Association is seeking individuals and companies that exemplify the American dream
(Washington, DC) The National Restaurant Association today announced
that the deadline for candidates to apply for the second annual Faces of
Diversity awards has been extended to January 25, 2008. The awards aim
to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion, and to
inspire others to expand their diversity efforts. The
restaurant-and-foodservice industry prides itself on including
individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, which
contributes to its continued success and growth.
The awards will be presented to individual industry professionals and
restaurant companies at the Association’s 2008 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel
Show, held May 17-20 in Chicago. Applications and nominations are being
accepted online at www.restaurant.org/diversity through January 25,
2008.
“Workforce diversity is instrumental in building better businesses and
incorporating a wider range of ideas and perspectives to encourage
growth, follow trends and make our restaurants great places to build
careers,” said Association President and Chief Executive Officer Dawn
Sweeney. “We look forward to receiving this year’s applications from the
many industry professionals and companies that help make our industry so
successful, exciting and unique.”
“We are proud to be partnering with the National Restaurant Association
on this great award,” said Scott Siers, vice president of Industry
Relations & Business Development for PepsiCo Foodservice. “The
foodservice industry is a great melting pot in our country. Food is a
universal language across the globe, but at the same it is rich in
unique traditions and cultures. The Faces of Diversity award gives us
the opportunity to recognize some truly amazing people and organizations
around opportunity and diversity in our industry.”
The Faces of Diversity program – created by the association in
partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice – celebrates the restaurant
industry’s successes and proactive efforts to embrace workforce
diversity and inclusion. The program has two award categories: the
American Dream Award, which honors individuals from diverse backgrounds
who have realized the American dream; and the Inspiration Award, which
honors restaurant companies that exhibit leadership and vision as
advocates of diversity and inclusion through key programs and
initiatives. Any restaurant employee or restaurant company can apply or
be nominated for a Faces of Diversity award.
The restaurant industry employs more minority managers than any other
industry. Women represent 55 percent of the restaurant workforce, and
more than one-quarter of all foodservice managers are foreign-born. As
one of the largest private-sector employers in the country, the industry
provides career and employment opportunities for 13.1 million
individuals.
