[Tallahassee, Fla.] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced the launch of the first state-wide special interest chapter, the Florida Inns Chapter. This new group was formed as a result of a merge with the Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns (FBBI), an organization of 45 tight-knit innkeepers from around the state. Since 2015, FRLA and FBBI have partnered, with FBBI members enjoying a dual-membership in the two associations. As of Jan. 1, the FBBI has formally merged with FRLA.
“The creation of a new chapter is always an exciting time, but the launch of the Florida Inns Chapter marks a new era for us,” said Carol Dover, CEO / President of FRLA. “This first state-wide chapter represents the evolution of our industry and our association by pulling together proprietors from across the state who are focused on the same issues – in this case, the success and growth of independent lodging – to further protect, educate and promote their industry.”
Discussion about an official merge began in July of last year, and the formal vote to accept the proposal was held in September. FRLA staff has worked with FBBI leadership for months to work out how the newly-formed chapter will be administered and what event programming will look like in the coming year. To help ensure stability for the new chapter, the FBBI board agreed to serve as the board for the Florida Inns Chapter until 2021.
“The goal of the Florida Inns Chapter is to combine member resources, to have one mission, one voice and one story at the local, state and national levels,” said Anthony Sexton, President of the FRLA Inns Chapter and Innkeeper at St. Augustine’s Victorian House. “The creation of a new FRLA chapter specifically for bed and breakfast owners is an exciting new avenue for FBBI members, and we look forward to continuing to serve our members in the Florida Inns Chapter.”
The Florida Inns Chapter will be comprised only of FBBI members for the first year but will open to all independent lodging owners and operators next year.
For more information about the Florida Inns Chapter, please visit the chapter’s page or contact Nicole Chapman at 904-574-2259.