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Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.comIRA Press Information
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May 23, 2014
IRA Press Information
Iowa restaurants are expected to add 5,000 jobs this summer season, according to projections from the Iowa and National Restaurant Associations. The projected growth in 2014 summer restaurant and bar employment ranks Iowa 24th in the nation from the standpoint of greatest proportional increase. More than 100,800 people are expected to be working in Iowa restaurants and bars this summer.
“Summer is the busiest season for restaurants in most parts of the country—including Iowa,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “The uptick in business creates new and additional job opportunities at all levels of restaurant operations.”
Projected Iowa Growth Better than National Projection, Trails Summer Tourism States
The 5.2% projected increase in Iowa hospitality jobs for the summer, while slightly above the nationwide projected increase of 4.9%, is dwarfed by the expected increases in other states with heavy summer tourism interests. Leading the pack are Maine (+33.2%), Alaska (+21%), Delaware (+18%), New Hampshire (+16.5%) and Rhode Island (+15.7%). Conversely, because summer is not their heaviest tourism season, states such as Florida (-1.5%) and Arizona (-2.7%) project decreases in restaurant employment opportunities in the summer months.
Summer employment is defined as the average number of eating and drinking place jobs in June, July and August. Because the U.S. restaurant industry generally begins to ramp up its summer seasonal hiring in April, the number of summer jobs is determined by the difference between the projected total 2014 summer employment and the March 2014 employment level.
Nationally, the restaurant industry is the nation’s second-largest creator of summer jobs, ranking only behind the construction industry.
Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restaurantiowa.com
IRA Press Information
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February 4, 2014
Iowa Restaurant Association Welcomes Katelyn Kostek as Public Relations Specialist
The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) today announced that Katelyn Kostek of West Des Moines has joined the staff as Public Relations Specialist. In this role, Kostek will produce and promote written forms of communication including press releases, feature stories and magazine articles pertaining to IRA members, the Restaurant Association’s Education Foundation and the Iowa restaurant industry.
Kostek began her work with the IRA as a public relations intern shortly following her graduation from Northwestern College in Saint Paul, MN in 2012. No stranger to the Public Relations realm in the greater Des Moines area, Kostek has had experience working with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the Iowa Soybean Association, The Soyfoods Council and Flavorful Insight producing written materials and coordinating events.
In making the announcement, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the IRA commented, “The Association’s focus has always been to be a promotional tool for IRA members and the Iowa restaurant industry. Growth in this area is necessary and Katelyn is a natural fit, bringing energy and enthusiasm to her new role.”
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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.restaurantiowa.com
Media Contact:Katelyn Kostek
Public Relations Specialist
Iowa Restaurant Association
515-276-1454
IRA Press Information
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January 1, 2014
New Iowa Food Code Requires One Certified Food Protection Manager Per Establishment
The Iowa Restaurant Association will be offering ServSafe classes, a one-day certification course on food safety for food service managers on January 23 and 30.
The Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals has adopted the 2009 Federal Food Code supplement which took effect January 1, 2014. This supplement requires every food establishment in Iowa have a certified food protection manager. The certified manager need not be present during all hours of operation.
Protect Your Business
The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) Executive Committee has voted to support this provision of the code noting that as the professional association of our industry, it is important to promote the highest standards in restaurants and other food establishments. The Association’s leadership believes having a certified food safety manager not only protects the public, it also protects businesses.
The IRA leads the way in providing superior food safety and responsible alcohol service training, as well as career advancement and school-to-career opportunities. Monthly food safety training programs known as ServSafe classes are offered statewide. ServSafe is a national certification program made available through the National Restaurant Association and is one of the industry’s strongest educational programs. Certification is good for five years. Cost is $150 or $100 for current IRA members and includes eight hours of training, ServSafe managers manual, exam and certification. Courses are taught by May Schaben, IRA vice president, and Cindy Jordan, IRA Director of Member Programs and Services.
Classes Available in Spanish
Recently the IRA has added Spanish Language ServSafe classes. “As a multicultural industry, it is crucial that equal opportunities are available for every employee to learn about food safety and Food Code compliance,” said Jessica Dunker, IRA president and CEO.
One Spanish Language class will be offered every quarter. For more information about Spanish Language or English ServSafe classes, or to register for a class, contact the IRA office at 515-276-1454.
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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.restaurantiowa.com
Media Contact:
Katelyn Kostek
IRA Public Relations Specialist
kkostek@restaurantiowa.com
515-276-1454