More than 200 people from all over Illinois attended and participated in 15 minute speed coaching sessions with some of the most prominent restauranteurs in the business; plus experts in licensing, PR, law, accounting, event planning, and more.
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Coming Up - Restaurant Show Political Reception |
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There's still time to join the growing list of industry professionals attending the Annual Restaurant Show Political Reception on Monday, May 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hubbard Inn. This annual event helps bolster our efforts to support candidates and issues that are favorable to the hospitality industry.
To make a contribution online, click here. To RSVP and be featured in the list of event supporters, please contact Matt Quinn.
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RRF Replenishment, Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022 Up for a Vote Early Next Week
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has indicated that he will bring the Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022 (S. 4008) up for a vote early next week. The $48 billion bill, introduced by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), includes $40 billion for RRF replenishment and $8 billion in support for other industries deeply impacted by the pandemic.
The bill needs 10 Republican votes to pass, and right now, we’re not sure if those votes are there. The IRA, National Restaurant Association, and state restaurant association partners continue to talk with every office in the Senate to gather the support needed, and we’re working with the other industries included in the bill to amplify our voice.
Watch Sean Kennedy’s 90-Second update for the very latest here. Stay tuned for more updates next week.
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National Restaurant Association Comments on Swipe Fees
In a letter-for-the-record to Senate Committee on the Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the National Restaurant Association submitted comments last week on the need for Congress to address debit and credit card swipe fees and anti-competitive transaction routing practices that are costing restaurants and customers billions of dollars each year.
The Association is ensuring that restaurants are part of the federal policy discussion on swipe fees, and put Congress on notice that the restaurant industry seeks enforcement of laws and regulations to create fairness through competition in the electronic payments eco-system.
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Clodagh Lawless Discusses Impact of Inflation on Restaurants with CNN |
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IRA Board member Clodagh Lawless of The Dearborn was featured in a segment on CNN focused on the impact of inflation on restaurants' food costs and staffing challenges.
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PPP Loan Forgiveness – Apply Before Payment Notices Begin
Restaurants who received a 2nd draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in 2021 still have time to apply for loan forgiveness. For PPP borrowers of $150,000 and less, simplified forgiveness options are a great option: Form 3508S or the “SBA Direct Forgiveness Portal” offer a streamlined process.
The vast majority of PPP loans that remain unforgiven, approximately 1.1 million loans in total, are eligible for these expedited forgiveness options. Restaurants should be aware that PPP loan repayment for unforgiven loan portions begins 10 months after the end of the PPP covered period.
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Sam Toia Discusses Status of the Industry, RRF, and Taste of Chicago with WGN Radio
IRA President & CEO recently joined WGN Radio to discuss how restaurants are faring with the return of warm weather, the status of replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and the return of Taste of Chicago in July.
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Let's Talk Womxn Dinner - Making Our Industry Better |
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Join Let's Talk Womxn Chicago for a five course dinner and candid conversation about the industry on Sunday, May 22 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Vermilion. Panelists include Andrew Zimmern, Kimberly Brock Brown, and Rohini Dey, and the evening is moderated by Adrienne Trimble. Chefs include Diana Davila, Julia Shell, Maya-Camille Broussard, Sarah Stegner and Rohini Dey.
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Cook County Small Business Source |
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The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program is now the Cook County Small Business Source!
The Cook County Small Business Source strives to support, grow and elevate small businesses by providing no-cost business advising, resources and access to events. A network of advisors works with small businesses in all stages of development and are ready to support you!
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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS |
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