This year has truly been outstanding for me as chairman of
the LRA. I’ve visited all nine chapters,
participated in all the board meetings for the LRA, the LRA Self Insurer’s Fund
and the LRA Education Foundation, spent the weekend in New Orleans for the EXPO
and went to Washington, DC for the National Restaurant Association’s Public
Affairs Conference.
Your membership in the LRA has so many benefits. The LRA SIF
for workers’ compensation was created more than 30 years ago just for our
industry. For the third consecutive year, the LRA SIF is lowering its rates,
while other insurers are raising theirs. That’s a testament to the management
of the fund and the members who participate in it and share the risk. Do
yourself a favor and get a comparison quote. You could save yourself some
money.
Of the LRA benefits are the ServSafe food safety courses,
the new online ServSafe online alcohol training (the first of its kind in Louisiana)
and ServSafe Allergens, are the keys to serving your guests safely on all
fronts. The LRA has trained more than 50,000 people collectively in these
programs and is the largest provider of these types of training in the state.
The LRA Education Foundation is your charitable
organization. This year alone, the LRAEF awarded 24 students $50,000 in
scholarships to continue their restaurant management and culinary arts
education. Since 2009, the LRAEF has awarded $140,000. Just in time for the
holidays, the LRAEF in partnership with the George Rodrigue Foundation for the
Arts will release a cookbook, The Pot and The Palette. With 100 recipes from
members across the state and illustrations by budding high school artists, the
proceeds from the book will benefit both organizations.
Above all and one that isn’t tangible is advocacy. The LRA
is your advocate at the local, state and even federal level. This is
accomplished by a dedicated staff that constantly monitors regulatory and
legislative activity that may impact the industry. You play a significant role
in funding these activities when you contribute a portion of your dues to the
LRA Hospitality Political Action Committee. Also, our chapters play a
significant role in advocacy as a portion of its fundraising proceeds benefit
the LRA Hospitality PAC.
My year of service as chairman of the LRA has been a
privilege. I’m truly grateful to have given my time for the betterment of
Louisiana’s restaurant industry. Thank you to all our members and suppliers for
your dedication and commitment to improving this great industry.
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