Gecko’s Hospitality Group is proud to announce that the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has tapped Co-Owner, Michael Quillen to head the newly combined Sarasota and Manatee Chapters as President.  “Our two strong State Chapters have always been united to serving the interests of the greater community, the great State of Florida, and our guests. The joint chapter will now operate and set goals as one unified body, and we plan on doing great things together to contribute to the strength of our regional economy and the viability of the Hospitality industry,” said Quillen. Gecko’s Grill & Pub has a long history of serving as Business Partners with dozens of schools in Sarasota and Manatee County, providing Super Student Free Meals to tens of thousands of elementary students and supporting untold numbers of teams, projects, fundraisers and events in area schools. Gecko’s is a benefactor of the non-profit Y Youth Shelter, which serves children 10-17 years of age who are homeless; Operation Second Chance, which serves America’s wounded, injured and ill combat veterans; The 4H Club & Foundation, and the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, among many others. Quillen also personally serves on several community Boards, and is Past President of The Argus Foundation, a public policy community foundation which harnesses business leadership for effective community building. Gecko’s has been awarded the prestigious National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Neighbor Award and Quillen has earned the Cornerstone Humanitarian awards the past two years. The awards honor restaurants and individuals that go above and beyond in community service and aim to inspire other restaurateurs to get or stay involved in their local communities.