ARHA NOW Vol. 4 Issue #4

ARHANOW

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ALLIANCE

Stars of the Industry

2015 AWARDS PAGE 10 CARLE PLACE, NY PERMIT NO 35

PAID

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

VOLUME 4 ISSUE #4

© 2015 Alabama Power Company

W With reduced cleanup time, lower maintenance cost, and longer equipment life, electric cooking gives you a more efficient and cooler kitchen. When you add in faster preheating, faster recovery and less product shrinkage, you’ll see how electricity gives you the power to save while giving your menu the preparation it deserves. Call 1.888.430.5787 to learn more about the benefits of electric cooking.

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INSIDE. And the winners are...

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ARHANOW THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ALLIANCE

phone: 334.244.1320 fax: 334.244.9800 61B Market Place Montgomery, AL 36117 www.arhaonline.com

INSIDE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS UPDATE

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

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2016 PROSTART速 SPONSORSHIP

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2015 STARS OF THE INDUSTRY RECAP

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STARS AWARDS & GOLF SPONSORS

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2015 GRAND PINEAPPLE GOLF CHALLENGE

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ARHA HAPPENINGS

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MINDY HANAN President & CEO ALISON INGLE Director of Communications

ADVERTISERS ALABAMA POWER

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LISA LOTT Director of Administration & Special Events

ALABAMA INSURANCE EXCHANGE

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UNITED HEALTHCARE

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SHEA PERKINS Director of Member Relations

PERDIDO BEACH RESORT

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SCULPTURE HOSPITALITY

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OLD FORESTER

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SUSAN STARR Director of Education

HEARTLAND 27 U.S. FOODS

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from the

PRESIDENT MINDY HANAN President & CEO, ARHA

B

y now it should not surprise me, but the generosity of our members and the restaurant and hospitality industry as a whole is astounding. Those of you who own and run these businesses know better than I, because you are asked every week to support a community cause.

Individually and collectively, ARHA members are very generous in their support of community organizations and causes.

Never has this been more evident than at our recent Stars of the Industry dinner and the Grand Pineapple Golf Challenge. We appreciate the outstanding job that The Sheraton Birmingham did in hosting the dinner. I would like to express my gratitude to Paul Wilson and his amazing staff. I also would like to congratulate Sara Hamlin of the Birmingham CVB for the fabulous job she did chairing this wonderful event. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Mike Powell for his leadership with the golf tournament. The golf committee work very hard to make it a fun day for the participants. Together these events raised in excess of $20,000 for

the ARHA Foundation. The proceeds will go to fund scholarships and support our ProStart program.

I would like to remind you to be sure and read our weekly email newsletter. It is full of the latest developments and news affecting the industry. If you are not receiving this information, please call the Alliance office at (334) 244-1320. In addition our website www.arhaonline.com has important news, alliance events, and information regarding member benefits.

I hope you and your family enjoy the holiday season. Please let us know how we can be of service to you!!

In their own words:

Why choose UnitedHealthcare?

Exclusive health care pricing and solutions for ARHA members from UnitedHealthcare Together, the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance (ARHA) and UnitedHealthcare offer special advantages for your business: } Health care reform guidance and solutions around the Affordable Care Act } Exclusive savings on standard group medical plans and specialty benefits } Wellness programs and services } Bilingual resources for Hispanic/Latino owners, operators and employees Find out what the ARHA and UnitedHealthcare can do for your business, and why others in the hospitality industry are choosing UnitedHealthcare for their health care solutions.

Contact your broker, the ARHA or Kimberlee Vandervoorn at (301) 865-7058 or kvandervoorn@uhg.com.

“When it comes to the field of health care, we live in unprecedented times. Both the regulatory and business landscapes are shrouded by a dense fog of uncertainty. What’s more, when plotting a course for success over this rough terrain, a knowledgeable and trustworthy guide is a virtual necessity. At Firehouse Subs, we concluded long ago that the best course of action was to turn a negative into a positive. We took a leadership position in assessing the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and devised a course of action that we believe will help us achieve our business goals of growing sales and improving profitability.

We felt so confident in our chosen course that we implemented the offer of qualifying insurance coverage for our hourly employees in 2014 (choosing not to take advantage of the one-year delay granted by the Obama administration).

During our many months of studying the ACA and formulating our plan, the support we received from the team at UnitedHealthcare was invaluable. UnitedHealthcare stood side by side with us to help us understand the ever-shifting tenets of the ACA; they were our “go-to” resource.

From beginning to end, they differentiated themselves from their competitors by demonstrating their desire to understand the needs of our business. And along the way, they helped us educate our franchise community and arm them with the knowledge they need to make a quality decision about their own path. And finally, as we moved toward the finish line of finalizing the products we would offer our employees, they proved themselves to be a superior choice in the marketplace. I highly recommend UnitedHealthcare for any business seeking a valued partner in today’s challenging business environment.”

Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer Firehouse of America, LLC (dba Firehouse Subs), Jacksonville, Florida UnitedHealthcare customer

©2015 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through a UnitedHealthcare company. 8/15 UHCAL752782-000

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Soft Drink Tax Aborted During Special SessionWill it Be Back in the 2016 Regular Session?

BY DEBORAH MILLER, Partner, Milller Development Group

ARHA along with several other groups geared up for a fight in the 2nd Special Session called by Governor Bentley in September after budgets failed to be adopted in the Regular Session or the first Special Session. Due to the hard work of a coalition including ARHA the Governor quickly summed up that there was not the appetite nor the votes to continue to push for the soda tax in the Second Special Session. Indeed, ARHA fared well except for the threat of closures of some of the most beautiful parks, I would say, in the United States. Several other proposals punitive to our members along with other Alabama businesses also fell by the wayside.

lawsuits. In the Regular session Rep. Pringle urged the Alabama State Bar to investigate the claims for ethical implications.

However, the Regular Session is just around the corner so there is little time to rest on past laurels. It begins the first week in February and there is already talk of possible fixes to the still strapped General Fund budget with no clear consensus on just how to find the needed revenue.

The budget passed in the Special is more than $80 million less than the current budget.

Listed below are the measures that were enacted to pass a budget. Also listed is a forecast of the tax proposals that could loom over the upcoming session. In the next magazine we will again provide a GUIDE to LOBBYING and other details regarding the session. Looks like we are going to need to know them!

So what will be done? The gambling and lottery bill pushed by Senator Del Marsh continues to gain traction as an attractive measure to be reconsidered in the 2016 session. ARHA, as reported, has a seat on the Gaming Commission created in the bill. The Governor continues to push for additional tax measures that could very well include the soda tax and a myriad of other taxes that could affect our members.

REVENUE MEASURES

In the end, the session concluded with a General Fund Budget of approximately $166 million in new revenue.

The passed budget provided level funding for Medicaid, the Department of Corrections, the Unified Judicial System, the Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Human Resources. Most other state agencies were cut by approximately 5.5 percent or more.

One notable exception was the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (“ADEM”), which was cut by 83%.

Other notable issues also kept ARHA actively engaged in the Special Session. ADA lawsuits continue to plague ARHA members and a House Joint Resolution sponsored

by Rep. Chris Pringle called on Congress to reform the Americans with Disabilities Act to reduce predatory

A ban on local minimum wages designed to negate the recent vote by the Birmingham City Council failed to receive a vote by either the House or the Senate. The bill was sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner who argued that a patchwork of city wage laws causes a hardship on businesses and would cost jobs. A similar bill sponsored

by Rep. Arnold Mooney in the Regular Session also failed to pass but is due to be introduced again in February.

ACT 2015- 539 – USE TAX TRANSFER: Effective October 1, it transfers an additional $80 million (or 53%) of use tax receipts to the General Fund from the Education Trust Fund.

ACT 2015-538 – ROLLING RESERVE MODIFICATIONS: Makes adjustments to the Education Trust Fund Rolling Reserve Act to allow for increased spending capacity in the Education Budget. It also creates the Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund that allows the Legislature to make one-time appropriations for technology in schools during good economic years.

ACT 2015-535 – CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE: Estimated to generate $70 million, the Act took effect October 1st and increases the tax on cigarettes by 25 cents per pack to fund Medicaid. It decreases the tobacco tax stamp discount taken by wholesalers or jobbers, and changes the distribution of tax on consumable vapor products. Further, it mandates wholesalers to stamp cigarettes and collect tobacco tax sold to an Indian reservation tobacco vendor but provides a refund of the taxes paid by tribal members.

ACT 2015-537 – PRESCRIPTION TAX INCREASE: Effective September 1, it provides for a supplemental privilege tax of 15 cents for each prescription filled or refilled for a citizen of Alabama to be paid by the pharmacists not the consumer. However, if there is a determination that it will not be matched by the Federal Government, it will become null and void. If the law remains in effect it could generate $8 million for Medicaid.

ACT 2015-536 – NURSING HOME BED TAX INCREASE: The Act took effect on October 1 and is set to expire in August of 2017. It increased the tax on beds by around $400 and should generate an additional $8million for Medicaid.

ACT 2015-556 – PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL ON NEW VEHICLES: The Act standardizes the collection of ad valorem taxes on new and used vehicles, eliminating the current deferral of the tax on new vehicles until the buyer’s next registration month.

WILL THEY BE BACK? BILLS THAT DIED IN THE SECOND SPECIAL SESSION

MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL TAX INCREASE: Increases the vehicle lease tax from 1.5 percent to 2 percent of the gross proceeds, equalizing the rate with the 2 percent vehicle sales tax.

BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAX REFORM: Eliminates the annual business privilege tax filing obligation for all business entities with less than $10,000 in Alabama taxable net worth. It also would increase the annual maximum amount of BPT due by most entities from $15,000 to $20,000, increase tax rates, and increase the minimum tax due (currently $100). Also, it increases the minimum tax due for financial institutions and requires those with in-state deposits to calculate their tax based on those deposits. The bill would amend the business privilege tax due date for taxpayers subject to the financial institution excise tax from March 15 to April 15.

GASOLINE TAX: Increases the user fee on gas and diesel fuel by 5 cents per gallon in the first year, and an additional 2 cents per gallon annually thereafter, as long as the average gas price in Alabama stays below the average price over the last ten years.

FICA DEDUCTION: Eliminates the deduction of FICA and self-employment taxes that may be claimed as a deduction against income on Alabama returns.

LOTTERY/GAMING: Allows the people to vote on Class III gaming in certain areas, sets up a Gaming Commission and allows for a statewide lottery. .

EXCISE TAX ON SOFT DRINKS: Imposes an excise tax on bottled or canned soft drinks or bulk syrup or powders used to produce such drinks including nonalcoholic malt drinks and bulk syrup or powders used to produce drinks sold at wholesale.

AD VALOREM TAX: Requires a vote by the people and if passed allows the state to levy an additional $5 million in annual state ad valorem tax for Medicaid.

MANDATORY UNITARY COMBINED REPORTING (MUCR): Amends the state’s corporate income tax code to require that all related entities involved in a unitary business (broadly defined), at least one of which is doing business in Alabama, file one corporate income tax return on a combined basis. Under current law, each entity subject to the Alabama corporate income tax is generally required to file a separate return and separately calculate its own income tax liability, regardless of whether the entity is a subsidiary of or otherwise affiliated with a larger group. It eliminates the filing option provided in existing law that allows corporate taxpayers to file a consolidated income tax return for all members of the federal affiliated group that have nexus with Alabama.

WELCOME. New Members LODGING Towne Inn

Sylacauga

RESTAURANTS Blue Bar & Grill

Dothan

BK’s Beach House

Gulf Shores

Birmingham Full Moon Bar-b-que

Fultondale Tuscaloosa Jefferson’s

Opelika

Manci Antique Club

Daphne

Rivertown Coffeehouse Café

Rainbow City

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2016 ARHA FOUNDATION

PROSTART® INVITATIONAL FEBRUARY 6, 2016 • JEFFERSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

The ARHA Foundation is excited to announce our 2016 ProStart® Invitational. Students representing their high school’s ProStart® program will participate in culinary and management competitions. This one day event allows ProStart® students to showcase the skills that they have learned in the classroom. This event is made possible through the support of our industry. See how you can help below and remember all sponsorship donations are tax-deductible.

HOW CAN YOU HELP: BE A JUDGE OR VOLUNTEER Over 50 people are needed to staff a ProStart competition! If you would like to volunteer on the day of the competition, we would love your help. We also need judges with backgrounds in culinary, restaurant management, and marketing.

SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS: PROSTART® GRADUATE: $2,000 • • •

Awards presentation recognition and presentation Company logo will appear on: Website | Award | Magazine | Signage | Email Blasts | Agendas & Schedules VIP Guest Judge Invitation: an exclusive invitation that enables your company to receive increased press by having a member of your staff serve as a judge for the culinary/management competitions.

SENIOR PROSTART® LEVEL 2: $1,500 • •

Company logo will appear on: Website | Award | Magazine | Signage | Email Blasts | Agendas & Schedules VIP Guest Judge Invitation: an exclusive invitation that enables your company to receive increased press by having a member of your staff serve as a judge for the culinary/management competitions.

JUNIOR PROSTART® LEVEL 1: $1,000 • •

Company logo will appear on: Magazine | Signage | Agendas & Schedules VIP Guest Judge Invitation: an exclusive invitation that enables your company to receive increased press by having a member of your staff serve as a judge for the culinary/management competitions.

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What is Prostart®?

ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart®’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.

By bringing industry and the classroom together, ProStart® gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents and opens doors for fulfilling careers. The curriculum teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry. ProStart® is supported and operated by the ARHA Foundation in partnership with the NRA Educational Foundation. With 15 high schools currently participating, the ProStart® program is growing fast and on its way to becoming a talent pipeline for careers in Alabama’s up and coming foodservice industry.

2016 PROSTART® INVITATIONAL - HOW WILL YOU HELP? How would you like to help?

Please select the level of sponsorship:

q BE A JUDGE

q PROSTART® GRADUATE: $2,000

q VOLUNTEER

q SENIOR PROSTART® LEVEL 2: $1,500

q MENTOR

q JUNIOR PROSTART® LEVEL 1: $1,000

Company Name: Name: Email: Address: City: State:

Zip:

Phone: Fax: SPONSORS ONLY:

Please charge my:

Card #:

Exp:

Complete form and send to: FAX: 334.244.9800

Visa

MC

AMEX

Discover

Signature:

| MAIL: 61B Market Place, Montgomery, AL 36117

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CONTACT: Susan Starr | PHONE: 334.244.1320 | EMAIL: sstarr@arhaonline.com PROSTART® WEBSITE: www.nraef.org/ProStart

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The 2015 Stars of the Industry awards dinner was held at the Sheraton Hotel Birmingham on Monday, September 28. This ceremony honor’s some of the most committed and hardest working individuals in Alabama’s lodging, tourism, and restaurant industry.

The event began with an elegant reception while the finalists competed in the state Bartender of the Year competition. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner prepared by Executive Chef John Melton with wine compliments of Maraella Winery. Eunice Elliot, traffic reporter for NBC 13 Birmingham and stand up comedian, served as the emcee for the evening and the Shaun Pezant duet provided live musical entertainment.

The Stars awards are peer-nominated and winners are selected by Stars committee. There were over 80 nominations submitted and the winners in each of the fifteen categories were presented with trophies

by ARHA Board Chairman Brandt Tucker.

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Lifetime Achievement Award JOE ROSZKOWSKI & DAVID DEKLE

ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE

Through a shared dream, Joe Roszkowski, his wife Mary Lou and long-time friends and business partners David and Jane Dekle built one of the most iconic seafood restaurants along the Gulf Coast. The Original Oyster House restaurants opened its doors over 30 years ago and it has now become one of the most beloved family restaurants in Mobile and Gulf Shores.

The Original Oyster House has been recognized by local and national journalists and bloggers and is recommended by The New York Times, Southern Living Magazine and Coastal Living Magazine.

Joe is President /CEO and David Dekle is Vice President of Superb Foods, the management company of the restaurants, Geez Louise Boutique, Trading Company and Joe & Dave’s Sauces and Seasonings. The restaurant has been named one of the “best oyster bars in America” by Time Magazine and has received numerous awards for

their seafood gumbo, homemade desserts and the very popular fire-grilled oysters. However, it is the years of unnoticed service that makes Joe and David both pillars of the community.

Through outreach, volunteerism, donations, and sponsorships, Joe and David have been able to give back to area schools, athletics, churches, charitable organizations and many other worthy causes.

Every September 11th, the restaurants offer a free lunch to all first responders in memory of those who lost their lives. Each year the restaurants also award two scholarships to high school seniors in memory of a restaurant employee.

Both Joe and David support countless efforts that promote Alabama, its foods, and the industry, and are two of the state’s best Ambassadors.

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Lifetime Achievement Award NANCY MEADLOCK

PERDIDO BEACH RESORT, ORANGE BEACH Nancy Meadlock enjoyed a storied and remarkable career long before stepping into the hospitality industry. In 1986 she and her husband built and opened Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama, but it wasn’t until 2000 that she decided to devote her energy to the hotel business.

Since that time she has served as the Owner and General Manager of the hotel.

Nancy brings traditional Southern values to this privately owned property and her commitment to employees, guests and the community is why the Perdido Beach Resort has been named “Best of the South” for many years by Meetings Focus South Magazine.

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan offered what was likely the biggest challenge the hotel had ever faced. Despite the multi-million dollar damages suffered, Nancy opened up the hotel to employees and their families who found themselves homeless after the devastation. She also offered rooms and meals to emergency personnel stationed in the area. The hotel did not reopen until March of the

following year and she continued her full-time employee’s benefits fully at the hotel’s expense, with the hope that these employees would return upon reopening….all but two employees returned to work when the resort reopened. That is truly remarkable.

Nancy is also involved with the local community including Advantage Coastal Alabama and the Gulf Coast Habitat for Humanity. She has also supported a number of fund-raisers at the hotel for area residents in need.

This past year, because of Nancy Meadlock’s support, a group of twenty-six students from Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in Birmingham got to enjoy a weekend at the beach while receiving hands-on experience working in the industry at Perdido Beach Resort.

Nancy recognizes that students today will be the future leaders of hospitality tomorrow and the resort expects to grow this program in 2016 and years to come.

ESCAPE TO PARADISE

Perdido Beach Resort is situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Nestled on an island oasis where the pelicans perch, the blue herons stroll and sugar white sand beaches meet the emerald waters. A luxury, beach-front resort vacation awaits.

PERDIDOBEACHRESORT.COM

P: 251.981.9811

E: INFO@PERDIDOBEACHRESORT.COM

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Legislator of the Year REPRESENTATIVE ARNOLD MOONEY

HOUSE DISTRICT 43

Representative Arnold Mooney is the son of Arnold and Lillian Mooney. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama where he attended public school and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. Following high school, he attended Samford University in Birmingham and was subsequently awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees with highest honors in political science and history.

He also studied abroad at the University of Oxford in England as a Rotary Scholar sponsored from the Rotary Club of Birmingham and as a Scottish Rite Foundation Fellow in post graduate study in the School of Government and Business Administration at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. His experience in government and political activities, comes from having served as a Staff Assistant for Alabama’s United States Senator James B. Allen, running Congressman Albert Lee

Smith’s United States Senate campaign, as well as, Alabama legislative races for the House and Senate. He served as Chairman of his predecessor’s campaigns, Representative Mary Sue McClurkin for the last 12 years.

Representative Mooney is a career Commercial Realtor, holding the CCIM designation, currently an Associate Broker with Southeast Commercial Partners and formerly a Vice President with Colonial Properties Trust for 27 years. He is Life Member and Vulcan Award Recipient for Club of Excellence and Commercial Million Dollar Sales Club of the Birmingham Association of Realtors.

Representative Mooney has been married to his wife Kelly for 31 years and they have three children and two grandchildren. In November 2014, Representative Mooney was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and is now serving in his first term.

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Restaurateur of the Year BETSY MCATEE

DREAMLAND HOLDING LLC With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Betsy McAtee has spent her career in key positions for both regional and national brands.

When she joined Dreamland Holding Company in 2000, she brought that vast experience with her. During her time with Dreamland, she has served as Director of Marketing and Purchasing, Chief Operating Officer and now Chief Executive Officer. Dreamland BBQ Holding Company owns and operates seven restaurants in the Southeast and is the franchisor of the Dreamland Brand, a nationally recognized restaurant brand.

Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Alabama and obtained her MBA from the University of West Florida.

Under Betsy’s direction, Dreamland has not only retained the legendary identity that has created an ever-loyal customer base over the last 50 years, but has also expanded and evolved to meet the needs of the modern customer with eight restaurants, national shipping and retail products that allow Dreamland guests to achieve that legendary taste at home.

Dreamland has been recognized among the best BBQ in the nation by Southern Living, Men’s Journal, USA Today and more! Birmingham Magazine named Dreamland a Legacy Business in 2012, and it was named the Retailer of the Year Silver Medalist by the Alabama Retail Association in 2014.

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Hotelier of the Year RICK SMITH

RENAISSANCE ROSS BRIDGE RESORT Richard “Rick” Smith has over 30 years in the hospitality industry, predominately with Marriott International. Rick joined PCH Hotels & Resorts in July 2013 as the General Manager of the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. He has the unique ability to translate his expert knowledge of hospitality into well-developed and cohesive operational teams which has led to numerous successes for his resort that include: financial results, associate satisfaction, guest satisfaction, and serving the local community.

Under Rick’s leadership, 2015 revenues and profits have both significantly increased. Ross Bridge’s guest service scores are consistently in the green zone and in a recent associate engagement

survey, Ross Bridge received the highest score of all the PCH Hotels.

Rick has also developed several committees that the hotel’s associates enjoy being affiliated with focusing on charity, associate’s health and well-being, and green initiatives. He leads by example, as he serves on several boards within the community as well.

Rick thoroughly enjoys spending time with hisassociates and has a very kind and generous soul. He strives for perfection and wants every guest to encounter something that leaves a positive memorable experience. These are just a few examples of the fantastic job Rick does for the Ross Bridge resort and our industry. He truly embodies

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Spirit Award GABRIELLE GRIFFIN

GABBY’S TORTILLA, FOLEY

Gabby truly represents the spirit of restaurant entrepreneurship.

Her drive and determination are truly inspiring. Gabby took a school project idea and developed a successful business model before she was old enough to drive.

Gabby has been making tortillas since she was born. However, she started Gabby’s Tortillas as part of the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy program at Foley High School and now at the age of only 17, Gabby has been in business for herself for over 2 years. She also sells her tortillas to other restaurants such as Baumhower’s and at local farmers markets.

Gabby is a shining example of believing in yourself and in your product.

Chef of the Year CHEF ROBERT KAMM

RENAISSANCE ROSS BRIDGE RESORT Chef Rob joined the Ross Bridge team when it opened in 2005 and truly has a passion to share his craft. He has trained in Europe with Master and Michelin rated Chefs and his own certification through the American Culinary Federation as a Certified Executive Chef are all things that bring a world of influence to the Ross Bridge hotel and to the state.

Chef Rob has traveled to Malaysia and now recruits aspiring chefs online to train in Alabama giving these students a wonderful opportunity that may not have otherwise.

Also, he was involved with Hands On Birmingham to rebuild houses after a tornado and is currently involved with the Jefferson County Chef’s Apprenticeship Program, T.E.A.R.S. (The Emergency Animal Rescue Service), and has been a driving force in making the hotel’s association with United Cerebral Palsy successful. Through his efforts, the resort now has four associates working in Chef Rob’s department through UCP. Additionally, Chef Rob has been selected Manager of the Quarter for 2014. He works tirelessly to unite the kitchen and to create a learning “family” environment for his staff--nurturing their professional growth and providing them with a great atmosphere in which to succeed.

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Supplier of the Year BILL TRUXAL

HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYSTEMS Bill has been involved with the ARHA since coming to Alabama in 2008 and was elected to the Board in 2013. As a past “Supplier of the Year” with Merchants Foodservice, he is in his 3rd year with Heartland and is a Relationship Manager based in Birmingham.

Heartland was founded on business ethics and practices to educate their clients, provide transparency to processing costs, and assist customers in providing financial services. Voted again,

by Selling Power Magazine as the Best Company to work with for 2015 as well as 2014. In fact, Heartland has been selected number 1 in 5 of the last 8 years. As a Member of the NRA and also ARHA, Heartland is an endorsed partner for all of your payroll, card processing, gift card, and commercial lending needs.

Humanitarian of the Year NATALIE BICKEL

OSI - OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE Natalie is the Joint Venture Partner for the “No Rules, Just Right” Outback Steakhouse in Alabama, where she operates and leads nine restaurants to their everyday successes. With nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, Natalie realizes there are the responsibilities of day-to-day operations; but, more importantly, it’s about people. Natalie appreciates, and shares with her folks, that leadership is a moment-to-moment choice and not about title, tenure or position.

Natalie volunteers a great amount of time to multiple organizations. She is an avid supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and she serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Restaurants and Hospitality Alliance. Along with her status as a Bloomin Brands Ambassador for the National Diversity Council, she was recently asked to be on the Board of Directors for the newly-formed Alabama Diversity Council. Recently, Natalie headed up Outback’s 2nd Annual Kangaroo Classic Softball Tournament in Montgomery raising $32,000 to benefit local chapters of The Muscular Dystrophy Association in Alabama.

This year, those proceeds helped 33 local children attend a special summer camp through the foundation.

Outback Steakhouse has a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of each community in which it does business and this philosophy combined with Natalie’s charitable spirit is a perfect match.

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Tourism Promoter of the Year CARMEN BISHOP

DOTHAN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Carmen has served as the Director of Communications for the Dothan CVB since 2012. In this short time, she has implemented major improvements including print, digital, and social media marketing. Carmen is constantly thinking of new and exciting ways to market Dothan and recently revamped the CVB’s retail operations and visitor center literature as well. The CVB now has a new website with mobile platform, mobile app, and several social media applications. In addition, she has planned and implemented many events throughout the city and even tackled the most daunting task to re-design the CVB’s logo and tagline. Carmen is dedicated to her work as a tourism professional outside of business hours as well. She has served on the Wiregrass Museum of Art’s Mural Committee and the Downtown Group’s Board for the revitalization of the Historic Downtown area. In addition, she has served on the Bash Committee for the past four years for the Alabama Travel Council, the Governor’s Conference Silent Auction Committee and the Southeast Tourism Society’s fundraising committee for Marketing College. Carmen has recently earned her Travel Marketing Professional certifications from the Southeast Tourism Society as well. Carmen is a wonderful ambassador for Dothan tourism and a shining example of enthusiasm and professionalism.

Hospitality Manager of the Year JENNIFER MCINTIRE

PERDIDO BEACH RESORT, ORANGE BEACH Jennifer joined Perdido Beach Resort as Sales Manager right before the hotel suffered the devastating impact of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Over the next 11 years, Jennifer was promoted to Convention Services Manager in 2008, Senior Convention Services Manager in 2010, and Director of Events Management in 2015. In this role, she is not only the leader of the department, but she also serves as a close liaison with the Sales Department and the Food & Beverage department to ensure that all group functions operate smoothly.

Having Jennifer in this leadership role has been the most integral part of the hotel puzzle in bringing all of these functions together as one smooth operating unit. It is because of her kind and caring personality along with her attention to detail and pursuit of excellence that the hotel’s event management team is soaring to new heights. Jennifer graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management with an emphasis on Tourism.

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Restaurant Manager of the Year LYDIA MEE

LUCY BUFFETT’S LULU’S, GULF SHORES As a veteran of LuLu’s, Lydia has been employed with the company since opening day in 2004. Throughout her tenure, she has progressed from a serving position to management. With a big heart, Lydia’s genuine hospitality is extended daily to not only the staff, but to customers as well. She is extremely instrumental when training new employees in the “LuLu’s” way, as well as being instrumental to train employees in the general area of hospitality.

No matter where the need may be, Lydia is always willing to help in order to keep LuLu’s successfully running. It is with not only her professionalism, but her compassion for people that truly makes her an asset to the LuLu’s team.

Front of the House Restaurant Employee PAYTON THORTON

BOB’S VICTORY GRILLE, AUBURN Payton started as a hospitality team member two years ago and is now the first intern to go through the Aloha MIT program. She is a very motivated young lady and is soon to be star within this industry. She is a senior in Restaurant and Hospitality Management at Auburn University. Since completing her MIT training, she is competent to fill any hourly position within the restaurant, as well as, shift manager. She was instrumental in developing the catering menu and is a six-time MVP winner voted on by her peers.

Front of the House Hotel Employee MARLENA GILLIS

THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY Marlena is the Conference Service Manager at The Hotel at Auburn University. She is a dedicated employee and is proactively working to become a better leader by applying for Leadership Lee County. Marlena also helps teach the Intro to Hospitality Course for the HRMT program at Auburn University. She succeeds in everything she does and is a perfectionist in working to ensure her clients experience is second to none. Marlena has played a pivotal role in successful events hosted at the hotel such as the “Chamber Cater Out at the Arena for 750” and the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

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Back of the House Restaurant Employee CURTIS CLARK

THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY Curtis has 19 years of service and is Baumhower’s in Huntsville’s most dedicated and dependable team member. He has trained hundreds of employees through the years all while working two different jobs. “Curtis goes above and beyond every day with a smile on his face,” staff said.

Back of the House Hotel Employee CHARLES SMITH

THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY As the hotel’s CARE engineer for the past seven years, Charles ensures that guest rooms look as good today as they did when freshly renovated in 2008. He has an eye for detail and never leaves a room until it is in perfect condition. Charles can be found directing parking lot traffic on busy football weekends, assisting the bellman with guest calls, and helping out housekeeping and laundry departments if needed. He recently enrolled in mechanical classes and is working to gain his HVAC license which will only make him more valuable to the hotel. Charles is described by others as dedicated, kind, reliable, considerate, thorough, a good team mate, and a model employee.

Educator of Excellence KAREN RODRIGUEZ

HUNTVILLE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY Huntsville Center of Technology teacher Karen Rodriguez won the Educator of Excellence award. She actively utilizes the ProStart Program in her classroom and has demonstrated a strong commitment to her students and the program. This past spring, she was honored as a ProStart National Educator of Excellence by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. In the words of one of her previous students, “Chef Rodriguez gave us the full employment scenario from the front-to-the-backof-the-house and treated us like we were on the job. She offers constructive criticism and guidance in a manner that only leaves students encouraged to improve their skills. Chef Rodriguez is a strong motivator and a great teacher.”

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Bartender of the Year JEAN GRESHAM

CENTRAL RESTAURANT, MONTGOMERY Jean Gresham of Central Restaurant in Montgomery won the 2015 Bartender of the Year award.

Jean was recently promoted to Beverages Manager, but was the lead bartender at Montgomery’s downtown Central Restaurant.

She is passionate about creating great drinks and continuing to learn both service and creative standards behind the bar.

The six regional contestants were judged on taste, accuracy, showmanship, crowd interaction, and speed.

Stand out from the competition...

with increased bar profits.

SWEET HOME. PERFECT POUR.

please sip old forester responsibly.

oldforester.com | responsibility.org

Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-50% Alc. by Vol., Brown-Forman Distillers Company, Louisville, KY OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc. Š2015 Brown-Forman Distillers. All rights reserved.

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tenets of the ACA; they were our “go-to” resource.

From beginning to end, they differentiated themselves from their competitors by demonstrating their desire to understand the needs of our business. And along the ARHANOW helped us educate our franchise 24way, they community and arm them with the knowledge they need to make a quality decision about their own path. And finally, as we moved toward the finish line of finalizing the products we would offer our employees, they proved themselves to be a superior choice in the marketplace. I highly recommend UnitedHealthcare for any business seeking a valued partner in today’s challenging business environment.”

STARS AWARDS SPONSORS

Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer Firehouse of America, LLC (dba Firehouse Subs), Jacksonville, Florida UnitedHealthcare customer

ealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by y or through a UnitedHealthcare company. 8/15 UHCAL752782-000

ALABAMA GULF SEAFOOD ALOHA HOSPITALITY DIXIE FISHA COMPANY GREATER BIRMINGHAM CVB MARAELLA WINERY OLD FORESTER ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE RED DIAMOND RENAISSANCE ROSS BRIDGE ROYAL CUP SHERATON BIRMINGHAM SCULPTURE HOSPITALITY WOOD FRUITTICHER

Special Thanks to Nicholas Hartmann, Alabama Powerfor the beautiful ice sculptures

GOLF SPONSORS PLATINUM

HOLE SPONSORS

HEARTLAND MERCHANTS FOODSERVICE U.S. FOODS

ALABAMA RETAIL COMP AMERICAN RESOURCES INSURANCE CO. BUFFALO WILD WINGS CAHABA FULL MOON BAR-B-QUE HEARTLAND JACK’S MERCHANTS FOODSERVICE ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE ROYAL CUP INC. S&D COFFEE THE WESTIN/SHERATON BIRMINGHAM U.S. FOODS WINTZELL’S OYSTER HOUSE

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ARHANOW

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OCTOBER

19-20, 2015 Happenings ARHA SAVE Georgia World Congress Center

THE DATE!

Everything to make your operation run

FASTER. CLEANER. BETTER. TASTIER.

Pictured above: Nick Hartmann with Alabama Power is preparing bananas foster at the Expo. Nick is a board member with ARHA and also serves as the ARHA

The Alabama Seafood Summit was held October 26 at the Westin Birmingham.

This annual conference connects seafood processors, grocers, chefs, and restaurateurs in an informative environment to potentially achieve a better understanding and sense of community in the industry.

AtlantaFoodserviceExpo.com

The Atlanta Foodservice Expo, a trade show serving the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry in Georgia and the Southeast was held October 19-20, 2015 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The latest products, services, and technologies were showcased for the industry, along with a comprehensive and leading-edge program of education that will provide foodservice operators in Georgia and surrounding markets with the best tools to grow and improve their business.

Atlanta Foodservice Expo is supported by the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance, Georgia Restaurant Association, Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, and the ACF Atlanta Chefs Association.

You never compromise on service.

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WE’RE JUST TAKING OFF. US Foods® is set to re-launch as an even stronger force in the foodservice industry. And

we’ll continue to revolutionize. In the last three years, we’ve released more than 300 new and innovative products, created the first-ever integrated industry mobile app, pioneered e-commerce and much, much more. Get on board, it’s going to be a great ride.

US Foods Montgomery Division | 800-826-6366 | www.usfoods.com ©2015 US Foods. All rights reserved.