NRA LOOKS TO HONOR INDUSTRY’S FACES OF DIVERSITY

Feeling that rush of seasonal warmth toward your fellow man—or customer? Seasonal remembrances and good wishes can come to the forefront with the National Restaurant Association’s Faces of Diversity awards. Nominations for the 2011 awards, which celebrate diversity and inclusion in the restaurant industry, are being accepted through Dec. 17.

“Our industry is full of amazing people of all cultures and backgrounds, which is one of the reasons it is so vibrant and unique,” said Dawn Sweeney, the association’s president and CEO. “The restaurant industry is one of the most diverse industries in the country. We celebrate this uniqueness with our Faces of Diversity awards to emphasize that diversity strengthens the fabric of the restaurant community nationwide.”

The program was created with PepsiCo Foodservice to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inspire others to expand their diversity efforts. Applications and nomination forms (for online submission) are at www.restaurant.org/diversity. Winners are honored in two categories: the American Dream Award, for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and the Inspiration Award, for restaurant companies that have exhibited leadership and vision advocating diversity and inclusion. Awards will be presented at the NRA’s Public Affairs Conference in March.