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GRA Weekly
February 29, 2024
| This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, Sysco |
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Team Hidi
Don't miss this golden opportunity to savor incredible food and contribute to a worthy cause. Secure your tickets today to join us on this culinary journey! For tickets and event details, click here.
When: Sunday, March 17, 4:00PM - 9:00PM
Where: Truist Park
Tickets and additional details available are available here.
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National Restaurant Association Marketing Executives Group (MEG) Happy Hour
If you are a restaurant marketer and want to learn more about the National Restaurant Association Marketing Executives Group (MEG) conference we are hosting a HH next Wednesday, March 6 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at Marlow's Tavern Dunwoody (1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Suite 102). The conference is in mid-May in Chicago right before the National Restaurant Show.
Come meet your follow restaurant marketers and ask any questions you may have. Three of us from the steering committee will be there along with our contact from the National Restaurant Association.
Please be sure to RSVP here.
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Restaurants Need Lawsuit Reform Now
The current legislation in the Georgia State House is NOT a serious effort in providing relief to your restaurant. Billboard lawyers have introduced a bill that would increase your restaurant’s liability for the actions of third-party actors on or even near your premises.
We urge you to contact your State Representative today to ask their support for a compromise that would protect yourself and your employees from the continued onslaught of frivolous lawsuits within this state.
- The House premises bill, as drafted, is worse than the status quo. It cherry picks parts of bad caselaw to make permanent and eliminates potential favorable outcomes for impacted restaurants.
- This bill forces landowners to be held liable because of criminal acts that happened on someone else’s properties.
- Georgia’s small businesses are disproportionately impacted by the civil justice system, bearing 32% of the commercial tort cost and leading to 137,658 jobs lost annually.
Please call your State Representative or contact them here to tell your story and demand action for a business-friendly legal climate in Georgia.
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GRA Hosts NRA Advocacy Team
The GRA Advocacy team recently hosted Mike Whatley and Michael Monroy from the National Restaurant Association. Discussions centered around advocacy initiatives and offered an opportunity for them to meet the new GRA President + CEO Stephanie Fischer. Special thanks to Little Sparrow for hosting our dinner with the NRA team!
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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.
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2024 GEORGIA GROWN EXECUTIVE CHEFS ANNOUNCED | |
2024 Georgia Grown Executive Chefs Announced
Six Chefs Added to Statewide Program Designed to Foster Relationships Between Chefs and Farmers
Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) President + CEO Stephanie Fischer announced six new Georgia Grown Executive Chefs at the 2024 Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception last night. The Georgia Grown Executive Chef program is a statewide program designed to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers while spreading awareness about the quality of locally sourced and grown products in Georgia’s restaurant scene. Continue reading.
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2024 PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE | |
2024 Public Affairs Conference
Co-hosts of Fox News Channel’s The Five, Dana Perino and former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., will be the keynote speakers at the National Restaurant Association's (NRA) 2024 Public Affairs Conference!
Where and when: The 2024 Public Affairs Conference is happening April 15–17, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Main takeaway: Register by March 1 to secure early bird pricing!
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WHY ZERO WASTE COOKING IS IMPORTANT | |
Zero Waste Cooking – Why Is it Important?
As professionals in the food industry, we are no strangers to the challenges of waste and excess in restaurants. The zero-waste cooking movement has been gaining momentum, offering benefits beyond sustainability. From composting to recycling, zero waste cooking practices are helping restaurants reduce their environmental impact and operate more sustainably. Shockingly, nearly 40% of all food in America is wasted - but zero waste practices can help attract eco-conscious customers. Keep reading to learn how to implement best practices in your restaurant.
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Who Are You Going to Nominate?
Do you know a rising star in your restaurant? Someone who's making a big impact and has the potential to be a future leader in the industry? Nominate them for the 2024 Rising Stars Awards! Learn more.
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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.
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2023 Joint Employer Rule pushed to March 11
Last week, the federal judge overseeing the Restaurant Law Center’s challenge to the National Labor Relations Board’s final Joint Employer rule pushed the rule’s effective date from February 26, 2024, to March 11, 2024.
What this means: This extension suggests that the judge in the Eastern District Court of Texas is planning to issue a thorough opinion by March 11.
Background: The Restaurant Law Center is challenging the NRLB’s rule in court, along with a coalition of business groups. On Feb. 13, the judge in the Eastern District Court of Texas heard oral arguments, including the RLC’s motion for summary judgment and the NLRB’s motion to transfer the case to the District of Columbia Circuit Court. Last week, in a parallel D.C. Circuit case, the SEIU and NLRB filed responses to the RLC’s motion to dismiss. The RLC has until March 19, 2024, to file a reply.
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.
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Restaurant Strong National Grant 2024
The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund & Grubhub are pleased to announce more than $1,000,000 in grant opportunities, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, to support growth in small business restaurants nationally. The Fund will focus on providing grants that impact revenue growth and areas including, but not limited to: updating technology/equipment necessary to enhance day-to-day operations, marketing & public relations services, staff training programs, incentivized wages, or maintenance/updating of current infrastructure.
Applications are from Tuesday, February 20, 2024 through Friday, March 15, 2024. A portion of grant funds will be dedicated to new restaurants, those established in 2021 onwards, to aid in their introduction to the restaurant industry. Grants will be awarded to selected restaurants in April Click here to apply.
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.
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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 Lab.
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!
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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.
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UPCOMING SERVSAFE CLASSES | |
UPCOMING WEBINARS + EVENTS | |
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2024 Public Affairs Conference
National Restaurant Association
April 15-17 | Washington, D.C.
Register.
Wine Down by the River
Georgia Restaurant Association PAC
Tuesday, April 23 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Register.
GRA Annual Golf Tournament
Georgia Restaurant Association
Tuesday, May 7 | 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Register.
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HERE'S WHAT WE'RE READING | | | | |
