Calling 2022 a year of transition, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) last week released its 2022 State of the Industry Report. In it, the NRA reported that a full 96% of restaurant operators experienced supply delays or shortages during the past 12 months and project those challenges to continue in 2022. In addition, the report underscores the difficulties with the current labor shortage, reporting that 50% of operators across all restaurant types expect recruiting and retaining employees to be the top challenge in 2022. Further, 75% of operators plan to devote more resources to recruiting – and retaining employees throughout 2022. On another note, we were very pleased to read in a recent newsletter from the International Franchise Association that Gary Robins was among the new directors elected to the IFA Board of Directors. Gary is President of The G&C Robins Company, a Supercuts franchise owner with 66 salons spread across 4 states in the mid-Atlantic area. More importantly perhaps, he is also a member of the CFA Board of Directors and a staunch advocate for franchisee interests. We delighted to congratulate Gary on his election and look forward to him helping guide the IFA on so many important issues. Congratulations Gary!