[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 105 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JIM FUNK

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Mr. Jim 
Funk for his leadership and dedication to the Louisiana Restaurant 
Association. Mr. Funk has served as the president and chief executive 
officer of the Louisiana Restaurant Association for almost 30 years, 
and announced his retirement earlier this year. I would like to take 
some time to remark on his work and his contribution to the State of 
Louisiana.
  First founded in 1946, the Louisiana Restaurant Association promotes, 
protects, and serves the interests of Louisiana's food service and 
hospitality industry. Now one of the premiere associations in the 
Nation, the Louisiana Restaurant Association has grown in membership 
and status with Jim Funk at the helm during the past three decades. 
Through recessions, hurricanes and the most recent oil spill, Mr. Funk 
has led the industry through a business climate that has challenged 
Louisiana's restaurants on many levels.
  Mr. Funk has also been recognized nationally for his success in 
association management, for his clout in Louisiana's politics, and for 
his dedication to culinary education. In 2007, he received the 
industry's highest honor--induction into the National Restaurant 
Association Educational Foundation College of Diplomats. Mr. Funk was 
also an impressive advocate for the employees of the hospitality 
industry. As the head of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, he 
created the LRA's Self Insurer's Fund for Worker's Compensation, which 
provides important and necessary insurance to Louisiana restaurants and 
their workers. The fund now ensures more than 2,300 restaurants and 
hotels in Louisiana.
  Mr. Funk also fought to protect the integrity and reputation of 
Louisiana restaurants and food products. At the National Restaurant 
Association Show on May 22 of this year, he stressed the need to 
protect the wetlands and Louisiana's prominent fishing and seafood 
industry. Having guided the LRA through the devastating destruction of 
Hurricane Katrina and the current oilspill threatening our shores, Mr. 
Funk has shown laudable leadership.
  The profile of Louisiana's restaurants industry and culinary 
traditions has been significantly enhanced during Mr. Funk's tenure as 
president of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Thus, today, I am 
proud to honor Jim Funk and thank him for his dedication to the 
Louisiana Restaurant Association and to the State of Louisiana.

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