By: Granite State College

Granite State College and the the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association (NHLRA) have entered into a partnership to offer an exclusive discount on professional development for the hospitality industry to promote careers in management. Participants will have an opportunity to attend workshops in an online, face-to-face, or hybrid environment. Topics will include: management, communications, customer service, and leadership, driving excellence in the field.

“Through discussions with NHLRA, we found that professional development is challenging for their member employees,” said Johnna Herrick-Phelps, Granite State College vice provost for academic affairs. “These individuals have no concrete pathways for development and promotion. Granite State will fill that void by offering our portfolio of high quality workshops at a discounted rate.”

“We approached Granite State College to lead our professional development efforts because we wanted to offer opportunities for our members’ employees to excel and enter management in the field,” said Amie Pariseau, NHLRA Education and Workforce Development Manager. “In hospitality, the demanding hours make it difficult to take on these sorts of educational opportunities. What Granite State College offers is a perfect match for these individuals, providing convenience of location and schedule flexibility.”

ProStart® is a nationwide, two year program for high school students that develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart's industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.

The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NHLRAEF) is proud to support 10 Career and Technical Education Centers across the state who participate in ProStart. The ProStart schools reside in Concord, Derry, Milford, North Conway, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester, Salem, Somersworth, and Whitefield.

Want to help build a strong future for hospitality in NH? There are a variety of opportunities and time commitments available. Check out the Volunteer Menu below.