FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        CONTACT:  Andy Deloney

April 14, 2005                                                                                                    (517) 204-2527

Restaurateurs offer public policy recommendations

Over 100 leaders in the restaurant industry spend day with
lawmakers and top agency officials

LANSING, MI – On Wednesday, April 13, more than 100 restaurant owners and operators came to Lansing for the 2005 Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) Capitol Day to discuss public policy issues affecting the industry with lawmakers and top agency officials.  This year’s edition of the annual event was the largest gathering ever in the history of Capitol Day.

The event featured a morning program where restaurateurs discussed and debated some of their top legislative priorities, including minimum wage, health care, single business tax reform, youth employment laws, liquor law issues and tourism.  The attendees then set out to discuss these issues with lawmakers and concluded the day by hosting a bountiful reception complete with delicious food and beverages attended by lawmakers, department and agency officials, and staff.

According to MRA executive director Rob Gifford, this year’s Capitol Day was a tremendous success.  “This was our largest gathering ever, and the lawmakers were very receptive upon hearing our concerns.”  Gifford even expressed satisfaction that restaurateurs’ views on the minimum wage were generally well-received, even by a number of legislators who would probably be considered supporters of an increase.

Gifford noted that while restaurateurs have always been active in public policy and political discussions, the attendance at Wednesday’s gathering shows that their interest is growing.  “Restaurant operators know that public policy decisions have a tremendous impact on their ability to serve their guests, grow their business and provide jobs.  In our current economic climate, more and more industry leaders recognize the importance of dialogue with officials who are making those decisions.

Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments.  The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales.  For more information, call (517) 482-5244, or visit the MRA website at www.michiganrestaurant.org.