a MAGAZINE from Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association
SUMMER 2017
VIRGINIA HOSPITALITY INSIDE
Representing VIRGINIA'S RESTAURANT, LODGING & TRAVEL INDUSTRIES
PROSTART TO PASTRIES (AND TEA OF COURSE) A NEW CHAIR AT THE TABLE MEET THE NEW CHAIR OF VRLTA
2017 BUYERS GUIDE
Bollinger Energy is the VRLTA Partner and Benefits Program Natural Gas Supply Partner VRLTA has selected Bollinger Energy to offer its members preferred, all-inclusive pricing on your Natural Gas Since 1993 Bollinger Energy has supplied natural gas to business like yours. We know how demanding and competitive your business is and we can offer you the advantage of exceptional personalized service, preferred pricing, and full energy management services.
Have a question? Want more information? Ready for a no obligation quote or a free review of market conditions or your current agreement?
Email Gary Murphy at gary@bollingerenergy.com, call 443-248-3927 or visit bollingerenergy.com
BETTER BETTER BETTERHIRING HIRING HIRING
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PRESIDENT LETTER
The following positions were also newly elected to the Board of Directors during the Annual Membership Meeting:
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
CHANGE
IS IN THE AIR First and foremost, thank you to all who attended our Annual Membership Meeting in May. We had a great time in Staunton discussing tourism, learning, and celebrating. During our time in the Shenandoah Valley we voted on and welcomed several new Board Members. But before I go any further into listing those new individuals, I’d like to take one last opportunity to put into writing my sincerest thanks to Debbie Donehey for giving so much of her time in the previous two years as the Chairwoman of the Board for VRLTA. Her leadership and guidance were instrumental to our successes over the last two years. We were very lucky to have her leading the way. With that in mind, one of the new members to our Board is our new Chairman of the Board, Randy Thompson. Randy is the President and Publisher of VistaGraphics. He has been a supplier member of our Association since the mid-90s, and we welcome his expertise in helping to shape our Association over the next few years. Please read further into the pages of this magazine, published under Randy’s watchful eye, for more information about Randy’s goals and perspective.
STAFF President
Eric Terry eric@vrlta.org
Northern Virginia, Director of Membership & Government Affairs Kristen Karrfalt kristen@vrlta.org
Director of Marketing & Communications Seth Petersen seth@vrlta.org
Officers • Chairman of the Board — Randy Thompson Vista Graphics, Inc. • Vice Chairman of the Board — Brad Capps The Breakers Resort Inn • Secretary — Matt Simmons Capital Ale House • Treasurer — Debbie Stocks Your Benefits Partner, LLC Component Presidents • Robert Reed — SMI Hotel Group Virginia Hotel & Lodging Association • Bill Gambrell — Doc Taylor’s & Tautog’s Virginia Restaurant Association • Mary Fugere — Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau Virginia Travel Association • Nancy Perry — InterExchange Virginia Hospitality Suppliers Association Elected Directors • Charles Friend — Homewood Suites Woodbridge Northern Virginia • Katherine O’Donnell — Richmond Region Tourism Central-Southern Virginia Directors at Large • Virginia Restaurant Association — Jim Wordsworth J.R.’s Stockyards Inn With several new board members in place, we look toward the next chapter. Over the next several months, VRLTA has a handful of important events ahead. Please keep an eye out for more information on our Cornhole for Colleges Series in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Norfolk. These are fun cornhole tournaments that offer great networking opportunities and help to raise funds for the VRLTA Education Foundation. Also ahead, our Annual Fall Meeting and Ordinary Awards Dinner will be help at The Westin Richmond, October 1-3. Nominations are now being accepted through August 25, a deadline that is sure to sneak up on us all quickly. Finally, we head to Norfolk on November 12-14 for the 2017 VA-1 Tourism Summit. We hope to see you at one or all of these events in the coming months. Yours in Hospitality,
Eric Terry
Director of Education & Workforce Development Jim Wilson jim@vrlta.org
VRLTA | 5101 Monument Ave, Suite 206, Richmond, VA 23230 | (804) 288-3065 | www.VRLTA.org
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Director, Member Development Jen T. Laws jen@vrlta.org
Director, Government Affairs Joe Wertz joe@vrlta.org
Administrator Jenny Latina jenny@vrlta.org
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
10
2017 Buyers Guide
9
16
18
4 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
6 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
7 EVENTS 8 ORDINARY AWARDS 9 PROJECT SEARCH
16
PROSTART TO PASTRIES
18 MEMBER PROFILE 20 VRLTA NEWS
BRIEFS
22 WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
It’s Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before To get the job done right, you need the proper tools. That’s why Ecolab brings you a revolutionary new line of long-lasting, interlocking kitchen floor cleaning tools. See it in action at www.bit.ly/duraloc
To order, visit foodsafety.ecolab.com or call Customer Service at 800 321 3687 Food Safety Specialties Inc. © 2016 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved.
Half Page Ad.indd 1
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NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
| SUPPLIERS
Firehouse Subs Vinton Homemades by Suzanne Richmond John Marshall Ballrooms Richmond Jukebox Diner Annandale • Manassas Mallard Management Virginia Beach The Manor House at Locust Thicket Newport News Silver Diner Clarendon • Fair Oaks • Innsbrook Merrifield • Potomac Mills • Reston Springfield • Tysons Corner The Welcome Table Richmond
Amalgamated Insurance Underwriters Monsey, NY Connors Pest Control Springfield George Palmer – ServSafe Mechanicsville/Richmond
| RESTAURANTS/ BREWERIES Amber Ox Kitchen & Brewery Williamsburg Aspen Burger Company New Kent The Broadberry Richmond Clyde’s at Mark Center Alexandria Clyde’s of Georgetown Washington, DC Clyde’s of Reston Reston Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm Broadlands Cove Tavern Newport News Dirt Farm Brewing Bluemont
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VIRGINIA RESTAURANT, LODGING & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
| LODGING Omni Charlottesville Charlottesville Hyatt Place Charlottesville Charlottesville
| EDUCATION Prince William Schools Food Service
Manassas Virginia Tech NCR Blacksburg
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EVENTS AND DATES
UPCOMING EVENTS AND DATES
2017
July 20 Greater Prince William Chapter Mixer Manassas | KO Distilling
September TBA Norfolk Cornhole for Colleges Education Foundation Fundraiser
January 31 - February 1 Legislative Day on the Hill and Taste of VRLTA Reception
August 25 Ordinary Awards Nominations Period Closes
September TBA Norfolk Region Chapter Luncheon/Mixer
Upcoming ServSafe Classes
August 26-29 U.S. Travel Association ESTO Minneapolis, MN August 27-30 AH&LEF Golf Classic White Sulfur Springs, WV September 14 Northern Virginia Cornhole for Colleges Education Foundation Fundraiser Chantilly | Mustang Sally Brewing Company September TBA Richmond Cornhole for Colleges Education Foundation Fundraiser
October 1-3 VRLTA Fall Meeting Richmond | The Westin Richmond October 2 Ordinary Awards Gala Richmond | The Westin Richmond October 4-6 NRA 20th Annual Richard E. Marriott Golf Invitational
July 17 — Suffolk August 3 — Roanoke August 10 — Harrisonburg September 12 — Richmond • Innsbrook September 18 — Suffolk October 10 — Richmond • Midlothian October 12 — Harrisonburg November 13 — Suffolk November 14 — Richmond • Downtown December 7 — Harrisonburg Register now at VRLTA.org/ServSafe.
2017
November 12-14 VA-1 Tourism Summit Norfolk | Hilton Norfolk The Main January 10, 2018 Virginia General Assembly Session Begins
More information about these events can be found at www.VRLTA.org
SIX CHEESE GOCCE PASTA PURSES - 4675054 -
Cutting Edge Solutions from Sysco offers a fresh assortment of on-trend and innovative products that will lead to new inspirations and solutions. They are the very best value without compromising quality, helping restaurants stay ahead of trends in a competitive market. Contact your local Sysco marketing associate for more information!
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ORDINARY AWARDS
GET THE
RECOGNITION YOU DESERVE
SUBMIT A NOMINATION AT OrdinaryAwards.com Each year, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association honors our industry’s extraordinary at the annual Ordinary Awards ceremony and dinner. The 2017 Awards will be given out on October 2, 17 at The Westin Richmond. Do you know a deserving individual or organization? Nominations for the 13 open categories will be accepted until August 25, 2017.
TRAVEL AWARDS
LODGING AWARDS
RESTAURANT AWARDS
The Travel Awards Category is open to all Virginia Attractions, Destinations, DMOs/CVBs, etc.
The Lodging Awards Category is open to all Virginia Hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds, etc.
The Restaurant Awards Category is open to all Virginia Restaurants, Food Trucks, Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, etc.
Attraction of the Year Award
Hotel of the Year Award
Restaurant of the Year Award
Recognizing an Attraction for contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry—by implementing innovative ideas and/or demonstrating passion for enhancing travel to its community.
Recognizing a hotel for extraordinary contributions to the hotel industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industry and its community.
Charlie Buser Award for Attraction Employee of the Year
Hotelier of the Year Award
Recognizing a restaurant for extraordinary contributions to the restaurant industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industry and their community.
Recognizing an individual for his/ her extraordinary contributions and commitment to his/her community and attraction–and its guests. Named for Charlie Buser, who set the highest of standards in dedication and love of this industry.
DMO/CVB Employee of the Year Award Recognizing an individual for his/ her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry and his/her region’s visitors.
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VIRGINIA RESTAURANT, LODGING & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
Recognizing a hotel Owner, GM, Manager, or Senior Management Team member for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel–and its guests.
Hotel Employee of the Year Award Recognizing a hotel employee, other than senior management, for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel–and its guests.
Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year Recognizing an Owner, GM, Manager, etc. for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons. Named for Jim Wordsworth, who continues to set high standards for commitment to Virginia’s Restaurant and Tourism Industry.
Restaurant Employee of the Year Award Recognizing a restaurant employee, other than senior management, for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons.
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Summer 2017
Chef of the Year Award Recognizing an individual chef who has shown exemplary commitment to his/ her employees and growing Virginia’s diverse restaurant and culinary industry.
Bartender of the Year Award Recognizing an individual bartender who has shown a commitment to advancing the art of bartending and to his/her guests.
MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS Supplier of the Year Award Recognizing a supplier company for its exceptional service to the hospitality and tourism industry of Virginia.
Rising Pineapple Award for Outstanding Hospitality and Tourism Student of the Year Recognizing a high school or collegiate level student who has made extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry through his/her studies, an internship program, or paid position.
PROJECT SEARCH
THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER CELEBRATES FIRST GRADUATION OF NATIONAL JOBS PROGRAM, PROJECT SEARCH By: Denise Benoit The National Conference Center & Benoit Marketing, LLC
I
n September 2016, The National Conference Center, partnered with Loudoun County Public Schools System and Didlake® to host Project SEARCH—a national high school transition program for students with intellectual delays. Project SEARCH is a total workplace immersion program combining classroom instruction, career exploration, and relevant job-skills training through strategically designed internships. It includes long-term job coaching and continuous feedback from teachers and employers. “This is an excellent program to help young adults transition from being at home and in school to the real world,” says Emily Meyers, Didlake Employment Specialist. Funded by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Project SEARCH began in Virginia during the 2009-2010 academic year. Since then, more than 700 students across the Commonwealth have gained valuable work experience and skills through their internships. When Loudoun County Schools came to meet with Geoff Lawson, General Manager and Vice President, at The National, along with the executive team, there was no question in his mind that this was a program he wanted to bring to the conference center. The National Conference Center, the largest hospitality employer in Loudoun County, jumped at the chance to be a host site. “Our entire team at The National Conference Center and West Belmont Place were delighted to be involved with Project SEARCH,” says Geoff Lawson. “We placed our nine interns in a variety of departments, such as Culinary, Engineering, Housekeeping, Audio Visual, Grounds, and Event Services. We are so proud of these young adults as they graduate this June.” The National Conference Center employs over 200 people and also works with Riverside High School in Loudoun County training youth in all hospitality functions. Graduation for nine participating interns, ages 18 to 22, took place June 6 at The National. Family, teachers, friends, and local school administrators joined in this happy celebration. Each student spoke about their experience. Some mentioned the kind staff and how they were patient to teach them new skills; some mentioned making new friends. These young adults have worked very hard the last nine months and are very proud of what they have learned, their improved social skills, and their new friends. Three of the nine participants have been offered jobs at The National in the Front of the House, Culinary, and Events departments.
A bou t The N at ional Conference Center Located in Northern Virginia 12 miles from Dulles International Airport and 35 miles from Washington, D.C., The National Conference Center is one of the largest and most comprehensive conference centers in the nation. With 917 guest rooms and over 265,000 square feet of meeting and group function space, including the West Belmont Place catering complex with its 16,552 square foot ballroom, The National has become the nation’s headquarters for productive meetings and West Belmont Place the hub for Loudoun County and surrounding area social functions. For information call 800-640-2684 or visit www.conferencecenter.com
FRONT ROW – LEFT TO RIGHT: Kathryn Schneider, Matt Murphy, Brianna Thigpen, Allyson Foster SECOND ROW – LEFT TO RIGHT: Heather Brewington (LCPS teacher) Jacobsen Lewis, Guillermo Aviles and Ashley Dubey THIRD ROW – LEFT TO RIGHT: Nicholas Lee, Matias Varimo, Emily Meyer (Project Search job coach), Onawa Allen (Project Search job coach), Geoff Lawson (National GM)
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2017
BUYERS GUIDE
VRLTA’s Suppliers are some of the area’s best sources for products and services. Whether you’re searching for premium local produce or restocking the bar, planning a renovation or just refilling the back office with paper and pens, VRLTA’s Suppliers have got you covered. So check out the pages within this Buyers Guide or try the Online Supplier Search at VRLTA.org/Suppliers, and if you have a supplier you’d like to share with your fellow members encourage them to sign up for a Supplier Membership.
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Snagajob and VRLTA partner to give your hiring an edge.
PLATINUM HEARTLAND HEARTLANDPAYMENTSYSTEMS.COM
Heartland Payment Systems is an endorsed partner of VRLTA and the NRA. Heartland offers a complete suite of services, including card processing, payroll services, tip & check management, and gift marketing. With Heartland, restaurants and hotels can reduce expenses, enhance & improve operations, and increase profitability. Angela Ihry • (P) 605.940.9861 • (E) angela.ihry@e-hps.com
SYSCO VIRGINIA & SYSCO HAMPTON ROADS SYSCO.COM
Along with top quality ingredients, all of our products are proudly backed by the highest quality assurance demanded by Sysco. Our dedicated associates and foodservice experts can explain how easy it is to do business with Sysco. Jason McGuire • (P) 757.855.4097 • mcquire.jason@shr.sysco.com
GOLD PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE - VIRGINIA
WWW.PERFORMANCEFOODSERVICE.COM Performance Foodservice delivers more than 125,000 food and food-related products to 85,000 customer locations on a daily basis from distribution centers nationwide. Everything we do is to serve the people on the front lines of foodservice. This means helping you to find the best products and services featuring custom-cut meat, produce, and local seafood. It also means bringing you technology innovations so you can place orders easily and stay on top of your operation wherever you go. Andrew Baserap • (P) 804.237.1001 • (E) Andrew.Baserap@pfgc.com
PARTNERS
Whether you’re looking for servers, cooks, housekeeping, SILVER front desk, maintenance and more, you can find them fast with Snagajob. You’ll get more applications, better applicants and a streamlined hiring process—saving you time and money. Post jobs, track applications SIL INSURANCE and manage your new hires, all in one place.
VRLTA.ORG/SIL
SIL Insurance offers you expert advice, leveraged pricing, fast service, & VRLTAsolutions members save compensation 10%. flexible for workers insurance and more. Members can often save up to 25% on workers compensation premiums. Visit snagajob.com/vrlta today. Derek Lynch • (P) 804.888.7216 • (E) dlynch@silinsurance.com
SNAGAJOB LEARN.SNAGAJOB.COM/VRLTA
Snagajob is America’s #1 spot for hourly employment. Posting your jobs on Snagajob.com gives you access to over 60 million job seekers, most of whom don’t visit other job sites. Millennials love applying using our mobile friendly website and app. Hiring managers value Snagajob’s paperless application and new hire paperwork process, which makes it easy to quickly identify and hire quality workers. Now partnered with the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, Snagajob is proud to offer preferred pricing, including a 10% discount for VRLTA members. Joe Gabriel • (P) 703.457.7873 • (E) joe.gabriel@snagajob.com
HOTELHELP, INC. HOTELHELP, INC. HOTELHELPSERVICES.COM HOTELHelp partners with some of the most innovative leaders in the arena developing partnerships that take these already flourishing operations to new levels of profitability and popularity. Providing a dependable, smiling, and dedicated labor product, while offering hands-on account management and superior customer service, makes HOTELHelp a smart choice for any hotel operation. Your customers will see the difference and so will you! Jeff Byars • (P) 901-624-5000 • (E) jeffbyars@hotelhelpservices.com
OTHER MONEY-SAVING PROGRAMS
SILVER BOLLINGER ENERGY CORPORATION
BOLLINGERENERGY.COM/PREFERREDPROVIDER/VRLTA/ Bollinger Energy has partnered with VRLTA to bring Savings and Service to Members on your Natural Gas purchases. Our personalized approach to energy supply combines expertise, competitive prices and exceptional customer service. Contact us for your Preferred Pricing! Gary Murphy • (P) 443-248-3927 • (E) gary@bollingerenergy.com
ECOLAB ECOLAB.COM
Around the world businesses in foodservice, food processing and hospitality choose Ecolab products and services to keep their environment clean and safe, operate efficiently and achieve sustainability goals. Katherine Hunt • (P) 240.629.9410 • (E) Katherine.hunt@ecolab.com
FPIS FPIS.COM
FPIS is the southeast’s premier brochure distribution service. They can help you build an audience and awareness without spending the time and energy doing it yourself. Linda Higgins • (P) 407.656.8818 • (E) lindah@fpis.com
FISHBOWL VRLTA.ORG/FISHBOWL
Fishbowl is the leading online marketing solution for restaurants and independent hotels. As a VRLTA member, you’re eligible for a free local email marketing account with 500 free monthly messages, 10% off list price thereafter, and more.
OFFICE DEPOT VRLTA.ORG/OFFICEDEPOT
Register online using company tracking code 0337.
PRIME SOURCE PURCHASING VRLTA.ORG/PRIMESOURCE
Prime Source Purchasing (PSP) works with Virginia’s major food distributors to get money back for our member restaurants. By working with PSP and VRLTA, you can receive rebate checks quarterly on all the food you order. Exclusively available to Association members, simply sign up for the program and put money back in your pocket.
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BUYERS GUIDE
2017 BUYERS GUIDE Communication Network Providers
Architects APR Associates, PC, Architects Fred Bosserman 286 E. Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (P) 540.434.9807 (E) fcb@aprassoc.com www.aprassoc.com
Advertising/Brand Development BCF Art Webb 4500 Main Street, Suite 600 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (P) 757.497.4811 (E) awebb@boomyourbrand.com www.boomyourbrand.com
Dana Communications Mark D’Amico 2 East Broad Street Hopewell, NJ 08525 (P) 609.466.9187 (E) mdamico@danacommunications.com www.danacommunications.com
Mikula-Harris David Mikula 6 Walnut Avenue Vinton, VA 24179 (P) 540.774.9932 (E) dmikula@mikulaharris.com www.mikulaharris.com
Big Spoon Agency Kevin Clay PO Box 5491 Richmond, VA 23220 (P) 804-338-1182 (E) kevin@bigspoonagency.com www.bigspoonagency.com
Statmats Meeting Focus Gregg Anderson 615 5th Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (P) 319.861.6180 (E) gregg.anderson@statmats.com www.statmatscommunications.com
VistaGraphics Randy Thompson 1264 Perimeter Pkwy. Virginia Beach, VA 23454 (P) 757.422.8979 (E) randy@vgnet.com www.vgnet.com
Sunny Day Guide/Surfside East Edna Mahan 800 Seahawk Circle, Suite 106 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (P) 757.468.0606 (E) edna@sunnydayguide.com www.sunnydayguide.com
LesiureMedia360 Steve Beyer 3424 Brambleton Avenue Roanoke, VA 24018 (P) 540.989.0052 (E) sbeyer@leisurepublishing.com www.leisurepublishing.com
Brochure Distribution FPIS Brochure Distribution Linda Higgins 220 Story Road Ocoee, FL 34761 (P) 407.656.8818 (E) lindah@fpis.com www.fpis.com
Toth Distribution Service Timothy Toth 2700 Filbert Lane Bowie, MD 20715 (P) 301.464.5859 (E) tothdist@gmail.com www.tothdist.com
Highway Information Media Jonathan Lyle PO Box 248 Rockville, VA 23146 (P) 804.382.4850 (E) jlyle@himediallc.com www.himediallc.com
Business Consulting/Loans
Restaurant Programs of America Dudley Payne 21 Culpeper Street Warrenton, VA 20186 (P) 540.878.8607 (E) dudleyp@rpamerica.com www.rpamerica.com
ABC Consulting – Alcohol Industry Experts Crystal Stump 1807 Church Street Smithfield, VA 23430 (P) 757.617.9773 (E) crystal@abcConsultingVA.com www.vaabc.com
Bulk TV & Internet Heather Evans 8537 Six Forks Road, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27615 (P) 919.792.3500 (E) hevans@bulktv.com www.bulktv.com
Satellite Solutions Tim Wengert 9731 Spring Run Road Chesterfield, VA 23832 (P) 804.790.0466 (E) hotels@ssidtv.com www.ssidtv.com
Credit Card Processing/Payroll Services Heartland Payment Systems Angela Ihry 3739 Nicanoa Lane Naperville, IL (P) 605.940.9861 (E) angela.ihry@e-hps.com www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com
Discount Programs Rewards Network Beth Royals 12417 Pleasant Run Terrace Richmond, VA 23233 (P) 804.347.6227 (E) broyals@rewardsnetwork.com www.rewardsnetwork.com
Energy Bollinger Energy Corporation Meg Brunson 405 Williams Court, Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21220 (P) 410.327.0500 (E) meg@bollingerenergy.com www.bollingerenergy.com
Sprague Energy Chris Roessner 6 Industrial Way Eatontown, NJ 07724 (P) 732.400.0009 (E) croessner@spragueenergy.com www.spragueenergy.com
Food and Beverage Distributors Performance Foodservice Robbie Horton 7422 Ranco Road Richmond, VA 23228 (P) 804.237.1001 (E) robbie.horton@pfgc.com www.vsfg.com BEVINCO Jeff Fazio 8741 Old Church Road New Kent, VA 23124 (P) 804.310.1136 (E) jdcbevinco1@verizon.net Daubers, Inc. Vance Hobbs 5255 Henneman Drive, Suite 200 Norfolk, VA 23513 (P) 757.855.4097 (E) vance@daubers.com www.daubers.com
Sysco Hampton Roads Jason McGuire 7000 Harbour View Blvd Suffolk, VA 23435 (P) 757.855.4097 www.syscohamptonroads.com Sysco Virginia Sharon Armentrout 5081 South Valley Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (P) 540.434.0761 www.sysco.com Keany Produce Company Tamara Pilgrim 3310 75th Avenue Landover, MD 20785 (P) 301.777.3333 (E) tmp@keanyproduce.com www.keanyproduce. com
General Contractors/Building Green Building Advisors of Virginia Al Stitt PO Box 1852, Winchester, VA 22602 (P) 540.336.2468 (E) astitt@coreadvisors.net www.coreadvisors.net
...continued on page 14.
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LEGISLATIVE TOP 10
You are dedicated to serving your customers. We are dedicated to serving you. Heartland’s gift card and loyalty program helps you promote your operation, motivate customers to spend more, and keep the communications going with special offers and incentives that increase return visits. With Heartland, you’ll serve your loyal customers and keep them coming back, as we serve you from our industry-leading solutions.
Gift Card
Customer Loyalty
Heartland helps you acquire more loyal customers
The Heartland loyalty program allows you to create
with our innovative gift card program that includes
meaningful and valuable relationships with your
customized cards, reloading capabilities, and a card-
customers. Give your customers the VIP treatment with
not-present program that allows your customers to
rewards-based marketing.
use their phone number as their identifier.
To learn more, contact Angela Ihry: 605.940.9861 | angela.ihry@e-hps.com ©2016 Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. | heartland.us W W W. V R LT A . O R G
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BUYERS GUIDE
2017 BUYERS GUIDE Hospitality Training/Consulting Food Safety First John Benko 2306 Bryan Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23228 (P) 804.264.0245 (E) foodsafetyfirst@chilitech.com
Murray Enterprises Joan Murray, FMP 102 North George Mason Drive Arlington, VA 22203 (P) 703.528.4564 (E) joan.k.murray@verizon.net
George Palmer – ServSafe 7192 Ellerson Mill Circle Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (P) 804.912.5194 (E) tonypalmer0129@gmail.com
Insurance/Financial Planning SIL Insurance Derek Lynch 5310 Markel Road, Suite 203 Richmond, VA 23230 (P) 804.888.7216 (E) dlynch@silinsurance.com www.vrlta.org/sil
Your Benefits Partner Debbie Stocks 11551 Nuckols Road, Suite N Glen Allen, VA 23059 (P) 804.565.3540 (E) dstocks@yourbenefitspartner.net www.yourbenefitspartner.net
Harford Mutual Insurance Bill Langston 200 North Main Street Bel Air, MD 21014 (P) 804.477.4501 (E) blangston@hm1842.com www.harfordmutual.com
Randall Hall Insurance Agency, Inc. Randall Hall 10049 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite B North Chesterfield, VA 23235 (P) 804.320.5488 (E) r.hall@rhallinc.com www.rhallinc.com
Gantt Insurance Agency Don Gantt 2015 N. Virginia Street Farmville, VA 23901 (P) 434.392.7200 (E) don@ganttagency.com www.ganttagency.com
Beskin-Divers Insurance Group Robert Wagner 300 Southport Circle Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (P) 757.497.1041 (E) Robbie.wagner@beskindivers.com www.beskindivers.com
Invincia Insurance Solutions Brittany Totty 9330 Iron Bridge Road, Suite A Chesterfield, VA 23832 (P) 804.751.0600 (E) bmtotty@invincia.net www.invincia.net
Amalgamated Insurance Underwriters Eva Ordentlich 21 Robert Pitt Drive, Suite 202 Monsey, NY 10952 (P) 800.613.2600 (E) eva@aiu-usa.com www.aiu-usa.com
Laundry/Cleaning PAC Industries Joe Lee 5341 Jaycee Ave Harrisburg, PA 17112 (P) 717.657.0407 (E) joe@pacindustries.com
Commercial Laundry Equipment Company Tom Brittle 2507 Jefferson Davis Hwy Richmond, VA 23234 (P) 804.231.9668 (E) tombrittle@comcast.net www.commlaundry.com
CSC ServiceWorks Scott Harris 10990 Leadbetter Road Ashland, VA 23005 (P) 757.202.0421 (E) scottharris@cscsw.com www.cscsw.com
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Legal/Regulatory Altria Client Services John Rainey PO Box 26603 Richmond, VA 23261 (P) 804.484.8606 (E) john.rainey@altria.com www.philipmorris.com
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, LLP Tom Lisk 919 E. Main Street, Suite 1300 Richmond, VA 23219 (P) 804.788.7750 (E) tlisk@eckertseamans.com www.eckertseamans.com
George Palmer – ServSafe 7192 Ellerson Mill Circle Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (P) 804.912.5194 (E) tonypalmer0129@gmail.com
Marketing Phillips Destination Management Anne Phillips PO Box 11043, Norfolk, VA 23517 (P) 757-623-4400 (E) anne.phillips@phillipsdmc.com www.phillipsdmc.com
Music Licensing BMI Jessica Frost 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203 (P) 615.401.2873 (E) jfrost@bmi.com www.bmi.com
Pest Control Ehrlich Pest Control Becky Weil-White 2500 Encounter Court, Norfolk, VA 23453 (P) 757-425-0855 (E) beckyweil-white@123bugfree.com www.aactiveservices.com
Plumbing Emerald Plumbing Co. Roderick Neither 5038 Beech Place Temple Hills, MD 20748 (P) 703.259.8697 (E) info@emerald911.com www.emerald911.com
Recruiting/HR/Exchange Programs SnagAJob Joe Gabriel 4851 Lake Brook Drive Glen Allen, VA 23060 (P) 703.457.7873 (E) joe.gabriel@snagajob.com www.snagajob.com
Patrice & Associates Robert Hall 584 Dana Circle Newport News, VA 23602 (P) 757-828-5207 (E) rhall@patriceandassociates.com www.patriceandassociates.com
Patrice & Associates Tammy Henderson 636 Blackthorne Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322 (P) 757.474.5809 (E) tamylunh@earthlink.com www.patriceandassociates.com
Grow Forward Solutions LLC George Wooten 107 S. Main Street, Suite 1 Harrisonburg, VA 22844 (P) 540.217.6490 (E) gwooten@patriceandassociates.com www.patricejobs.com/growforwardsolutions
InterExchange Nancy Perry 161 Sixth Avenue New York, NY 10013 (P) 757.613.3639 (E) nperry@interexchange.org www.interexchange.org
Avanzaro.com Stephanie Inderlied 1055 Laskin Road, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (P) 757.620.3920 (E) Stephanie@avanzaro.com www.avanzaro.com/employer
BUYERS GUIDE
2017 BUYERS GUIDE Real Estate S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company Susan Childress 440 Monticello Avenue, Suite 1700 Norfolk, VA 23150 (P) 757.627.8611 (E) schildress@slnusbaum.com www.slnusbaum.com
Signage/Electronic Displays Holiday Signs PO Box 519 Waynesboro, VA 22980 (P) 540.416.3154 (E) office@holidaysigns.com www.holidaysigns.com
SpeedPro Imaging Northern Virginia Roman Blazauskas 22135 Davis Drive, Suite 112 Sterling, VA 20148 (P) 571.313.8334 (E) rblazauskas@speedpro.com www.speedpro.com
Interstate Logos Jason Newcomb 10001 Patterson Ave., Suite 201 Richmond, VA 23233 (P) 804.754.0970 (E) jnewcomb@interstatelogos.com www.interstatelogos.com
Spirits/Wine Distributors Southern Wine & Spirits – Mid Atlantic John Alvarez 4915 Radford Avenue, Suite 208, Richmond, VA 23230 (P) 804.677.8885 (E) johnalvarez@southernwine.com www.southernwine.com
Trade Associations Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia 7995 Fulmont Drive King George, VA 22485 (P) 888-660-2228 (E) info@innvirginia.com www.StayVa.com
Virginia Beef Industry Council Anne Cardwell PO Box 9 Daleville, VA 24083 (P) 434.525.5900 (E) acardwell@vabeef.org www.vabeef.org
Virginia Beach Hotel Association Diana Burke 1023 Laskin Road, Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (P) 757.428.8015 (E) diana.burke@vbha.net www.virginiabeachhotelassociation.com
Newport News Hospitality Association Elizabeth Parker PO Box 23612 Newport News, VA 23612 (P) 757.272.5000 (E) eparker@mcrdevelopment.com www.newportnewshospitality.com
Blue Ridge Hospitality Association Cathy Ring 710 Williamson Road Roanoke, VA 24016 (P) 540.278.2284 (E) cathy.ring@roanokeva.gov
Virginia Production Alliance Terry Stroud 1813 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23223 (P) 804.344.5623 (E) terr.stroud@lobe.com www.virginiaproductionalliance.org
Virginia Beach Restaurant Association Aimee Taylor PO Box 8066 Virginia Beach, VA 23450 (P) 757.422.4420 (E) aimee@vbra.com www.dineinvb.com National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds Paul Bambei 9085 E Mineral Circle, Suite #200 Centennial, CO 80118 (P) 303.681.0401 (E) pbambei@arvc.org www.arvc.org
Richmond Region Hospitality Association Mike Watkins 5101 Monument Ave Richmond, VA 23230 (P) 804.662-5500 (E) mwatkins@doubletree.com Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association Debi Schaefer PO Box 3072 Williamsburg, VA 23187 (P) 757.221.6835 (E) director@wararest.com www.williamsburgarearestaurants.com
Trade Associations Shenandoah Valley Travel Association Julie Armel PO Box 1040 New Market, VA 22844 (P) 540.740.3132 (E) director@visitshenandoah.org www.visitshenandoah.org Williamsburg Hotel Association & Tourist Info Ron Kirkland PO Box 1515, Williamsburg, VA 23187 (P) 757.220.3330 (E) ron.kirkland@widomaker.com www.williamsburghotelassociation.com
Virginia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Brian Gorg PO Box 3633 Warrenton, VA 20188 (P) 540.904.4710 (E) vacvb@colliegorg.com www.vacvb.com
Transportation Black and White Cabs Frank Azzalina 6304 Sewells Point Norfolk, VA 23513 (P) 757-214-3574 (E) franka@hrtitaxi.com www.appacab.us
James River Transportation Barry Shapiro 3141 Azalea Garden Road Norfolk, VA 23513 (P) 877-422- 1105 (E) bshapiro@jamesrivertrans.com www.jamesrivertrans.com
Black and White Cabs Judith Swystun 6304 Sewells Point Norfolk, VA 23513 (P) 757-853-1255 (E) judyswystun@hotmail.com www.appacab.us
Uniforms/Linens/Paper/Chemical/Supplies Ecolab Katherine Hunt 4855 International Blvd, Suite 3 Frederick, MD 27103 (P) 240.629.9410 (E) Katherine.hunt@ecolab.com www.ecolab.com
Virginia Linen Service David Struminger PO Box 869 Petersburg, VA 23804 (P) 804.732.3315 (E) dmstringer@mohenis.com www.yourlinenservice.com
Acme Paper and Supply Joseph Kern 2100 Jefferson Davis Highway Richmond, VA 23224 (P) 804.640.5130 (E) jkern@acmepaper.com
Cintas Corporation Howard Baron 12524 Kingston Avenue Chester, VA 23836 (P) 804.530.2601 (E) baronh@cintas.com www.cintas.com
Squier Associates, Inc. Alan Squier 14650-H Rothgeb Drive Rockville, MD 20850 (P) 301.762.3710 (E) asquier@squierinc.com www.squierinc.com Beach Chemical & Paper Company John Parker 1356 London Bridge Road Virginia Beach, VA 23453 (P) 757.427.2002 www.beachchemical.com www.weservice.biz
Creative Technology Services Group LLC Joseph H. Oyler, III 205 Wallace Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (P) 540.891.0700 (E) jhoyler@creativetsg.com www.creativetsg.com Hypnos Contract Beds Deborah Brunick 1112 Kingswood Ave Norfolk, VA 23502 (P) 757.573.7245 (E) Deborah.brunick@hypnoscontractbeds.com
www.hypnoscontractbeds.com
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PROSTART
From ProStart to Pastries (and tea of course)
F
rom the outside, The Tottering Teacup is an unassuming storefront sandwiched between H&R Block and Sola Salon Studios in the 3200 block of Car y town in Richmond. On the inside, however, you will immediately see that The Tottering Teacup is a vibrant space meant for fun, conversation, and rela xation. Anatash Werne, the shop’s proprietor, has been working to get the space open since October 2016, when she gutted the interior of what was previously Salon Del Sol. Pale blue walls, armchairs that may have most recently been at grandma’s house, a crocheted donut-inspired beanbag (created by Anatash’s sister-in-law), and 15-footlong hand-painted letters spelling “The Tottering Teacup” adorn the teashop. The design is befitting of Anatash, who confidently wears a patterned dress covered in blue birds and rocks hair that has been dyed blue and green. The process to get the shop open was aided by her new Car y town neighbors. Camille Bird of Sacred Waters ( just across Car y Street) provided advice and friendship. And some of the furniture and fixtures, including the hutch and lamps inside the front door, were donated by the antique shop on the corner.
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Speaking with her, it is apparent that Anatash is a newbie to the restaurant ownership business. It is also clear that she is not scared of what is ahead. She speaks of the challenges of opening a restaurant in the City of Richmond, the latter of which inexplicably required last minute changes to the space. Anatash recounts one such challenge, “Our first pastr y case was destroyed on the truck, we had to refuse the shipment.”
Now, only a month in, The Tottering Tea Cup is thriving, serving 44 kinds of tea and a variety of pastries and cookies.
PROSTART
However, she gets most excited when talking about tea. Her knowledge about tea easily flows as she spouts off interesting facts about tea
She continues recalling the memory, unsure of whether it still haunts her or if it is funny, “the second one wasn’t going to fit through the door, and we don’t have a back door. So when the shipment was coming, we had to take the door off of its hinges…It was cold and rainy all day, and we didn’t just want to leave the door vacant, so we rolled my fridge in front of the space to block the cold rain until the pastry case could be here.” She kept a Google Doc, as a quasi-diary, to document these challenges. Open now for about a month, The Tottering Teacup is as lively as Anatash. Soft music plays from the stereo that sits high on the bookcase, which plays host to books and games for patrons, and customers gather around glossy tables enjoying tea and conversation. However, Anatash did not always know she wanted to run a teashop. During High School, she worked with Lisa Ericson, a ProStart Teacher at Virginia Beach’s Tallwood High School. The ProStart curriculum is used to teach students the basics of restaurant management and cooking. When speaking of Ericson, Anatash says with complete certainty, “She was easily my favorite teacher I’ve ever had. I’ve always said that if I can grow up and be her, I think that would be a good life.” Pulling from her admiration for Ericson,
Anatash was accepted to JMU with aspirations to become an English Teacher. While there, she worked for a local Harrisonburg bakery and loved to hold intimate social gatherings, such as game nights, for her friends with accompanying tea and pastries. It was her time at JMU (in the classroom and socially) and the bakery when she had her Tottering epiphany. During a general education psychology class, she was tasked with recounting and planning her life from birth to death. Thinking about this assignment and her knowledge of the kitchen, she finally knew what direction her life was heading. She recalls, “When I was at JMU, I worked in a bakery. I was there for about a year, and realized that I knew more technical terms and techniques from Ms. Ericson’s class than my boss, who had started her own bakery.” This combination of industry knowledge and her love for baking and tea came together in Richmond. Now, only a month in, The Tottering Tea Cup is thriving, serving 44 kinds of tea and a variety of pastries and cookies. Very, very delicious cookies. (Try the new Double Chocolate Mint. You will not be disappointed.) Anatash is excited about the future, as she has interest from groups—fashion, book clubs and more—around the city interested in holding regular events in the space. She is
also looking to host local artists on a monthly basis to showcase their work on the baby blue walls and to bake additional pastry varieties and flavors for her guests. It is clear that Anatash is all-in on The Tottering Teacup. However, she gets most excited when talking about tea. Her knowledge about tea easily flows as she spouts off interesting facts…All tea comes from the same plant…Much of the difference stems from when it is picked. Her favorite? “Earl Grey Lavender,” she says without skipping a beat. And customers? Tea lovers are invited to request a heart-shaped sticker to be placed on the board next to their favorite blend. By the looks of it, Masala Chai, Summer Rose, and Earl Grey appear to be the top vote-getters on the display, which allows customers to take small containers off the wall, open them, and enjoy the unique scent of each blend. On the pastry and food front, she says, “Cucumber cream cheese sandwich. Everyone wants a fancy tea sandwich.” Anatash’s petit fours are also hard to keep in the pastry case, with customers often coming in to buy out the entire stash. The Tottering Teacup, 3222 W Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Learn more and follow Tottering on the web, Facebook, and Instagram.
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MEMBER PROFILE
MEET VRLTA’S NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Randy Thompson A NE W CH A IR AT T HE TA B L E Randy Thompson started VistaGraphics, Inc. in 1985. Today the company has grown into a full-service publishing firm. As the current publisher of more than 33 titles [disclosure: including this publication and VRLTA’s Virginia Guide], VistaGraphics, Inc. continues to flourish, thanks to Randy’s understanding that the key to success is dedication and strong leadership. His more than twenty-five years of business experience has taught him that to thrive in the competitive marketplace, a company must remain flexible and adaptable. It’s this same concept, combined with his competitive drive that continually encourages the expansion and growth of VistaGraphics. Randy is dedicated to adapting and diversifying the company’s products and titles on a regular basis by launching new hospitality publications, lifestyle magazines and interactive media efforts. Today, Randy is just as enthusiastic and excited about the changing face of business as he was back in 1985. Randy is a graduate of James Madison University with an MBA and a BBA in Business Administration.
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MEMBER PROFILE
What is your favorite Virginia Destination To Visit? And Why? That’s a very tough question because of what Virginia offers from the extreme southwest tip at Cumberland Gap to the easternmost reaches of Chincoteague and the Eastern Shore. But, I’ll narrow it to 3. I was born and raised in Roanoke, so this will always be home. I love the mountains that caress the valley and the surrounding trout streams that my dad and I fished. I love the downtown market place, the eclectic eateries, and a hamburger from Texas Tavern…a 10-stool diner that a city grew around. Traveling back to Roanoke these days, I am so proud of “my” hometown and love the opportunity to share it with others. Harrisonburg and the upper Shenandoah Valley is also a favorite. I went to college at JMU and that part of the valley remains very special to me. This picturesque landscape offers so many outdoor activities; from skiing at Massanutten, swimming at Blue Hole, or fishing at Silver Lake to kayaking the nearby Shenandoah River. Like Roanoke, Harrisonburg’s downtown dining scene has exploded in recent years with so many great choices. After grad school, I made my home in Virginia Beach. This area truly has it all with a vibrant boardwalk that is second to none. This three-mile strand has the food, views, activities and entertainment that challenge and excite all five senses. But there is much more than just the boardwalk. This is an active population with an abundance of outdoor activities. A place where you can “find your own beach,” whether it be one you share with thousands or one you have all to yourself.
“ This association fights for our industry and it’s only as strong as its membership.” How and when did you get started with VRLTA? I’ve been involved as a member since the early to mid-90’s. As a supplier to the hospitality industry, VRLTA (then VHTA) made a lot of sense. Soon after joining we became the publisher of the Virginia Guide which is the consumer publication of VRLTA. What interested you in becoming VRLTA’s Chairman of the Board? And, what are your goals as Chairman? I’m not sure anyone sets out with an interest or desire to take on this role and responsibility. It just seems to find you. My goals are pretty straight forward. I believe we have to grow membership and membership engagement. I sincerely believe that VRLTA is “one strong voice for tourism and hospitality” in Virginia. But I believe it can be and should be much stronger. The strength of our voice, the value of our sponsorships and our events all point back to membership, so that has to be our focus.
In your opinion, what is the most important reason for individuals or companies considering a membership to VRLTA to join? This may sound a little altruistic, but I think people should join because they care. Most of us are passionate about our jobs, our businesses and the industry that affords us such wonderful opportunities. This association fights for our industry and it’s only as strong as its membership. Of course there are many other member benefits such discounts, rebate programs, networking opportunities and learning opportunities that are well worth the cost of admission. What is the biggest challenge or obstacle you hope VRLTA can overcome during your tenure? Growing pains. It is a balancing act to grow our voice and influence as we have been doing in recent years and grow revenue to sustain this growth. What about Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry? Funding to promote Virginia is the biggest challenge. We are the sixth most visited state in the US. We are blessed with the best natural resources. Just think what we would we do with proper funding. What role do you see VRLTA playing in the future, 5 or 10 years from now? I see our voice gaining strength. In my dreams, our advocacy strength would be on par with our strength as the one of the top employers in the state.
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VRLTA NEWS BRIEFS
2017 NEWS 20
VIRGINIA RESTAURANT, LODGING & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
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What’s Happening Inside Virginia Hospitality
VRLTA NEWS BRIEFS
VRLTA Receives National Award
VRLTA PAC Nearing $30,000 Goal
During AHLA’s Annual Legislative Action Summit in Washington, DC in May, VRLTA was honored to receive a 2017 “Champion Partner State Association” award. The award and plaque were presented to VRLTA President Eric Terry by Mark Carrier, Chairman of AHLA, and Matt MacLaren, SVP of Member Relations for AHLA.
In 2017 the PAC has benefited from two fundraising events. These events raised a total of $6,000 for the PAC, with over 70 individuals and businesses donating from across the State. We have a long way to go to reach our goal to raise $30,000 for the PAC prior to the 2017 elections.
The award was given in recognition of VRLTA’s efforts to tackle short-term online rental legislation at a state-level. Virginia was the first state in the U.S. to pass legislation effectively affirming our localities’ rights to regulate and tax the short-term online rental industry. This legislation was a huge success for Virginia and for the lodging industry across the United States.
You have the opportunity right now to join these individuals and businesses, as we continue fight for the issues most important to our industry. Anything you can contribute to help us meet this goal will go a long way in supporting candidates who share our beliefs that tourism is Virginia’s most essential industry. Remember, anything under $100 (for the year) does not get reported in your name. Thank you in advance for helping to protect our industry and strengthening our voice in Virginia. To donate visit www.VRLTA.com/PAC.
VRLTA Has a New Address
VRLTA + NCC Hold BOH Tour/Roundtable with Congresswoman Comstock With the help of the National Restaurant Association, VRLTA and the National Conference Center, in Lansdowne, VA, were able to host Congresswoman Barbara Comstock for a Back-of-House Tour and Roundtable on May 9—during National Travel & Tourism Week. During the tour, Representative Comstock was introduced to NCC’s partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools and Didlake through Project SEARCH to offer internships to students with disabilities. Following the tour, Rep. Comstock spoke with local restaurateurs and hoteliers about the challenges that our industry faces—including GSA per diems, healthcare, and much, much more.
After decades at 2101 Libbie Avenue, VRLTA moved to a new location on Richmond’s prominent Monument Avenue. On May 15, 2017 the doors closed at our Libbie Avenue for the last time to make way for new beginnings and a bright future at 5101 Monument Avenue. The location, leased space from the Retail Merchants Association, gave VRLTA the flexibility to take a little less space due to the availability of meeting rooms throughout the building, which the the Association now has access to.
5101 Monument Avenue, Suite 206 Richmond, Virginia 23230 804.288.3065 | info@vrlta.org
Norfolk Region Chapter Mixer On June 13, the Norfolk Region Chapter hosted a great event at the all new Blue Moon TapHouse at Waterside District.
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SNAGAJOB
“...an on-demand platform that instantly connects qualified and prepared workers with open shifts at restaurants, hotels, events, and select retail stores.”
The Workforce of the Future W
ith an economy near full employment, a key challenge for restaurants and hotels is finding and retaining talent. Workers have a lot of choices and they increasingly desire flexibility and control over the number of hours they work, and when and where they work them. Platforms like Uber and Instacart are adding fuel to the fire. They meet these changing worker needs by providing the flexibility and control they desire. This is creating pressure on traditional brick and mortar employers who don’t or can’t offer this new staffing model. But not everything is rosey for 1099-fueled on-demand work platforms. While they meet worker flexibility needs, they introduce new complications in the form of uncertainty and additional costs for workers. Given these dynamics, we found ourselves asking, could there be a new “employee” model for foodservice and hospitality that incorporates key “gig” benefits for workers, makes sure workers are protected, and also ensures stellar customer experiences? After a year of discovery and hard work in the trenches with customers, the Snagajob Innovation Lab believes it can answer that question with an absolute yes. That yes is rooted in a product that we now call HUSL (pronounced hustle). HUSL is an on-demand platform that instantly connects qualified and prepared workers with open shifts at restaurants, hotels, events, and select retail stores. It solves two key problems for businesses. The first is related to shift gaps created by callouts and turnover. Instead of going into “shift triage” where a manager spends all of his or her time finding someone and potentially paying them overtime, the operator simply opens the HUSL app and requests a worker (much like a person would request a car through Uber). This also works when a last minute surge in demand or big order occurs. The second key problem it addresses is perhaps more strategic: how should a business evolve its hiring and operational practices to create the workforce of the future? Instead of just using HUSL to solve for call out crisis moments, some businesses are now filling many of their ongoing part-time roles with HUSL workers and reducing their recruiting, onboarding, and turnover costs along the way. As we’re discussing HUSL with prospective customers, the primary push back we hear is related to training and preparation - something like, “there’s no way a random person off the street can come into my store or restaurant and be productive.” We couldn’t agree more with this statement and we work with each of our partners to understand the roles they need filled to create a network, or alternate roster, of workers who are prepared and who they can consistently rely upon. Sometimes video content is the key to successful preparation while other times orientation or “training” shifts ensure success. Feedback in the form of ratings at the end of each shift helps us learn and continuously calibrate worker-business fit. 22
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As we’ve engaged with business owners and leaders over the past 18 months, we’ve observed a sea change in receptiveness to HUSL. Initial doubters have come around and are now some of our most frequent users. Businesses are increasingly realizing the importance of solving for worker needs around flexibility and control. The amazing thing is that when they focus on solving for the worker through HUSL, they not only get a versatile crisis management solution, but also gain the luxury of operational flexibility and control themselves. This virtuous circle is self-reinforcing and, as a result, has the potential to dramatically change not only the nature of hourly work but every organization’s workforce and cost structure for the better.
MORE ABOUT HUSL: HUSL is currently in-market with a private beta in Richmond, VA, and working with dozens of brands and locations helping them staff and fill shift-based needs in as few as 10 seconds with 90%+ success rate. HUSL is a subsidiary of Snagajob, the nation’s largest marketplace for hourly work. Please contact Adam Vanderhoof at adam@huslworks.com or (315) 264-2664, or visit huslworks.com, to learn more!
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BE FEATURED IN THE EXCITING NEW VIRGINIA GUIDE APP FROM THE VIRGINIA RESTAURANT, LODGING & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION.
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VIRGINIA RESTARAUNT, LODGING & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
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Free listing for all VRLTA members. Upgraded and featured listings available. n
To ensure your listing contact: Kiara Davis 757-422-8979 ext 125 or at kiara@vgnet.com