ATLANTA (October 8, 2012) — The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) announced the finalists for the 6th Annual Georgia Restaurants Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards last week. Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a finalist for Industry Partner of the Year.

The winners will be announced November 11 at the GRACE Awards Gala to be held at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. The GRACE Awards are peer-nominated and honor the top finalists in the following categories: Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and the Innovator Award. The GRA will also honor this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Mr. Herman J. Russell of Concessions International and Paschal’s Restaurant.

Perry McGuire, Counsel for SGR, is a founding board member of the GRA. He serves on the GRA Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the Legislative/Governmental Affairs Committee. He played a key role in shaping the Inaugural Golf Invitational fundraiser for the GRA-PAC.

McGuire’s passion for the hospitality industry started with his first job bussing tables at a seafood restaurant in Albany, Ga. “I love seeing people learn the art of customer service. As an attorney, I help people start, buy and sell businesses, as well as help them grow through franchising. It is very satisfying to help people achieve their goals,” said McGuire.

The GRA’s mission is to serve as the voice for Georgia’s Restaurants in Advocacy, Education and Awareness. The GRA is sanctioned by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to operate Georgia’s only not-for-profit representing the state’s foodservice industry. www.garestaurants.org/.