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On May 12, 2008, the Oregon Restaurant Association held its first regional business summit in Eugene. The day’s events included a luncheon, appearances from esteemed guest speakers, breakout sessions with industry panelists and a dinner and awards ceremony.
ORA Board Chair Joe Benetti began the event with a discussion about his experience as a voting member on the Governor’s Comprehensive Revenue Restructuring Task Force as well as his experience as a former mayor of Coos Bay. Guest speaker Senator Floyd Prozanski followed, sharing agenda items likely to emerge in the 2009 legislative session.
After the general session, guests had the chance to attend separate breakout sessions. Each guest had the option of picking one of two topics that best suited their individual needs. First on the agenda were the two breakout session topics of Culinary Tourism and Future Workforce, followed by Menu Labeling and Labor and Benefits. Experienced industry panelists discussed issues and concerns within each topic, providing guests with invaluable information on how to protect their businesses and what to expect in the coming months.
The summit concluded with a dinner and awards ceremony. At the ceremony, ORA recognized three outstanding industry members, all of whom excel in their craft, serve their respective communities, and inspire other operators and purveyors in the course of doing business. Supplier of the Year was awarded to Lamar Advertising, Community Service Leader of the Year was presented to Abby’s Legendary Pizza, and the Regional Restaurateur of the Year award was presented to Hole in the Wall Barbeque.
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