Workers' Compensation: The Louisiana Restaurant Association Self Insurer's Fund (LRA/SIF) has been operating since 1982 and has a premium base of over $20 million. It provides coverage for hotels, restaurants, country clubs and most other hospitality-related businesses in Louisiana. This program has returned more than $74 million in dividends to its members since 1987, more than any other similar program in Louisiana. It has been the model for other restaurant association funds throughout the country.

Highlights of the LRA/SIF include aggressive claims administration, top-notch loss prevention and conservative underwriting. We believe we can reduce your workers' compensation premiums through lower claims cost, a lower experience modification factor and an increased return of dividends.

For more information on this outstanding workers' compensation program, call the LRA/SIF at 800-256-4572, or locally in the Central Louisiana area, contact Jamie LeMoine at 318-793-4570.

The Louisiana Foodservice and Hospitality Expo is the region's largest show of it's type! The EXPO is held annually the first weekend in August at The Ernest Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. It features well over 500 exhibitors offering all kinds of new and innovative products and services to the restaurant industry. The show begins on Saturday and continues through to Monday. It also features the Great American Seafood Cookoff that was featured on The Food Network in 2006. This year's winner can be seen at the following link: http://www.greatamericanseafoodcookoff.com or by visiting our industry links and clicking on the Great American Seafood Cookoff. Stay up to date on the industry'sbest and newest products and services offered, come to the Louisiana Foodservice and Hospitality EXPO annually. For more information on the EXPO please visit http://www.lra.org for more information and future dates.

This year the EXPO had over 13,000 qualified buyers attendand was held August 4-6, 2007.

Next year it will be held August 2-4, 2008. Make your plans to attend this eye opening event.

Fishbowl Marketing has proven that targeted e-mail marketing will generate more sales and increase guest frequency. Through our partnership with Fishbowl and the National Restaurant Association, learn how e-mail marketing can work for your restaurant by visiting www.fishbowllocal.com/nra.

2for1,BENEFITS:   That means twice the benefits: When you join the LRA, you automatically become a member of the NRA National Restaurant Association! Benefits of dual membership include, Double-powered representation, both in the halls of the U.S. Congress and in your state legislature; Access to information on the federal, state and local rules and regulations that affect the way you run your restaurant;• Networking opportunities with colleagues from across the country and within your state;• And much more!

Contact Jamie LeMoine at (318) 793-4570 for more information on dual membership!

Credit Card Processing: LRA members realize great savings in credit card processing fees in our endorsed program with Heartland Payment Systems. Heartland offers payment solutions designed to meet the needs of all types of restaurants. Members may contact Bryan Littleton with Heartland at (225) 610-4994 for more information on discounts and services or locally in the Central Louisiana area, contact Jim White at (318) 308-6780.

Legal Services: Free Legal services offered to LRA members! Don't pay an attorney $250.00 for a phone call, get your questions answered at no charge to you. The LRA also offers "The Legal Problem Solver for Restaurant Operators" at a minimal charge so you can have the information you need at your fingertips.

The LRA offers continuing Education of all types to it's members and is the leader in providing professional training programs.

ServSafe, is a Sanitation Certification course that is required by law. The LRA has certified over 14,000 foodservice individuals state-wide since the law went into effect. State law requires all foodservice licensees to have a valid Food Safety Certificate. Certificates are valid for five (5) years. Courses are taught throughout the state and are offered at discounted prices to LRA members. Please contact the LRA office at (800) 2... to register for the course or visit our website at www.lra.org

Food Safety Recertification Exam - The Louisiana Restaurant Association in now offering a Food Safety Recertification Exam. In lieu of retaking the all-day ServSafe seminar, the LRA now offers a recertification exam only. A copy of your current ServSafe certificate or State Food Safety certificate is required to take the recertification test. Upon receipt of payment you will receive a review booklet and practice exam. The passing score is 75% or better. Failure to pass the exam will require retaking the ServSafe seminar. Please contact the LRA office at (800) 2... to register for the Recertification exam, or by visiting our website at: www.lra.org


"LA. BEST" Alcohol Server Training Course is also required by law. The LRA has certified over 36,000 individuals in the Responsible Vendor training program. This course is required for any individual who serves or sells, alcohol, tobacco products or Louisiana lottery tickets. Server permits are valid for four (4) years anywhere in Louisiana. Servers have 45 days from the date of hire in order to obtain their permit. Costs for server training courses are discounted to LRA members. Please contact the LRA office at (800) 2... to register for the class or by visiting our website at: www.lra.org


FMP Certification another course offered by the LRA is continuing education for Foodservice Management Professionals. Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) is the credential that identifies managers, corporate executives, corporate trainers and hospitality educators as leaders who display outstanding professionalism and a commitment to the foodservice and hospitality industry. FMP status improves opportunities for upward mobility within the profession, increases a person's credibility and enhances professional knowledge and gives a sense of accomplishment. Please join Louisiana's finest Foodservice and Hospitality leaders. Please contact the LRA office at (800) 2... to register for FMP Certification or by visiting our website at: www.lra.org


School to Career Program - An opportunity for high school students statewide to learn about careers in the foodservice industry through a two-year certified curriculum created by the National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation and the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association for more information please visit: http://www.lraef.org