| (Sarasota, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to share industry insights with small business owners at its first-ever Independent Operators Workshop. The event, which is designed as an educational and entertaining session about best-practices, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch.The FREE half-day workshop features keynote speakers, Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood, who will provide solutions for business growth, tricks of the trade and new management skills. Hospitality industry leaders from the Ford’s Garage USA, Ocean’s 234, Gecko’s Hospitality, and Madison Social will also offer practical, real-life techniques to accelerate business.
“At the heart of our hospitality industry, are our independent owners and operators. They work hard to craft unique Florida experiences and ensure that guests are treated as part of the family. This event is our opportunity to share information and provide them with industry insights from experts in the field. It’s truly a must-attend event for any small business that is strategically planning their future,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood are well-respected and nationally-renowned leaders in hospitality. Knight cut his teeth in the training field, starting out as a restaurant staff-level employee for Olive Garden and Hard Rock Cafe. He is the author of “Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture” and is a Managing Partner/Owner in PeopleForward, an internal business solutions consortium providing organizational expertise to the restaurant and hotel industry. Wood is the founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, LLC, an innovative growth strategy firm specializing in shifting leaders and businesses to new levels of success. Her “Bold Leadership that Matters” platform has been adopted by CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, non-profits, start-ups and turn-arounds. Media is invited to attend. Event details are as follows: WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: THE LINE-UP: COST: For registration and additional information, please visit: http://frla.org/event/independent-operators-workshop/. Media is asked to contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] or 850.224.2250 x255 for confirmation. This event is sponsored by: The Zenith, Heartland, United Healthcare, Sysco, Coca-Cola, Florida Power & Light, First Watch, PeopleForward, VISIT FLORIDA, Gratuity Solutions, Sarasota Originals, Seabreeze Coffee & Tea, LoSalt, Atlas Insurance and Franchise Edge. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
