Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Endorses Scott

By  //  July 30, 2014

ABOVE VIDEO: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association at Florida Tourism Day at the state capital in Tallahassee

Gov. Rick Scott
Gov. Rick Scott

The endorsement was unveiled during the FRLA’s Marketing and Operations Summit held at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.  Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) and FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover spoke at the morning meeting, with Governor Scott addressing FRLA members and conference attendees via conference call.

There is no question this Governor understands the importance of tourism and the vital role the hospitality industry plays in job creation and economic development,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO Carol Dover. “On behalf of our more than 10,000 members representing hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers, we are thrilled to give our strongest of endorsements to Governor Rick Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera this election cycle.”

“Governor Scott led the charge in securing $75 million for VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing, and $700,000 for our Hospitality Education Program (HEP) which helps train the next generation of industry professionals,” said James E. McManemon, 2014 Chairman of the FRLA.  “His goal in attracting 100 million visitors to our state is one that FRLA not only supports, but is working together in providing both residents and tourists the best possible experience in our hotels, our restaurants and all that Florida has to offer,” continued McManemon, General Manger of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

About FRLA

James McManemon-180
James McManemon

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is among the most influential trade associations in Florida. The association was established in 1946 to represent the restaurant industry. Since that time, the scope of FRLA’s representation has expanded to include the entire hospitality industry including lodging establishments, restaurants and thousands of suppliers to the industry. The association counts among its members some of the largest businesses in each of these categories.

The mission of FRLA is to Protect, Educate, and Promote the hospitality industry. The power and influence of FRLA is indisputable with a legislative track record to back it up. Led by CEO Carol Dover and an active Board of Directors, FRLA has been effective in influencing legislation that has saved the industry $1.2 billion in taxes and fees over the past 10 years.

Florida’s hospitality industry represents:

  • A $71.8 billion industry
  • 23% of Florida’s economy
  • $4.3 billion in sales tax revenue
  • More than 1,000,000 employees – Florida’s largest employer

With numerous local chapters and dual membership in the National Restaurant Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association FRLA members are offered unlimited opportunity for involvement. Association members enjoy a variety of benefits including discounts on products, services and training; free tickets to the annual trade show; accessible insurance; state, local and federal government representation; networking opportunities, special events including seminars, golf and fishing tournaments, parties and much more. The association is committed to safe-guarding the needs of the hospitality industry and improving the business climate.  To learn more about FRLA, call 888-372-9119 to find out how you can get involved.

– See more at: http://www.frla.org/about#sthash.8woISp49.dpuf

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