Newsletter and Subscription Sign Up
Subscribe

NHLRA President Departs for New Professional Challenge

Published Tuesday Nov 4, 2008

The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA) has announced the departure of Michelline Dufort, president and CEO. She has served more than three years at the helm. Mike Somer of Southern Wine & Spirits of New England in Concord will replace Dufort.

During her tenure, Dufort led the association several challenging battles, including the ban on smoking in restaurants and taverns, minimum wage increases, and regulatory gains. Following its mission to promote, protect and educate the industry, under Dufort's leadership, the NHLRA successfully defended the 3 percent rooms and meals tax commission, protecting a total of $7 million that restaurants and hotels currently receive from this provision. Additionally, the NHLRA fought legislation to implement nutrition labeling on menus, which would have cost millions for restaurants statewide.

Announcing her decision to leave, Dufort said, This has not been an easy decision."

Chuck Rolecek, chairman of the NHLRA board said, "I speak for the rest of the board of directors that we are all pleased for her as she pursues her new career opportunity and a different professional challenge."

Dufort will be working for Schneider Electric, an e
lectricity and automation management firm.


All Stories