This Year do More Than Just Enjoy the Party

Last week while in a meeting discussing the restaurant industry the topic of restaurant associations came up. I have always been an advocate of restaurant associations, both on a national and state level, and have even upon occassion joined regional chapters.

That was it though.I was a joiner and never participated much. I always found myself too busy, too far behind, too exhausted, or too involved in other projects to take any real responsibility for association participation.

That's what the associations are built on. Membership participation.

While discussing the NRA the benefits of the organization flashed through my mind. I actaully made the statement, during the meeting, that associations don't do much for the owners, but agreed with another participant who stated the associations lobbied for the restaurant industry.

I thought about my comments for a few hours after that meeting and realized that the only way a restarateur can take advantage of the association membership is to get more involved. We are merely products of the industry. And as such, often shrug off responsibilities other than the dramatic tasks that we need to accomplish to become successful or stay afloat.

The restaraunt associations may be the perfect place to garner information and to seek legislative reform. Although a man of letters, I have never written one to any of the associations I have been involved with in order to voice an opinion on legislation. That has bothered me for a week now.

This is the time for restaurant association Christmas parties in every chapter across the country. This year when you attend the party, and you should, stress the fact to your peers that you want to become more involved in the organization- find out who to contact in order to do that- and actually do it in the year ahead.

It could be a worthwhile experience, yuo could become involved enough to eventually take over the reigns and assist in making the industry better.

Don't forget to enjoy the party.

Maybe I'll see you there.