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

 

CONRAD KNAPE RECEIVES AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE FROM THE MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

 

LANSING, MI  – The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is pleased to announce that Conrad Knape of Birmingham has received the MRA Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the Association.  He was bestowed the honor at a meeting of the Association’s Board of Directors in Bay Harbor on January 28, 2013.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and continuing leadership, vision, and commitment to the Michigan foodservice industry. Previous Distinguished Service Award winners select a new winner each year from submitted nominations. Knape is owner of several Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants in metro-Detroit and one in Lansing. 

 “I am honored and humbled to now be part of such an iconic group as the MRA Distinguished Service Award winners,” said Knape. “I truly believe there is nothing nobler than to serve guests their meals.”

 Knape joined the MRA in 1997. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for 12 years, including as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Knape is an active supporter of all MRA activities, including fundraising events and the Michigan Restaurant Show. 

 He also holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Restaurant Association Educational Support Foundation (MRA ESF). The development and expansion of the Michigan ProStart® Program, which is administered by the MRA ESF and is designed to teach high school students foodservice management and culinary skills, is very important to Knape.

 Knape believes that attitude is a key factor in life that is within our control. He said: “The way we perceive things and the way we act affects those around us. Our employees and customers inevitably pick up on this attitude. If we are positive, our enthusiasm will have a snowball effect on the people around us. Successful leaders, no matter how high the hurdles are, first must believe that the hurdles can be cleared. Then they must set a good example by the way they carry themselves.” 

 “Conrad Knape embodies all that is foodservice,” said Brian DeBano, president and CEO of the MRA. “He has outstanding work ethic, a great dedication to the restaurant industry and his employees, and is a genuinely jovial person to be around.”

 Knape and his wife, Deborah, have three sons and eight grandsons. 

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.

###