The National Restaurant Association is seeking applications from restaurant companies and restaurant industry professionals for its third annual Faces of Diversity awards.

The awards program, created in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, aims to raise awareness of the importance of diversity, illustrate how diversity leads to business success, and inspire others to expand their diversity efforts.

The awards will be presented at the Association’s 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 16-19 in Chicago.

The deadline to apply is January 9, 2009, and applications/nominations are being accepted online at www.restaurant.org/diversity.

The Faces of Diversity program celebrates the restaurant industry’s successes and proactive efforts to embrace workforce diversity and inclusion.

The program has two award categories: the American Dream Award, which honors individuals from diverse backgrounds who have realized the American dream; and the Inspiration Award, which honors restaurant companies that exhibit leadership and vision as advocates of diversity and inclusion through key programs and initiatives.

Any restaurant employee or restaurant company can apply or be nominated for a Faces of Diversity award.

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