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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| June 6, 2006 |
517/377-3931 |
Michigan Restaurant Association Building New Downtown Lansing Headquarters
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) today began construction on its new association headquarters, choosing to rebuild in downtown Lansing instead of moving out of the city.
The association, which represents nearly 4,500 food service establishments across Michigan, is demolishing its current facility at 225 West Washtenaw, and rebuilding a 15,000-square-foot, two-story headquarters in its place.
“We are thrilled to be staying and building our new association headquarters in downtown Lansing, the home of the Michigan Restaurant Association for more than 20 years,” said MRA Executive Director Rob Gifford. “We are improving and expanding our facility to meet the demands of our growing industry and association.”
The MRA staff will work from temporary offices in downtown Lansing during construction of the new building. The MRA’s phone and fax numbers and mailing address remain the same.
MRA’s decision to reinvest in the City of Lansing highlights how important the association industry is to the city and all of Mid Michigan.
“The Michigan Restaurant Association has been a strong advocate for its members and an important member of the Lansing business community for nearly 80 years, and I could not be more pleased that the association is choosing to rebuild and stay in downtown Lansing,” said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.
MRA’s new headquarters will be an upgrade in technology, office space, and meeting space. The office space will allow ample room for the MRA’s growing 20-person team. The meeting space will allow more of the Association’s functions and events to be brought to downtown Lansing.
Officials expect demolition of the site to take about one week with actual construction taking about 11 months. MRA’s new headquarters will open in 2007.
“Our industry is growing, so our presence here in Lansing needed to grow as well,” Gifford said.
Since 1921, the MRA has served to enhance and nurture the growth and development of Michigan's hospitality industry. For more than 80 years, restaurateurs have looked to the MRA for solid information and advice, money saving programs, and networking opportunities with their peers in the industry.
The MRA assists, represents, promotes, and educates the foodservice industry. The organization is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community.
The MRA represents nearly 4,500 locations statewide.
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.
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