LEAD - MEET - PLAY

2008's Leadership Conference was held in sunny Sunriver, September 14-16. The Oregon Restaurant Association executed a superior program full of true networking opportunities discussions on issues that were hitting our industry hard, topics such as Immigration, Menu Labeling, and The Ever Rising Costs of Doing Business.

The conference opened a little differently this year with the annual golf tourney on Sunday morning at The Woodlands Golf Course, September 14. This tournament was held exclusive to members and they used this time to build existing relationships as well as make new ones.

After a sunny day on the green attendees changed clothes to attend a semi formal soiree, the Industry Awards of Distinction. Industry Awards recognized Judy Crain of Holman's Bar and Grille as Restaurateur of the Year; Frank Dulcich of Pacific Seafood as Purveyor of the Year and inducted Larry Curtis of Shari's into the Hall Of Fame. More than 170 people attended the dinner to celebrate with the award winners.

Monday morning kicked off bright and early with an Industry Breakfast and featured guest speaker and was followed by a series of breakout sessions where attendees had their questions answered to pressing industry concerns. The day conclude with a reception of food prepared by a group of talented Chefs and immediately following was a themed fun night titled the ORA Casino Night! The evening had casino games including poker tables, blackjack, craps and roulette but that wasn't all, it also included dancing and a truly amazing magician.

On Tuesday, the final day of the conference, attendees gathered one last time at another industry Power Breakfast. Guest keynote speaker from Conserve of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) spoke about how surging food costs were hitting close to home and how the Conserve Program of the NRA had some answers for restaurateurs and some insight on how to cope with the rising cost of doing business.

If you didn't come this year, put it in your annual plan; make it an annual quest for knowledge. Take a stand and make this an opportunity you can't afford to miss. The future of our industry is now, so take action and make sure you don't miss the conference next year; the event promises to provide informational and edifying opportunities of the highest value. See you next fall.