Don’t Miss the Deadline to Submit Your ORA Workers’ Compensation Enrollment Packet

CareWorks Consultants must receive it by Feb. 23

The chance to be a part of Ohio’s largest foodservice-specific workers' compensation group rating plan could still be yours. If you requested your AC-3 quote on time, there is still one very important step for you to take: return your enrollment packet by Feb. 23, 2012.

Get Recognized as an Innovative Operator

The NRA is seeking nominations for the 2012 Operator Innovations Award program

The NRA wants to hear from foodservice leaders whose innovations have transformed the industry. From now until March 7, 2012, nominations are being accepted across a range of categories.

Ohio Tourism Marketing Shows Positive Return on Investment in 2011

For every $1 invested in tourism marketing, the state experienced a return of $14 in state and local taxes

The Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Tourism announced last week that the 2011 “Too Much Fun for Just One Day” advertising campaign resulted in a $14 to $1 return on investment for Ohio, a figure that reflects a continued pattern of success for Ohio tourism campaigns.

Upcoming Webinar Offers Valuable Tips on Hiring for Safety

Attendees will receive insight on how they can reduce workers’ compensation costs

The ORA is sponsoring a free safety training webinar designed specifically for the foodservice industry entitled “Hiring for Safety: foodservice operations seminar focused on the life cycle of an employee” on Mar. 6 from 2:00 – 4 p.m. The webinar will offer tips on reducing workers’ comp cost through smart hiring and firing policies.

ORA to Host Central Ohio Member Blender This Spring

Mark your calendars for Apr. 11 to attend the ORA Member Blender at Dublin’s Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern

Save the date! Mark your calendars for another free ORA Member Blender on Wednesday, Apr. 11 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Look for an invitation and additional details about the ORA Member Blender in the next few weeks.

With Tax Season Upon Us, Be Mindful of Tip-Income Questions

Use this article to answer questions you and your employees may have about calculating tip-reporting

Tax season is here -- and with it, questions about tips and taxes. Here is a guide to tip-related topics restaurateurs and their tip-earning employees might be talking about in the coming weeks.

Strengthen the Industry’s Voice by Attending the 2012 NRA Public Affairs Conference

Lawmakers need to hear from you on how their decisions impact your operations and the economy

Join peers from Ohio and around the nation at the NRA’s 2012 Public Affairs Conference Apr. 17-18 in Washington, D.C. Early-bird registration rates and preferred hotel room rates apply now through Mar. 16. Book your room and register today.

When Looking for Your Next Hire, Consider Using OhioMeansJobs.com

The state of Ohio is making it easier for employers to find qualified job prospects

Ohio restaurateurs now have access to a resource that can save them time and money while making it easier for them to find qualified job candidates: OhioMeansJobs.

Member Benefit of the Week: Electricity Savings

PUCO to Reconsider Rate Hike on Small Businesses

ORA commends Chairman Snitchler for responding to restaurateurs' concerns

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio announced last Friday that it will revisit portions of an AEP Ohio rate plan that had significantly increased rates for many small businesses, including restaurants. In a letter sent to the PUCO following the announcement, ORA President & CEO Geoff Hetrick commended the commission for listening to members’ concerns and examining how rate hikes are impacting small business owners.

You Could Save Thousands by Joining the ORA Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Plan

Return your enrollment packet by Feb. 23, 2012 in order to be eligible

Don’t miss the opportunity to join Ohio’s largest foodservice-specific workers' compensation group rating plan. If you requested your AC-3 quote by Feb. 3, 2012, there is still one very important step for you to take: return your enrollment packet by Feb. 23, 2012.

NRA's Public Affairs Conference Will Bring Hundreds to Nation’s Capital

Be among those to address concerns with the country’s lawmakers

America's restaurateurs, including your peers from Ohio, are gearing up to take the National Restaurant Association's (NRA) "America Works Here" message to Congress Apr. 17-18 as part of the NRA's 26th annual Public Affairs Conference. Early-bird registration rates and preferred hotel room rates apply now through Mar. 16. Book your room and register today.

Students Shine During 2012 Ohio ProStart® Invitational

This year’s winners showcased the highest level of professionalism, commitment

The Ohio ProStart® Invitational was held Jan. 29-30, 2012 during the North America Pizza and Ice Cream Show. ProStart students from around the state participated in the two-day long event, which showcased both culinary and management talents.

Restaurant Gift Cards Remain Popular Choice as Valentine's Day Gift

Twenty-five percent of Americans expected to dine out in celebration of the holiday

While dining out remains a popular choice for Americans to celebrate Valentine’s Day, new NRA research indicates that nearly one-third would also like to receive a restaurant gift card on February 14 with men leading the trend.

ORA Begins Process to Endorse, Financially Support Candidates

Those interested in sharing their opinions are encouraged to contact members of the Ohio Restaurant PAC

The Ohio Restaurant Political Action Committee (PAC) met last week to begin the process of identifying candidates for the Ohio General Assembly to endorse, and in many cases, financially support.

New Report from the CDC Examines Foods that Contribute Most to Sodium Intake

Report finds that Americans consume excessive amounts of sodium in their diets on a daily basis

On Feb. 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a "Vital Signs" report that looks at sources of sodium in the American diet. According to the report, approximately 25% of sodium consumption comes from food purchased at restaurants.

Ohio’s CSI Information Now Accessible on Facebook and Twitter

Social media tactics provide CSI with direct link to interested business owners

Lt. Governor Mary Taylor recently announced that Ohio’s Common Sense Initiative (CSI) is posting important program information on Facebook and Twitter in an effort to keep Ohioans, business owners and others aware of timely CSI-related news.

Data Suggest Recruiting Will Get Tougher in 2012

Industry growth will impact the availability of qualified potential hires

U.S. restaurant operators say recruitment and retention of employees will be more challenging this year now that the economy and job growth are improving, according to data from the NRA’s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast.

Facebook Ads for Restaurants

The ORA’s social media expert explains the value Facebook advertising can bring to your operation

There is no denying that Facebook is the top social networking website. In fact, a number of restaurants have been increasing their use on Facebook, including using Facebook Ads. These ads are extremely effective when targeting specific demographics.

Member Benefit of the Week: ORA Workers’ Comp Group Rating Plan

Deadline Approaching to Enroll in ORA WC Group Rating Plan

Return your enrollment packet by Feb. 23, 2012 in order to be eligible

Now is the time for you to join Ohio’s largest foodservice-specific workers' compensation group rating plan. If you requested your AC-3 quote by Feb. 3, 2012, there is still one very important step for you to take: return your enrollment packets by Feb. 23, 2012.

Has an Innovative Technique or Tool Transformed Your Operation?

If so, you are eligible for the 2012 Operator Innovations Award program

Recently, the NRA launched its 2012 Operator Innovations Awards program, which honors foodservice leaders who transform the industry with their creativity and commitment. From now until Mar. 7, 2012, nominations are being accepted; submit yours with either the online form or by downloading the pdf application.

Don’t Let Changes to FUTA Take You by Surprise

Understanding why the FUTA surcharge is shrinking

If a state receives a trust fund advance and does not repay it within two years, federal law requires that the federal credit on FUTA taxes be reduced by 0.3%. During the recent recession, Ohio was one of many states that had to borrow money to pay unemployment compensation. As a result, we are one of 21 states where employers are facing a federally-mandated offset credit reduction.

ORA Member Chosen to Serve on U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board

Former NRA Chairman Michael Gibbons will serve and share insight relative to foodservice operators

President Barack Obama recently noted the value of the restaurant industry to the U.S. economy when he named Michael Gibbons, the former NRA chairman and a current ORA member, as one of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board's 32 new members.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Learn Valuable Tips on Hiring for Safety

Upcoming ORA webinar provides insight on how you can reduce your workers’ compensation costs

The ORA is sponsoring a safety training webinar on Tues., Mar. 6 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. designed to help you reduce your workers’ compensation costs through the use of responsible hiring and firing practices.