GRA Weekly
May 25, 2023
This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner OrionStar USA
BREAKING NEWS!
Health Inspectors
Instances of individuals posing as health inspectors are on the rise. In many cases, individuals will contact a restaurant and demand payment for the inspection fee. Please be aware that inspection fees are only charged when a restaurant requests an additional inspection or a re-inspection. Also, the Health Department will bill the restaurant and will not ask for payment at the time of the inspection. If you ever have any doubts or want to verify that the health inspector is legitimate, you can reach out to your local health department or contact the State Health Department. If you need assistance contacting your local health department, you can contact us and we will get you the proper information.

Reminder: Questions to know when Health Inspector Arrives
Georgia Food Code mandates that every location have one Certified Food Service Manager (CFSM). However, if the CFSM is not there when a health inspector arrives, then the person in charge must be able to answer certain questions. See Georgia Food Code 511-6-1-.03(c) Correct Answers to Food Safety Questions to make sure all people in charge are prepared. Learn more.
NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
National Hurricane Preparedness | Hurricane Season Begins June 1
Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 through November 30. The Georgia Restaurant Association strongly encourages restaurant owners and operators to stay informed and be prepared as seasons are increasingly uncertain. Learn more.

Additional resources:
BUILDING TRUST
The Secret to Building Trust in a Team: Leadership Vulnerability
People Equation - What’s the secret to building a trusting team dynamic? From the many actions leaders take to build trust, there is one that research finds to be a game-changer: vulnerability. Leaders who are willing to share their small weaknesses are better able to connect with their teams and build stronger relationships. Want to learn the benefits of being more transparent about your struggles–and how to use this communication practice effectively? Continue reading.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
GRA Member Exclusive: Volunteering Opportunities
Help the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation educate and train the youth of today to become the service industry professionals of tomorrow! We have a plethora of new options for current GRA members to volunteer with ProStart and our high school outreach programs. We have created a survey for members to indicate which area(s) they would like to participate. We are currently working on developing programming for the 2023-2024 school year. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Ashley, Foundation Programs Manager. Sign up here.
IMPORTANT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund sponsors women seeking leadership positions in the wine and spirits industry and related fields. Grantees will receive scholarships to leadership programs and membership to 510 media’s Hope Academy. Apply by June 15.

The PepsiCo Foundation’s Impacto Hispanic Business Accelerator program aims to support Hispanic-owned food and beverage businesses with a $10,000 grant and coaching opportunities. Submit your application before June 16.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)’s Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative is a grant and mentorship program created to provide Black entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for success. Three winners will be chosen from a pitch contest, each receiving $50,000. Applications are due June 25.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Did you know that 2023's Mental Health Awareness Month’s theme is #MoreThanEnough? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reminds us that “It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.”

As this year’s awareness winds down, here are additional resources employers and employees can utilize throughout the year, courtesy of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM):
ATTACK IS BACK!
Return of The Killer Tomato Festival
Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival (#AKTF) returns to Westside Provisions District on Sunday, July 30 from 1-4 PM for an annual celebration of the juiciest fruit in Georgia: tomatoes.

Passes include tastings and beverages featuring tomatoes in all the ways from Georgia restaurants, bars, and other tomato-serving establishments.

This event is hosted by Georgia Organics and celebrates the delicious Farmer Champion partnership between Georgia's organic farmers and the culinary teams who make local ingredients shine. Learn more and register.
TIPS + TRICKS FOR RUNNING PAYROLL
Tips and Tricks for Running Payroll at Restaurants and Bars
Payroll management can be a daunting task, particularly for small business owners. Restaurants and bars can encounter unique challenges when it comes to running payroll. With so many employees and varying roles, it's important to have a solid system in place to ensure timely and accurate payments. Restaurant and bar owners can consider the following tips and tricks when running payroll... Continue reading.
GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE
Restaurateur Named to Senate Study Committee
Roswell restaurateur Ryan Pernice was named by Lt. Governor Burt Jones to the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce. This study committee, chaired by Senator John Albers, will take a look at the labor and workforce issues facing business across Georgia. Meetings will take place across the state throughout the summer and fall.

GRA Staff Attends NRA Show
This week President and CEO Karen Bremer and Vice President – Government Affairs Scott Bierman attended the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. This year’s event showcased the latest in restaurant automation, advances in sustainability efforts, and the newest products from notable brands. The show also featured demos from chefs across the country highlighting some of the latest trends in food. Learn about the 6 top trends spotted at the National Restaurant Show.

Governor Kemp Signs 3rd Party Delivery Legislation
Earlier this month, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 528, legislation that will protect restaurants' intellectual property by requiring a written agreement between third-party delivery services and restaurants before the service can list a restaurant on their online platforms. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
MEET LUCKI
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE
National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference
It’s your last chance to secure a spot in our hotel block for the Public Affairs Conference in Washington, DC, June 19-21. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to advocate for our industry with federal lawmakers, plus we have a lot of fun and learn a lot networking with the industry’s leaders from across the country. Our discounted GRA room block ends May 19. Be sure to contact Katie Jones to get registered for the conference and book your hotel room.

MEDICAID REDETERMINATION
Medicaid Redetermination
Some of your team members may lose Medicaid coverage over the next 12 months. Make sure they stay covered by sharing our free service with them. Your team can enroll in health insurance plans easily over the phone, and will get access to their maximum federal subsidies and most reasonably priced plans.

Email hospitalityhealth@uhg.com for more information and free promotional materials. No employer contribution; simply post our free flyers.
UPCOMING SERVSAFE CLASSES
UPCOMING WEBINARS + EVENTS
Beverage Program Management: Building, Executing, and Maintaining a Profitable Strategy
National Restaurant Association
Wednesday, June 7 | 2:00PM

2023 Public Affairs Conference
National Restaurant Association
June 19 - 21 | JW Marriott, Washington, DC
HERE'S WHAT WE'RE READING