GRA Weekly

March 23, 2023

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner Healthy Hospitality

GEORGIA PROSTART STATE INVITATIONAL WINNERS

Georgia ProStart State Invitational Winners Announced

The 2023 Georgia ProStart State Invitational was held on March 17, 2023, at The Art Institute of Atlanta. Organized and hosted by the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation, 12 teams (6 Management/6 Culinary) were represented by 7 high schools from across the state of Georgia to compete for more than $56,000 in scholarships. This year’s top prizes are both Gwinnett County schools: Berkmar High School, winning first place in the culinary competition, and Maxwell High School of Technology winning 1st place in the management competition. Both Berkmar High School and Maxwell High School of Technology will travel to Washington, D.C. in May, to represent the state of Georgia by competing at the National ProStart Invitational.

In addition to their culinary win, Berkmar High School’s Chef James Bryant, was honored with the Educator of Excellence award, which is awarded annually to a standout ProStart educator in Georgia.

Read full press release.

Culinary Competition

1st Place: Berkmar High School
2nd Place: Meadowcreek High School
3rd Place: Fulton Schools College and Career Academy

Management Competition

1st Place: Maxwell High School of Technology
2nd Place: Meadowcreek High School
3rd Place: Berkmar High School

Many thanks to our generous sponsors and judges for supporting this year's invitational:

Culinary Judges: Chef Ryan Whitten (Lead Judge), Chef Doug Turbush, Chef Ray Kees, Chef Kristina Dahl, Chef Isaiah Loftlin-Bizzel, Sean Palani, Chef Robert Butts, Chef Jamie Jenkins, Isaac Crawford, Chef Shirley Hughes, and Chris Rich;
Management Judges: Reggie Coachman (Lead Judge), Jay Bandy, Dennis Byron, Sr., Paulina Espinosa, Kaffee Hopkins, LaMonica Hakeem, and Toby Bloomberg;
Sponsors: Coca-Cola, Melissa Libby & Associates, Gas South, Ecolab, NCR | Aloha, TriMark, IRONWOOD, Smithfield Culinary, and Moore Colson!

ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart's industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.

MEDICAID REDETERMINATION

Medicaid Redetermination

Some of your team members may lose Medicaid coverage over the next 12 months. Make sure they stay covered by sharing our free service with them. Your team can enroll in health insurance plans easily over the phone, and will get access to their maximum federal subsidies and most reasonably priced plans.

Email hospitalityhealth@uhg.com for more information and free promotional materials. No employer contribution; simply post our free flyers.

LET'S PLAY GOLF!

GRA 12th Annual Golf Tournament, benefiting the GRA PAC

Serving as the only Political Action Committee dedicated to serving the restaurant industry in Georgia, the GRA provides representation on a local, state, and federal level in terms of legislation and government mandates. In order to maintain Georgia's vibrant culinary scene, the GRA educates policy makers on how their decisions impact restaurants and our ability to strengthen the economy.

Tuesday, April 18 | Atlanta National Golf Club

Don't delay, only 3 foursomes available!

STATE OF THE PLATE

What's happening at the state capitol so far? Hear from the Director of Government Affairs, Scott Bierman to learn more. Watch now.

SIPPIN' LOCAL VOTE NOW!

Vote Now!

The top 10 vote getters in each category will be listed in the May/June issue of JAMES Magazine, and the number one company in each category will be spotlighted in a feature article.

Make sure to come back every day to vote for your favorites and share the poll with your followers, friends and family! If you don't see your favorite on the list, choose the "other" option and write it in. We will add it to the ballot.

*In partnership with the Georgia Restaurant Association, Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, Hospitality Business Network Foundation, Georgia Grown, Georgia Wine Producers, Atlanta Beer Festivals and Foodie Road Trip.

Vote Now!

FEDERAL UPDATES

Pro Act opposition letter

The scoop: On Feb. 28, the Protecting the Rights to Organize (PRO) Act was reintroduced by Sens. Booker and Menendez, as well as Reps. Scott and Fitzpatrick.

The issue: This legislation is harmful to restaurants as it violates workers’ privacy rights, forces unions on employees who have voted against them, threatens the supply chain, and could cost millions of restaurant and foodservice jobs.

Our response: The National Restaurant Association joined other groups in signing a letter coming from the Associated Builders and Contractors opposing the legislation. As we move forward and legislative updates arise, the Association will keep you informed.

Webinar: New Rules for Restaurants – Regulations Streaming Out of D.C.

The Federal Government is currently engaged in an unprecedented effort to reshape rules for restaurant operations, the labor market, and the food supply chain. These regulatory actions can have far-reaching impacts on how restaurants build their workforce and design menu options in years to come. The National Restaurant Association is closely engaged on these issues through submitting public comments, meeting with federal agency officials, and supporting legislative oversight.

Join us on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 2PM

On this webinar, you will learn:

How an expanded Joint Employer standard may create liability for independent restaurants that contract with outside services (i.e., janitorial cleaning)
Why an Independent Contractor rule adds confusion to restaurants that may utilize 3rd party food delivery services
When a new Overtime Pay threshold could be established
How the FDA has proposed to overhaul Food Traceability standards, as well as remake sodium guidelines and menu guidance for “healthy” items

AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL

Healthy Hospitality Offers Affordable Healthcare for All

Please make sure you haven’t missed the launch of Healthy Hospitality powered by the GRA. This revolutionary bundle of benefits ensures every member of your team can access affordable healthcare options (including mental healthcare!).

What this means for you: We’ve worked with our partner Healthy Hospitality to put together this chart to help you figure out exactly which benefits will work for your team members. Take a look, reach out if we can help, and remember that you can bundle these benefits so everyone on your team can access the healthcare that fits their needs. More information here.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

Developing a Wellness Program for the Workplace

Almost two thirds of Americans are not happy with their jobs, and an unhappy, unhealthy work environment is bad for employees and businesses. Unhealthy work environments create less productive employees with higher absenteeism and a higher risk for chronic illnesses. Business owners should consider implementing a well-thought-out workplace wellness program that could be beneficial to not only the business but also to employees’ health. The following is a productive foundation for a wellness program for future business success. Read more.

FAIR PLAY ON THE MIDWAY

2023 Regional Education Series: Fair Play on the Midway

Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation

Program will be beneficial to any individual involved in the workers’ compensation process. Highlights include recent board decisions, current events, issues in claim defenses, etc. CEUs available.

April 14, 2023 | Tifton, GA

May 5, 2023 | Alpharetta, GA

May 12, 2023 | Cartersville, GA

May 17, 2023 | Savannah, GA

For more information and to register.