GRA Weekly

March 9, 2023

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner OrionStar USA.

SAVE ON ELECTRIC RATES!

Public Service Commission Renews Rate

Late December 2022, the Public Service Renewed the Time of Use – Food and Drink rate for another three years, giving the restaurant industry a win even before the new legislative session starts. The rate was initially approved in 2019 after the GRA brought forward a rate case to increase the number of restaurants included in this special rate, one that was previously only available to large chains. If you would like more information about the rate and how to enroll, please contact Scott Bierman.

The Time to Save on Electricity Costs is NOW!!!

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.

Background: Every 3 years, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) holds hearings regarding the electricity rates suggested by Georgia Power. In 2019, the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) filed a rate case with the PSC against Georgia Power. There are over 80 different electricity rates. Restaurants and other medium businesses pay more for a unit of electricity than residential consumers and large manufacturers. Prior to 2020, large chains and franchises paid less for a unit of electricity than an independent restaurateur. The GRA successfully petitioned opened 3,000 slots for any restaurant filed as 722 of the NAICS to have access to the lower rate. The new rate is called Time of Use Food and Drink (TOU-FD).

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

UPCOMING WEBINARS

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.

RISING STARS

Rising Stars Call for Nominations!

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 2023 Rising Stars Awards!The submission deadline is March 10th, so nominate someone today .

FEDERAL UPDATES

Industry impact + restaurant priorities conveyed in letter to congressional leaders

On Mon., the National Restaurant Association sent a letter to Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy; Democratic leader of the House, Hakeem Jeffries; Majority leader of the Senate, Chuck Schumer; and Republican leader of the Senate Mitch McConnell highlighting the nearly $1T in economic contributions expected by our industry this year and need for bipartisan solutions to address workforce challenges, rising operations costs, and supply chain stability.

IRS issues renewed warning on Employee Retention Credit claims; false claims generate compliance risk for people and businesses claiming credit improperly

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today issued a renewed warning urging people to carefully review the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) guidelines before trying to claim the credit as promoters continue pushing ineligible people to file.The IRS and tax professionals continue to see third parties aggressively promoting these ERC schemes on radio and online. These promoters charge large upfront fees or a fee that is contingent on the amount of the refund. And the promoters may not inform taxpayers that wage deductions claimed on the business’ federal income tax return must be reduced by the amount of the credit. Read the full release.

President Biden 2024 Federal Budget Proposal

On the radar: This week, President Biden will release his federal budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2024. While the FY2024 budget proposal is a negotiating starting point, it is an opportunity for us to identify key priorities and plan next steps that will position restaurants for success.

Our Priorities: The Association will be evaluating the FY2024 budget proposal and tracking key pieces including:

Department of Labor— How key programs and new rules are supported
Registered Apprenticeship programs
Training and employment pathways for justice-involved youth
Inspections, wage and hour oversight, and specific union organizing support
Indicators for Overtime Rule and Heat Hazard Rule
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—Anticipating Farm Bill priorities
Farm Bill priorities: insurance programs, farmer support, and crop yields
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—More Build Back Better taxes or focused on implementation?
Previous budgets featured comprehensive corporate and individual tax hikes, strongly opposed by restaurants
On March 7, the White House proposed an expansion of the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) from 3.8% to 5%. This would likely impact pass-through businesses earning $400,000 or more in annual business income.
Inflation Reduction Act creates 3 areas where implementation takes center stage
New IRS resources for modernization
Electric vehicle tax credits where restaurants may appreciate more information
15% global minimum tax

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.

OYSTER FOOD SAFETY

ALERT: Florida Department of Health Advises on Oyster Food Safety

Source: Florida Department of Public Health

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the state health departments of Georgia and Alabama have detected a Salmonella outbreak associated with the consumption of raw oysters harvested from shellfish harvesting area FL-3012 in Cedar Key, Florida. To date, there have been 8 cases linked to this outbreak within Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

On February 24, 2023, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services closed shellfish harvesting area FL-3012 for the harvest of wild oysters and initiated a recall of these wild oysters harvested from December 16, 2022, to February 24, 2023.

For more information regarding this recall, please visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 2023

What’s ahead for restaurants in 2023?

The 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report is live, and the headline findings are positive:

The restaurant and foodservice industry continues to fuel the American economy
Our hiring rate and wage increases are outpacing the overall private sector
In 2023, our industry will contribute nearly $1T to the economy

Inside the report you’ll find the latest data and analysis on the key factors impacting the industry, including the current state of the economy, operations, workforce, and food and menu trends. Members of the Association receive this trusted resource free of charge as part of their member benefits.

Among this year’s key findings:

Sales are forecast to reach $997B, up from $937B in 2022.
The entire foodservice industry is forecast to add 500K jobs, to reach 15.5M in 2023.
More than 4 in 10 operators plan to accelerate investments in equipment or technology to increase productivity in both the front and back of the house.

Learn more.