|
Greetings!
The CRA is launching a new GIFT CERTIFICATE Program this fall in time for Holiday Shopping and allow you to Get Free Advertising for your restaurant!
The Gift Certificates will be available on-line on the CRA webpage and in other select retail locations. They will be redeemable at any participating member restaurant of the CRA. CRA gift certificates will promote your restaurant in the accompanying brochure, in our on-line listing and other locations where the gift certificates may be sold.
Please let us know that you want to participate by emailing Jennifer at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
If you participate there will be a 10% reduction to you off the face value of the gift certificate when it is redeemed by the customer. This will allow us to market the program and advertise your restaurant.
Email Jennifer or call Patti Shea at 860-278-8008 if you would like more details. This Gift Certificate Promotion is a CRA Exclusive member benefit, so take advantage now!
Save the Date ~ CRA Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner is November 10th!
CT Restaurant Week ~ October 4 to 9!
The Connecticut Restaurant Association announces Connecticut Restaurant Week 2009, running from Sunday, October 4 through Friday, October 9. The CRA's 2008 Restaurant Week was a major success. This year we hope to increase participation and help to increase the number of patrons in your restaurant! Please let us know if you would like to participate in Restaurant Week. Participation includes offering your diners a special menu for $20.09: Prix Fixe, 2 for 1...you name it! All participating CRA Members will be listed on our web site, along with your menus for the week, at no cost to you. Your restaurant will also be included in all CRA promotional marketing for Restaurant Week. Please contact Jennifer Conkling at (860) 278-8008 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to sign up or ask questions.
Help Build a Strong Association
We are looking for volunteers to serve on three of our Sub-Committees: Membership, Events and Legislative. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please email Jennifer
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
COBRA Premium Assistance & Subsidy, By: Bud O'Donnell, Jr., Esq.
The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("COBRA") applies to employers with 20 or more employees. In Connecticut, smaller employers with fewer than 20 employees are also required to offer continuation coverage under the employers group sponsored health insurance.
As most employers now know, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA"), signed into law on February 17, 2009, temporarily imposes additional COBRA requirements in an effort to assist employees in continuing their group health benefits after involuntary termination. Historically, COBRA allowed eligible employees to elect to continue health care coverage for a limited time after termination by paying up to 100% of the cost share premiums, plus a 2% administrative fee. Now, for a limited time, the ARRA caps the premium cost share for any eligible individual at 35%, leaving the employer to pick up the remaining 65% ("the COBRA subsidy") thereafter reimbursed through credits payroll tax credits. The COBRA subsidy for eligible individuals lasts for the first nine months of COBRA coverage or until the individual becomes eligible for Medicare or a new group health plan, whichever occurs first. Employers must understand many components in implementing the COBRA subsidy, including the identification of eligible individuals, notification of those eligible for premium assistance, determining whether to allow the election of a lower cost benefit option, and the reporting requirements for obtaining the subsidy. This article seeks to provide highlights regarding some of the more complicated sections. Click Here to read more about these requirements.
Meet It or Beat It!
If you haven't already begun to take advantage of the savings offered to you by First Data through the TakeCharge credit card processing program, now is the time! First Data is so confident they can save you money that they are offering to Meet or Beat your current pricing....or they will pay you $200! Remember: Membership doesn't cost....it pays! Call us today, 860-278-8008 to start saving
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Offered to CRA Members
Siegel, O'Connor, O'Donnell & Beck, P.C. invites you to attend its upcoming seminar on Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors. Connecticut law requires that certain employers provide sexual harassment training to all supervisory level employees within 6 months of hire or promotion. Supervisory employees include anyone "who can assign" work. Further, Connecticut law recommends refresher training at least once every three years for such employees.
The seminar will be held Monday, October 26 from 9 am to 11 am at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell. Registration is normally $50, but if you register before October 16th CRA members get a $15 discount! Click here for more information on the training and how to register.
Register for your ServSafe Class Today!
As always, we continue to offer ServSafe Classes around the state at a discount to our members. See Class Schedule and Register Here.
DPH Ill Food Worker Sign Campaign
The Department of Public Health is working on a public health campaign to put Ill Food Worker Signs in all Class III and IV Food Establishments. Click here to read more how you can get signs for your restaurants.
National Health Care Reform
The hot regulatory topic everyone is talking about is Health Care Reform. President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and more details will likely be available on his plan soon.
Going into the President's address, there are five different bills proposed, three in the House and two in the Senate. The National Restaurant Association has identified the Senate Finance bill to be our “preferred” bill. According to Chris Raymond, Vice President of Political Affairs for the NRA, they will not be endorsing any bill but if they have to pick one they look to the Senate Finance bill as a model.
Highlights of the Senate Finance bill include:
If you are interested in reading more about the different proposals, Click Here for Key Provisions and Talking Points on each bill. Please contact Chris Raymond at the National Restaurant Association, 2012-331-5900, if you have any questions about any of the proposals.
If you wish to share your opinions with members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, Click here for their Contact Information.
Insurance Corner, brought to you by
Are you already insured with The Traveler's? You can get a discount just by being a member of the CRA. And the CRA will benefit as well. Email Tina at Bouvier, Beckwith & Lennox, our preferred Insurance Provider,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call 86-232-4491. Tina is ready to serve you for all of your insurance needs and can offer CRA member exclusive rates.
The CRA will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino. We will be presenting our 2009 Excellence in Hospitality Awards as well as inducting new restaurateurs into our Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame. This event is a great opportunity to network with fellow restaurateurs, as well as seeing the products showcased by our many allied vendors. Details on tickets, our vendor showcase, and sponsorship opportunities are forthcoming.
|
In This Issue
Member Spotlight
Welcome to our New Members!
New Allied Members
-
-
-
The Spicemill, Manchester, CT - Spices, seasonings, chocolate, etc.
-
-
-
Upcoming Events
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
|
