NRA Association News

Are you the face of the American dream?

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009

The National Restaurant Association is taking applications for the 2010 Faces of Diversity Awards. The awards program recognizes the restaurant industry's diversity and the role it plays in helping people achieve the American dream. The awards honor people who realized their American dreams and companies that show leadership as advocates of diversity. Winners receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in April.

If you provide the giving, we'll supply the thanks

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009

As you gear up for a Thanksgiving feast, help a student achieve his or her dreams. Make a donation to the NRAEF Scholarship Program and fund a scholarship for high school and college students looking to make a career in our industry. Your generous, tax-deductible donation to the NRAEF, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, directly supports students' educational needs. Help address a growing need.

Looking to find new employees?

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009

Hcareers brings great candidates to your door by leveraging the power of the biggest names in the restaurant industry. By cross-posting to more than 1,000 sites -- such as cheftalk.com, TopUSAJobs.com, collegegrad.com, Google.com and hundreds more -- Hcareers ensures postings are seen by a wide array of quality candidates. Thanks to a partnership with the National Restaurant Association, it's more affordable than ever for members. Visit Hcareers today!

H1N1 resources available online

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009

The National Restaurant Association offers news and information -- including new, food-handler specific Flu.gov FAQ -- on the H1N1 flu virus, available for free on its Web site. Resources include the NRA/Ecolab H1N1 Toolkit and webinar to help restaurant operators prepare for the flu season and prevent the spread of the flu virus.

NRA Conserve delivers easy sustainability tips

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009

Visit Conserve.Restaurant.org -- the Web site of the NRA's environmental initiative -- to learn how to implement simple practices that can move your restaurant toward more sustainable operations without affecting your bottom line. The site features resources and tips to help small and large operations and also highlights success stories from restaurateurs who have made changes to improve the sustainability of their establishment. Visit Conserve.Restaurant.org to get started today.

Registration now open for NRA Show 2010

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009

Register now for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show at the $30 "early bird" special rate and save more than 60% until Dec. 1. Registration is only $85 for both NRA Show 2010 and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) -- separate registration/qualifications required to enter IWSB. NRA Show 2010 is scheduled for May 22 to 25, 2010, at Chicago's McCormick Place. Register today for NRA Show 2010 and IWSB 2010!

Satisfy customers' cravings with Healthy Dining

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009

More health-conscious consumers want restaurant meals that taste fantastic but won't undo their diets. Nearly three out of four adults are trying to eat more healthfully at restaurants than two years ago. At HealthyDiningFinder.com, consumers "search" for restaurants that provide a selection of nutritious options, based on ZIP code, price range and other criteria. Visit Healthy Dining to learn to maximize this health-conscious trend.

TrendMapper helps you make smart decisions

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009

What have food prices done in the last few months? What are the latest trends in customer traffic? Which industry segments are reporting same-store sales gains? Do you know the answers to these questions? Subscribers to Restaurant TrendMapper do, and use them to make smarter business decisions. Click here to find out more.

America's Restaurants: Serving Our Nation

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009

This inspirational six-minute video is a tribute to what restaurants do for our country -- their impact on their employees, on careers, on communities and on the nation's economy. Show it to your staff teams, business colleagues, community groups and others. Available for viewing online or for purchase on DVD.

We want to be your friend!

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009

Connect with the National Restaurant Association through our social-network channels. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube to get news updates and information and to network with other fans.

Updated H1N1 resources available

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009

The National Restaurant Association offers news and information on the H1N1 flu virus, available for free on its Web site. The FDA now offers guidance specific to food handlers, which is available on the Association's site. Other resources include the NRA/Ecolab H1N1 Toolkit and webinar to help restaurant operators prepare for the flu season and prevent the spread of the flu virus.

Submit topics for NRA Show 2010, IWSB sessions

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009

The Association is looking for timely, relevant and exciting topics for education sessions at the 2010 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event. Industry leaders and trendsetters should submit proposals on trends and solutions to help restaurant and foodservice operators succeed. Submit potential topics by Dec. 4.

Connect with the NRA Show in social-media land!

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009

Interact with the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show through our social-network channels. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Floored! and YouTube to get news updates and information and to network with other community members.

Are you up for the challenge?

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009

Visit Conserve.Restaurant.org -- the Web site of the National Restaurant Association's environmental initiative -- to sign up for the Conserve/EPA ENERGY STAR Challenge to conserve energy and water. Taking the Challenge can help restaurant operators become more environmentally friendly, attract eco-conscious diners and save on operating costs. Get started today by completing a simple checklist and benchmarking your water and energy use -- it's all free! Sign up at Conserve.Restaurant.org.

HealthyDiningFinder.com has new features!

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009

As the economy continues to struggle, busy yet health-conscious consumers remain committed to healthier choices when dining out. This growing trend propelled National Restaurant Association partner Healthy Dining's team of nutrition experts to expand the features and functionality of the HealthyDiningFinder.com Web site. The online resource features dietitian-approved menu items at 60,000 restaurant locations to help Americans identify healthier options when dining out. Visit HealthyDiningFinder.com to learn more.

Refresh your responsible alcohol training program

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009

ServSafe Alcohol recently launched the second edition of ServSafe Alcohol Fundamentals of Responsible Alcohol Service. This updated training and testing program is your solution for responsible alcohol server training. Visit www.ServSafe.com/Alcohol for more information.

Now accepting applications for KI Awards

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009

The prestigious Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards program recognizes the most innovative equipment from around the world at the 2010 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, which will be held May 22 to 25 at Chicago's McCormick Place. All applications are judged by an independent, expert panel of industry leaders. Companies interested in applying can do so online through Jan. 8, 2010, at www.restaurant.org/show.

Housing open for NRA Show 2010, IWSB

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009

Use NRA Show Official Housing to find great hotel deals. NRA Show Official Housing gives you the ability to customize your search to view exclusive rates, property descriptions and availability. View the reduced hotel rates to see how much you will save over last year. The 2010 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is set for May 22 to 25 at Chicago's McCormick Place. Book today.

Support ProStart; spice up your cooking

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009

Log on to QVC.com to support high school culinary arts and hospitality management programs. For every 23-ounce bottle of Coach's Low Country Boil Seasoning sold through QVC, Coach's Low Country Brands will donate $2 to the National Restaurant Association's ProStart program. To order Coach's Low Country Boil Seasoning, call 888-345-5788 or visit QVC.com.

Now accepting applications for Kitchen Innovations Awards

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009

The prestigious KI Awards program recognizes the most innovative equipment from around the world at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, which will be held May 22 to 25, 2010, at Chicago's McCormick Place. All applications are judged by an independent, expert panel of industry leaders. Companies interested in applying can do so online through Jan. 8, 2010, at www.restaurant.org/show.

Go green with NRA Conserve

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

The National Restaurant Association's Conserve: Solutions for Sustainability initiative helps restaurants "go green" without breaking the bank. The initiative's Web site -- Conserve.Restaurant.org -- guides you to reducing your environmental impact without hurting your bottom line. Use the Virtual Green Restaurant tool to learn about the host of no-cost and low-cost options that can be implemented in any restaurant, large or small.

RPI declined for 2nd consecutive month in September

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009

Restaurant industry performance remained soft in September, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity declined for the second consecutive month. The association's Restaurant Performance Index -- a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry -- stood at 97.5 in September, down 0.4% from August and its 23rd consecutive month below 100. Read more.

Turn surplus food into tax savings to help end hunger

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009

Find out how National Restaurant Association partner Food Donation Connection can help you take advantage of a potential tax deduction. FDC works with restaurants interested in donating surplus food and agencies that provide meals for people at risk of hunger. Join us at 4 p.m. Eastern, Oct. 28, to find out more in a free webinar for NRA members. Register today.

Take a swing to save free enterprise

National Restaurant Association SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009

The National Restaurant Association's 13th annual Richard E. Marriott SAFE Golf Invitational still has slots open for registrants. Slots are still available for individual golfers and pairs at this year's invitational, set for Oct. 26 to 28. The three-day event at the Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra, Fla., helps raise money for the National Restaurant Association's Save American Free Enterprise Fund. Register today.

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