2020 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality Honorees Announced
Iowa Restaurant Association Invites Public to Celebrate on Nov. 16, 2020 with Award Winners
October 5, 2020- Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Restaurant Association today released its 2020 40 “Women to Watch” in Hospitality List. The honorees hail from nearly every segment and function in the industry-from purveyors and entrepreneurs, to chefs and business development professionals. More than 100 nominations were submitted from across the state. All showcased women in Iowa’s hospitality industry who are blazing new trails, leading by example, and impressing their peers, customers and managers daily.
The 2020 List includes: (Photos Available Upon Request)
• Ali Brackett, Assistant General Manager/Director of Catering,
Spectra Food Services & Hospitality at the Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
• Allyson Tilk, Regional Supervisor, @McDonald’s-Racoon Valley Partners Ownership Group, Stuart
• Amy Walsh, Owner/GM, Mickey’s Irish Pub, Waukee
• Ashton Johnson, Director of Hospitality, Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, Swisher
• Betsy Duffy, Owner, Gezellig Brewing Company, Newton
• Briana Smallwood, Co-Owner, Vivian’s Soul Food, LLC, Cedar Rapids
• Chef Brittany Hannah, Chef/Owner, Bistro 3 Nineteen, Marion
• Cande Coulter, Owner, Simply Mae’s, Story City
• Chelsea Johnsen, Owner, Sisters in Cheese, Madrid
• Courtney Johnson, General Manager, Martini’s Grille, Burlington
• Chef Cyd Koehn, Chef Owner, Cyd’s Catering, Johnston
• Diane Stanley, Hospitality Facilitator, Scott Community College, Davenport
• Heidi Baratta, Owner, Baratta’s Steakhouse, Carroll
• Jenn Mullin, Regional Marketing Manager, Sysco Iowa, Ankeny
• Jenny Oaks, Owner, Sweet Oaks Bake Shoppe, Collins
• Jessica Baldus, Owner, Taste by Unc’s Cheesecakes, Osage
• Jonita Boyer, Winemaker, Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton
• Julia Punj, Owner & Sommelier, Veraison Wine Bar, Fairfield
• Kathleen Gill, District Manager, Full Court Press, Des Moines
• Kelley Carter, Operations and General Manager, Guild and Ghosted Kitchen, Coralville
• Kelley Crawford, Director of Purchasing, Pizza Ranch Support Center, Orange City
• Kelsey Sutter, Marketing/Programs Director, Iowa Pork Producers, Clive
• Krista Stramel, General Manager, Red Vespa Pizzeria, Solon
• Kristen Meyers, Owner, Party on Des Moines!, Des Moines
• Kristy Walker, President, Walker Homestead Farm & Winery, Inc., Iowa City
• Lenore Zoll, Owner, The Fish Store, Cedar Rapids
• Mariela Maya, Co-owner, Panka Peruvian, Des Moines
• Melissa Cervantes, Owner, Good Restaurant & Lounge & Lost Bear Coffee, Burlington, Iowa
• Michele Buzbee, Owner, Hive Hospitality, Marshalltown
• Millisa Reynolds, Operators Manager, Hospitality at Parks Marina, Okoboji
• Misty Fontanini, Owner, Curbin’ Cuisine, Des Moines
• Molly Frana, Owner & Brewer, Brightside Aleworks, Altoona
• Rebecca Casey, Owner/Operator, MyTown2Go/Delivery.com, Des Moines
• Chef Rhea Vrana, Owner, Fat Sacks QC, Davenport
• Sammy Mila, Culinary Specialist/Food Stylist, Meredith Corporation, Des Moines
• Sarah Chem, Owner, 5 Borough Bagels, Clive
• Sondra Romeo, Director of Human Resources, Lakeside Hotel Casino, Osceola
• Susan Frantz, Owner/Head Brewer, Fenceline Beer Lab, Huxley
• Teresa Court, District Manager, Johnson Brothers of Iowa, Davenport
• Vivette Perry, General Manager, Americana Restaurant, Des Moines
Honorees will be featured in Food and Beverage Iowa Business Quarterly. In addition, a synopsis of each woman’s industry story will be launched on the Iowa Restaurant Association website. The honorees will be recognized in person in on November 16, 2020 at the Iowa Events Center (Community Choice Convention Center) during the Iowa Restaurant Association’s annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony.
For more info and to purchase tickets for the Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony visit
restaurantiowa.com.
“Although women have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, they are still building meaningful careers in every segment of the restaurant industry. 58% of foodservice supervisors and 49% of foodservice managers are women, far above the averages in nearly every other industry,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “Each and every one of these women not only exemplifies leadership but has exhibited exceptional grace and resilience this year.”
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About the Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry.
www.restaurantiowa.com
Iowa Restaurant Association Names Industry Award Winners
Public Invited to November 16 Gala and Awards Event Celebrating Honorees
For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 1, 2020 – Des Moines, IA –On November 16th the Iowa Restaurant Association will present its annual state hospitality awards at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.
“This event is a much needed celebration of one of Iowa’s most resilient and important industries,” said Jessica Dunker President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “After the challenges we’ve faced this year, we’re ready to honor hospitality professionals who exemplify innovation and business acumen, as well as shine a light on the significant contributions they’ve made to their communities and Iowa’s hospitality culture.”
2020 Award Winners:
Operator of the Year– Matt Johnson, Barley’s Bar, Council Bluffs
Chef of the Year– Chef Jeremy Moskowitz, Duck City Bistro, Davenport
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year – Katy Nelson, Scenic Route Bakery, Des Moines
Hospitality Employee of the Year– David Basinger, Rodina, Cedar Rapids
American Dream Award– Suman Hoque, HoQ, Des Moines
Faces of Diversity Award– Lorena Bryan, Delicias by Lorena, Des Moines
Purveyor Partner of the Year– Justin Woodard, Sysco Iowa, Ankeny
Industry Champion– Ryan Achterhoff, Pizza Ranch, Orange City
ProStart Educator of Excellence – LaRae Arment, Alburnett High School, Alburnett
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award– Nick Kuhn, The Hall DSM, West Des Moines
Legislator of the Year– Senator Craig Johnson, Senate District 32, Independence
New this year is a Rural Operator of the Year Award which was created to recognize the role and importance of restaurants and taverns in Iowa communities with fewer than 1,000 people. The inaugural recipient of this award is Mike Muller of Grace on Main in Elk Horn (population 610).
In addition to the Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony which will feature the honorees, the Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala featuring food and beverage from its statewide Culinary and Mixology Competitions.
Attendees will be able to sample the competition dishes from Iowa chefs as well as cocktail creations from the state’s top mixologists. Attendees will be able to cast a vote for their favorite dish and cocktail. Wine pairings and spirits will also be available to sample. The tasting event begins at 4:00 pm followed by the awards program at 5:30 pm.
The event is open to the public, Tickets are $25 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com
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For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 9, 2020-Des Moines- The Iowa Restaurant Association today announced the promotion of Stacy Kluesner from Director of Marketing and Association Development to Association Vice President.
Kluesner joined the Iowa Restaurant Association in the spring of 2012 and has led the charge on the trade association’s revenue programs including membership, sponsorship, events and the reintroduction of the annual Iowa Hospitality EXPO. She has also worked tirelessly to promote and advocate on behalf of operators across the state.
“Stacy has been absolutely critical to the Association’s efforts to elevate the image and presence of the industry at the community and statewide level,” said Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “In her new role, she will further expand the outlets to promote Iowa’s hospitality operations.”
Kluesner assumed her new role on January 1, 2020.
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Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com
Media Contact
Emilee Zimmerman
Public Relations Specialist
ezimmerman@restaurantiowa.com
515-276-1454
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October 28, 2019
For Immediate Release
Monday, October 28 2019 – Des Moines, IA –On November 18
thin conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Convention and Expo, the Iowa Restaurant Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala and Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center. The awards honor hospitality industry leaders across the state. This year’s winners include:
2019 Award Winners
Restaurateur– Robert Johnson, B-Bops, Des Moines
Chef– Chef Kevin Scharpf, Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, Dubuque
Emerging Hospitality Leader– Chris Diebel, Bubba & Teddy Maroon’s, Des Moines
Employee– Emily Hudson, Hemispheres Bistro, Bettendorf
American Dream Award Winner– Chef Austina Smith, Grand Living at Bridgewater, Coralville
Faces of Diversity Award- Chef Bobby Singleton, Cashus Italian Cuisine, Batavia
Purveyor Partner– Brad Korkow, Society Insurance, Fond du Lac, WI
Industry Champion– Mike Holms, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill and Jethro’s BBQ, Des Moines
ProStart Educator of Excellence – Jane Hoegh, Hampton-Dumont High School, Hampton
ProStart Mentor– Chef Michael Gabrielson, Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award- Kim Brown, Inspired Luncheonette, Readlyn
Legislator– Senator Carrie Koelker, Senate District 29, Dyersville
Prior to the awards ceremony, the Association will host its annual Grand Tasting Gala. The Gala will be from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm and allows the public to celebrate with the award winners as well as sample dishes from the Iowa Restaurant Association’s statewide culinary competition. Attendees will also cast a vote in a People’s Choice Award. There will be spirits, wine and beer samples, live music and more. Tickets are $39 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com
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All of the awards are presented by the Iowa Restaurant Association, an advocacy organization supporting the state’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. The 2019 Celebrating Excellence Awards presenting sponsor is Sysco Iowa.
Media Contact:
Emilee Zimmerman
Public Relations Coordinator
Iowa Restaurant Association
ezimmerman@restaurantiowa.com
515-276-1454
Industry News
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August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019 – West Des Moines, IA –Fried food wasn’t the only foodie favorite at the 2019 Iowa State Fair. On Monday, fair-goers sampled original soft silken tofu-based salad dressing creations from four professional chefs including this year’s champion Kerri Rush from Fresh Café & Market. The competition, which was hosted by The Soyfoods Council and the Iowa Restaurant Association, took place in the Agriculture Building where crowds watched each chef make and discuss their dressings in front of a panel of professional judges.
Top Chefs Wow the Crowd
The competing chefs were challenged to make salad dressing recipes which used Mori-nu Soft Silken Tofu as the base of the dressing, were consumer friendly, gluten-free and delicious enough to put on a restaurant menu. Each chef demonstrated the process of making the dressing and then served four judges as well as a crowd of fair-goers.
Kerri Rush Wins
Champion:Chef Rush took home the gold with sweet garlic wasabi dressing over a mixed local greens salad. Other competing chefs included:
2ndPlace:Chef Hannah Elliott, Lola’s Fine Kitchen, Ankeny – Lola’s Marsala Ranch Dressing
3rdPlace:Chef Brad Rodish, Beef Cake Fuel, West Des Moines -Berry Smooth Dressing
4thPlace:Chef David Jensen, Hy-Vee, Urbandale – Southwest Silken Tofu Dressing
All participants received cash prizes. (photos available upon request)
Contest judges included Soybean farmer, Morey Hill, Food blogger Cristin Clark, Food & Swine, Joe McConville, Gusto Pizza in Des Moines and Chef John Andres, Iowa Culinary Institute. All of the chefs’ recipes are available online at both the Iowa Restaurant Association and The Soyfoods Council websites: www.restaurantiowa.com and
www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com.
Link to recipe’s:
https://restaurantiowa.com/soy-salad-dressing-professional-chef-recipes/
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The Soyfoods Council
The Soyfoods Council is an affiliate of the Iowa Soybean Association. The mission of The Soyfoods Council is to serve as a catalyst, leader and facilitator to mainstream soy-based foods into the global marketplace-America and beyond. www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com
Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restraurantiowa.com
Media Contact:
Josephine Jensen
Public Relations Specialist
Iowa Restaurant Association
jjensen@restaurantiowa.com
319-464-0766
Industry News
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July 18, 2019
July 18, 2019 (Des Moines, Iowa) — The Iowa Restaurant Association today released its inaugural 40 “Women to Watch” in Hospitality List. The honorees hail from nearly every segment and function in the industry-from purveyors and entrepreneurs, to chefs and business development professionals. More than 100 nominations were submitted from across the state. All showcased women in Iowa’s hospitality industry who are blazing new trails, leading by example, or impressing their peers, customers and managers daily.
The 2019 List includes: (Photos Available Upon Request)
· Alexis Lundgren, Trackside Bar & Grill, Peosta
· Chef Allie Lanham, Caucho, Cedar Rapids
· Ana McClain, Lion Bridge Brewing Company, Cedar Rapids
· Anne Audo, Sysco Iowa, Iowa City
· Chef Austina Smith, Grand Living at Bridgewater, Coralville
· Blanca Plascencia, El Fogon, West Des Moines
· Brittany Quaid, Pullman Bar & Diner, Iowa City
· Cassandra Rodish, Fuel’d Café, Des Moines
· Christina Moffatt, Crème Cupcake + Dessert, Des Moines
· Cindy Bosley, BozWellz Pub and Eaterie, Storm Lake
· Darian Everding, London Underground, Ames
· Fabiola Carlin, Panka Peruvian Restaurant, Des Moines
· Faye Swift, Big Grove Brewery/BlackStone/Pullman Bar & Grill/Reds Alehouse, Iowa City/North Liberty/Solon
· Gwen Page, Fong’s Pizza, Des Moines
· Hanna Burkle, Rolling Smoke Barbeque, Pleasant Hill
· Jamie Skinner, Molly’s Cupcake’s, Iowa City & Des Moines
· Joni Bell, Great Caterers of Iowa, Inc., Pleasant Hill
· Chef Julie Schoenherr, SoHo Kitchen & Bar, Sioux City
· Chef Karla Boetel, Iowa Culinary Institute at DMACC, Ankeny
· Karla Walsh, Food and Life Style Writer, Des Moines
· Kate Willer, Bubba Southern Comforts, Des Moines
· Katie Greenfield, Jefferson County Ciderworks, Fairfield
· Chef Kerri Rush, Fresh Café & Market, Carlilse
· Krista Kay, Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill, Princeton
· Lauren Doll-Sheeder, Doll Distributing, Des Moines
· Linda Funk, The Soyfoods Council, Ankeny
· Lindsey Wallace, Pete’s Thai Kitchen, Dubuque
· Chef Lisa LaValle, Trellis Café, Des Moines
· Liz Ramey, Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio, West Des Moines
· Lorraine Williams, Café Dodici, Washington
· Martha McAninch, Gusto Pizza Company, Des Moines
· Michelle Booth, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, West Des Moines
· Natasha Sayles, Winefest Des Moines, Des Moines
· Sara Hill, The Hare and The Hound, Earlham
· Sarah Pritchard, Table 128 Bistro and Bar, Clive
· Sneh Chopra, Melting Bite, Cedar Rapids
· Stacy Wertzberger, Iowa State University, Ames
· Stephanie Sellers, Baked Beer & Bread Company, Davenport
· Taylor Weiss, Crème Cupcake + Dessert, Des Moines
· Chef Terrie Kohl, Country Club Market, Carlilse
Honorees will be featured in the Summer issue of Food and Beverage Iowa Business Quarterly. In addition, a synopsis of each woman’s industry story will be launched on the Iowa Restaurant Association website on August 1st. The honorees will be recognized in person in a display at the Iowa Hospitality Expo on November 18, 2019 at the Iowa Events Center, as well as recognized at the Iowa Restaurant Association’s Annual Awards Ceremony and celebratory reception that day.
“Women are building meaningful careers in every segment of the restaurant industry and the numbers back that up. 58% of foodservice supervisors and 49% of foodservice managers are women, far above the averages in nearly every other industry,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “From restaurant ownership, to full-time sales and management, to flexible hour part-time positions, women are charting their own paths in the hospitality sector.”
Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation
The Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. It is the leading education resource for the development of a professional and highly-skilled hospitality workforce in the state of Iowa, building connections between educational entities and industry employers seeking trained, qualified students and job candidates.
Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association protects, promotes and educates Iowa’s hospitality industry.
Media Contact:
Josephine Jensen
Public Relations Specialist
319-464-0766
Industry News
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May 1, 2019
May 2, 2019 – West Des Moines, IA – Don’t wait to make your restaurant reservations. Mother’s Day surpasses even Valentine’s Day as the most popular holiday on which to dine out according to research from the Iowa Restaurant Association. In fact, nearly half of moms would pick a favorite restaurant as the place to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Not sure what to include with that card? “There’s really no need to worry about how to celebrate the moms in your life,” said Jessica Dunker, Iowa Restaurant Association president and CEO. “Moms love restaurants. Not only do restaurants provide a much-deserved reprieve from cooking at home, they also provide a celebratory atmosphere.” Restaurant gift cards and certificates are also a top gift pick for moms, with one in five saying this is their preferred gift.
Dunker noted that it is important to get on top of making Mother’s Day restaurant reservations. “It’s not too soon to make reservations regardless of the meal you’re planning to celebrate,” said Dunker. Fifty-five percent of Mother’s Day diners will go out to a restaurant for dinner, 34 percent lunch, 30 percent brunch, and 12 percent for breakfast. In addition, one in five Mother’s Day diners (23 percent) will go out for more than one meal that day. Atmosphere is also an important factor because children are a major part of the mix when dining out on Mother’s Day. Two-thirds of those dining out on Mother’s Days this year will have children under the age of 18 in their party.
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Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s hospitality industry with educational and promotional programs across the state.
www.restaurantiowa.com.
Media Contact:
Josephine Jensen
Public Relations Specialist
515-276-1454
jjensen@restaurantiowa.com
Industry News
, IRA Press Information
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April 30, 2019
Des Moines, IA – Friday, April 26, 2019 – Ninetop mixologists from across Iowa were invited to compete at the Iowa Restaurant Association’s State Mixology Championships held April 25
that Smash Park in West Des Moines. Ames Mixologist Ryan Jeffrey from Arcadia Cafe was named this year’s champion.Competitors created three cocktails for a panel of judges during the day and were judged on taste, appearance, overall creativity and personality. In the evening the public was invited to sample and vote their favorite. Jeffrey’s Ruby Yacht Cocktail, a smooth mix of grapefruit & rose vodka with blood orange juice and pomegranate molasses, gave him the edge over his competitors as he poured his way to the winner’s circle. Runner-up Steve Kotsianis from Jethros in Des Moines also impressed judges with his Breakfast at Bardstown, a surprising mix which was served with a waffle and candied bacon. Brandon Skinner from Uptown Food & Beverage Co., in Ankeny, won the People’s Choice Award with his signature cocktail Mint Condition. “The talent, innovation and flavor profiles presented by Iowa’s mixology contenders impressed the judges and public,” said Director of Marketing and Association Development for the IRA, Stacy Kluesner.“It is a great season to go out and explore Iowa’s mixology scene.” The competition featured spirits from Sazerac and Diageo.
Competing Restaurants/Bars:
Jake Humburg-Whiskey House, Ankeny
Carl Busch-7 Hills Brewing Company, Dubuque
Darian Everding-London Underground, Ames
Steve Kotsianis-Jethro’s Bacon Bacon, West Des Moines
Chase Lihs-Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Des Moines
Ryan Jeffrey-Arcadia Café, Ames
Brandon Skinner-Uptown Food & Beverage Co., Ankeny
Tanner Nygard-Smash Park, West Des Moines
Jon Sladek-St. Burch Tavern, Iowa City
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Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state.
www.restraurantiowa.com
Media Contact:
Josephine Jensen
Public Relations Specialist
Iowa Restaurant Association
jjensen@restaurantiowa.com
515-276-1454
Industry News
, IRA Press Information
, Press Release
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April 15, 2019
Des Moines, IA – Tuesday, April 16, 2019 –The Iowa Restaurant Association will be hosting their annual State Mixology Championships at Smash Park in West Des Moines on April 25
th. Competitors will create three cocktails for a panel of judges during the day and will be judged on taste, appearance, overall creativity and personality. The winner will be crowned Iowa’s Top Mixologist. A public tasting event will follow from 6-8pm. Attendees can sample the competition drinks and vote for the People’s Choice winner. Food samples will also be available and live music from Brian Congdon. Spirits will be sponsored by Sazerac Spirits and Diageo. Tickets are available at restaurantiowa.com.
Competing Restaurants/Bars:
Whiskey House, Ankeny
7 Hills Brewing Company, Dubuque
London Underground, Ames
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Jethro’s Bacon Bacon, West Des Moines
Fong’s Pizza, Cedar Rapids
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Des Moines
Arcadia Café, Ames
Uptown Food & Beverage Co., Ankeny
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Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state.
www.restraurantiowa.com
Media Contact:
Josephine Jensen
Public Relations Specialist
Iowa Restaurant Association
jjensen@restaurantiowa.com
515-276-1454
Industry News
, IRA Press Information
, Press Release
/
April 10, 2019
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 – Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Restaurant Association will recognize 40 women in Iowa’s hospitality industry for their creativity, leadership and contributions. Nominations can be made online at restaurantiowa.com and will be accepted until
May 15, 2019 at 5pm.
“Sixty-one percent of women have worked in a restaurant at some point in their lives,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “We are excited to celebrate women influencing every aspect of foodservice by recognizing those who are doing great things and building lifelong careers. From operations and human resource managers to servers, chefs and owners, women are making a huge impact at every level.”
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Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com
Media Contact:
Josephine Jensen
Public Relations Specialist