CRFA to discuss restaurant industry with Premier Stelmach

EDMONTON, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) is meeting with Premier Ed Stelmach today to highlight the role of Alberta's $8.4-billion restaurant industry in the province's future economic growth and job creation.

In addition to presenting the Premier with a personalized chef jacket, CRFA Chairman Gerard Curran of the James Joyce Irish Pub in Calgary, CRFA President and CEO Garth Whyte and CRFA Vice President Western Canada Mark von Schellwitz will deliver several messages to him:

• The restaurant industry is the fourth largest employer in the province, with 125,000 employees - more than agriculture, finance and insurance combined.
• Restaurants provide jobs for nearly one in six Alberta youth - which equals almost 53,000 young people.
• With more than 8,800 establishments, the restaurant industry is a key element of the province's social and economic fabric, creating jobs and investment across communities.

"The restaurant industry plays a vital role in encouraging employment, tourism and vibrant communities," says Whyte.  "We will deliver this message to Premier Stelmach, and encourage him to create an even stronger business environment so that our members can keep expanding and investing in Alberta."

For further information:

Mark von Schellwitz, 604-809-5719 (cell) or [email protected]; Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, Communications Specialist, 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4254 or [email protected].