The National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation have been honored with two 2024 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Power of Associations Awards.

The Educational Foundation's Hospitality Opportunities for People (re)Entering Society (HOPES) program was named one of six Summit Award winners, ASAE’s highest honor. HOPES assists justice-involved individuals in finding employment and achieving independence. Utilizing a Community Collaborative Model, HOPES partners with Departments of Corrections, community-based organizations, and state restaurant associations to link currently or previously incarcerated adults with career opportunities in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality sectors.

Additionally, the Association received a Silver Award in the Advocacy category for its Hill Runner program. Developed after the pandemic, this initiative aims to enhance restaurant operators’ grassroots and grass top advocacy efforts. Through direct relationships with their members of Congress, operators share stories about how proposed laws could affect their restaurants and communities.

“We are thrilled to have a program from our Association and our Foundation recognized by our fellow association professionals at ASAE,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. “Our two award-winning programs, HOPES and Hill Runner, are great examples of how we lead the restaurant and foodservice industry’s outreach and advocacy. We are proud of our work building high-level relationships with members of Congress and empowering individuals who have been justice-involved to find success in the restaurant industry. Just as restaurants are places where people can make a difference and change lives, we know our association work is meaningful and makes positive difference for our members.”

“Congratulations to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and the National Restaurant Association for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday missions to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight these award-winning initiatives.”

For more information about the HOPES program or Hill Runners initiative visit their respective links.