The National Restaurant Association announced the launch of a campaign called "America Works Here" that will help educate opinion leaders, policymakers, and their staff members about the breadth, depth, scope, and influence of the restaurant industry on the American economy.
 


"The 112th Congress brings many new leaders to Capitol Hill, so this is a great opportunity to welcome those new members and help them better understand our complex industry, and how they can help create an environment where restaurants can continue to be an engine of economic and job growth," says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "We will also be showcasing the tremendous opportunities that our industry offers, as well as the positive role restaurants play in the daily lives of Americans."
 


"The breadth of policy issues that affect the restaurant industry has grown tremendously in recent years," says Scott DeFife, executive vice president of policy and government affairs. "Many elected officials think about their own neighborhood or hometown restaurants, but may not think of the collection of restaurants and all the associated parts of the supply chain that make up the restaurant industry, which encompasses nearly one million locations and is the nation's second largest private sector employer. We believe the time is right to retell the industry's story and educate policymakers about the large scope of our industry."
 


Each installment of the campaign will focus on a specific theme—a different “chapter” in the industry’s story—such as the vast array of career opportunities within the industry, the diversity of managers and restaurant owners, and the billions of dollars that restaurants provide in charitable contributions each year in communities across the nation.
 


With the new Congress’ intense focus on job creation, the first ad in the campaign highlights the 13 million jobs and the $1.5 trillion the industry provides to the economy.