For Immediate Release	Contact: Adriane De Ceuninck
January 30, 2013	(517) 482-5244

BOYNE HIGHLANDS’ BRAD KEEN ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

LANSING, MI  – Brad Keen was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) at its winter board meeting on January 28. Keen is Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage for all of Boyne Resorts’ eastern operations and President/General Manager of Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs. Keen has been a part of the Boyne organization for 25 years. He started at Boyne Highlands as an extern from the Culinary Institute of America and returned as a line chef after graduation. 

Other officers elected to the MRA Board of Directors include Jim Holton, owner of Mountain Town Station Brewing Co & Steakhouse in Mt. Pleasant, who was elected Vice Chairman, and Ken Miller, owner of Millennium Restaurant Group in Kalamazoo, who will serve as Treasurer.

“We’re thrilled to have Brad Keen leading the MRA in 2013,” said Brian DeBano, president and CEO of the MRA. “He is well-respected in the industry, has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is a proven leader. Under Keen’s guidance, the MRA will continue to provide great value to our members.”

While the last two years have provided the realization of many long held MRA legislative priorities, there is much on the horizon. From issues such as liquor licensing reform to working through the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), Keen will be at the helm as the Association monitors these issues and educates members of the ramifications.     

“Foodservice is a unique, challenging, and rewarding industry, and I am excited to be selected to lead the premier trade association for an industry I love,” said Keen. “The MRA works hard for corner diners, multi-location franchises, industry suppliers, and everyone in between. As Chairman of the Board, I am excited to share in that work on behalf of my foodservice peers.”

 

The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community.  Founded in 1921, the MRA represents nearly 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 390,000 people and creating more than $13.1 billion in annual sales.

 

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