This past weekend at Chicago Gourmet we gathered, tasted, sipped, danced, laughed, discovered and enjoyed. Thank you to those who joined us at Chicago Gourmet. We are looking forward to seeing you in September 2023.

Don't forget, the Chicago Gourmet charitable online auction closes tomorrow at 11:45 p.m. There's still time to place bids! Don’t miss your chance to win restaurant experiences, sports memorabilia, incredible wine and spirits packages, exclusive tastings with the world’s finest beverage experts, and much more!

There are great prizes for a great cause with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

NRA ON YOUR BEHALF

On the federal level, the IRA and the NRA have been working on a number of topics, including:

• Writing a letter to the Small Business Administration about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) payments that are coming due asking for relief of accrued interest, lower interest rates and a good borrower program. More information can be found here.
• First introduced by Sen. Durbin in the Senate, Credit Card Competition Act has now been introduced in the House. This bipartisan, common-sense proposal will enable restauranteurs to choose which payments networks process their credit card transactions. The legislation will finally inject needed competition into the payment ecosystem that could save businesses and consumers billions of dollars a year.

Crain's Chicago: Why restaurants want street patios forever: 'It's like having a second restaurant'

NRN: National Restaurant Association asks for relief for Economic Injury Disaster Loan recipients

Eater Chicago: Chicago Gourmet Gives the City a Glimpse of Before Times

QSR: How Restaurants Can Minimize Impact of Credit Card Processing Fees

Foodservice Director: Food leaders call for more free meals at school during White House Conference on Nutrition, Hunger and Health 

NRA Podcast: Creating a Culture that Attracts and Retains Talent 

Upcoming Dates to Note

Oct. 3: Rep. Kelly Cassidy Fundraiser

Oct. 11: NRA Webinar on Diversity & Inclusion Hiring

Oct 13: Cook County Small Business Source Grant Webinar

Oct. 18: IRA Roundtable in South Shore, for more info contact Christine DeSousa

Oct. 19: IRA Board of Directors Meeting, for more information contact Derrika Soto 

Oct. 25: IRA Roundtable in Wilmette, for more info contact Christine DeSousa

Oct 27: Webinar on ERC 

Oct 28: Deadline to participate in Chicago Restaurant Week 2023 

EMPLOYERS: America’s best workers comp provider for hospitality

While you’re busy taking care of your business, let us take care of you. The Illinois Restaurant Association has partnered with America’s most trusted workers’ compensation provider to help protect you and your employees.

EMPLOYERS knows their stuff when it comes to the restaurant industry—it’s the one they protect most. 

IRA and EMPLOYERS have teamed up to offer you great perks in addition to great coverage. All members save 5% on already low rates, in addition to other benefits like:

• Financial flexibility: Make small payments each payroll period, or one-and-done.
• Risk-minimizing resources: Tap our free tools and services that help you keep employees safe and well and prevent worker’s comp losses.
• Complete accident assistance: From a free Injured Employee Hotline to our Return-to-Work Program, we’ll support you when injuries happen.
• Fraud prevention: Suspicious you’re being scammed? We’ll do the investigating while you stay focused on your business.

And the list goes on. Discover all the benefits of this exclusive partnership and get connected with an EMPLOYERS agent today.