Basic HTML Version
www.ohiorestaurant.org
9
Fall 2012 Issue
of Dayton, assumed the role of Vice Chairman while 2010-2012
Chairman Lynn Brown, Outback Steakhouse, now serves as the
association’s Immediate Past Chairman.
Following Parker’s installation, the ORA recognized several of
the state’s leading restaurateurs for their commitment to the
industry. Thomas Anthony of Chile Verde Café was recognized as
a recipient of the ORA’s Outstanding Restaurateur Award. The
owners and operators of Columbus’ Northstar Café – Kevin and
Katy Malhame – were also named amongst this year’s recipients.
Ed Pickens, owner and operator of Ed Pickens Café on Main
in Mansfield, was on hand to accept his ORA Outstanding
Restaurateur Award.
Pickens, who also serves on the ORA/ORAEF Board of Directors,
thanked the association, its members and his family for supporting
him in his foodservice endeavors, and said that he never would have
imagined when he started working in this wonderful industry in 1971
that he would still be serving in it so many years later.
This year’s recipients of the Claude F. Morton, Jr. Lifetime
Achievement Award, the association’s highest honor, were Edward
O. Elliott, II and Joan Elliott Wagner, the owners and operators of
Mt. Victory’s Plaza Inn Family Restaurant. Both previous Chairs of
the ORA/ORAEF, these two individuals represent the commitment,
dedication and lifelong leadership traits bestowed upon them by
their father, Edward O. Elliott, Sr., who also served as Chair of
the ORA and was the first recipient of the Claude F. Morton, Jr.
Lifetime Achievement Award.
Accepting on behalf of herself and her brother, Joan Elliott Wagner
thanked those in the room who had supported her family through
their years of service and reminded everyone that restaurant operators
remain the backbone of Ohio’s foodservice industry.
The ORA recognized Heartland Payment Systems as the Outstanding
Purveyor for its continued work in improving the services and products
restaurant operators utilize to run their businesses most effectively.
A longtime advocate for the foodservice industry, Heartland was a
leading supporter of the Durbin Amendment and has redirected
millions of dollars back to restaurant operators through its “Durbin
Dollars” program since the law went into effect last year. Heartland
Founder & CEO Bob Carr was present to accept the award on behalf
of his company.
In addition to the foodservice operators and companies that were
recognized, ORA Director of Government Affairs Richard Mason and
ORA President & CEO Geoff Hetrick presented Good Government
Awards to several lawmakers whose efforts have bolstered the
foodservice industry. The first recipient of this year’s Good Government
Award was Governor John Kasich, who, while unable to attend the
event, was present in the form of a video that was played during the
luncheon. He congratulated the ORA members who were recognized
for their achievements and thanked the industry for all of its hard work
as a leading economic driver.
State Senator Chris Widener and State Representatives Ron Amstutz
and Cheryl Grossman were also recognized for their commitment to
passing legislation that has strengthened Ohio’s foodservice industry.
Widener and Grossman were present to accept their awards and
lauded the industry for its role as a job provider for countless Ohioans.
Prior to the luncheon, Amstutz received his award from Mason.
Ed Pickens was among three restaurateurs recognized with the 2012 Outstanding Restaurateur
Award. The award celebrates recipients for their contributions to Ohio’s restaurant industry. Pictured
(left to right) are: ORA Chairman Roger Parker, Mancy Brothers’ Catering; Ed Pickens, Ed Pickens’
Café on Main and ORA President & CEO Geoff Hetrick.
ORA President & CEO Geoff Hetrick presents the 2012 Good Government Award to Ohio John
Kasich at a special presentation at the Ohio Statehouse. The Kasich administration has passed
several key reforms that have benefited Ohio’s restaurant industry.
Joan Elliott Wagner, Plaza Inn Family Restaurant, and her brother Edward O. Elliott, II were
recognized as the 2012 Claude F. Morton, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Wagner
accepted the award of behalf of herself and her brother. Pictured (left to right): ORA Chairman
Roger Parker, Mancy Brothers’ Catering; Joan Elliott Wagner, Plaza Inn Family Restaurant and ORA
President and CEO Geoff Hetrick.