CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has announced the five restaurant and foodservice industry leaders to be honored at the 22nd Annual Salute to Excellence on May 16, at the Hilton Chicago. Held during the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, this is the NRAEF's premier fundraising event and pays tribute to extraordinary industry leaders.
The 2009 Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality is Robert E. Rich, Jr., chairman, Rich Products Corporation. The Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality is the highest honor bestowed by the NRAEF. It is presented each May to an individual who is a member of the NRAEF's College of Diplomates and who is recognized as an outstanding leader in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
The 2009 College of Diplomates inductees are:
- Bert Cutino, chief operating officer, Sardine Factory
- Kulie Flik, consultant, Compass Group, North America
- Jon Luther, executive chairman of the board and retired CEO, Dunkin' Brands
The NRAEF College of Diplomates consists of educators, journalists, restaurant association executives, authors, chefs, TV personalities, and others who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement and enhancement of the image of the restaurant and foodservice industry.
The 2009 Michael E. Hurst Lifetime of Achievement in Education Award is presented to Donald I. Smith, Westin distinguished pofessor, Washington State University. To honor the devotion to educating and enhancing the lives of young people that characterized Michael E. Hurst — a respected and successful operator and firm advocate of industry education — the NRAEF awards the Michael E. Hurst Lifetime of Achievement in Education Award to an outstanding educator who has made an indelible contribution to restaurant and foodservice education.
