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.

Ohio BWC Extends Deadlines for Two Destination: Excellence Programs

By taking advantage of these programs, you could reduce WC costs

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation recently announced that the application deadline for the Transitional Work Bonus Program and the Industry Specific Safety Program was extended to May 25, 2012.

Chip Away at Legislation Aimed at Hurting Foodservice

By attending the ORA/NRA SAFE Golf Classic, you support advocacy efforts that strengthen the industry

On Monday, Jun. 18, 2012, the ORA will host its 15th annual ORA/NRA SAFE Golf Classic at the New Albany Country Club. Proceeds from the event help fight legislation that could harm the future of the foodservice industry.

New Research Indicates Personalized Marketing Strategies Lure Guests

The study found customization is vital to effective marketing and business growth

Restaurants that utilize a mix of online and personalized e-mail marketing provide consumers the personalized offers they prefer, according to new research released by the NRA. This approach appears to drive sales and boost word-of-mouth marketing.

Five Tips to Reduce Turnover

Implement these strategies to strengthen your operation’s workforce

Voluntary turnover was higher last year than in 2010, partly because of the economic recovery, according to CareerBuilder's 2012 Job Forecast. Although employers plan to offer incentives to retain their best talent, it takes more than high salaries and attractive benefits to build a passionate workforce.

Take Advantage of the ORA’s Valuable Restaurant Education Series

The free, member-only educational offerings are available online 24 hours a day

Did you know that as a member of the ORA you have access to valuable educational information? The ORA’s Restaurant Education Series provides members information on managing your online web presence, back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house safety procedures, how to understand the unemployment compensation system and much more.

Ohio Department of Development Continues to Host Free Small Business Seminars

The seminars offer information on how to expand business opportunities, grow your brand

The Ohio Department of Development is continuing to offer its series of small business seminars, which were designed to strengthen and expand small business ownership across the state. Find out when the seminars are being held and how you can register.

Gather Insight into 2012 Industry Trends Within the Pages of à la Carte

Use your association news magazine to help you operate smarter not harder

Over the past three weeks, ORA members have been pulling the spring edition of à la Carte from their mailboxes. Within its pages, you will find information pertaining to the ORA’s victory in getting the PUCO to reverse its decision on AEP’s new electricity rates, and much more.

Columbus to Host 2012 PRSA/SATW Tourism Conference

During the conference, attendees will learn how to work closely with the media

From Jun. 3 – 6, Columbus will host the Public Relations Society of America’s Travel and Tourism Section’s annual conference held annually in conjunction with the Society of American Travel Writers’ conference. Restaurant professionals could benefit from attending the conference by gathering insight into ways to build relationships with the media, how to host promotional events that draw media attention and much more.

Member Benefit of the Week: Restaurant Consultants, Inc.

BREAKING NEWS: Korean Molluscan Shellfish Should Not Be Served in Your Operations, Sold by Retailers

FDA warns oysters, clams, mussels and scallops from Korea should be removed from the market

On May 1, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed all Korean certified shippers of molluscan shellfish, including oysters, clams, mussels and scallops, from the Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List (ICSSL). The decision was made following a comprehensive FDA evaluation that determined that the Korean Shellfish Sanitation Program (KSSP) no longer meets the sanitation controls spelled out under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

Are You Covered?

by Dan Lewis, Andrew Insurance Associates

Don’t Ignore the Value of Comprehensive Coverage

by Danny Eck, Farmers Insurance