Letter to the Advertising Council and the U.S. Army, Nov. 25, 2002

Major General Larry D. Gottardi
Chief of Public Affairs
U.S. Army

and

Peggy Conlon
President and CEO
The Advertising Council, Inc.

November 25, 2002

I am writing to express my grave concerns regarding the "Operation Graduation" campaign, created by the Advertising Council and sponsored by the U.S. Army, that I believe reflects unfavorably on the nation's 11.6 million restaurant-industry employees. I was strongly offended by the short-sighted portrayal of restaurant staff in one of the campaign's public service announcements.

Specifically, the television ad depicts a young job seeker who "ends up" with a restaurant job because he does not have a high school diploma. In addition to being available to television stations across the country, the clip is also available on the Advertising Council's Web site. It is my strong belief that the tone of the presentation is decidedly negative toward restaurant-and-hospitality industry jobs.

The restaurant industry is a wonderful place to work — for a year or for a career. It provides job opportunities for millions of hard-working Americans. For many, the restaurant industry means a first job opportunity, basic job skills, flexible hours, a fun work atmosphere, and benefits, such as health insurance and 401K plans.

In addition, the restaurant industry offers countless opportunities for advancement and the dream of owning one's own business. Our research shows that nine out of 10 salaried restaurant employees started as hourly employees. And, many employees learn the skills needed to own their own business or obtain other executive-level industry jobs. The restaurant industry is full of stories about individuals who started in the dish room and ended in the Board room.

Restaurants are the cornerstone of career opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The industry is also the country's largest private-sector employer that has long been — and continues to be — a gateway to success. I hope that for future campaigns, you will portray the restaurant-and-hospitality industry for what it truly represents — opportunity.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Anderson
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Restaurant Association