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.

FRLA Hosts World-Renowned Hospitality Leaders in Miami

(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:
FRLA Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting

WHO:
Ed Rensi, former McDonald’s USA President and CEO
Bob Kharazmi, Global Officer, Worldwide Operations, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

WHEN:
Monday, November 2, 2015
9:00 AM-1:30 PM

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

COST:
$80 per person
$299 per team of four
$550 per team of eight

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].

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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 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.

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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 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.

2016 FRLA Executive Committee:
Lino Maldonado Chairman Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Gulf Region
Don Fox Vice Chair Firehouse of America, Jacksonville
Kevin Speidel Secretary-Treasurer Hilton Worldwide, Ft. Lauderdale
Chau Nguyen Director 2016-17 Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Orlando
Pam Avery Director 2016-17 Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, Tampa
Paul Hineman Director 2016 First Watch Restaurants, Sarasota
Andrew Reiss Immediate Past Chair Andrew’s Downtown, Tallahassee

 

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
For more than three decades, Chris Christini’s namesake, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, has been recognized as a world-class dining establishment. Christini’s is a five-star dining experience like no other. The experience of opening more than 19 restaurants and hotels (including five original Alfredo’s of Rome in the United States) has earned Christini significant recognition in the restaurant business. He has received a number of prestigious awards including: the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, the Ivy Award and the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. More than 30 years later, Christini still oversees every aspect of the operation. His impeccable reputation has drawn celebrities, dignitaries and professionals from all over the world.

2015 Hotelier of the Year: Russ Kimball, Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater
Russ Kimball arrived in Florida 1966 and began his career as General Manager of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Clearwater Beach. He is still serving in that position today. His dedication to customer satisfaction, non-stop reinvestment in facilities, and his continuous advancement of quality standards has brought significant attention to the hotel, leading to it being ranked consistently in the “Top 10” for customer satisfaction in North American Sheraton Hotels. Kimball’s leadership extends beyond hotel operations through his service as an international marketing pioneer for Florida. As an original board member of VISIT FLORIDA, he championed the establishment of international offices and continues to travel as an ambassador. He has served for more than 30 years as a member and now Vice Chairman of the Pinellas Tourism Development Council and is engaged in numerous associations dedicated to enhancing regional and national hospitality. The city of Clearwater awarded him the title of “Mr. Clearwater” (2010) and he has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame for both VISIT FLORIDA and the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University.

2015 Supplier of the Year: Greg Ohlemacher, Ecolab
Ecolab has been a strong supporter of FRLA for many years, and Greg Ohlemacher has contributed greatly to the association throughout his employment with Ecolab. Ohlemacher is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He started his career with Hyatt Hotels in 1990 and held various management positions including: Executive Steward, Restaurant Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager. Greg started with Ecolab 1994. His diverse experience with Ecolab includes working as: Territory Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, Area Route Manager, Operations Director for Global Marine, Corporate Accounts Manager, and currently is the AVP of Sales for North Florida.

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.

Restaurant General Manager of the Year
*WINNER:  Long Mai General Manager, Kobe Japanese Steak House, Orlando
Al Romeo General Manager, Flemings Steak House, Naples
Danielle Williams-Rosse Owner/Operator, Oceans 234, Deerfield Beach

 

Hotel General Manager of the Year
*WINNER:  Roger Amidon General Manager, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
Brian Comes General Manager, Hyatt Regency Orlando
Carlton Hudson Managing Director, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

 

Restaurant Employee of the Year
*WINNER:  Joejie Laxamana Pool Bartender, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale
Monica Alarcon Server, Sergio’s Family Restaurants, Miami
Karen Hourigan Chef, Corporate Trainer, Café 4750 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

 

Hotel Employee of the Year
*WINNER:  Joseph Louis Jeune Stewarding Supervisor, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Orlando
Eileen Abrams Guest Services Representative, Hampton Inn and Suites, Largo
Suzette Wong Guest Service Agent, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale

Please contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray, for photos or additional information.

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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.

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.

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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 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:

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

(Key West, FL) – The Monroe Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud present the 6th annual Wine on the Water. The event, designed to create scholarships for hospitality students, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 11, 2015 in Key West.

While sailing aboard the Fury Catamaran, Celebrated Chef Scott Maurer from Hot Tin Roof is slated to prepare five courses, which will be paired with fine wines from the portfolio of Southern Wine and Spirits. The menu will feature many of Maurer’s favorite dishes ranging from a Florida lobster summer roll with chili lime dipping sauce to curry dusted chilled grilled KWP shrimp with Israeli couscous salad and a tomato vinaigrette. In addition to the delicacies, there will be live entertainment and onboard raffle prizes including: trip packages, spa treatments, dinners and luxury items.

All proceeds from the event will benefit hospitality students at the Florida Keys Community College and the FRLA Monroe Chapter Educational Fund, which supports high school hospitality students in Monroe County. Event details are as follows:

WHAT:
FRLA Monroe Chapter’s Wine on the Water

WHEN:
Sunday, October 11, 2015
4:00 – 5:00 PM: VIP Pre-Party
5:00 PM: Registration Opens
5:30 PM- Sunset: Set Sail and Return After Sunset

WHERE:
VIP Party
The Marker Hotel
200 William St.
Key West, FL 33040

Main Event
Conch Republic Seafood Company (Registration in front)
631 Greene St.
Key West, FL 33040
*Media is invited to attend

COST:
$85 Per Person
$25 VIP Pre-Party
*Space is limited

Public interested in attending these events should contact Lynne Hernandez, FRLA’s South Florida Regional Director at 305-710-3962 or Charlie Bauer at 305-304-0814. Please click here to purchase tickets and to learn more about these events.

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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.