FRIDAY, JULY 17
Tell Congress to Pass the Blueprint for Revival

Later this month, Congress will consider their final coronavirus response bill for 2020. From the beginning of this pandemic, the IRA and National Restaurant Association have  led the charge  for a comprehensive solution for our industry. We have made steady progress, but Congress needs to do much more for the nation’s second-largest private-sector employer.

By the thousands, you responded to our survey identifying the priorities you need for this industry. By a 50/50 tie vote, you identified a $120 billion recovery fund and a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding as the top goal we should pursue in our advocacy agenda. We are strongly supporting the  RESTAURANTS Act - a $120 billion restaurant recovery fund - proposed by  Senators Wicker and Sinema  in the Senate. 

We heard you – and we are proud to release our new  Blueprint for Revival  for the industry.  It represents a strong, far-reaching plan for how Congress can advance restaurants in every city and town in this country.

Click here  to read the complete Blueprint.  Click here  to read a two page summary.

Restaurants have lost more revenue and jobs  than any other industry , but there are a lot of competing interests before Congress. Illinois' Congressional leaders need to hear your voice directly.

Tell Congress to support restaurants and employees. Tell Congress to pass the Blueprint for Restaurant Revival.

We have given Congress a roadmap for action – that calls for either enacting our Restaurant Recovery Fund or implement a targeted second-round of PPP for our industry – as well as other asks that will allow us to keep our doors open for the long haul, and serve the communities we call home. We need your support to bring this effort over the finish line.

Please take one minute to share your story and lend your voice to this campaign. Every voice counts.
Workers Plan Mass Walkout in "Strike for Black Lives"

The Strike for Black Lives walkout is to take place Monday, July 20. Workers across the country are expected to walk off the job for 8m 46s beginning at noon.

Click here to read more from the Chicago Tribune.
Webinar on Practical Solutions for Payments, Menus, and More
Join the IRA and panelists from SpotMenus by BrandMuscle, Modjoul, and Heartland on Thursday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar providing practical ways for operators to meet these challenges regarding offering menus to guests, providing contactless payment, screening employees, and more. Get tips, ideas, and new solutions to reopen safely and successfully.

This webinar is provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**

Click here to register.
Need Certification? IRA Classes Now Open

As our industry continues to face extraordinary challenges, it is more important than ever to train staff in critical food safety protocols. Protect your business and reassure your customers that you are prepared to meet ongoing challenges by having certified Sanitation Managers on staff. 

The IRA is your trusted source for training and certification. We are complying with all new safety and social distancing guidelines, and limiting classes to groups of 18 - with seating six feet apart. All attendees will be required to wear a face mask, and bring a #2 pencil for the certification exam.

Our instructors are recognized as leaders in foodservice instruction, and are certified by the Chicago Department of Public Health and the National Restaurant Association.

We offer  classes every week , year-round, with bilingual instruction available in English and Spanish.  IRA members  receive discounted pricing.

Sign up  today for a class through August 2020, or call (312) 787-4000 to schedule a private class at your location. 
Please  visit our website  for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 4:45 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS