MINNEAPOLIS The Elliot Leadership Institute announced it would suspend operations until January 2010 because of the deteriorating economy.
The not-for-profit institute has provided leadership training to industry professionals since it was founded in 2003 through a collaborative effort by the Elliot Group, Nation’s Restaurant News, Johnson & Wales University and Pepsi-Cola. The institute has grown with the additional support of such sponsors as DineEquity, Dunkin’ Brands, Coca-Cola, Co., American Express, US Foods and Focus Brands.
“While this is the most difficult decision, it was the most fiscally responsible option at this time,” said Alice Elliot, co-founder and chairwoman of the Elliot Leadership Institute. “We hope to resume pursuit of this important mission in the months ahead.”
Joleen Flory Goronkin, president and chief executive of the institute, will remain on its board of directors. Goronkin’s new firm, People and Performance Strategies, focuses on human resource strategy and development with an emphasis on talent management. Goronkin, a past president of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers and an industry veteran, will work with both emerging and midsize foodservice and manufacturing companies.