The Public Affairs Day on February 9, 2012, was an opportunity for The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) members to participate in state government through education and advocacy. Public Affairs Day helps members connect one-on-one with lawmakers to discuss business outlook, special challenges and the state of the foodservice industry.
Public Affairs Day concluded with the Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception – a finale event at AmericasMart. This annual event was an opportunity for GRA members to showcase their food to elected officials, and for Georgia legislators to network with representatives from the state's second largest employer, local restaurants.
This year's Taste of Georgia was bigger than ever. Members from across the foodservice industry came out to show their support on State Restaurant Day, established by the Georgia Senate in honor of the contribution the foodservice industry has made to Georgia. Special guests included Roz Mallet, Chair of the National Restaurant Association, and Governor and First Lady Deal.
Additionally, Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black, launched the Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program. This new program will help promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers across the state. Chefs including Holly Chute, from the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, Michael Deihl, Executive Chef from East Lake Golf Club, Kevin Gillespie, Executive Chef at Woodfire Grill Atlanta and Hilary White, Executive Chef from The Hil, A Restaurant at Serenbe, were on hand as the program’s Inaugural Class Members.
ACityDiscount attended the Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception as a GRA Sponsor guest. In attendance were Hap Schneider, ACityDiscount General Manager and Catalina Franco, Marketing Coordinator. They met with Georgia lawmakers, GRA Members and fellow GRA Sponsors. In addition to meeting with Georgia’s elected officials, the ACityDiscount team enjoyed tasting the many offerings prepared by some of Georgia’s finest restaurants.
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