Florida Chapter is Tasked with Protecting Florida’s $111 Billion Hospitality Industry
Jenny Gezella, President of the Naples Princess, Miss Naples, Port-O-Call and Hoffmann Marine, has been named President of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Collier County Chapter. The FRLA Collier County Chapter is tasked with protecting Florida’s $111 billion hospitality industry, and is entrusted with the vital mission of advocating for the interests of Collier County’s hospitality sector within both state and local legislatures. The ultimate goal is to foster a positive impact on tourism, enhancing the experience for visitors and guests alike.
Gezella’s leadership role involves forging strategic alliances among Collier County’s hospitality and tourism businesses, offering essential resources to its 150-plus local members, including renowned hotel partners such as JW Marriott Marco Island and Ritz-Carlton Naples Resorts, among others. The organization also actively supports charitable initiatives that contribute to the overall quality of life in Collier County, including ProStart within the Collier County Schools which is a two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders.
The position was previously held by Sharon Lockwood, General Manager of the JW Marriott, and now falls under Gezella’s capable leadership. In addition, Randy Smith, CEO of Naples Transportation and Tours and part of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, is an influential partner of the organization, sitting on the board.
“I am honored to be elected by my peers to lead the organization this year,” said Jenny Gezella, President of the Naples Princess, Miss Naples, Port-O-Call and Hoffmann Marine. “We have an incredible board comprised of top industry leaders, and I truly enjoy being able to represent our industry on so many levels. FRLA provides invaluable resources for our local businesses while fighting on state levels to protect business. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for this upcoming year.”
Notably, Gezella’s commitment extends beyond the FRLA Collier County Chapter, as she has recently been elected to the Board for the Passenger Vessel Association. Gezella also serves on the Passenger Vessel Association Foundation Board and the Lee Health Foundation Board, showcasing her dedication to various facets of the community.
As Jenny Gezella steps into this pivotal role, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Collier County Chapter anticipates a year of growth, collaboration and positive impact under her visionary leadership.
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About the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association:
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.5 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.