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The Louisiana Restaurant Association is pleased to announce its 2020 chapter presidents who will lead its membership in the upcoming year. The LRA is comprised of nine chapters across the state, each designed to support advocacy and membership activities. Every year, each chapters’ Board of Directors elects an individual in the industry to serve as President. This year’s leaders, who volunteer their time and efforts at the highest level, are charged with localizing the overall LRA member experience and cultivating opportunities for growth within the association.
The 2020 LRA Chapter Presidents are:
Our 2020 leadership boasts of an exciting mix of LRA veterans along with some new and enthusiastic industry professionals,” said LRA President and CEO Stan Harris. “This balance will usher us into the new decade with new ideas and perspectives while having the experience necessary to carry them successfully to fruition.” The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation is pleased to announce the application period for its annual scholarship program is now open. The scholarships are awarded to individuals interested in pursuing a career in the culinary and/or hospitality industry.
Since the fund’s inception in 2009, the LRAEF has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 233 Louisiana individuals to further their post-secondary education. While these individuals have experience in a variety of roles, in different parts of the state, they all share an enthusiasm and optimism for the future of the restaurant industry. “Each year we recognize a remarkable group with incredible potential,” Julie Talbot, LRAEF Executive Director Julie Talbot. “As the demand for highly skilled applicants continues to be a challenge for independent restaurant operators, our LRAEF scholars will be well-positioned for a successful career in the industry.” “I am so grateful to the LRA for their support,” said 2019 scholar Dustin Rockwell. “It’s a relief to have these scholarship dollars so I can focus on my education and not how I’m going to pay my bills from month to month. I’m looking forward to completing my education and getting back out into the workforce to serve my community to the best of my abilities.” Another 2019 scholar, Brock Nichols, was even chosen to prepare and serve food at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The 2020 scholarships include the Jim Funk Scholarship, LRAEF ProStart Scholarship, LRA Board Fund Scholarship, LRA CENLA Chapter Scholarship and the Louisiana Seafood Scholarship. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., January 31, 2020, and scholars will be announced in early spring. Applicants only need to submit one application for consideration. For eligibility criteria and to apply, click here. For more information, contact the LRAEF office at 504-454-2277 or LRAEF@lra.org.  The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation is pleased to announce the election of a new Chair and Board Member to its Board of Directors, who oversee the mission and goals of the LRAEF. They assumed their new roles January 1, 2020, each for a two-year term.
Matt Massey of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers will serve as the new Chair of the Foundation. Massey is the company’s Regional Vice President and responsible for nearly 100 restaurants throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas. He has worked with the company for more than 12 years. “As the Chair of the LRAEF, it is an honor to promote the restaurant industry and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Massey. “Our education and training programs support and inspire students to discover a passion for foodservice – and it is through this investment in tomorrow’s leaders that we can ensure a robust and vibrant industry for generations to come.” Craig Dennison of Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots in New Orleans will serve as the Foundation’s new Secretary/Treasurer. Dennison has been at the Fair Grounds since 1990 and oversees its food and beverage program. The LRAEF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1995 and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of restaurants, industry experts and educators in the hospitality industry. The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the LRAEF programs, including ProStart and the LRAEF Scholarship Fund. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. The Board of Directors also awards LRAEF scholarships annually to students pursuing a culinary education. Since 2010, the LRAEF has awarded nearly $500,000. The LRAEF is appreciative of the support of the nine LRA chapters who support its mission throughout the year and its annual partners: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor System, National Restaurant Association, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, Performance Foodservice, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Fore!Kids Foundation, McIlhenny Company, PJ’s Coffee, B&G Food Enterprises, Atmos Energy, Sysco and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
The Louisiana Restaurant Association is pleased to announce its 2020 volunteer leadership with Peter Scalfani as its Chair. Scalfani is the owner of Down South Hospitality and a partner in Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant in Baton Rouge. He is Past Chair of the LRA Education Foundation, served as Chapter President of the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter and has chaired several LRA board committees. He represented the LRA on the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. In 2014, he was awarded one of LRA’s highest honors and named Restaurateur of the Year.
“The LRA is fortunate to be led by individuals actively involved in the restaurant industry,” explained Stan Harris, LRA President and CEO. “Those who serve as officers or directors not only successfully run their own businesses but have volunteered countless hours in leadership to our organization. The core of what we do is to advocate for reasonable and predictable regulations that could impact our industry. Our board, whose members are statewide, provides a solid grass roots base.” Listed as follows are the 2020 officers of the LRA:
The following members were elected to serve as an LRA Director for a one-year term in 2020: Acadiana Chapter
Greater Baton Rouge Chapter:
Bayou Chapter:
Greater New Orleans Chapter:
Northeast
Northshore
Southwest
*Headshots attached. |
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