Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2014 - (Page 18)

ASSOCIATION News Two for the Price of One By Roger Morey, HRA Executive Director T here's strength in numbers. When we come together as an industry, our collective voice is stronger and our impact is greater than we could have on our own. When a restaurant in Hawaii joins the Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA), it automatically becomes a member of the National Restaurant Association (NRA). That dual membership provides extraordinary benefits and resources. At the local level we provide professional representation at the state legislature, including oral and written testimony and meeting with your legislators. Our association buying power offers cost-saving opportunities that can give a return that is greater than the cost of membership. We also are the initial "go to" resource for industry trends, issues relating to your business and how to better manage your business. Our social programs recognize industry leaders and reward both back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house non-management-workers on special-recognition occasions. In our seminars we address health and safety concerns, promote better understanding of laws relating to restaurants and offer "how to's" on numerous types of insurance and other business-related topics. Your Hawaii membership is enhanced through access to the remarkable resources of the National Restaurant Association. Here is a sampling of what it offers: Advocacy/Representation: Whether you're a single-unit Hawaii Restaurant Association operator or a multi-unit chain, the NRA will help protect your economic interests and sustain your ability to make independent decisions that are right for your business. It does at the national level what we do at the local level. With the HRA/NRA dual membership, you can learn about toppriority issues for restaurants and what you can do to make a difference. Education/Networking: The NRA programs and initiatives create opportunities for you to meet and learn from other restaurant and food-service industry professionals. Learn how you can get involved in our educational events and Executive Study Groups. Members also receive free admission to the NRA Show. Research/Insights: The NRA continually conducts industry research to help members stay ahead of the game. Its annual industry forecast, with research on operations and the economy, works to get you in front of trends before they emerge. Tools/Solutions: Whatever the economic climate, all restaurants need to find ways to reduce costs and attract guests. The NRA online solution center allows you to learn more about the tools and solutions developed and vetted that help you grow revenues, increase profitability and develop employees. If you're not a member of the HRA, you should be. Go to www.hawaiirestaurant.org to sign up, or contact us at info@ hawaiirestaurant.org for more information. Hawaii Chapter News and Events By Shelly Awaya E ducation. Fellowship. Future. These are key terms to remember for the upcoming year! Our next Hawaii Chapter meeting will be Jan. 8 at the Hookipa Workforce Academy at Kaimuki High School. Team Clean Inc. will host the meeting, so be sure to attend and start your new year on the right foot. Networking with peers to get the most recent scoop on technology and trends in the housekeeping industry will help make 2014 a success and increase your professional knowledge. Hookipa Workforce Academy is a program that gets high school students ready for the work environment. They are taught life skills such as job interviewing, and they receive on-the-job experience and training that help build confidence and their professional communication with others. The Hookipa Workforce Academy's motto is "Inspiring, cultivating and raising Hawaii's hospitality workforce." This academy plays an integral role in our profession. Without exposure, most high school students would not know that housekeeping is a lucrative and essential part 18 Hawaii Hospitality ■ January/February 2014 of Hawaii's tourism, healthcare and retail industries. Employing knowledgeable, experienced and caring individuals ultimately is what gives us one of the most respected jobs in any work environment. The month of April will bring us a pleasant experience when Cintas sponsors a uniform fashion show in conjunction with the return of Vendor Appreciation Day. More details to follow soon. You may also visit our website, http://hawaii-ieha.org, for more information and updates on this exciting event. Please send your RSVP for the Jan. 8 IEHA meeting to Veronica Mayer at vmmayer@outlook.com. http://www.hawaiirestaurant.org http://www.hawaii-ieha.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2014

Talk Story with George Szigeti
Maui Ho‘okipa No Ka Oi
Hawaii’s Food & Beverage Superstars
All Systems Go!
Featured Department: Engineering
New Restaurants
Clean Talk with Rose
News Briefs
Association News
Marketplace

Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2014