Letter is Sent to All Nevada Mayors, County Commissioners Asking
for Help in Search
May 13, 2008 - Las
Vegas - The Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA) on May 23 will
bid a fond farewell to Paul Hartgen, who has been the group’s leader for the
past three years. The Association currently is seeking a new CEO and has
requested assistance in this search from the state's mayors and county
commissioners.
“We will deeply miss Paul, but wish him much success and happiness,” says
NvRA Chairman John Gerarde, Maggiano’s Little Italy. “Under his leadership, the
NvRA has achieved its strongest position in many years. Through broad-based
coalition-building, strong relationships with elected leaders, and intensive
community and member outreach, our organization is poised for success as we
enter a new era of serving our industry.
“Now we seek a new leader who must be able to hit the road running and
continue to carry out our mission to promote, protect and educate a significant
sector of the Nevada economy—our $9 billion restaurant industry, which has more
than 5,200 locations directly employing 200,000 great employees,” Gerarde
continues.
Gerarde sent a letter to all of Nevada’s mayors and county commissioners
seeking their assistance in this important search so that the Nevada restaurant
industry remains the cornerstone of the economy, career and job opportunities,
and communities. “A vibrant, strong and articulate leader is crucial to this
goal,” he says.
“Restaurants are the single-largest contributor of sales tax revenue to the
state’s counties, and Nevada continues to be the fastest-growing restaurant
sector in the country. In fact, Nevada’s restaurant industry is slated to grow
by 26 percent over the next 10 years. For all of these reasons, your input and
advice from a local level is imperative,” the letter states. “Thank you for your
time and assistance in helping us find the person who exemplifies the criteria
and qualifications that will best represent the Nevada restaurant industry and
lead the association into the future.”
Hartgen is leaving to take the reins of the Restaurant Association of
Maryland (RAM), where he will be charged with developing a long-term plan for
the organization and increasing membership. The 3,000-member group is the
fifth-largest restaurant association in the United States.
The Nevada Restaurant Association, founded in 1982, is the leading
business association for the Nevada Restaurant Industry, which is comprised of
5,289 restaurants and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 150,000 employees –
making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community
involvement. The NvRA Educational Foundation, along with the National Restaurant
Association, work to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing
industry. The Nevada Restaurant Association is located at 1500 E. Tropicana,
Suite 114-A in Las Vegas. For more information call (702) 878-2313 or visit
online at www.nvrestaurants.com.
