The Iowa Restaurant Association has four Initative Committees who work various Association interests. These committees are chaired by IRA Board members, however, any active member may serve on a committee. The goals and objectives of each committee is to work on issues of concern to Iowa's restaurant and retail beverage industry, as well as to leverage the resources and initiatives of the National Restaurant Association.
Food and Healthy Living
The IRA has set a goal to recruit at least 100 Iowa restaurants to sign on to the soon to a recently announced Dine Iowa DineWell Program—making the healthy choice, the easy choice. The Association is partnering with the Governor’s “Make Iowa the Healthiest State” Task Force to help create healthy menu choices in a variety of categories. The Associaiton also promotes the NRA's Kids Live Well program.
Profitability and Entrepreneurship
In September, the IRA launched a consumer-branded product called “Dine Iowa” which includes an online restaurant locator, mobile application, social media marketing, and dining events across the state, driving consumers to MEMBER restaurants. This initiative group is focusing on marketing the new consumer-awareness program.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The Iowa Restaurant Association Sustainability and Social Responsibility Initiative Commitee works on three things:
Jobs and Careers
ProStart, implemented in Iowa by the IRA Educational Foundation, is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry leaders. This committee will focus on recruiting school districts and junior colleges into the program throughout 2012.
