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RALEIGH – A statewide campaign kicked off Wednesday to get more workers into jobs in the hospitality industry.

The North Carolina Restaurant Lodging Association launched an effort to recruit more qualified people to restaurant and hotel jobs in the state.

The Renaissance North Hills Hotel in Raleigh has had no shortage of job applicants. What they haven't had is more qualified applicants with education and experience in the industry, like Donna Brunaccini.

"I've done banquet waitressing, breakfast attendant, front desk. I've done a variety,” Brunaccini said sitting in the lobby with her resume and application Wednesday.

The North Carolina Restaurant Lodging Association started a billboard and online campaign called "Fork It" to recruit workers like Brunaccini.

"It could lead to other positions. Especially in the restaurant and hotel industry,” Brunaccini said.

Industry leaders say there's often a misconception about careers in restaurants and hotels that they're temporary, or have no room for growth.

Bill Gant, general manger of Renaissance North Hills, said the program is designed to combat that perception.

“It's fantastic," Gant said. "It opens up for many people that many folks that may not necessarily consider the hospitality industry, an opportunity to go in and explore."

And those in the business said there's plenty of opportunities for qualified workers.

"This is one industry you can go from the dish room to the board room,” said Paul Stone, president and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant Lodging Association.

The NCRLA says the hospitality industry in the state contributes $17.5 billion to the state's economy, and that's only expected to grow in the coming years.

"I think in 10 years we'll be the sixth or seventh largest state in the country. As the population grows, the restaurant and lodging industry will grow with it,” Stone said.

Brunaccini hopes she can snag one of those jobs to serve others.

"I enjoy the variety, meeting new people,” Brunaccini said.

The NCRLA early 700,000 people work in hospitality in the state now. By 2014, the restaurant and lodging industry will need to fill more than 330,000 jobs around the country.

Twelve billboards will go up around the state and stay up for a year.