Dear Members of the GHRA,

Happy New Year!

Cheers to a very successful 2008, and to a year of many victories for the GHRA!

As the New Year begins, I have set my resolutions, as I do every year. Typically this is a personal list, consisting of short-term goals that I hope to achieve and sustain for the long-haul, which I normally keep to myself. This year, for the first time, I’d like to share my seven New Year’s resolutions with each of you.

1. Valuing relationships – I wish I could say I was the most experienced restaurateur in Houston. But I don’t believe that any one person can be. Throughout the years, I’ve faced all the normal challenges that come along with being in the business. If I wasn’t able to turn to my fellow colleagues for advice during those trying times, I don’t know how I would’ve overcome the obstacles. I owe these relationships to the GHRA, without which, I could not know what I do today, and could not learn more than I do tomorrow.

2. Do more than I can – Between my duties at Brennan’s and the GHRA, it is easy to get caught up in the daily processes of things, and to allow myself to believe that I am “too busy” to do more than I can. The truth is, each of us is capable to do more than we do, and I’ve learned this when I was co-chairman of the Gala committee this past November. It was refreshing to know that my involvement, no matter how big or small, was making a difference to the GHRA and to the processes involved with raising funds for deserving institutions. It was then that I realized it’s important to do more than what’s expected to you, and that at the end of it all, you’ll feel a sense of pride that is truly priceless.

3. Make new friends – …But keep the old. Just as the saying goes. It’s always good to expand your list of friends, both personally and professionally. In the industry we’re in, we meet dozens of people everyday. I have made some exceptional relationships just by having starter conversations with new guests at the restaurant. Some of these people have become my closest friends. Similarly, new members join the GHRA everyday, and everyday I find myself making a new friend. Therefore, I have made it a personal goal to recruit new members—new friends to the Association.

4. Learn something new – It’s hard to keep up with the daily news that affects our industry. With laws constantly changing, issues like minimum wage, labor costs, newly implemented food and safety regulation and capacity limitations (you get the picture), it’s a difficult task to be on top of everything. GHRA’s Educational Outlets have been a proven way to keep me informed and I’m making it a personal mission to try and attend as many as possible in 2008.

5. Give back – I think I’m truly blessed to have what I do, and I don’t mean in monetary terms. I’m surrounded by marvelous people, have the honor of being the president of Houston’s largest trade association and am privileged enough to be able to assist with raising awareness and funds for those who will become the future of the Houston restaurant industry. I will continue do my part in giving back to the community that has given me so much.

6. Remember to have a good time – It’s easy to come home from a long day of work and pout about whatever the current issue may have been. Or sometimes, just to pout. I’m guilty of this a time or two myself (I know, you wouldn’t know it since I’m such a jolly guy). But even I have to remember to take some time for myself just to have a good time. I don’t make it out too often, other than the occasional quiet dinners with friends, but when I do, I normally attend a GHRA event. I can’t remember a single GHRA event where I didn’t have a great time. I’m thankful to them for doing such a fine job at ensuring that all of us take a little time to let loose and enjoy ourselves.

7. Speak louder – I’m often told that I don’t speak loud enough. Yet somehow, I manage to get my point across. Still, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to speak a little louder, if I’m speaking about something that I’m very passionate about. For example, our TRAPAC meetings have proven to a political “pep rally” if you will, and I believe this is one place where I should and will try to speak louder about issues that affect our industry.

I’m certain that each of you will walk away with your own interpretation of my goals for this New Year. As I begin my journey to attain them, I would like to start by thanking you for taking the time to be a GHRA member, and more importantly, for being a friend.

Best Regards,

Carl Walker

Brennan’s of Houston

President

2007-2008