MEERSMAN ELECTED CSRA PRESIDENT Peter Meersman, CAE, president and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association, was elected president of the Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA). Meersman took office at CSRA’s 73rd Annual Meeting in Chicago in May.   A veteran restaurant executive, Meersman joined the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) in 1982, and became president and CEO in 1989.  He is also the Executive Director of the Colorado Restaurant Association Education Foundation; and President of the Colorado Restaurant Insurance Agency. In these positions, he is responsible for lobbying and government affairs activities, board relations, staff administration, and overall association management.   “CSRA is a valuable resource for today’s restaurant industry association executives,” said Meersman. “I am proud to serve with a very strong team on this year’s Board of Directors. I am looking forward to working together to achieve our common goals and objectives. We are in a very tough economic year, but I accept the challenge and will do my best to help and assist our members in these difficult times.”   Also elected were CSRA officers Vice President and President-Elect Jim Hopper, Oklahoma Restaurant Association; and Secretary/Treasurer Jot Condie, California Restaurant Association. Patrick Conway, IOM, Pennsylvania Restaurant Association remains on the CSRA Board of Directors as Immediate Past President. Other Directors elected this year include Anthony Anton, Washington Restaurant Association; Don Sayler, CAE, CPA, Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association; Richie Jackson, CAE, Texas Restaurant Association; Steve Chucri, Arizona Restaurant Association; Montine McNulty, CAE, Arkansas Hospitality Association; Dave Siegel, CAE, Minnesota Restaurant Association; Carol Wight, New Mexico Restaurant Association; Dale Venturini, Rhode Island Hospitality Association  and Rob Gifford, Michigan Restaurant Association.