BREAKING NEWS: River Ranch Recalls Retail and Food Service Salads Because Of Possible Health Risk

The salads have the potential of being contaminated with Listeria

River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC of Salinas, CA has initiated a voluntary recall of retail and foodservice bagged salads because they have the potential of being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes following routine random retail salad finished product tests conducted in the marketplace by the Food & Drug Administration.

This is Your Last Chance to Participate in 2012 MCO Open Enrollment

The open enrollment period ends May 25

The ORA reminds you to select CareWorks as your new MCO before the 2012 MCO Open Enrollment ends this Friday. Complete a 2012 MCO Open Enrollment form and fax it to CareWorks at (888) 358-5319.

Enjoy the ORA Chairman’s Celebration on Jun. 9

Network with your peers from around the state at the Toledo Museum of Art

Make plans to attend a social event honoring incoming ORA Chairman Roger Parker, Mancy Brothers’ Catering, at the Toledo Museum of Art on Saturday, Jun. 9. The evening will feature live jazz music, wonderful fare and an open bar.

Court Invalidates Ambush-Election Rule

NRA official heralds the court’s decision, calling the rule a “shot-gun regulation”

Last week, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia nullified the National Labor Relations Board's ambush-election rule, holding it invalid due to the fact a quorum of three members was not present when the rule was adopted.

The ORA Encourages You to Attend the 2012 Chairman's & Industry Awards Luncheon on Jun. 10

The keynote address will be delivered by NRA Pres. & CEO Dawn Sweeney

Register now for the 2012 Chairman’s & Industry Awards Event on Jun. 10 in Toledo. The event will honor incoming Chairman Roger Parker, Mancy Brothers’ Catering, and thank 2010-2012 Chairman Lynn Brown, Outback Steakhouse, for her valued ORA leadership.

ORA Safety Seminars Offer Insight on the Value of Managing and Hiring for Safety

Two upcoming safety webinars will be held to help companies meet the Ohio BWC’s two-hour requirement due Jun. 30

The ORA is sponsoring two safety training seminars designed specifically for the foodservice industry. By attending the webinars, members can learn tips on saving time and money while safeguarding their businesses through the implementation of health and safety strategies. These free educational webinars will be held Jun. 20 and Jun. 27.

By Participating in the ORA/NRA SAFE Golf Classic, You Effect Change in the Industry

Proceeds from the event chip away at legislation that negatively impacts foodservice

On Monday, Jun. 18, 2012, the ORA will host its 15th annual ORA/NRA SAFE Golf Classic at the New Albany Country Club. Plan now to attend a best-ball scramble and enjoy great prizes, wonderful food and the company of good friends all in support of the restaurant industry.

CMSText Webinar to Highlight the Value of Mobile Marketing

Attendees will learn how mobile marketing can strengthen brand loyalty and increase operational traffic

CMSText is hosting a Member Benefits Briefing Webinar from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Jun. 5, 2012. The webinar will provide attendees with information on how mobile marketing can boost traffic and build guest loyalty. Space is limited so register now.

NRA Releases Guide to Restaurant Accounting

The guide helps operators record, report and leverage financial statements

Yesterday, the NRA released the eighth edition of its Uniform System of Accounts for Restaurants, a guide to preparing financial statements in standardized restaurant-specific format. Last released in 1996, the guide takes into account new technology and revenue streams so restaurant operators and managers can better identify ways to report financials and increase operational efficiency.

Help End Childhood Hunger in the U.S.

“Dine Out” webinar to highlight methods for boosting sales during fundraising campaign

Anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength and the NRA are hosting a webinar on May 23 to help restaurateurs drive sales and grow business during the next Dine Out for No Kid Hungry campaign. The webinar will be held from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Don’t Ignore the Value of Keeping Your Kitchen Clean

Use these tips to create an atmosphere of cleanliness, safety and efficiency

When considering the importance of keeping your kitchen clean, you shouldn’t look at it as a one-time, end-of-day event. Rather, it is something that needs to continue throughout your concept’s operating hours in order to run most efficiently.

Member Benefit of the Week: Ask the Attorney

MCO Open Enrollment is Underway

The ORA encourages you to enroll with CareWorks

Earlier this month, you received an enrollment form and information from the ORA endorsing CareWorks as the Managed Care Organization (MCO) of choice for our members. The ORA selected CareWorks because the company clearly demonstrated a solid focus on keeping claims in medical-only status and reducing lost time through early intervention and successful return-to-work initiatives. If you aren’t already enrolled with CareWorks, consider completing an enrollment form and fax it to the company today.

Attend the ORA Chairman’s Celebration on Jun. 9

Network with your peers from around the state at the Toledo Museum of Art

Make plans to attend a social event honoring incoming ORA Chairman Roger Parker, Mancy Brothers’ Catering, at the Toledo Museum of Art on Saturday, Jun. 9. The event will feature live music, great food and the opportunity to network with peers. Cost to attend is $30 per person.

Ohio’s Tourism Industry Experienced Growth in 2011

Tourism in Ohio hit $40 billion in total sales, a figure that topped pre-recession levels

On May 9, the Ohio Office of Tourism announced that Ohio’s tourism economy grew 6.5 percent in 2011 and generated $40 billion in total sales, up from $38 billion in 2010, according to research conducted on behalf of the Ohio Office of Tourism. Any growth in tourism fuels revenue in Ohio’s restaurant industry.

Drive Change in the Industry by Supporting the ORA/NRA SAFE Golf Classic

Your support helps the ORA and NRA defeat legislation aimed at hurting foodservice

On Monday, Jun. 18, 2012, the ORA will host its 15th annual ORA/NRA SAFE Golf Classic at the New Albany Country Club. Plan now to attend a best-ball scramble and enjoy great prizes, wonderful food and the company of good friends all in support of the restaurant industry.

New Horseshoe Casino Complex Now Open in Cleveland

The new gaming center is expected to draw crowds, reenergize downtown area

On May 14, the new Horseshoe Casino Cleveland opened to much excitement and fanfare. Located in Cleveland’s former Higbee building, the casino is expected to draw crowds to the area and lead to increased business for area restaurants and other businesses.

CMSText to Host Member Benefits Briefing Webinar

The session will offer insight on how mobile marketing can boost traffic levels, grow loyalty

CMSText is hosting a Member Benefits Briefing Webinar from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Jun. 5, 2012. The webinar will provide attendees with information on how mobile marketing can boost traffic and build guest loyalty.

Ohio General Assembly Rushes to Adjourn by May 31

Lawmakers are going to have to hurry to address all of the state’s outstanding issues

Ohio’s legislative body hopes to adjourn late this month to allow its respective candidates time to campaign in advance of the November 6 elections. To meet this goal, lawmakers will have to work diligently.

Join Us for the Chairman's & Industry Awards Luncheon in Toledo

NRA Pres. & CEO Dawn Sweeney to deliver keynote address on Jun. 10

Register now for the 2012 Chairman’s & Industry Awards Event on Jun. 10 in Toledo. The event will honor incoming Chairman Roger Parker, Mancy Brothers’ Catering, and thank 2010-2012 Chairman Lynn Brown, Outback Steakhouse, for her valued ORA leadership. ORA Industry Award winners will also be recognized for their dedication to the foodservice industry. Cost per person is $65, which includes lunch and parking.

QR Code Best Practices for Restaurants

The proper use of QR codes can boost your online presence

QR codes, or quick response codes, are digital two-dimensional symbols that guests are able to scan using their mobile smartphones to gain access to specific, free online content. They are becoming more popular as smartphone penetration numbers climb and are an effective way to promote a restaurant by distributing specific content.

Understand Your Data Security Risks

ORA Strategic Partner Heartland Payment Systems can provide additional information to safeguard your business

The threat of data breaches is real. Restaurants that use PC-based point-of-sale systems and have a high volume of card transactions are particularly vulnerable to attack.

Member Benefit of the Week: ServSafe Alcohol™

President Clinton Praises Collaborative Efforts of the Foodservice Industry at NRA Show 2012

Thousands of attendees gathered to hear his keynote address

On May 6, President Bill Clinton addressed a packed house of thousands of restaurateurs, foodservice suppliers and others attending NRA Show 2012 in Chicago, repeatedly urging cooperation and collaboration as the way to address the nation's challenges.

ORA Endorses CareWorks as MCO Provider for 15th Straight Year

Managed Care Open Enrollment ends May 25

Most foodservice operators would tell you reducing their workers’ comp costs and boosting their bottom line are two of their top priorities. By selecting a managed care organization (MCO) that is focused on return-to-work programs, the company can assist you in achieving those goals.