Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org

(Tallahassee, Fla.)  – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is thrilled to congratulate Mid-Florida Tech for winning second place in the Hospitality Tourism and Management Competition (HTMP) International Competition hosted bytheAmerican Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. The team won more than $20,000 in scholarships to various colleges, including San Diego University, Johnson & Wales University, and Sullivan University at the event held at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney World® Resort  on April 9^th through 11^th.  The competition challenged student teams to display their hospitality knowledge and skills through a variety of competitive events including a night audit, room inspection, banquet planning, case studies, and knowledge bowl quiz.

“We are so proud of the students from Mid-Florida Tech for representing our state in this international competition and showing the world what Florida hospitality is all about,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These students are the future of our industryand worked hard to earn scholarships that will allow them to continue their education. They are truly a testament to the success of our statewide educational programs that provide school-to-career training that increases the employability of graduates.”

In addition to their second place finish overall, Mid-Florida Tech won first place in the Knowledge Bowl competition, granting an additional $1,000 Sullivan University scholarship to each team member. Team members include: Angie Grunskyte, Sasha Gatti, Deja Miller, Autumn Butler and their instructor, Pat Novalis.

Scholarships were provided by leading hospitality management schools, including Johnson & Wales, San Diego State University, Sullivan University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Florida International University, as well as AH&LEF. For more information about the competition 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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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 7-9, 2014 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 American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Educational Institute’s mission is to continue being the preferred provider to the lodging industry, hospitality schools, and related hospitality industries by developing and providing quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals worldwide.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org

(Miramar Beach, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to showcase nationally renowned songwriters at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. As a founding partner, FRLA is thrilled to participate in the second annual charity event that will be held Thursday, April 24th through Sunday, April 27th in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. As top winemakers showcase more than 800 flavors at the event, the FRLA will feature songwriters as a continuation of the Endless Summer Music Series in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management.

“These songwriters create a wonderful atmosphere at a picturesque location and give festival-goers an opportunity to support children in need,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are glad to continue our participation in this event, which is the perfect venue for thousands of visitors to enjoy a glass of wine, relax on Northwest Florida beaches, and support a community that helps make our state a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Last year, the event donated $30,000 to Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) to help 14 children’s charities in Northwest Florida. Additionally, the Destin Charity Wine Auction was held during the wine and food festival and raised nearly $1.4 million for the charitable organizations to address hunger, homelessness, abuse, and physical and mental disorders for thousands of children in Northwest Florida communities. Proceeds from this year’s event will also be donated to DCWAF.

Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, the songwriters will perform and tell stories about their biggest hits written for the stars of the music business, including Tim McGraw, George Strait, Jason Aldean and many others.  The featured songwriters include nationally renowned BMI artists: Dylan Altman, Sherrié Austin,  Aaron Barker, Steve Bogard, Jon Mabe, Kendell Marvel, Bridgette Tatum, and Will Rambeaux. The hit songs written by the songwriters include “She’s Country,” a #1 hit performed by Jason Aldean, “Baby Blue” made popular by George Strait, “The Climb” written for Miley Cyrus and Faith Hill’s “Wild One” to name a few.

Please go to www.sowalwine.com for the festival schedule and a full list of songwriters who will be performing.

# # #

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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 7-9, 2014 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 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an annual charity event held the last weekend of April. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines the world has to offer. Celebrity wine producers and chefs will present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Culinary Village presents the Savor South Walton Culinary Pavilion showcasing a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food seminars and cooking demonstrations. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information, including a list of attending winemakers and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

Action Alert: Emergency Support Function 18 has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey website in response to the “Spring 2014 Flooding Event:”  http://flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda. The completed surveys will help the State Emergency Response Team in determining the needs and level of assistance for impacted businesses.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urges residents and visitors in north Florida affected by this week’s severe weather and subsequent flooding to remain vigilant and to take precautions to ensure their continued safety.

“The storms will continue to affect north Florida as river levels continue to rise,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan W. Koon. “Monitor your NOAA weather radio or local media for instructions from local emergency management officials, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The SERT will continue to provide assistance to counties who request it.”

Flood Warnings are in effect for the following counties: Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, Washington.
This weather event has already caused flooding in 26 Florida counties. The tips below can help you and your family or business stay safe:

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Take your time when traveling.

• Avoid Standing Water. Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts.

• Wash Your Hands. Stay as clean as possible by washing your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.

• Don’t Wait to Evacuate. Follow instructions from local officials by staying tuned to local media for evacuation or sheltering and take action immediately.

• Use Flashlights, Not Candles. Ensure your family has enough flashlights and batteries in the case of a power outage. Candles create a fire hazard and should be avoided.

• Avoid Downed Power Lines. If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and contact the utility. Do not try to handle it yourself. If you have gas utilities and smell gas in your home, do not turn on any appliances or lights, leave your home, and contact your utility company immediately.

• Follow Beach Warning Flags. If you go to the beach, pay attention to the warning flags and do not swim if beaches are closed. Tropical storms, including Debby, increase the risk of dangerous rip currents.

• Prevent Food-Borne Illness. Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with contaminated water from floods or tidal surges.

• Animal Safety. Ensure that your pets have proper identification. If separated from your pet contact local animal control or veterinarian offices. For livestock issues, contact local extension office or animal control.

For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org, follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest FloridaSERT and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org

(Tallahassee, FL) — The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to showcase more than 100 performers at the Key West Songwriter’s Festival. As a sponsor of the 19^th annual event, FRLA is thrilled to bring five days of well-crafted songwriting to the idyllic island of Key West from Wednesday, May 7^th through Sunday, May 11^th in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management.

“This is a one of kind festival that takes place in one of the most unique locations in the world and brings together some of the best songwriters in the business,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled to be a part of this event that gives festival-goers the chance to hear chart-topping writers and experience the restaurants, bars and hotels located in Key West.”

Most of the shows during the festival are completely free, including more than 50 in-the-round sessions with multiple writers, a kick-off concert at Ocean Key Sunset Pier featuringAnders Osborne, and a free Sara Evans show in the heart of Duval Street. Additionally, top-tier writers and GRAMMY nominees such as Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen,Kree Harrison, Matraca Berg, Tony Joe White, and Dean Dillon will perform some of their original, award-winning songs and tell the stories behind them.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival benefit the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for service men and women who have sustained a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury and PTSD from the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Please go to http://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/ for the festival schedule and afull list of songwriters who will be performing.

# # #

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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 7-9, 2014 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 towww.FRLA.organd find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Key West Songwriters Festival
The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world. The event’s 1995 debut was small but memorable, featuring Mickey Newbury and Shel Silverstein. BMI stepped in as a partner and sponsor in 1996 and has helped it grow into both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals. The festival revolves around five days and nights of more than 30 free shows, staged at an array of the island’s most popular drinking holes and hot spots, where live music introduces crowds to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs. Diverse lineups featuring more than 100 top songwriters deliver rare, “Key West-only” moments. More info available at www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com.

About BMI
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 8.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 600,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music Inc.’s Facebook page.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott announced today that the State of Florida received a Presidential Declaration to provide federal assistance to counties impacted by the severe storms and flooding April 28 – May 6, 2014. The declaration for Individual Assistance provides federal assistance to individuals and families who were affected in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

“The declaration for federal assistance in these counties will help Floridians as they begin to recover and rebuild,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan W. Koon. “As more damage assessments are finalized we will work to expand the declaration request so that all Florida’s communities impacted by this storm are provided assistance.”

Residents in the declared counties can expect Disaster Recovery Centers to open in their community in the coming days. Disaster Recovery Centers are temporary facilities located in or near the impacted area where survivors can go to obtain disaster related information. Centers are staffed with specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a variety of disaster-recovery representatives from local and voluntary agencies.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance starting today by registering online athttp://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Individuals should register using DR-4177.

Governor Scott’s initial request is based on Preliminary Damage Assessments, and may be amended to include additional counties as assessments are finalized. State officials, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local county emergency management agencies, will continue to conduct damage assessments.

From April 28 through May 2, a severe weather system brought torrential rains to the Northern Florida Gulf Coast. Governor Scott signed Executive Order 14-144, declaring a State of Emergency for 26 Florida Counties on April 30. Two Florida rivers, the Santa Fe and Choctawhatchee, reached major flood stage, while three additional rivers reached moderate flood stage and 14 reached minor flood stage.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. For the latest information on the 2014 Hurricane Season and to Get A Plan!, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org, follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest FloridaSERT and Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.

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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org
(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to bring nationally renowned television personalities to its annual Marketing/Operations Summit scheduled for Tuesday, July 29 through Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. The event, designed to assist the hospitality industry in exploring new business trends, will be headlined by Chef Robert Irvine, Host of the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” and Anthony Melchiorri, Host of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.”

“This year’s celebrity presenters offer unique insight into the world of hospitality by sharing their hard earned hands-on experience,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “In an ever-evolving industry, it is imperative our members stay current on best practices and FRLA’s Marketing/Operations Summit is truly an experience that hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers can’t afford to miss!”

With more than 40 years of combined experience, Melchiorri and Irvine will showcase exceptional expertise in their fields. Melchiorri has an unmatched ability to break down problems and find solutions that generate profits. In addition to being the host and lead in Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible,” he also runs his own company, Argeo Hospitality, consulting on hotel projects for private owners and investors. Chef Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. As the host of “Restaurant: Impossible,” Irvine attempts to save America’s most desperate restaurants from impending failure in just two days with only $10,000.

The event will also feature world-class presenters from Coca-Cola, Firehouse Subs, Bloomin’ Brands, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Tijuana Flats and more. Media is invited to attend portions of the two day event and asked to contact Elizabeth Ray atERay@FRLA.org or 850.224.2250 x255 for information.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Marketing/Operations Summit

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
12:30 – 5:15 PM
Registration opens at 11:30 AM
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND PROGRAM FROM 1:00 – 3:00 PM*

Wednesday, July 30, 2014
8:00 AM  – 12:00 PM
Registration opens at 7:30 AM
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND PROGRAM FROM 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM*

WHERE:              
Hilton Tampa Downtown
211 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602
813-204-3000

COST:          
FRLA Members is $99.00
Non-FRLA Members is $109.00
Hotel accommodations not included

Seating is limited. For a full agenda, registration and additional information, please visit http://frla.org/events/marketing-operations-summit. To see photos from last year’s event please click here.

# # #

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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 7-9, 2014 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 towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

The 2014 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show is proud to announce that Emeril Lagasse, American award-winning celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author will be conducting a culinary demonstration at the Show on Monday, September 8 at 1:00 pm at The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL.  He will be joined by Chef Ryan Vargas, Chef de Cuisine at Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, located at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal® Orlando.  The chefs will come to together for an exclusive demonstration that will focus on the local and seasonal offerings from Florida.

“The theme of this year’s show is Florida Fresh and Lagasse’s Florida restaurants incorporate the bounty of fresh and local produce – with a completely unique approach to eating fresh,”said Ron Mathews, Vice President, Restaurant and Foodservice Events Portfolio.    “We thank our sponsors, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association for securing Emeril and Ryan for the Show.  The association is instrumental in bringing ‘Emeril’s Florida’ to the Cooking Channel which highlights the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril with a focus on food and cooking around the state.”

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop (pronounced chop-chop) is the second eatery by Emeril Lagasse at Universal Orlando. The name is a nod to New Orleans’ famous Tchoupitoulas Street, where Emeril’s flagship restaurant is located, and the word “chop” – a bold culinary term. From the stunning design to the innovative menu, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop is a unique and exotic journey through the Pacific Seas and a perfect complement for the lush surroundings of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.

Emeril’s Orlando is Chef Lagasse’s second Florida restaurant, located at the epicenter of Universal’s CityWalk. Emeril’s bustling eatery overlooks the park’s lagoon and all of the action of this thriving Orlando hot spot. The free standing two-story building is a high-energy, creative environment for fine food and wine, with soaring thirty-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, stone walls, and iron staircase that lends the feel of an industrial warehouse loft.

In addition to Emeril and Ryan, there will be a full line up of chefs presenting cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Theater on the show floor.  Additional highlights during the show include access to the Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum with 30+ complimentary sessions, Food Trends Experience, including a new Fresh From Florida Pavilion, ACF Culinary Competitions and Chefs Table Luncheons, the new Food Truck Academy, New Product Gallery, Foodservice Council for Women and more!

Thousands of restaurant and foodservice industry professionals from throughout the Southeast will gather at The 2014 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show.  The tradeshow and conference will be held Sunday, September 7 – Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  For more information on exhibiting or attending, visit the official Show website at www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com.  The Showis sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (frla.org).

The tradeshow and conference is managed and produced by Kennesaw, GA based Urban Expositions, who through a logical, hands-on approach, has become one of the fastest growing and most successful trade show companies in the United States.  Urban offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management.  Contact Urban Expositions at www.urban-expo.com.

# # #
For additional information, contact:

Amy Riemer, Media Relations
978-475-4441 (office)
978-502-4895 (cell)
amy@riemercommunications.com

Tallahassee, Fla. – Beginning July 1 the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Hotels and Restaurants will implement the risk-based inspection frequency program in accordance with a law passed during the 2013 Legislative Session. The new inspection frequency program will lower the regulatory burden for businesses that have a positive compliance history with DBPR as well as allow the department to focus its regulatory efforts in locations that may pose a higher risk to public safety.

“Florida’s restaurants and food trucks not only serve the citizens of the state, but also those who are visiting on vacation, so ensuring public safety is crucial to Florida’s growing economy,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “This new inspection frequency program allows the department to hone our regulatory efforts, which makes great business sense for our licensees and for Florida’s taxpayers.”

Under the new inspection frequency requirements, food service establishments will be categorized by risk levels rated one through four. Assigned risk levels directly coincide with how many inspections establishments are required to undergo each fiscal year. For example, those assigned to level one, will be required to undergo one inspection each fiscal year, whereas those assigned to level four will be required to undergo four inspections each fiscal year. Additionally, the requirement for the department to conduct an inspection each time a complaint is received will remain the same.

An establishment’s initial classification shall be assigned upon annual inspection or upon application for a license and verified at the licensing inspection. Additionally, at the beginning of each fiscal year, DBPR will reassess each establishment’s inspection frequency classification and reclassify an establishment, if necessary. DBPR has a very robust website as well as the DBPR Mobile app where consumers can go to view an establishment’s inspection results anytime as well as an establishment’s newly-assigned risk level.

The complete guidelines surrounding risk-based inspection frequency can be found in rule 61C-1.002 F.A.C. Consumers or licensees with questions regarding the new inspection frequency may also call DBPR at 850.487.1395 or visit the department’s website athttp://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/inspections/Frequency.html.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

# # #

More information about DBPR is available online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events and other important news.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is strengthening its efforts in South Florida with the addition of a new Palm Beach Chapter Director. FRLA is proud to announce Lois Croft will help lead the team in Palm Beach. As the Chapter Director, Croft will help support members, mobilize operations and bolster ongoing communications between FRLA headquarters and local offices. She will join FRLA’s four current regional directors, a regional manager and another chapter director who represent more than 20 chapters across the state.

“Already a knowledgeable member of our FRLA team, I am thrilled that Lois Croft is taking on this new position to enhance our membership in Palm Beach County,” said FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover. “For years she has worked to promote and educate those in the hospitality industry and this new role will showcase her skills in a new light.”

Prior to becoming a Chapter Director, Lois served as a Regional Sales Director for FRLA’s Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS). Before working for FRLA, Croft worked as an event planning consultant in Key West.  Additionally, she has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development.

# # #

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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 7-9, 2014 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 towww.FRLA.organd find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is honored to showcase world-class hospitality industry executives at its annual Marketing/Operations Summit scheduled for Tuesday, July 29 through Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. During the event that is designed to explore new business trends, an executive panel of leaders from fast-growing concepts will share their secrets of success and steer an interactive discussion that will provide valuable insight to attendees.

“This is an exclusive chance to learn from some of the best in the business right in our backyard,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The knowledge to be gained from these industry leaders is truly priceless and attendees at this two day event will benefit from both the wisdom shared and the invaluable networking opportunities. It is a must-see event for hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers.”

The executives featured during the “Secrets of Success” panel on Wednesday include: Brad Kaemmer, CEO of Tijuana Flats, Paul Hineman, CFO of First Watch, Steve Lieber, Director of Franchise Sales for Burger FI, Steve Erickson, President of PDQ, Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs and Eric Waltz, General Manager of the Sandpearl Resort. The Q&A discussion will range from choosing the right location or franchise partner to hiring the right people, plus the best way to grow your concept.

The event will also feature nationally renowned television personalities Chef Robert Irvine, Host of the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” and Anthony Melchiorri, Host of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.” Media is invited to attend portions of the two day event and asked to contact Elizabeth Ray at ERay@FRLA.org or 850.224.2250 x255 for information.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Marketing/Operations Summit

WHEN:                
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
12:30 – 5:15 PM
Registration opens at 11:30 AM
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND PROGRAM FROM 1:00 – 3:00 PM*

Wednesday, July 30, 2014
8:00 AM  – 12:00 PM
Registration opens at 7:30 AM
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND PROGRAM FROM 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM*

WHERE:              
Hilton Tampa Downtown
211 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602
813-204-3000

COST:          
FRLA Members is $110.00
Non-FRLA Members is $130.00
Hotel accommodations not included

Seating is limited. For a full agenda, registration and additional information, please visit  http://frla.org/events/marketing-operations-summit. To see photos from last year’s event please click here.

# # #

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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 7-9, 2014 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.organd find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.