Grants for Employees, Meet with Legislators, 80/20 Rule Updates

Join Us for our Virtual Springfield Lobby Day

Registration is now open to join the IRA for our rescheduled Virtual Springfield Lobby Day on the afternoon of Monday, February 28.

We will be meeting with leaders in the Illinois General Assembly to discuss issues of importance to the restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries, including the need for enhanced relief for struggling small businesses.

Registration is complimentary, and the schedule of meetings will be made available closer to the event.

Click here to register, and contact Matt Quinn for more information.

Share With Your Networks - Expanded Eligibility for IRAEF Employee Relief Fund Grants

The IRAEF Employee Relief Fund has recently expanded its mission to offer emergency assistance to any Illinois food and beverage worker facing an unanticipated hardship within the past 90 days such as: accident, illness, injury, death of an immediate family member, or natural disaster.
Grants cover costs of living expenses for life-altering events, and range from $250-$1500.

If you or someone you know is in need of financial help, we encourage you to apply today. Contact IRAEF Executive Director Kristen Hodges for more information.

National Restaurant Association Names New CEO

The National Restaurant Association has appointed veteran trade association executive Michelle Korsmo as the new CEO of both the association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Korsmo, whose appointment is effective May 1, has been president and CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America for about four years, and her resume also includes executive stints at the American Land Title Association and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.

Click here to read more.

Next Week - Webinar on Reaching New Customers and Emerging Delivery Options

Join the IRA and panelists from ChowNow and DwellSocial on Thursday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar offering restaurant operators insights for expanding their online presence and delivering to nearby neighborhoods and suburbs.
Learn ways to reach new customers online and explore delivery options and platforms for independent local restaurants.

Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.
此网络研讨会有中文及英文两种放送版本

Click here to register.

On Demand - Webinar on New DOL Dual Jobs Final Rule and What It Means for Restaurants

The National Restaurant Law Center hosted a webinar yesterday to discuss the U.S. Department of Labor's new dual jobs or "80/20 rule" regulation and what it means for restaurants.

Click here to watch the recording on demand.