IRA Board Offers Forum to
 
Provide Leadership, Direction to Industry

The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) is a member-driven professional association of the restaurant and retail beverage industry in Iowa. The Association is governed by an elected, volunteer Board with representatives from each of the various segments within the industry and from across the state including restaurants, caterers, tavern operators, institutional foodservice operators, educators, hotels, and suppliers of goods and services.  Each year, the Board is elected by the membership, and ranges in size from 20 to 36 voting directors and officers.  Board members serve two-year terms, but may be elected to successive terms.

The IRA Board meets three times per year and serves as the Association’s policy-making body.  It acts as a forum for the discussion of action on issues, policies and matters of concern to the organization such as determining the Association’s position on specific legislative issues.  Board defined and appointed committees will often meet more frequently to study specific matters or work on assigned objectives. The IRA Board has fiduciary responsibility for the organization and is responsible for working with the IRA staff to identify sources of revenue, approve the budget, and handle other general business of the corporation as necessary.   

The IRA was formed to work in the best interests of the restaurant and retail beverage industry in Iowa, and serve its membership. Therefore, it is imperative members take an active interest in the work of the Association.

IRA 2008 Board Officers/Executive Committee:

Chairman of the Board
John Huntington
Huntington’s Restaurant, Marion

Chairman of the Board-Elect
Suzanne Summy
Trostel’s Greenbriar, Trostel’s Dish, Chip’s, Greater Des Moines

Vice Chairman—Government Affairs
Jeff Vaassen
Culver’s of Ankeny and Des Moines

Vice Chairman—Finance
Matt Smiley
Barmuda Corporation, Cedar Falls

Vice Chairman—Membership
Alex Banasik
Down Under Lounge and Big Al’s, Greater Des Moines

Vice Chairman—Education
Mike Rastrelli
Rastrelli’s Restaurant, Clinton

At Large Executive Committee Member   
Gary Heiar
Moracco Supper Club, Dubuque

At Large Executive Committee Member
Scott Carlson
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., Des Moines

Past Chairman of the Board
Darin Beck
Barmuda Corporation, Cedar Falls

Know someone who would add a lot to the Association? Nominate them to the IRA Board!

 Board Nomination Form

© Copyright Iowa Restaurant Association 2008