John Horne, Owner and President of Anna Maria Oyster Bars and an FRLA member, testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy in Washington, DC on Wednesday, March 23. He explained how the Tax Cut and Jobs Act signed into law late last year allowed him to purchase new equipment and give bonuses to his workers. “Everyone’s feeling the effects of a stimulated economy,” Horne said. Read more. Watch the full testimony here.

“John’s political and philanthropic activism is something we hope to inspire in all of our members. FRLA is proud to have him represent Florida’s hospitality industry before the U.S. House, and appreciates his active leadership within our association,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President & CEO.

Travel Channel TV Personality Anthony Melchiorri Joins: FRLA Marketing + Operations Summit: The FRLA, in partnership with Results Thru Strategy, is excited to welcome Anthony Melchiorri, Travel Channel TV Personality & Hospitality Expert as a 2018 Marketing + Operations Summit Keynote Speaker August 2-3, 2018 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Early bird registration has been extended through May 18, 2018. View the working agenda. Learn more and register here.

FRLA Members Win Prestigious NRAEF Restaurant Neighbor Award for Community Service: It is with utmost pride that FRLA congratulates two members, Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Burger King, on winning the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Restaurant Neighbor Award for their commitment to community service and the incredible impacts they have made. Developed in partnership with American Express, the award includes a $10,000 contribution to the charitable organization or program of their choice.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar was honored for their efforts to help children avoid summer learning loss, known as the summer slide, through the Dive Into Reading summer program. Since 2000, the

Burger King McLamore Foundation has provided scholarships, supported literacy projects and built schools and libraries, helping more than 700,000 children and families. It is an honor to have both of these incredible organizations as members representing Florida to the national hospitality industry.

Registration Now Open for the 2018 FRLA Marketing + Operations Summit: The 2018 FRLA Marketing + Operations Summit returns to the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa August 7-8. This year’s premier event features a partnership with Results Thru Strategy, bringing even more innovative and inspired sessions. Join Florida’s most influential hospitality professionals and top-level executives in pursuit of best practices, business trends and unparalleled networking opportunities. Early bird registration is now open through May 1.

Palm Beach County Hotel and Lodging Association Joins FRLA: FRLA proudly announces its amalgamation with the Palm Beach County Hotel and Lodging Association, rebranding the unit as the FRLA Palm Beach Chapter. The combined organization represents Palm Beach and Hendry counties. “As the tourism industry continues to flourish, this partnership will strengthen the hospitality industry’s voice locally and at the state level,” FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover said. “This merger is an exciting time to get involved and connect with powerful industry leaders.”

FRLA Welcomes Women Hospitality Leaders: FRLA proudly hosted the phenomenal women leaders of the Georgia Restaurant Association, Arkansas Hospitality Association, Connecticut Restaurant Association, Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance and Kentucky Restaurant Association at our headquarters last week. President & CEO Carol Dover welcomed Karen Bremer, Montine McNulty, Sarah Maloney, Mindy Hanan and Stacy Roof to discuss the future of their associations and state hospitality industries.

Investing Tourist Tax in Tourism Keeps Our Economy Strong: Scott Maxwell’s Wednesday column, “We may finally use hotel tax for local needs,” and other columns over the years, insist on altering current Florida law regarding the permitted use of the tourist development tax on hotel rooms. Unfortunately, this shortsighted view takes the tourism industry and its substantial benefits to our state and local economy for granted. Read more from FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover in the Orlando Sentinel.

How Will You Give Back his Holiday Season?: This holiday season, several FRLA members are giving back to their local communities through charitable initiatives. Whether it’s feeding people in need, supporting our neighbors, volunteering, mentoring or fundraising there are many opportunities for restaurants and hotels to make a positive impact. We encourage Florida’s hospitality industry to get involved. How will your business embrace the spirit of hospitality this season? Reach out to [email protected] to share your #FRLAGivesBack stories.

FRLA Members Volunteer to Help Puerto Rico: Following FRLA’s Fall Board Meeting, FRLA members volunteered at Feeding Children Everywhere’s “Orlando Cares: Hope for Puerto Rico” event, packaging meals to send to those affected by Hurricane Maria. With just 30 people and 1 hour, we packaged 2,000 meals for FEMA to deliver. Thank you to President & CEO Carol Dover for setting up this amazing opportunity to give back. View photos.

Hurricane Irma Recovery Update Declares Florida Keys are “Open for Business”: Governor Rick Scott gave an update on the Hurricane Irma recovery effort in the Florida Keys this week at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO Ken Lawson and local leaders joined him in welcoming tourists back to the Keys. Watch the video.