ERTC Updates, Fulton Market Supports IRAEF, IRA and CG Award Recognition

New Legislation to Restore ERTC for Q4, Webinar Next Week, Sign Our Petition

Bipartisan legislation to restore the COVID-related Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) for October-December 2021 has been introduced. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Kevin Hern (R-OK) are leading the “ERTC Reinstatement Act,” allowing struggling small businesses to access up to $7,000 in tax credits for each eligible employee’s wages during the fourth calendar quarter of 2021.

While the ERTC was set to end by January 1, 2022, the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” terminated this credit for the fourth quarter of 2021. Restaurants have increasingly relied on ERTC to support employee retention and sustain economic headwinds due to COVID-19. Now, hurting small businesses may face a retroactive tax increase and administrative headaches due to the early, mid-calendar quarter end of ERTC.

The IRA and National Restaurant Association strongly support the “ERTC Reinstatement Act” and thank the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Miller, Murphy, Sewell, and Hern to advance this critical support for small businesses.

To learn more about ERTC, register for our upcoming webinar on December 16. To urge the U.S. Department of Treasury to speed up ERTC payments from previous time periods, please add your name to our national petition.

IRA EVP Mary Kay Bonoma Honored as Industry Leader

Earlier this week, IRA Executive Vice President Mary Kay Bonoma was recognized as an Industry Leader by the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame at their annual dinner at Joe's Live in Rosemont.

The 2021 event theme was Inspirational Women in the Hospitality Industry. Additional honors at the event included: Sarah Grueneberg, Chef of the Year; Meg Galus, Pastry Chef of the Year; Ina Pinkney, Legendary Chef 

Congratulations to Mary Kay for her well-deserved recognition!

Taste of Fulton Market Contributes More than $6,000 to IRAEF Employee Relief Fund

Organizers of the first annual Taste of Fulton Market event from Morgan's on Fulton stopped by the IRA office this week to present a donation of more than $6,000 to the IRA Educational Foundation's Employee Relief Fund.

Held in early November at Morgan's on Fulton, the event united Fulton Market’s leading restaurants, including Swift & Sons, The Publican, The Goat Group, Joe’s Imports, Publican Quality Meats, Beatrix, Marvin’s Food & Fuel, and more. 

The IRA Educational Foundation (IRAEF) was thrilled to be the charitable partner for this great neighborhood event. Contact Kristen Hodges for more information on getting engaged with IRAEF.

Chicago Gourmet Wins Twice at Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism

This week, Chicago Gourmet was awarded not one, but two awards for Excellence in Tourism at the Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism: Best Event or Festival and Best in Show. Chicago Gourmet Executive Director Ashley Brandon accepted the awards on behalf of the festival and the IRA.

The IRA is honored to have our premier food and wine festival recognized by the state of Illinois. These awards would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors and the amazing chefs and restaurants who give so generously of their time and talent year after year.

Sam Toia Discusses Challenges Facing Rockford Restaurants

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently spoke with WIFR in Rockford about restaurant supply chain issues, staffing challenges, and the need for more Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) money to support local restaurants.

Click here to watch the segment.

Senate Vote Likely Soon on Measure to Overturn OSHA ETS

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) is expected to secure in the coming days a measure under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandating that employers with 100+ employees require COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.

The move will likely pass in the Senate, but must also pass in the House and be signed by the president. The National Restaurant Association supports Braun’s efforts.

Next Tuesday - O'Hare Terminal 5 Job Fair

O’Hare Terminal 5 has over 50 full-time and part-time job openings in their dynamic concessions program. Interested job seekers are invited to attend a job fair on Tuesday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Arrivals Level.

Participating concessionaires include Areas USA, Burger King, Dufry, Hudson, I Love Chicago, McDonald's, and Nuts on Clark.

Click here for more information.