T H E T O P - Michigan Restaurant Association

Believe. Belong. Be Active. MRA
T H E
T O P
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
We Believe
in Restaurants
From corner diners and local pubs to
multi-location franchises and industry
suppliers, the Michigan Restaurant
Association (MRA) represents them all.
Since 1921, the MRA has existed for
the sole purpose of helping Michigan’s
restaurants do business and support
the foodservice industry. Learn more
about how we work to provide political
advocacy, certification and educational
opportunities, cost-saving programs,
accurate information, and networking
events to our valued members.
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M I C H I GRestaurant
A N R E S T AAssociation
URANT ASSOCIATION
| | Michigan
T
he Michigan Restaurant Association aspires to
be depended upon as your partner in business
and a trusted source for information and resources.
As Chairman of the MRA Board of Directors, please
consider joining your restaurateur neighbors and
peers by becoming a member today.
Ken Miller
MRA Chairman of the Board
Board of Directors
T. Michael Ansley
Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Southfield
Brad Keen
Boyne Resorts, Harbor Springs
Ted Behen
Sysco Food Services of Detroit, Canton
Greg Lobdell
Mission Management, Ann Arbor
Mark Burzych
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, Okemos
Brian McAllister
The Hofbrau, Interlochen
Todd Callewaert
The Island House Hotel, Mackinac Island
Steve McCain
US Foods, Wixom
Joe Cekola
Imperial Beverage, Kalamazoo
Ken Miller
Millennium Restaurant Group, Kalamazoo
Dave Dittenber
Old City Hall Restaurant, Bay City
Mark Mitra
Mitra Enterprises, Northville
Brian Ewbank
Stafford’s Hospitality, Petoskey
Dan Roma
National Coney Island, Roseville
Deb Fratrik
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Pontiac
Mark Schostak
TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants, Livonia
Andrew French
Aubree’s Flagstar, Ypsilanti
Sam Short
The Potent Potables Project, Lansing
Gary Gagnon
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant
Keith Sirois
Big Boy Restaurants International, Warren
Amy Zehnder Grossi
Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Frankenmuth
Jennifer Szewc
Bloomin’ Brands, Davisburg
Paul Hess
Epoch Restaurant Group, Novi
Kara Warren
Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids
Jim Holton
Mountain Town Brewing Company, Mount Pleasant
Ken Weber
Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Ann Arbor
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“
As a restaurateur, I believe in a competitive, cooperative marketing-ism – that is,
competition working cooperatively to do better business. While
each of us has unique issues to address within our own businesses, we also have
collective issues to address as an industry. The Michigan Restaurant
Association has been a valuable partner when it comes to governmental
matters I face as a business owner. Not only do they provide important information
about legislation and how it may affect my restaurant, they also offer opportunities,
such as Capitol Day, to ensure my voice is heard by those making our laws. Those
of us in the industry need to remember, not one of us can do this by ourselves.
No one can do everything but everyone can do something.
Tony Noto, Owner
Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, Grand Rapids
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MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
”
BENEFIT
We Actively
influence policy to
protect your business
As part of the restaurant industry in Michigan, the
MRA is your voice at the Capitol – in Lansing and
Washington D.C. As the only trade association in
Michigan representing the foodservice industry on
critical issues, the MRA is an important player in
the Michigan Legislature. We regularly monitor
and engage on labor issues, liquor control,
taxes and fees, food safety, and more. We
meet with public officials to discuss how
those topics will affect restaurants and our
industry. And we keep members informed
about government affairs topics and what
they mean for their business.
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“
The restaurant business has challenges with difficult regulations. Utilizing
the ServSafe program through the Michigan Restaurant
Association for our alcohol and food safety training has helped us meet
the compliance regulations with ease – and saved money.
Not only was the Association a key partner in getting the liquor license
transferred for one of my restaurants in a timely manner, they also went
above and beyond my expectations by actually doing an onsite alcohol training session for my staff on very short notice. The ServSafe
program is the industry leader and the service provided by the Michigan
Restaurant Association staff is highly accommodating.
James Berg, Managing Partner
Essence Restaurant Group (Bistro Bella Vita,
The Green Well, and Grove), Grand Rapids
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MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
”
BENEFIT
We Believe
in providing ServSafe
certification and other
education opportunities
Food and alcohol safety training are critical
components of your business. The MRA is your
one-stop-shop for all ServSafe certification
programs – food manager, food handler, allergen,
and alcohol. Members receive discounts on
certification classes, and a variety of locations and
online options are available for testing.
In addition to ServSafe, the MRA is your source for
general education opportunities. From seminars
about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act and Foodborne Illness Management to
Marketing and Professional Development, the MRA
presents educational sessions
at no charge to members
throughout the year.
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“
Saving time and money is critical as a restaurant owner. The Michigan
Restaurant Association helps me do both – especially when it
comes to workers’ compensation coverage. I’ve participated with
their Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund for years now. It’s specific to the
restaurant industry, was simple to join, and has been an outstanding
investment in protecting my business. We do our part to keep on-the-job
injuries down, and the Fund gives us comfort in knowing it’s there when needed.
Since the Fund is owned by members, it is a natural fit because I am already a
partner with the MRA, which helps protect my restaurants.
Tom Brann, Owner
Brann’s Sizzling Steaks & Sports Grille,
Grand Rapids
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MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
”
BENEFIT
Those who belong can access money-saving,
high quality programs
and services
We know you want to run a profitable business, and that
takes many resources. The MRA has formed partnerships
with companies who want to help you reduce costs
while not losing operational quality or employee
benefits. Members can take advantage of the collective
buying power of the MRA through preferred programs.
Those who participate in these programs will see a clear
return on their membership investment.
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Workers’ Compensation Program
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Health Care Insurance
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Payroll Processing
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Natural Gas Procurement
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Credit Card Processing
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Online Marketing
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Music Licensing
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BENEFIT
We Believe in providing industry-leading news and information
We know your time is valuable. The MRA provides
regular communications in a variety of formats to
help ensure you are getting up-to-date information
the way you want it. Content includes culinary,
consumer, and menu trends; industry and business
information; government affairs activities; and MRA
events and offerings. The MRA’s regular
communications include the Michigan
Restaurateur magazine, Michigan
Restaurant News newsletter,
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BENEFIT
Active Members
take advantage of
networking
opportunities
The restaurant industry is how we all make our living – it’s where our
passion for food and foodservice
reside. Sharing that passion with
peers is a great benefit of the many
member events hosted by the MRA
each year.
Held annually in October, the Michigan Restaurant Show lets you meet with vendors about new
products to grow your business and learn from industry
experts. Capitol Day provides small-group meetings
with legislators so that your voice is sure to be heard.
Participation with the ProStart Program is a great way
to pass on your industry passion to the next generation.
Numerous MRA Political Action Committee events help
support our political acitvities while engaging in fun
activities. Member Mixers are a casual setting to meet
fellow restaurateurs and MRA staff members.
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As a foodservice professional, many of your
neighbors and peers are already members.
Take an active step and join the Michigan
Restaurant Association, the recognized
leader of Michigan’s restaurant industry.
Your membership investment includes:
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Education and training opportunities, plus discounts on ServSafe certification
Money-saving programs and services, including natural gas and credit card processing
Political advocacy efforts to protect your business
Networking events, such as the Michigan Restaurant Show
Industry-leading resources, including
a member-only website
Free membership in the National
Restaurant Association
Believe. Belong. Be Active. Join the MRA!
225 W. WASHTENAW, LANSING, MI 48933
MICHIGANRESTAURANT.ORG
|
800-968-9668
52016