A letter from 2014 LRA Chair Bruce Attinger

2014 LRA Chair
Bruce Attinger

I am honored to represent the state’s restaurant industry this year as Chairman of our association. During my decade of involvement with the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), I have had the privilege to serve as president of the Baton Rouge Chapter, serve on the LRA Education Foundation Board of Directors and on the LRA State Board of Directors. Through these activities, I’ve learned more about the restaurant business, how to be a better operator and how important advocacy is to our industry. It’s by working together—both restaurateurs and suppliers—that enables us to grow and prosper into the great businessmen and women we all aspire to be.

The foundation of our association is its nine LRA Chapters located across the state. Each chapter hosts meetings designed to provide relevant industry knowledge, peer-to-peer insight and expand your understanding and participation in the work of the association—Advocacy and Education. Our industry is under siege in ways that we’ve never experienced before, and at every level: federal, state and local.

During the first quarter and prior to the 2014 Legislative Session (March 10), I invite you to attend your chapters’ “Meet your Legislator” event. Sharing your story—how you got in the business, how many people you employ and your operational pain points—are important points to make with your legislators. There is no better time to get active in advocacy. What we can do together, particular during these events, exceeds what we can do as individuals.

Also, I invite you to become more involved in your local chapter. Attend a meeting, volunteer on a committee or even, mentor at a local LRAEF ProStart school. Opportunity will avail itself to you through your participation. I’m living proof that the rewards of your involvement far outweigh your investment.