Expectations for Board Services |
Thank you for your interest in service on the Board of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA), the definitive leadership organization for our state’s hospitality and lodging industry. We have prepared this brief outline of Board member responsibilities to help clarify the expectations which come along with service on the Board. We hope you find it helpful.
The Michigan Restaurant Association, a History
Since its founding in 1921, the MRA has served to enhance and nurture the growth and development of Michigan's hospitality industry. In 2018, the MRA expanded its focus to include lodging and changed its name to reflect that focus. The expanded, Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, is located in Lansing, Michigan where a full time staff is dedicated to serving the industry. The MRLA is the recognized leader in Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice & tourism community.
The MRLA supports members by providing:
Board Member Qualifications
Individuals representing the restaurant & lodging industry on the Board need to be an owner or senior manager of that business and need to be employed primarily for the purpose of managing that member business. The business must be a member of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association in good standing.
Benefits of Board Service
Most members of the MRLA Board of Directors find their service rewarding both personally and for their business. It is a unique opportunity to establish lifelong relationships with other successful restaurateurs, hoteliers and tourism ambassadors, to learn more about the hospitality industry, and to learn more about what others are doing to be successful in the industry. Some join the Board because they are passionate about government affairs, while others join the board as a way to give back to the industry that has done so much for them.
Make-up and Role of the Board
The Board is comprised of 36 Directors. There are 4 Officers, 16 seats representing foodservice establishments, 8 representing lodging, 6 seats representing suppliers, and 2 seat representing educators. Instructor Directors serve two-year terms; all other Directors serve three-year terms. Board members may serve up to three consecutive terms. Officers are elected annually and consist of Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer. The Immediate Past Chairman also serves as an officer.
The Board provides strategic direction and planning for the organization, and oversees the efforts of the MRLA staff team to meet our strategic goals.
Board Meetings
In the absence of special circumstances, the MRLA Board of Directors meet four times a year: January, April, July, and November. The July meeting takes place over multiple days in a resort setting where members are encouraged to bring their families. The January meeting includes the Chairman’s Dinner the night before the meeting in celebration of the incoming Board Chairman. The other Board meetings are one-day events held in Lansing. Board members are expected to attend each Board meeting and must attend at least two meetings per year to maintain their status on the Board. Leadership positions – including committee chairmanships and elected offices – involve additional time commitments.
Other Events
Involvement in other events and activities is expected, including attendance at the Great Lakes Hospitality Conference & Expo, the MRLA Capitol Day, and MRLA-PAC fundraising events. Board members also volunteer to assist with special projects and should be active as key contacts in the MRLA’s Grassroots Network.
Financial Commitment
Directors assume the financial responsibility for lodging and travel expenses associated with Board meetings and other Association activities, although most meals in conjunction with Board meetings are provided.
The Michigan Restaurant Association, a History
Since its founding in 1921, the MRA has served to enhance and nurture the growth and development of Michigan's hospitality industry. In 2018, the MRA expanded its focus to include lodging and changed its name to reflect that focus. The expanded, Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, is located in Lansing, Michigan where a full time staff is dedicated to serving the industry. The MRLA is the recognized leader in Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice & tourism community.
The MRLA supports members by providing:
- Educational and cost saving programs to members such as discounts on food safety training and a self-insured workers’ compensation fund.
- Networking opportunities for members such as the annual Great Lakes Hospitality Conference & Expo.
- Political advocacy and lobbying to ensure that the voice of the restaurant and lodging industry is heard on issues at the state and federal government. Important issues such as the repeal of the Michigan Business Tax (MBT), rewriting Michigan’s food code, and reforming liquor licensing laws.
Board Member Qualifications
Individuals representing the restaurant & lodging industry on the Board need to be an owner or senior manager of that business and need to be employed primarily for the purpose of managing that member business. The business must be a member of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association in good standing.
Benefits of Board Service
Most members of the MRLA Board of Directors find their service rewarding both personally and for their business. It is a unique opportunity to establish lifelong relationships with other successful restaurateurs, hoteliers and tourism ambassadors, to learn more about the hospitality industry, and to learn more about what others are doing to be successful in the industry. Some join the Board because they are passionate about government affairs, while others join the board as a way to give back to the industry that has done so much for them.
Make-up and Role of the Board
The Board is comprised of 36 Directors. There are 4 Officers, 16 seats representing foodservice establishments, 8 representing lodging, 6 seats representing suppliers, and 2 seat representing educators. Instructor Directors serve two-year terms; all other Directors serve three-year terms. Board members may serve up to three consecutive terms. Officers are elected annually and consist of Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer. The Immediate Past Chairman also serves as an officer.
The Board provides strategic direction and planning for the organization, and oversees the efforts of the MRLA staff team to meet our strategic goals.
Board Meetings
In the absence of special circumstances, the MRLA Board of Directors meet four times a year: January, April, July, and November. The July meeting takes place over multiple days in a resort setting where members are encouraged to bring their families. The January meeting includes the Chairman’s Dinner the night before the meeting in celebration of the incoming Board Chairman. The other Board meetings are one-day events held in Lansing. Board members are expected to attend each Board meeting and must attend at least two meetings per year to maintain their status on the Board. Leadership positions – including committee chairmanships and elected offices – involve additional time commitments.
Other Events
Involvement in other events and activities is expected, including attendance at the Great Lakes Hospitality Conference & Expo, the MRLA Capitol Day, and MRLA-PAC fundraising events. Board members also volunteer to assist with special projects and should be active as key contacts in the MRLA’s Grassroots Network.
Financial Commitment
Directors assume the financial responsibility for lodging and travel expenses associated with Board meetings and other Association activities, although most meals in conjunction with Board meetings are provided.
