GRA Weekly
January 12, 2023
This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner Healthy Hospitality.
100 MOST INFLUENTIAL
OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS 1/15
Don’t miss out--enroll by January 15 to make sure you and your family have coverage beginning February 1. 

Our free service makes it easy- visit Georgia Restaurant Association | Hospitality-Health.com or call 1-844-759-0642 to get started!

REGISTER TODAY!
14th Annual Taste Of Georgia Legislative Reception
This annual event is an opportunity for GRA members to showcase their food to elected officials and for our legislators to network with our state’s second largest employer. The honorees of the 2023 Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program will also be recognized.

GRA Restaurant Members: If you are interested in participating and showcasing your restaurant, contact us today!

Attendance is complimentary for lobbyists, dignitaries, legislators, and staff, however registration is required. Discounted registration is available for GRA Restaurant Members.

SAVE ON ELECTRIC RATES!
Public Service Commission Renews Rate
Late December 2022, the Public Service Renewed the Time of Use – Food and Drink rate for another three years, giving the restaurant industry a win even before the new legislative session starts. The rate was initially approved in 2019 after the GRA brought forward a rate case to increase the number of restaurants included in this special rate, one that was previously only available to large chains. If you would like more information about the rate and how to enroll, please contact Scott Bierman.

The Time to Save on Electricity Costs is NOW!
The Georgia Restaurant Association fought hard for restaurants to have access to a rate that was previously only available to large, multi-unit chains. If you are a restaurant that uses Georgia Power, identifies as 722 in NAICS, and meet the actual peak demand requirement of not less than 30 kW, then you should reach out and ask about switching to the TOU-FD. We have heard testimonies from independent restaurants from across the state reporting an average savings of 10%-15% on their power bill.

You may contact Georgia Power’s Business Solutions Center directly at 1-888-655-5888. If you have any questions, you can contact us and we are happy to assist to the best of our ability or connect you with a trusted partner.

Background: Every 3 years, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) holds hearings regarding the electricity rates suggested by Georgia Power. In 2019, the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) filed a rate case with the PSC against Georgia Power. There are over 80 different electricity rates. Restaurants and other medium businesses pay more for a unit of electricity than residential consumers and large manufacturers. Prior to 2020, large chains and franchises paid less for a unit of electricity than an independent restaurateur. The GRA successfully petitioned opened 3,000 slots for any restaurant filed as 722 of the NAICS to have access to the lower rate. The new rate is called Time of Use Food and Drink (TOU-FD).
GREEN LINE RATES
SEVEN TAX INCENTIVES
Seven Tax Incentives Georgia Businesses Should Consider
The state of Georgia offers a variety of tax incentives that make investing and expanding your business in Georgia attractive. As we approach the end of 2022 and look ahead to next year, the following are a few incentives that you should consider.

FDA ADDS SESAME TO ALLERGEN LIST
FDA adds sesame to allergen list
Following the enactment of the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act last April, the Food and Drug Administration added sesame to its list of major food allergens and is now requiring packaged foods to label sesame.

The big picture: Even though this action is being taken by the federal government, allergens in restaurant foods are still regulated at the state level.

By the numbers: Approximately 1.5M children and adults in the United States are allergic to sesame.

Go deeper: The following National Restaurant Association resources provide additional guidance for owners and operators to comply with allergy alerts and regulations.
UPCOMING SERVSAFE CLASSES
UPCOMING WEBINARS + EVENTS
GRA Restaurant Industry Update, presented by NCR
Georgia Restaurant Association
Wednesday, January 18 | 2:00PM

Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception
Georgia Restaurant Association
Wednesday, February 22 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
HERE'S WHAT WE'RE READING