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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to host Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC at its next Tallahassee Chapter meeting. Fox leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and is scheduled to give a presentation titled, “Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand” on Tuesday, July 22^nd at the Aloft Tallahassee Downtown. Drawing on 40 years of experience, Fox will offer insight on developing and leading a high performance brand.

“This presentation is truly inspiring and is an invaluable opportunity for our friends in the hospitality industry to gain first-hand knowledge from an incredibly successful veteran in the business,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Don Fox helped lead the growth of the Firehouse Subs brand – one of the top franchises in the country – and is an engaging speaker that will motivate area businesses to take their brand to the next level.”

Under Fox’s leadership, the Firehouse Subs brand has grown to more than 750 restaurants in 41 states and Puerto Rico. Fox sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author. He was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as 2011’s Operator of the Year. In 2013, he received the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA), and was recognized by FastCasual.com as the No.1 Executive in the fast casual restaurant community.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Tallahassee Chapter Meeting
“Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand”
Presented by Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Firehouse of America, LLC

WHEN:     
Tuesday, July 22 2014
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown
200 N Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

To register for the event, please email at Susana@frla.org or click here to see the event flyer.

# # #

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.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
ERay@FRLA.org

(Tampa, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced its endorsement of Florida Governor Rick Scott and Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera for re-election in November 2014. The endorsement was unveiled during the FRLA’s Marketing and Operations Summit held at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.  Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) and FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover spoke at the morning meeting, with Governor Scott addressing FRLA members and conference attendees via conference call.

“There is no question this Governor understands the importance of tourism and the vital role the hospitality industry plays in job creation and economic development,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO Carol Dover. “On behalf of our more than 10,000 members representing hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers, we are thrilled to give our strongest of endorsements to Governor Rick Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera this election cycle.”

“Governor Scott led the charge in securing $75 million for VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing, and $700,000 for our Hospitality Education Program (HEP) which helps train the next generation of industry professionals,” said James E. McManemon, 2014 Chairman of the FRLA.  “His goal in attracting 100 million visitors to our state is one that FRLA not only supports, but is working together in providing both residents and tourists the best possible experience in our hotels, our restaurants and all that Florida has to offer,” continued McManemon, General Manger of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

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, is the state’s number one industry.

# # #

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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* 24.0 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2014 (April-June), an increase of 3.0 percent over the same period in 2013.  This represents the largest second quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 23.3 million in Q2 2013.  Visitor spending is up 7.4 percent in January through May 2014, at $35.7 billion, which is more than the same time period in 2013.

Governor Scott said, “A thriving tourism industry is vital to growing jobs, and today’s report that Florida has experienced another record quarter for visitation is great news for Florida families. This year we invested $74 million into VISIT FLORIDA, and set a goal to have 100 million visitors visit the Sunshine State, which we are well on our way to reaching. Together we are creating an opportunity economy, and continuing to grow more jobs for Floridians with more than 1.1 million individuals employed in the growing tourism industry.”

The average number of direct travel-related jobs in Q2 2014 was also a record high, with 1,151,400 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – an increase of 3.9 percent or 43,600 jobs from the same period in 2013.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 2.8 million overseas visitors and 1.0 million Canadians came to Florida in Q2 2014, both of which are record highs and represent 6.2 percent and 1.6 percent increases over Q2 2013 respectively.  Estimates reflect a 2.6 percent increase in domestic visitors to Florida in Q2 2014 and show that Floridians took just over 3.7 million in-state pleasure trips during the second quarter.

“Experiencing the largest second quarter for tourism in our state’s history, including a record number of tourism-related jobs, proves that this industry continues to be a vital force in Florida,” said Andrew Hertz, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors.  “These records also emphasize the power of tourism as a way to sustain Florida’s economic growth.”

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida grew year-over-year for January-May 2014 (last reported month), representing a 7.4 percent increase over the same period in 2013.  Bed Tax also increased year-over-year for January-April 2014 (last reported month), representing a 10.1 percent jump over the same period last year.  Other indicators were up for Q2 2014 as well, with the average daily room rate (ADR) rising 7.0 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increasing 4.8 percent and the demand in rooms sold growing 5.5 percent compared to quarter two 2013.

“Florida tourism is maintaining strong momentum with all indicators up across the board for the quarter,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “With occupancy, rooms sold, average daily room rate and tourism and recreation taxable sales all continuing to climb, we are well on our way to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

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.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) in conjunction with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is thrilled to present a FREE concert series on Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28, 2014, at HarborWalk Village in Destin, Florida.  The fifth annual event will showcase a dozen BMI songwriters who will sing country’s biggest hits and share the stories behind the songs. The FRLA is the prime sponsor of these concert performances through its Endless Summer Music Seriesprogram designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year.

“This event reveals exactly what it takes to write some of the biggest hits on the radio and allows these top songwriters to bare their hearts by sharing their inspirational stories,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.  “We are eager to have festival goers take advantage of this rare opportunity to see so many talented people in such a beautiful location that is home to many of Florida’s best hotels and restaurants.”

The following concert schedule  features acoustic performances by Nashville Songwriters including Bobby Tomberlin,  Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty, Alissa Moreno, Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, Colin Lake, Shane Minor, Tim James,Kendell Marvel, Aaron Barker, and Trent Summar whose songwriter resumes boast songs for chart-topping artists such as Jimmy Buffett, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Faith Hill and many more. The public is invited to attend these free performances. Food and drinks will be made available for purchase.
*All times are CDST
Friday, Sept. 26^th
5:15– 6:15 PM – Bobby Tomberlin,  Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Alissa Moreno, Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin
7:45 – 8:45 PM – Colin Lake, Shane Minor, Tim James
9:00 – 10:00 PM – Kendell Marvel, Aaron Barker, Trent Summar

Saturday, Sept. 27^th

5:15 – 6:15 PM – Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, Bobby Tomberlin, Alissa Moreno
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Aaron Barker, Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty, Trent Summar
7:45 – 8:45 PM – Shane Minor, Colin Lake, Kendell Marvel, Tim James
9:00 – 10:00 PM – Songwriters JAM

Sunday, Sept. 28^th
4:15 – 5:15 PM – Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, Bridgette Tatum Bobby Tomberlin
5:30 – 6:30 PM – Shane Minor, Alissa Moreno, Tim James
6:45 – 7:45 PM – Trent Summar, Bill LaBounty, Bobby Tomberlin
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Aaron Barker, Colin Lake, Kendell Marvel

In addition to the Endless Summer Music Series, visitors and residents alike will also have the opportunity to experience the Destin Beer Fest which takes place on September 27th at nearby Chan’s Wine World in Destin.

# # #

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, 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 towww.FRLA.org and 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 thrilled to be a featured sponsor of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest that continues this week in Ft. Myers Beach from October 2 to October 5, 2014. In its inaugural year, the festival is designed to showcase hit songwriters in intimate island settings. The FRLA is a sponsor of the concert performances through its Endless Summer Music Series program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year.

“This is a chance for visitors to experience Florida’s picturesque islands while listening to some of the best songwriters in the music business,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “It is truly a unique opportunity and gives our restaurateurs and hoteliers another occasion to highlight why Florida’s hospitality industry is the best in the nation.”

The event kicked off last weekend in Captiva Island with dozens of songwriter performances. This weekend, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush is slated to headline the event on Friday at 9 PM and country duo Thompson Square will conclude the event Sunday at 4 PM. All shows that take place this weekend are FREE except Sunday Brunches at ‘Tween Waters Inn and Pink Shell.

Please visit the following links for the full event schedule, artist bios, lodging and venue information.

# # #

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, 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.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor two festivals featuring celebrated musicians in Northwest Florida: Blast on the Bay in Florida’s Forgotten Coast, and the Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival. Both events are scheduled on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 withBlast on the Bay continuing through Sunday, October 19, 2014.

Celebrating its 6th anniversary in 2014, 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 Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival will mark its second year at the new Aaron Bessant Park and outdoor amphitheater—the area’s premier outdoor concert venue. The event will feature an all-star lineup including: The Band Perry, Blues Traveler, and iconic rock-n-roll legends The Outlaws and Foghat. These headlining acts will be accompanied by more than a half dozen regional and local recording artists, making this year’s event one of the biggest, and best, yet. You can find the full schedule of events and purchase tickets online here.

“These are must-see events that give the Northwest Florida hospitality community an opportunity to shine as a stellar destination,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Whether you’re looking for an intimate storytelling experience or a rocking good show there will be something for everyone to enjoy featuring a picturesque background along Florida’s Gulf Coast.”

The FRLA is a prime sponsor of these local concert performances through its Endless Summer Music Series program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these can’t miss events.

# # #

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA 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, 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 towww.FRLA.org and 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 Pinellas and Hillsborough Chapters of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) are proud to host Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam H. Putnam, at a luncheon in St. Petersburg to highlight his Florida Grown initiative and its impact on tourism. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater.

“Naturally, Florida’s tourism and agricultural industries blend together to represent the top job creators and revenue generators in the state. Commissioner Putnam is one of Florida’s greatest champions and we are thrilled that he will share invaluable insight with attendees,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Commissioner Putnam is a fifth generation Floridian and a proud alumnus of the University of Florida. Shortly after graduating from UF, Putnam was elected to the Florida House of Representatives at the age of 22. Four years later, Adam was elected to serve Florida’s 12^th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. After 10 years of service in Washington, DC, Putnam returned to Florida and began serving in his current role as Commissioner of Agriculture in January of 2011.

WHAT:
FRLA’s Pinellas and Hillsborough Chapter Luncheon
Speaker: Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam

WHEN:
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM / Networking and Registration
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM / Luncheon
WHERE:
St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
*Media invited to attend.

COST:
$22 per person, member and non-member rate
RSVP by Monday, October 27, 2014

Please click here to view the event invitation and registration information.

# # #
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, 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.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is proud to congratulate Governor Rick Scott on his victory in the 2014 General Election.

“Florida families made the right decision to re-elect Governor Rick Scott. He is a true champion for our state’s tourism and hospitality industry which plays a vital role in job creation and economic development,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “On behalf of our more than 10,000 members representing hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers, we are thrilled to congratulate Governor Scott on a well-deserved win and will continue to work under his leadership to ensure we provide our millions of visitors with a world-class experience.”

# # #

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, 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.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced its participation in this year’s Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 29, 2014. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses.

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

Now in its fifth year, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. In 2013, nearly 1,500 Neighborhood Champions rallied local businesses and created events and activities to drive shopping at small businesses around the country. The day was also championed by elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C., including President Obama who took his daughters shopping at a local bookstore.

FRLA recognizes the importance of supporting small business in Florida, the jobs they help create and the culture they instill in local communities. According to the U.S. Small Businesses Administration, as of 2012, small businesses nationwide accounted for 64% of net new private-sector jobs created and represented 99.7% of all employer firms.¹

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

Contacts:
Sal Della Monica
M Booth
212.539.3272
sald@mbooth.com

About Small Business Saturday
Nov 29 marks the fifth annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers. To date, more than 3.3 million Facebook users “liked” the Small Business Saturday page2. Just last year, 370+ advocacy organizations, 160+ corporations, and elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C. declared their support for Small Business Saturday.

¹ Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy Frequently Asked Questions, September 2012

² According to Facebook Insights, the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/SmallBusinessSaturday received 3,316,569 “Likes” as of 5/20/2014

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $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, 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.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS), a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), is pleased to welcome Stephanie Despreaux as its new Southeast Florida Regional Sales Manager. As an RCS Regional Sales Manager, Despreaux will be responsible for sales related to alcohol compliance, food safety training, and food protection manager certification primarily in Broward and Palm Beach counties. She joins RCS’ 14 current regional directors serving from Pensacola to Key West.

“As we continue to build on the wonderful successes of RCS, Stephanie will truly be an asset to the team. She’s passionate, experienced, and her unique talents are sure to provide knowledgeable solutions for RCS clients across the state,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO Carol Dover.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished and promising individual to the RCS team,” said FRLA Vice President of Education and Training, Geoff Luebkemann.

Stephanie joins the RCS team with more than ten years of experience in sales and sales management.  She’s managed key relationships, large scale projects, presented to senior managers, and engaged decision makers. She has held senior level leadership positions for nationwide business operations, generating seven-figure sales increases and successfully managing sales teams of up to 25 people. She is trilingual, with fluency in French, Spanish, and English. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Stephanie serves as the President of The Ladies Annual Fish-Off in Ft. Lauderdale.  This charity fishing tournament benefits The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida and The Billfish Foundation, and since Stephanie’s arrival in 2009 has doubled net charitable proceeds.

Utilizing the SafeStaff® educational training materials and harnessing the resources of FRLA industry experts and former regulators, RCS  is Florida’s leader in providing risk management and regulatory compliance training programs to the state’s hospitality industry. RCS offers world-class programs including: responsible vendor training, food safety training and sexual harassment/workplace discrimination prevention training.  For more information about RCS please click here or e-mail rcs@frla.org

# # #

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.

Editors note: Photo available upon request.