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 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
[email protected]

(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
[email protected]

(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
[email protected]

(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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

(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 [email protected]

# # #

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

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(West Palm Beach, FL) – The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) will host James E. McManemon, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and the 2014 FRLA Chairman, during its Annual Holiday Meeting and Installation of Officers. McManemon oversees all operations at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, one of the world’s top resorts according to readers of Travel + Leisure magazine and a resort routinely named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List. McManemon will give a presentation on ‘Engagement’ at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport, Thursday, December 4, 2014. Additionally, the Palm Beach Chapter will install its Officers and Board of Directors for 2015.

McManemon is a 20-year veteran with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Prior to his position in Amelia Island, he served as general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. He is a former FRLA Sarasota Chapter President and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the University of South Florida. McManemon is a past member of the Sarasota Tourist Development Council, and the Sarasota County Tourism and Economic Development Council.

WHAT:
Annual Holiday Meeting and Installation of Officers

WHO:
Keynote Speaker: James E. McManemon, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and 2014 FRLA Chairman

WHEN:
Thursday, December 4, 2014
8:30-10:30 AM

WHERE:
Hilton Palm Beach Airport
150 Australian Avenue
W. Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 684-9400
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND*

COST:
$22 per person (Includes Breakfast and Presentation)

The registration deadline for the luncheon is Tuesday, December 2, 2014. To register for the event, click here. For additional information, please contact Lois Croft, FRLA Regional Director at 561-410-0035 or email at [email protected]. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or email at [email protected].

# # #

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

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to be a sponsor of a FREE concert featuring country music star Billy Dean and internationally renowned pianist Marvin Goldstein on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. Tickets for the concert can be downloaded and printed from WCTV.TV or picked up at any of the four Tallahassee State Bank locations. While the concert is free, donations are encouraged. The concert will benefit Honor Flight Tallahassee, whose mission is to transport North Florida and South Georgia veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices.

“The FRLA is delighted to sponsor this extraordinary concert and is excited to welcome nationally acclaimed local artists to pay tribute to our area’s many veterans,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are eager for the community to take advantage of this opportunity and urge all those attending to make a contribution to Honor Flight Tallahassee.”

The following concert schedule features performances by Billy Dean, Marvin Goldstein, and the GOODWILL BAND under the direction of retired FAMU Marching Band Director Dr. Julian Earl White. The event will also include a special commemoration from, and for, special veteran guests. The public is invited to attend these free performances. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food-trucks.

Friday, December 5, 2014
6:45 p.m. – Performance by GOODWILL BAND under the direction of Dr. Julian White
7:30 p.m. – Performances by pianist Marvin Goldstein and country music star Billy Dean
8:30 p.m. – Commemoration from, and for, special veteran guests
9:30 p.m. – Concert concludes, followed by an opportunity to meet the artists and the composer

Location
Cascades Park
1001 South Gadsden Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301

The concert is also sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA, Prime South Properties, Tallahassee State Bank, the Tallahassee Democrat, GOODWILL, WCTV, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. GMC, and Smith and Thompson Law Firm

Please go to www.FRLA.org for the official schedule. For Cascades Park parking information, 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, 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
[email protected]

(West Palm Beach, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) Palm Beach Chapter today announced the installation of new officers.  The installation took place on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel.  The 2015 officers are:

2015 President
Roger Amidon, Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa

VP of Lodging
Jeff Castner, Jupiter Beach Resort

VP of Restaurants
Sandy Weiss, Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza

Treasurer
Jordan Beckner, Fiberbuilt Umbrellas & Cushions

“As the President of one of the largest FRLA chapters, it is my goal to build on the continued success of the statewide organization and ensure the goals and objectives of the association are fulfilled through the strength of our local efforts,” said Roger Amidon, General Manager of the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa.

In addition to the officers, the Palm Beach Chapter also swore in the following Board of Directors:

Jamie Bond, Cheesecake Factory

Michael King, Eau Palm Beach Resort

Sam Bonasso, Hudson’s Waterway East

Craig Martin, St. Andrews Country Club

Thierry Beaud, Titou Hospitality

David McClymont, Palm Beach Symphony

David Burke, The Breakers Resort

Manny O’Neill, Hilton Palm Beach Airport

Colin Clark, Four Seasons

Jorge Pesquera, Discover The Palm Beaches

Tony Davenport, Restaurant Programs of America

Richard Roberto, Ecolab

Jason Emmett, Duffy’s

Steven Sponder, Orleans Restaurant

Frank Eucalitto, Café Chardonnay

Sylvia Tricarico, Palm Beach County Schools

James Gelfand, PGA National Resort

Nick Velardo, The Breakers Resort

Declan Hoctor, The Bistro

Kelly Vohs, Boca Raton Resort & Club

Bill Horn, PGA National Resort

Glenn Jergensen, PB Tourist Development Council

Christie Netzel , Homewood Suites Palm Beach Gardens

For more information on the FRLA’s Palm Beach Chapter, please contact Palm Beach Chapter Director, Lois Croft at [email protected]. You may also visit http://frla.org/chapters/palm-beach.

###

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
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) Tallahassee Chapter today announced the installation of new officers.  The installation took place on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Versi at 101.  The 2015 officers are:

2015 President
Sam McKay, Staybridge Suites

VP of Restaurants
Mike Schmidt, The Egg Café & Eatery

VP of Lodging
Michelle Wilson, Hampton Inn & Suites

Treasurer
Emily Johnson-Truitt, Springhill Suites

Secretary
Russell Daws, Tallahassee Museum

“It is an honor to represent a growing chapter of the FRLA and I am dedicated to building on its strength to ensure we vigorously represent the statewide goals and objectives of Florida’s premiere hospitality association here in the Capital City,” said Sam McKay, who serves as General Manager/VP of Operations of the Staybridge Suites in Tallahassee.

In addition to the officers, the Tallahassee Chapter also swore in the following Board of Directors:

Adam Corey, 101 Restaurant

Jon Sweede, 101 Restaurant

Clint Brewer, Republic National Distributing

Bo Schmitz, Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown

Ernie Moses, Candlewood Suites

Jonathan Brashier, Aloft Tallahassee Downtown

Wade Shapiro, Legacy Insurance Solutions

Amanda Morrison, Madison Social

Steve Adams, ClubCorp of America

For more information on the FRLA’s Tallahassee Chapter, please contact Tallahassee Chapter Director, Ray Green at [email protected]. You may also visit http://frla.org/chapters/tallahassee.

###

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
[email protected]

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) Broward Chapter today announced the installation of new officers.  The installation took place on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  The 2015 officers are:

2015 President
Eduardo Fernandez, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale

2017 President – Elect
Andy Fox, Grille 401/Brimstone Properties

VP of Lodging
Ed Walls, Diplomat Resort & Spa

VP of Restaurants
Danielle Williams, Oceans 234

Treasurer
Donald Calder, InVision Strategies

Secretary
Geneve Dubois, Holland & Knight

Immediate Past Pres.
Kevin Speidel, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

“I am proud to represent one of the most dynamic FRLA chapters across the state and I will work diligently to continue to build upon our successes in Broward to ensure we meet the statewide goals and objectives of Florida’s premiere hospitality association,” said Eduardo Fernandez, who serves as General Manager of the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to the officers, the Broward Chapter also swore in the following Board of Directors:

Jordan Beckner, Fiberbuilt Umbrellas

Michelle MacKeith, Pinnacle Hospitality Systems

Pia Dahlquist, Mai-Kai

Carlos Rives, 15th Street Fisheries

Ramola Matwani, Merrimac Ventures

Eduardo Fernandez, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale

Heiko Dobrikow, Riverside Hotel

John Allan, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Greg Cook, Ritz-Carlton

Louis Ruccolo, Broward County Schools

Steve Day, Blue Martini

Matthew Bryant, Frank H Furman Insurance

Richard Rubits, American Social

Jeff Hallick, Bimini Boatyard

Mike Grimme, AMC Liquidators

Aaron Abramoff, Tarpon Bend

Kathy Koch, Ambit Advertising

Maribel Vargas, Bokampers

Ina Lee, TravelHost of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Charles Reece, Bonaventure Resort & Spa

Dan Lindblade, GFL Chamber of Commerce

Arianna Glassman, Tsukuro 

Bernie Moyle, Vantage Hospitality Group

Marylouise Fitzgibbon, W Hotel

Amaury Piedra,  Sheraton & Westin Beach Resorts

Mark Tascione, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

For more information on the FRLA’s Broward Chapter, please contact Broward Chapter Director, Anne Sallee at [email protected]. You may also visit http://frla.org/chapters/broward.

###

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.