Combat industry's challenging issues by supporting trade organizations - restaurant industry advocates - Editorial

John Donne's poem says that "no man is an island," an idea that also can be applied to business today. The business environment never before has been so challenging, complex, competitive, demanding or fast-changing -- proving that no business can afford to be an island, either.

The influence and impact of government -- both on a local and national level -- is astonishing and frustrating. Rules dealing with labor, food handling and on-the-job safety alone represent volumes of enforceable regulations that often are both burdensome and confusing. They are substantial issues for an industry that employs well over 9.5 million people.

There are, of course, many non-governmental and legislative issues that impact the foodservice business -- education, distribution and pubic opinion being only a few.

Obviously, merely opening a restaurant for business and serving great food with friendly service in a clean environment at fair prices is just not enough for someone to be successful today. One of the ways to combat many of the industry's challenging issues is to support trade organizations and other industry-related groups. Such organizations comprise foodservice operators, manufacturers and allied companies such as your own. They include highly motivated business leaders who are working together for the common good of the industry and the development of excellence in their own operations.

The contribution of the foodservice industry to America is substantial; it represents nearly 5 percent of the U.S. Gross National Product and employs well over 14 million people. Clearly, the industry needs to be heard and understood by government and consumers alike, and a single business enterprise alone cannot achieve the communication mission required.

The foodservice industry is blessed with many well-run and effective associations and groups that work diligently to manage change and remain proactive on issue facing the industry,

The National Restaurant Association and the Educational Foundation of the NRA, together with the country's state restaurant associations, lead the way for restaurant associations, lead the way of restaurant operators. The American Hotel & Motel Association focuses leadership direction for the allied hospitality industry.

The supply side of the industry can point to the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association for food suppliers, and the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers provides a forum for equipment manufacturers. Both organizations serve their members and help the industry as a whole.

In addition, local groups and chapters of industry organizations are crucial to the grass-roots elements of this very regional business. For a list of those important support groups, please see NRN's web site at www.nrn.com.

This month retired U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell initiated the National Volunteer Program in Philadelphia. The NRA and the foodservice industry will play a vital role in this outstanding initiative. It is of vital importance that you and your company participate proactively in industry volunteer activities.

The NRA, under the able administration of Herman Cain and his staff, and IFMA, under the veteran leadership of Michael J. Licata and his staff, are two examples of ongoing service to the industry. But they alone will not achieve the necessary results without the participation of you and your company.

This is a call to action for everyone to participate whenever and wherever they can. And is not just your membership dues that are needed; your time, knowledge and skills are much more valuable. An organization is only so good -- and its track record only so successful -- as the number of its people willing to volunteer and make a commitment. The industry needs you and your groups more than ever before.

To be certain, it's hard to give up precious time when you are facing the daily challenges of operating a restaurant or meeting next quarter's earnings projections. But in the long run, you will need the full support and power trade organizations and groups to be a success. Remember, you are not an island.

So take a moment to investigate one or more organizations that serve the industry. Find one that is a good fit for you and your company and that complements your core competencies. Talk with their staff or with other active members like yourself. They will welcome the opportunity to share facts about how you can make a contribution.

Nation's Restaurant News salutes the many individuals who so willingly have given their time and talents to these organizations. They have a made a difference. When you attend the National Restaurant Associations Show -- as well as COEX, NAFEM, MUFSO and any of a variety of board and committee meetings -- you always sense an energy and excitement for the future of the foodservice industry. And there are synergies developing between those organizations that will help all of us achieve the opportunities this industry offers.

But it will not happen unless everyone does his or or her share and joins the team. No industry is an island, either.

COPYRIGHT 1997 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
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