafood is synonymous with Florida and is absolutely a Sunshine State staple,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled Emeril is highlighting some of our favorite seafood shacks that viewers are sure to savor as they book their next trip to our great state.”

On this episode, Emeril’s first stop is the Star Fish Company, a waterfront shack in the fishing village of Cortez on the West Gulf Coast that sells fresh fish and serves up some of the best seafood in the area. They also operate a long standing fish house next door that sells seafood around the world. Located on a dock along the Sarasota Bay, Star Fish Company thrives on its laid-back atmosphere. It is cash only and has outdoor picnic table seating where the food is served in white cardboard boxes. Emeril sits down with owner Karen Bell to try some of the catch of the day including Blackened Grouper; Shrimp/Oyster Po’ boy; Soft Shell Crab; Fried Gulf Shrimp; and Mullet Two Ways.

Next Emeril heads to the Florida Keys to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. It’s a quirky seafood shack founded in 1976 and located along the famous Overseas Highway in Key Largo. It is a local and visitors favorite and Emeril sits down with owner Angie Wittke and samples some of her signature dishes including Caribbean Lobster; Bahamian Conch Salad; Kickin’ Local Blue Crab Cake BLT; Lionfish Français with Seasonal Vegetables; and Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen “World Famous” Key Lime Pie.

Then Emeril visits Crazy Fish Bar & Grill, a seafood shack located in the middle of the state that’s far from either coast, but still serving up some of the freshest seafood around. It was a dive bar before owners Jim and Jean Christensen took it over and renovated both the building and the menu. They sat down with Emeril to share some of their signature dishes including Florida Gulf Shrimp Basket; Captain Crunch Grouper Sandwich served with Sweet Fries and Key Lime Dipping Sauce; Whole Yellowtail Snapper; Barracuda with Cranberry Chipotle Sauce & Florida Fried Green Tomatoes.

The show reruns on Monday, January 25 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, January 28 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Four is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the fourth season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer. The FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA sponsor the series. For additional information on the series, including links to previous episodes, please go to the Cooking Channel website here. For a preview of Sunday’s episode, click here.

Editor’s Note: For photo and video requests of Emeril Lagasse with personnel from Star Fish Company, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and Crazy Fish Bar & Grill, photos of signature menu items and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] or 850.224.2250 x255.

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.

(Orlando, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to present the 2016 ProStart Culinary Team Competition. In its 16^th year, the high-stakes competition features students from Florida’s ProStart program, a career technical education program where high school students learn from an industry-derived curriculum that teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills.  More than 20,000 students from across Florida are enrolled in the program. The event is scheduled to take place Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

“This event is an all-star line up of incredibly talented students, who certainly represent the bright future of Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “It’s wonderful to watch these students showcase the culinary skills they’ve worked so tirelessly to attain, and we are proud to help enhance their craft by awarding opportunities that will help take them to the next level of their education and ultimately, careers.”

During the event, 49 Florida ProStart teams will gather to compete in either the culinary arts or restaurant management divisions. Culinary teams will prepare a three-course meal in 60 minutes, without access to running water or electricity using only two butane burners, and management teams present a business proposal for an original restaurant concept to a panel of industry judges.

Students will compete for more than $800,000 in scholarships. First-place teams from the management and culinary competitions will advance to the prestigious National ProStart Invitational, April 29-May 1, 2016, in Grapevine, Texas.

WHAT:
The FRLA Educational Foundation’s ProStart Culinary Team Competition
400 Florida High School Students from 49 Schools Scheduled to Compete

WHEN:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM     Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition
9:00 AM – 5:10 PM     Cracker Barrel Management Competition
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM     Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM     Education & Business Expo

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016
7:00 AM – 3:07 PM     Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition
8:00 AM – 1:50 PM     Cracker Barrel Management Competition
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM     Education & Business Expo
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM   The Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition
1:00 PM                       Chef’s Warehouse Raffle
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM     Salute to Excellence Awards at Rosen Plaza Hotel, Grand Ballroom

WHERE:
Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

The media is invited to attend both days of competition and the awards ceremony. There will be an opportunity to film the events and interview the participants and judges. Please contact FRLA Communications Director Elizabeth Ray at 850.224.2250 x255 or via email at [email protected] to arrange. The complete list of winners will be posted on the FRLA website and distributed to media outlets following the awards ceremony.

Please visit FRLA.org for more information about the FRLAEF program, a list of participating high schools and the 2-day event program. Additionally, be sure to follow this event live on social media by searching for #FLProStart.

###

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.