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President's Message
It is an exciting time for the FIA as we take on the task of building the organization from the ground up.
If you have already joined, accept our sincere thanks for your early support. If you have not yet joined, I encourage you to become a member and be a part of the FIA community.
Every specialty and area of expertise has a voice in the industry - and a voice with FIA. I am convinced after 20-plus years in the business that the more we talk to each other and understand one another's daily challenges, the better we'll be both individually and collectively. FIA aims to provide a forum for industry collaboration; a place for encouragement of all viewpoints, sharing of every range of expertise pooling of energies and a true cross-pollination of ideas.
Our goal is to help our members see outside their own neighborhoods and stay focused on the big picture. Until now, the industry lacked one organization that tied it all together.
The organization is a work in progress, but we are committed to the mission - open dialog and sharing of ideas. From the welder working in an equipment factory to the Fortune 500 F&B VP, there is opportunity for growth and insight for every member.
An important cornerstone of the organization is the Vision Teams concept: a place where members can contribute in a more formalized way. There's more on the Vision Teams project in this issue of the newsletter and there's a place for you in the project. <More>
We're working hard to create resources and programs with global
industry benefit. Our first official workshop and symposium is coming up in Houston, December 5, devoted to recruitment. Attracting young talent to the industry will be key to the future and we're bringing in some real power-hitter HR experts from both inside and outside the industry to share their knowledge. <More>
Our members are
involved in some very dynamic projects. Most recently, a group of foodservice pros got together to build a state-of-the-art kitchen for an important community center at Ohio State University. This is the kind of initiative, leadership and forward thinking that I predict will become hallmarks of FIA involvement. <More>
For the future, we are committed to tackling other important industry-wide issues with events, articles, experts and an ongoing open discussion. From environmental issues and daily expenses to labor, economies of scale, ethics and regulations - we're providing a place where thousands of members can work together to be your eyes and ears on industry issues.
Remember that this is a two-way forum and we're looking forward to adding your experience to the mix. If you have an idea or a comment - drop me an e-mail.
John Egnor
FIA President
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Join the FIA
The FIA is rapidly
becoming an association that can help smart foodservice industry
pros get even smarter.
<More>
<Join now>
Industry talent forms the backbone of FIA
With decades of industry experience and a wide cross-section of expertise, the founding
members of the Foodservice Institute comprise a strong foundation on which the association continues to build. The founding membership includes 11 Founding Directors, the FIA's premier level of membership.
<More>
Stop and say hi at NAFEM
The FIA's next reception will be held during the upcoming
NAFEM conference, Friday, Oct. 12, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at
City Grill, Atlanta.
<More>
www.citygrillatlanta.com
Developing the industry leaders of tomorrow is subject of FIA symposium
Recruitment of new talent is a key issue that affects everyone in the industry. FIA is hosting a special interactive symposium devoted to the topic in Houston, December 5 - with nationally-renowned experts from inside and outside foodservice, identifying
trends and sharing secrets from the trenches.
<More>
<Sign-up now>
Put your expertise to work to make a
difference - Join FIA Vision Teams
The FIA's Vision Teams are a place to put your experience and expertise to work to build a better
FIA. All FIA members are eligible to join.
<More>
FIA members step up to the plate for families in Ohio
FIA Founders Provide Helping Hand with Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology recently opened OSU Schoenbaum Family Center.
<More>
FIA Member Spotlight
Les Baker, President
Brass Smith, Inc.
Brass Smith, Inc. (BSI) is the creator of ZGuard, the modular system that revolutionized the food guard. With its newly developed Contoura product line, BSI is setting its sights on bringing similar design and construction flexibility to the serving counters.
An 11-year veteran of the firm, Les Baker is BSI's president and an FIA founding member. We caught up with Les recently
to solicit his thoughts on issues facing foodservice pros in today's marketplace.
<More>
<Visit Brass Smith, Inc.> |
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