Hall of Fame Award - Member with  25 or more years in a restaurant or foodservice single-unit or concept
This award will be presented to all nominated ORA members who have demonstrated at least 25 years or more in "one concept" in the restaurant or foodservice industry. The purpose of this award is to honor the hard work, determination and perseverance of those who have made a career of owning or operating a single-concept. Length of ORA membership is not a determining factor. This award is presented to the current owner of the concept.  Official nomination deadline: December 31, 2009.

Hall of Fame Award - Individual with 50 or more years in the restaurant or foodservice industry
This award will be presented to all nominated ORA member restaurateurs who have demonstrated at least 50 years or more in the restaurant or foodservice industry. Eligible nominees may have been involved in several different concepts throughout their 50+ years in the business. The nominees will have lengthy careers of service within the industry, contributed to their communities, and have been recognized by their peers for their personal commitments to enhance the image of professional foodservice. Length of ORA membership is not a determining factor. This award may be presented to a restaurant or supplier member who has been involved in 1 or more companies in the foodservice industry. Official nomination deadline: December 31, 2009.

Hot New Concept Award - Single Unit
This award will be presented to the ORA member nominee who has developed and implemented a unique and successful new concept in a single unit foodservice establishment.  This award recipient may be a new or established member, whose new concept has proven results and a promising future. Official nomination deadline: December 31, 2009.

Hot New Concept Award - Multi-Unit
This award will be presented to the ORA member nominee who has developed and implemented a unique and successful new concept in multi-unit foodservice establishments.  This award recipient may be a new or established member, whose new concept has proven results and a promising future. Official nomination deadline: December 31, 2009.

In addition, we'll also be presenting awards for:

• Membership Recruiter of the Year Award
  This award will be presented to the ORA member who has recruited the most new association members during a calendar year. Every time an ORA member provides a non-member lead that is converted into a new ORA membership, the member providing the lead will be eligible for the award.  As of December 31st the member who has submitted the most leads-turned-member will be designated the Membership Recruiter of the Year. The purpose of this award is to increase membership and heighten awareness of member benefits. Official nominations are not accepted.
• 50-Year Member Recognition
  This award will be given to all ORA member businesses who have participated 50 years or more in the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. The purpose of this award is to honor those members who have faithfully remained members and taken advantage of the ORA's many member benefits and services.  Official nominations are not accepted.
• ProStart® Mentor of the Year
  This award is given to a restaurant operator or post-secondary educator whose work with ProStart® students, has helped generate greater understanding and awareness of the foodservice and hospitality industry. This individual is someone who has been a supportive and outstanding role model. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge someone who has made a recognizable difference in the chosen career path of ProStart® students.  Official nominations are not accepted.
• ProStart® Student of the Year
  This award is given to an outstanding ProStart® student who has displayed a passion for the field of foodservice and hospitality, and a promise of substantial future contribution.  This student must have demonstrated a commitment to completing the ProStart® program, currently is in a worksite, maintaining a GPA of 2.75 or higher and is actively involved in the program or special related projects. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge a student who has gone above and beyond in their field of study and pursuit of a career in foodservice and hospitality. Official nominations are not accepted.
• ProStart® Teacher of the Year
  This award is given to a high school instructor who is currently teaching the ProStart® program.  This instructor must be an inspirational leader to students, staff and administration. This instructor must have demonstrated commitment in excellence in educating others in the food service and hospitality industry.  This teacher must also participate in all aspects of the ProStart® program including administering the ProStart® exam and placing students in internships. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge a teacher who has committed to the success of their students in pursuit of a career in foodservice and hospitality.  Official nominations are not accepted.