MRA June eNewsletter
In This Issue
Hot Events/ Happenings
Letter from the Chairman
Tips for Responding to A Fair Share Contribution Audit
Meals Tax Passes Senate; Final Outcome to be Determined
MRAEF Scholarship Awards Gala Celebrates Future Industry Leaders
Kudos and Accolades
In the Spotlight
HVAC: Ways to $ave Money Without Blowing Hot Air
Membership Doesn't Cost... It Pays
Welcome to the MRA's Newest Members!
Hot Events/ Happenings
Space is limited, register today! read more
 
2009 MRA Annual Meeting  
When: Wednesday,
June 17th at 4pm
Where: Top of the Hub, Boston
Directions: Map it!
 
Wianno Club Golf Outing
When: Monday,
June 22nd at 1pm
Where: Wianno Club, Osterville
Directions: Map it! 
SOLD OUT
  
 
Poolside Rooftop Reception at The Colonnade Hotel (Boston)
When: Monday,
July 20th from 6pm-9pm
Where: The Colonnade Hotel (Boston)
Directions: Map it!
REGISTER NOW
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Dear Peter,

Welcome to the MRA's June eNewsletter issue of "On the Table." Summer is almost here, and the MRA is turning up the heat. It's all "On the Table" - enjoy!
Letter from the Chairman
Thomas J Galligan - MRA Chairman

              Tom Galligan

I want to personally thank the members of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association for your outstanding participation and support during this past year of unprecedented challenge and economic uncertainty. When I reflect on all the accomplishments of the MRA, as well as the activities and services provided during the year, I am reminded of the incredible value that membership in the MRA offers. read more
Tips for Responding to A Fair Share Contribution (FSC) Audit by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Over the last few months, the Massachusetts Dept. of Unemployment Assistance (DUA), the agency responsible for collecting the FSC, has been very aggressive in enforcing the Massachusetts Health Care Reform law. It has begun auditing employer filings and is targeting certain industries, particularly hospitality. 
 
Because many employers are being hit with significant FSC assessments by DUA auditors, we have put together a list of tips for avoiding and surviving an FSC audit. read more
Meals Tax Passes Senate; Final Outcome To Be Determined by Conference Committee
Massachusetts politicians are scrambling to pass a state budget under serious economic pressure, necessitating deep cuts and/or new taxes. Both chambers voted to increase the sales tax or the meals tax in very different ways. read more
MRAEF Scholarship Awards Gala Celebrates
Future Industry LeadersMRAEF Scholarship Awards Gala
On May 20, 2009, the MRA Educational Foundation (MRAEF) held its ninth Annual Making the Future Bright Scholarship Awards Gala. Almost 200 people attended this exciting celebration of our future industry stars.  

"There is no other night like it during the entire year," said MRAEF President Bob Wong. He proved to be right as 27 of the 31 high school and undergraduate award recipients received scholarships that totaled $70,000.  read more

Thank you to our generous Scholarship Awards Gala sponsors, donors, and Benefactor Circle!

Click here to check out photos from the 2009 Scholarship Awards Gala!
Kudos and Accolades  People clapping
Our current MRA Educational Foundation President Bob Wong has been named to the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association (NRA) for a two-year term. The NRA focuses on the issues of the restaurant industry on a federal level. We applaud Bob on this prestigious appointment and are thrilled he is a representative for the MRA.
 
Membership Committee Chairman Pat Lee has been awarded the North Reading Citizen of the Year award from the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce. Lee was given the award due to his many years of philanthropic endeavors in and around the North Reading community. Congratulations Pat! 
In the Spotlight 
NEW! Is your operation celebrating a huge anniversary? Do you have a stand-out employee who is winning industry awards? Have you received community accolades for your good will and volunteerism?
 
The MRA wants to celebrate your achievements with our entire membership. For all that you do, it's your time to shine!
 
Click here to share your story with the MRA (50 word maximum), and your business could be featured in an upcoming eNewsletter.
HVAC: Ways to $ave Money Without
Blowing Hot Air
Bag of Money
With the first day of summer just around the corner, many restaurants across the state will begin to turn on their air conditioning and HVAC systems. Are your HVAC systems ready for the challenge of another hot summer? The Consortium of Energy Efficiency says that 25% of all roof top HVAC units are oversized which often results in increased energy costs and equipment wear.

Here are some ideas that can help you keep your guests comfortable during these summer months while keeping your costs directly attributed to air conditioning in check.
read more
Membership Doesn't Cost... It Pays
Welcome Put your MRA membership to work for you, and save money! The MRA is proud to offer its members significant discounts, benefits, and information services available through several endorsed providers. read more

Click here to find out how much you can save today!

Welcome to the MRA's Newest Members!Welcome
The MRA is proud to announce 19 new regular members, and 10 new associate members who have recently joined. Won't you extend a warm welcome to the MRA's newest members?  read more
Thank you!
Thank you for keeping up with the MRA! As always, visit www.marestaurantassoc.org for member news, legal and industry updates, and exciting, upcoming events.
 
Sincerely,

Peter Christie
Massachusetts Restaurant Association
Our Sponsors 

American Express First Data   GasNetworksHobart Ken's Marconi Medford Wellington ServiceMicros New England CoffeePiantedosi Twinbrook Insurance Brokerage, Inc 

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