The Kentucky Restaurant Association Board of Directors met yesterday, and while that may sound boring or routine there were business men and women from throughout Kentucky representing restaurants and supplier companies doing the work of the Association. Yes, there were some motions about financial reports, leadership appointments, accepting the last meeting’s minutes and lots of discussion about upcoming events and deadlines, but you know what my favorite part is? It’s being in the room with industry leaders who respect each other, and watching them trade ideas for the betterment of our Kentucky restaurants. If you’re not yet a member, you benefit from this because we are shaping policy, standing up for ALL restaurants and protecting the industry’s message: we’re the industry of opportunity! Most of what KRA does falls into three categories: educate, celebrate and advocate. We conduct ServSafe and ServSafe Alcohol classes all the time. Our Chapters raise thousands of dollars for charities. Our Kentucky ProStart program actively works with 20+ schools throughout the state educating and developing your next source for employees. Our legislative work advocates for your business not being singled out for more fees or for a restaurant tax city leaders throughout the state are begging state legislators for. We bring the industry together at our golf, Expo and Gala events – to network, learn and celebrate the bright stars we have!
In the next few months, you’ll see a lot of communication from me urging you to contact your state legislators in opposition to a restaurant tax. Please make the call, send the email and talk to legislators who dine in your establishment. You can explain how another tax will affect your business so much better than I can. If you’re not sure who to contact, look here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/findyourlegislator/findyourlegislator.html
KRA does the hard work on behalf of Kentucky’s restaurant industry. I invite you to join KRA and do your part – even if you don’t participate in a thing – in helping make our voice stronger. The louder our voice, the more it will be heard. I hope to see you at Cuisine on the Green on October 7 and our Day at the Races Expo on November 21!