Holiday Greetings from Stan Harris, LRA President/CEO

It's hard to believe we are approaching the end of another year, with the holiday season approaching quickly. This time of year brings many end-of-the-year business deadlines and also provides the time for giving thanks for our families, friends, employees and customers. As a business owner, what's on your holiday to-do list? You may be shopping for competitive workers' compensation, health care options for you and your employees, or just feel like you could be doing more to support positive changes in our industry.

If you are not taking advantage of the LRA Self Insurer's Fund for your workers' compensation needs, you are missing our competitive rates, in-house claims handling, complimentary safety services and potential safety dividends. The LRA SIF is governed by a Board of Trustees, your fellow LRA members, who along with our management team, are focused on efficiency and timely handling of claims.Members of the LRA SIF should be on the lookout for renewal packets and safety dividends for eligible members in the coming weeks. We thank you for allowing us to be your solution provider for your workers' compensation needs.

The Trustees have declared a dividend to be distributed in 2015 of $2.2 million, which is the 27th consecutive year our fund has returned this to its members. Since 1988, the LRA SIF has returned $103.9 million in unused premium and safety dividends to its eligible members. In addition to lowering our rates three times in past four years, your SIF fund continues to grow topline revenue while using best practices for efficiently processing member claims. 

We know that navigating the Affordable Care Act appears daunting and effective January 1, 2015, penalties for some large employers will take effect. The LRA, along with the National Restaurant Association, have partnered with United Healthcare to offer special pricing for association members. If you have questions about the Affordable Care Act, or its implementation, please give us a call.

As you make your resolutions for the New Year, I hope that you would consider staying connected with the LRA and your fellow members. If your schedule doesn't allow you to attend every Chapter meeting in your area, please consider joining us in the first quarter of 2015 for your LRA Chapter's Legislative Night. At the LRA. we are dedicated to protecting and enhancing this industry every day of the year. It's at the holiday time especially that we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our diverse membership across Louisiana. 

Our industry has been barraged with an attack on its reputation. Our message must be strong and consistent when countering these attacks. No industry offers opportunity to those with limited skills or experience like ours. And for those willing to put forth the effort, there are pathways to prosperity and financial opportunities that are immeasurable. The restaurant and foodservice industry is a job creator and it is critical that we remind customers, our elected officials and our team members of its value to the state and national economy. Don't be afraid to share why you chose this industry or career path. We should be proud of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our industry's growth and success.

It is our privilege to serve you as a member of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. We hope that you have a wonderful holiday season.