GRA Weekly

February 15, 2024

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, Moore Colson

GRA IN THE NEWS

Q&A With the GRA’s New President & CEO Stephanie Fischer

Restaurant Informer sat down with the Georgia Restaurant Association’s new President & CEO Stephanie Fischer to learn more about her and what she thinks about Georgia’s restaurants, its most pressing issues and what’s ahead for the industry.

Stephanie Fischer has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality industry and has done a little bit of everything along the way, from training franchisees to opening new locations. Continue reading.

Executive Profile: New GRA CEO Stephanie Fischer Ready to Give Back to Restaurants

Stephanie Fischer has been working in restaurants since she was a kid. Now, she's the voice for Georgia's restaurant industry. Fischer became president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association last month, taking over for longtime CEO Karen Bremer, who announced her retirement last year. Fischer leads the top lobbying organization for restaurants throughout Georgia. Continue reading.

GRA EXECUTIVE NAMED 40 UNDER 40

GRA Executive Named Ole Miss Alumni 40 Under 40

Congratulations to GRA's Scott Bierman, VP of Government Affairs on being named in the Ole Miss Alumni Association's 2024 40 Under 40 class! We're proud to have you on the team and representing the restaurant industry under Georgia's gold dome. Read full announcement.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GRA FOUNDATION UPDATE

NRAEF Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) awards more than $1.2 million in scholarships to individuals pursuing a post-secondary degree in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry. The NRAEF also provides grants for educators and for individuals seeking industry certifications to advance their careers.

The process is simple - applicants complete one application, and after submission, the NRAEF system will match applicants to funds they are eligible for scholarship consideration. The application deadline is March 15, 2024 - Apply today.

High School Students Sharpening Their Knives For Georgia ProStart Invitational On February 29

With fast-paced competitions that can be described as a combination of “Shark Tank” and “Chopped,” the Georgia ProStart Invitational attracts hundreds of high school students who are ready to flex their culinary skills for a chance to win scholarship money and to compete on the national level.

The top three teams in each division will receive generous scholarships to pursue further education. More than $1 million has been pledged by post-secondary institutions to support scholarships for this year’s winners, and every participant is eligible for a $500 scholarship to Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas, or Boulder, Colorado. First-place teams will represent Georgia at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore over April 26-28 and compete for additional scholarship opportunities. Read the full story.

2024 Georgia ProStart Invitational

The countdown begins - mark your calendars for the 2024 Georgia ProStart Invitational on February 29 at Gas South Convention Center, where Culinary and Management teams from high schools around the state compete for a title and chance to enter the National ProStart State Invitational on April 26-28, 2024 in Baltimore, MD.

To attend, sponsor, or volunteer, contact Katie Ashley. To stay up to date with the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation (GRAF) and ProStart, follow us on Instagram.

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

Legislation Requiring Businesses to Accept Cash

House Bill 940 introduced by Rep. Todd Jones (R-25) would require Georgia retail stores and restaurants to accept cash for purchases. This bill was heard in the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs committee and awaits further action by the committee. We will provide updates as this legislation moves forward.

Bill to Establish High-Demand Career List

A bill introduced by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville) looks to streamline a list of high-demand careers used by various state agencies. House Bill 982 would require the State Development Workforce Board to annually publish a high-demand career list identifying those careers most critical to the state's current and future workforce needs. The GRA supports this measure to consolidate the various lists put out by state departments to assist in the implementation of workforce development and education programs.

Save on Electric Rates

The Georgia Restaurant Association fought hard for restaurants to have access to a rate that was previously only available to large, multi-unit chains. If you are a restaurant that uses Georgia Power, identifies as 722 in NAICS, and meet the actual peak demand requirement of not less than 30 kW, then you should reach out and ask about switching to the TOU-FD. We have heard testimonies from independent restaurants from across the state reporting an average savings of 10%-15% on their power bill.

You may contact Georgia Power’s Business Solutions Center directly at 1-888-655-5888. If you have any questions, you can contact us and we are happy to assist to the best of our ability or connect you with a trusted partner.

MAXIMIZE YOUR PROFITABILITY WITH MOORE COLSON

FEDERAL UPDATE

Breaking Down the Bipartisan Tax Deal

Earlier this month, the House passed bipartisan legislation that would restore expired tax deductions. This change would help many restaurant operators lower their tax burden when investing in building upgrades and renovations. Now, the bill awaits Senate action.

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is working to build Senate support for the tax bill. Restaurant operators and leaders can support passage of the tax bill by adding their voice here.

Join the Association’s public affairs team Wednesday, February 21 at 2:00PM for a webinar breaking down this groundbreaking bipartisan tax deal and what it means for 2025 tax reform. Register today!

OSHA | 300A Summary submission opened February 1

Employers who are required to submit OSHA’s annual workplace-related injury and illness Form 300A Summary for 2023 may do so beginning February 1, 2024. The summary is part of mandatory record-keeping requirements and must be posted in a prominent place between February 1 - April 30.

IRS | ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program Launched

Businesses who received Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim funding in error may now repay these funds through the IRS’s new Voluntary Disclosure Program. Deadline to apply is March 22, 2024. Employers who also wish to explore withdrawing a previously submitted ERC claim due to questions of accuracy/possible fraud now have the ability to do. Employers should carefully review the withdrawal process instructions as well as the Employee Retention Credit Eligibility Checklist to determine eligibility.

2024 TASTE OF GEORGIA

15th Annual Taste Of Georgia Legislative Reception

We are excited to announce the 15th Annual Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception on Wednesday, February 21, 2024! This annual event is an opportunity for GRA members to showcase their food to elected officials and for our legislators to network with our state’s second largest employer. The honorees of the 2024 Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program will also be recognized.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM

Georgia Freight Depot | 65 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Atlanta

Attendance is complimentary for lobbyists, dignitaries, legislators, and staff, however registration is required. Discounted registration is available for GRA Restaurant Members.

2024 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT

2024 State of the Industry Report

According to the 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, industry sales are projected to top $1.1T.

Key takeaways:

Restaurants are hiring: The industry workforce is projected to grow by 200K jobs, for total industry employment of 15.7M by the end of 2024.
Competitive pressures run high: In 2024, 45% of operators expect competition to be more intense than last year.
Local economic outlook is good: 55% of adults describe their local economy—including the availability of jobs—as good to excellent. Consumers continue to prioritize restaurants in their discretionary spending.

Learn more: The 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report is free to members; $349 for non-members. Get your copy no w.

LEADERS WANTED

Coca-Cola Leader Lab

The Coca-Cola Company recently launched Coca-Cola Leader Lab, a leadership program that addresses a significant issue facing the future of foodservice: attracting, developing and retaining an engaged frontline workforce. The first ever all-in-one multiverse mini series, leadership development tool, and career certification: Coca-Cola Leader La b.

Leaders Wanted

Committed people who want a brighter future, are excited to lead, and motivated by career development. The frontline workforce is more disengaged than ever and starving for opportunity. Coca-Cola Leader Lab exists to serve and strengthen the frontline workforce.

Key Elements

Designed for Gen Z crew, these Learning Videos are intended to be engaging, bite sized, TikTok style entertaining videos that introduce the Crew to the 6 C’s of Leadership:
Casting a Vision
Collaboration
Coaching Mentality
Conflict Resolution
Communication
Critical thinking
The base program is completely free! (customization available with incremental investment).

If you are looking for a fun way to build leadership capabilities, learn more and sign up at www.cocacolaleaderlab.com!

#86THESTIGMA

Giving Kitchen, Georgia Restaurant Association and DBHDD Launch #86TheStigma Campaign

In an exciting new initiative, Giving Kitchen, the Georgia Restaurant Association, and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) are proud to introduce the #86TheStigma campaign. This partnership is a concerted effort to bolster awareness and utilization of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, especially among individuals in the food service industry, a demographic increasingly confronted with behavioral health challenges.

In Georgia, the Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that from 2017 to 2021, individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations accounted for at least 224 suicides. And an August 2023 CDC report highlighted the elevated risk faced by those in food service roles, with a rate of drug overdose deaths alarmingly high at about 130 per 100,000 workers.

Addressing the necessity of this campaign, Bryan Schroeder, executive director of Giving Kitchen, stated, "The #86TheStigma campaign exemplifies the unity of our communities. In partnership with dedicated organizations and Georgia’s incredible restaurant community, we aim to shine a light on the often overlooked yet critical aspect of mental health, empowering individuals to seek support without hesitation or fear."

Thanks to our partners at Lexicon Strategies for working with these partners to create pathways for health and help!

If you would like to get involved or would like more information, contact Sarah Thorson, VP, Development.

2024 PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

2024 Public Affairs Conference - Register by March 1 for Early Bird Pricing

At the National Restaurant Association's (NRA) annual Public Affairs Conference, attendees will hear from top political speakers, celebrate the industry at networking events, and meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to make a difference on key policy issues impacting the restaurant industry.

When: April 15–17, 2024

Where: Washington, D.C.

Register here for the industry’s largest grassroots advocacy event, the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference, by March 1 for early bird pricing.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Mompreneur Business Grant Opportunity

The Kitty Fund will award a total of $25,000 to 25 small business owners who identify as mothers in 2024. Eligible businesses must be based in the U.S., have annual revenues under $5M, and employ between 2 to 50 people. While applications don’t open until March 2024, those interested can pre-register today.

Calling all Female Entrepreneurs

The Papaya Grant offers $10,000 to support the long-term success of a female-owned small business. U.S.-based female entrepreneurs focusing on their entrepreneurial challenges, brand missions, and grant utilization intentions can apply by March 31.