This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner Healthy Hospitality |
The GRA Went to Washington
On Monday, roughly twenty restaurant industry leaders from Georgia traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference.
We met with our federal lawmakers, advocating for Congress to:
Here's where we could use your help in taking action -
Pictured above front row, L-R: Katie Jones (GRA), Joseph Hsiao (H Restaurant Group), Stephanie Fischer (Paradies Lagardere), Sarah Thorson (GRA), Alexis Kinsey (Fork U Concepts), Rebecca Bierman; back row, L-R: Scott Bierman (GRA), Justin Triplett (MBC Concessions), Bill Goudey (Copeland's of New Orleans).
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GEORGIA RECEIVES RACHAEL RAY GRANT |
3 GA High Schools Receive Rachael Ray Grant
In a remarkable achievement for Georgia's culinary education, three high schools from the state have been awarded the prestigious Rachael Ray Foundation's ProStart Grow Grant. This grant, valued at $5,000 per school, aims to alleviate classroom costs and facilitate program growth. Georgia's culinary education institutions have secured their place among the nation's top 40 schools, showcasing their exceptional merit as recipients of the prestigious Rachael Ray Foundation's ProStart Grow Grant.
Out of the 40 chosen schools, Georgia proudly claims three of these coveted spots, highlighting the state's commitment to culinary excellence.
The winning educators and their respective high schools are:
- Chef Christopher Webber, Alpharetta High School
- Chef Genia Williams & Kimberely Rutherford, Fulton County College and Career Academy
- Chef Dené Lynn, Warren Technical School
The Rachael Ray Foundation's ProStart Grow Grant is a testament to the commitment and hard work demonstrated by educators and schools in advancing culinary education. This grant serves as an endorsement of the exceptional achievements and dedication displayed by the winning high schools in Georgia. By recognizing the importance of supporting culinary programs, the Rachael Ray Foundation is fostering the growth of aspiring culinary professionals and shaping the future of the culinary industry. This achievement not only reflects the dedication of the winning educators but also highlights the importance of culinary education in preparing future professionals for the dynamic culinary industry.
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TRENDS IN ALCOHOL ON- AND OFF-PREMISES |
New Association research reports key on- and off-premises beverage alcohol trends, opportunities
On the Menu: Trends in On- and Off-Premises Beverage Alcohol explores the business potential of beverage alcohol in light of recent alcohol to-go legislation and the return to full on-premises service. In this report, learn what’s selling, who’s buying, how it’s purchased, and read up on nearly 30 on- and off-premises beer, wine and cocktail offers customers say they’d like to try. Includes case-studies of operators who have debuted highly successful on- and off-prem beverage alcohol programs. Learn more and download the FREE report today!
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Scam Alert | Spoofed calls that impersonate the USPTO
Scammers are calling trademark customers and falsely claiming to be from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Scammers often use a tactic called “spoofing,” where they use fake caller ID information to impersonate someone. They’re trying to trick you into believing you’re talking to the USPTO, so they can steal money or personal information from you. Learn more.
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DHS Ends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
COVID-19 temporary flexibilities for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, will end on July 31, 2023. U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced that employers must complete in-person physical document inspections for employees whose documents were inspected remotely during the temporary flexibilities by August 30, 2023.
This new announcement gives employers additional time to complete in-person physical inspection of identity and employment authorization documents, and annotate the Form I-9 for this population. These flexibilities were initially announced in March 2020 and updated in March 2021. See I-9 Central Questions and Answers for more information.
DHS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for alternative procedures allowing remote document examination for Form I-9 last year. DHS anticipates publishing a Final Rule in the Federal Register that will implement this proposal.
E-Verify Customized Sessions
Did you know? E-Verify offers customized sessions that focus on your needs. From I-9 training to Employer Responsibilities, just email E-VerifyOutreach@uscis.dhs.gov to arrange the topic, date, and time of your choice. Don’t forget to also text “EVERIFY UPDATES” to 468311 to get the latest E‑Verify news.
Get briefed on the Credit Card Competition Act
Credit card processing fees have more than doubled over the past decade, and nearly 20% in the last year. Just 2 credit card companies control 80% of the credit card processing market. The Association is encouraging Congress to pass legislation that will open fee processing to more competition to drive down the cost of swipe fees, improve security and save businesses and consumers an estimated $11B annually. Learn more from the Association’s new policy brief and then take action; our grassroots activation makes it simple.
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