Thank You to Our Direct Connection Sponsors! |
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RATIONAL – A company of chefs for chefs, and a design team for you. |
RATIONAL has long been the chef’s choice when it comes to combi ovens. Now, with the addition of the iVario Pro, these two cooking systems can accomplish 95% of all cooking tasks. With awards such as the NRA Kitchen Innovation and the FCSI Product of the year, the iVarioPro has already started to show it’s importance in the kitchen.
For more information, check out the Design RATIONAL website for upcoming designer events at the USA headquarters in Chicago or recordings of past webinars.
Additionally, the RATIONAL Toolbox includes the New Designer Manual, along with improved CAD and REVIT files based on feedback from FCSI members.
The product design & consultant resource team, Jim Lund, Stuart Schwadron, and Harper Robinson are here to support you and your team. We offer in-person or virtual training on both devices, including how operators can benefit from these devices and the free cloud platform ConnectedCooking. Contact the team at usadesignerinfo@rational-online.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
FCSI On Tap
FCSI Party of Five
Symposium 2023
Chapter News
Membership News
Industry News
Quick Links
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Refer a New Member to FCSI |
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of August and summer is winding down. I am hopeful that everyone was able to at least enjoy a little time off for summer vacation and get a break from the daily grind.
As with all associations, the membership is the lifeblood of our organization. FCSI is lucky to have very active members that continually volunteer and dedicate time and effort to continue to elevate our association. With this in mind, I am pleased to announce the new member referral campaign. I know that with the swift pace of work over the summer, many firms have grown and added new individuals to the staff. What better way to get them involved than by having them become a member of FCSI. Below are some details on the membership campaign and the rewards offered to those who refer new individuals.
Who can refer applicants
All current members in good standing are eligible to participate in the new member campaign of referring new members to the organization.
What you get for your referral
If you refer a new member, you have the choice of either half price dues for 2023 or a complimentary registration for the FCSI Symposium taking place alongside NAFEM in 2023.
What they get
The new applicant would have the $50 application fee waived and would get to be a member for the rest of 2022 at no charge. The 2023 dues must be paid upon approval of the application. The applicant would also receive a discounted rate of $99 for the upcoming 2023 FCSI Symposium as well.
How to participate
New applicants can submit their Associate Membership application and the name of the referring member to penny@fcsi.org
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please reach out to Penny Price at penny@fcsi.org
I look forward to seeing many new members join our ranks and take part in this amazing organization.
Eric Norman, FCSI
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ON Tap is Back!
New Season Starts September 6th
On Tap returns with new conversations with the talented consultants who define our industry. Join Wade Koehler, Executive Director, as he chats with new and well-seasoned consultants about what really matters to some of the most interesting and successful foodservice consultants in the world.
Check out this promo and get ready for next week's premiere!
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FCSI The Americas Party of Five |
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Don't miss the newest episodes in the FCSI The Americas podcast series!
Party of Five presented by FCSI the Americas, is a roundtable discussion with seasoned and up-and-coming foodservice consultants. With host Wade Koehler, panelists discuss the past, present and future of the foodservice and hospitality industries.
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2023 FCSI The Americas Symposium |
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SAVE THE DATE!
FCSI The Americas Symposium, January 30 and 31 in Orlando!
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The Conference Planning Committee is diving into the 2023 FCSI The Americas Symposium! The conference takes place just prior to the start of the NAFEM Show in Orlando, January 30 and 31, 2023.
We'll kick off the event at Sea World where you can enjoy a dedicated roller coaster and a cool space to network and have fun with other attendees. Sessions on Tuesday will share education on issues of interest to consultants and allied members alike!
Registration for Symposium 2023 opens September 15!
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Is your company interested in sponsoring
this year's Symposium?
All sponsors receive:
- Recognition from the podium
- Listing on the Symposium website
- Listing in the Direct Connection newsletter
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Recognition in the Foodservice Consultant magazine
- Post-symposium attendee list
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Northeast Chapter Helped World Central Kitchen in Ukraine |
The Northeast Chapter of FCSI and the New England Chapter of MAFSI hosted their yearly golf outing, reception, and dinner on June 13 at the Andover Country Club. This year they collected funds to support World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides fresh meals in response to crises in the US and around the world. The organization mobilizes groups on the ground and activates a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens to serve comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively.
This year's donation by the Northeast Chapters helped WCK distribute more than 100 million meals in Ukraine. Thank you to the Northeast Chapter leadership and members in the region who continue to offer support and assistance to deserving organizations like World Central Kitchen. Watch this video to learn more about WCK.
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Lower Midwest Educational Event |
The Lower Midwest Chapter of FCSI is hosting a chapter meeting and educational event September 9 at BSI headquarters in Denver.
The event will include training from Salvajor, BSI, Gates Manufacturing, and Ice-o-Matic. Participants will also tour the BSI factory and, best of all, enjoy time in Denver with FCSI friends!
The deadline to register online is September 2!
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Southeast Chapter Education and Networking Event |
The Southeast Chapter invites you to attend a networking and education event in Florida October 12-13, 2022!
Join other foodservice consultants and friends for cocktails and camaraderie Wednesday night at SSA in Tampa, followed by a full day of education at Eaton Marketing in Clearwater on Thursday. This event qualifies for 5 CEU credits.
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FCSI The Americas Board of Trustees Election |
It's time to vote! Please visit the survey below to vote in the 2023 FCSI TA Officer Election. You will find five individuals being put forth for election to an FCSI The Americas Officer position in 2023.
Every Professional Member and Senior Associate Member in the Division may vote to endorse each candidate's appointment.
We hope that you will participate in the direction of FCSI The Americas by exercising your right to vote. The results of the election will be announced in an upcoming issue of Direct Connection with the candidates officially taking office January 1, 2023, and recognized at the FCSI Symposium in January.
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Arlene Spiegel FCSI and Karen Malody, FCSI Interviewed on "Corner Booth" Podcast |
Chris Tripoli, FCSI (EM), and Barry Shuster host Corner Booth, a podcast for anyone who is starting a restaurant business, growing an independent restaurant business, or dreaming about starting an independent restaurant business.
In each podcast, Chris and Barry learn from successful restaurateurs who share stories about why they got into the business and how they created and built their winning concepts.
Episode 44 features Arlene Spiegel, FCSI. She discusses why she decided to sell her restaurants to her partner and create Arlene Spiegel Consulting. She shares experiences with Price Waterhouse and Cooper as their global restaurant expert and her days working with regional chains and national brands. Listen to Arlene's podcast here
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Episode 46 features Karen Malody, FCSI. She and Chris discuss how Karen's consulting company, Culinary Options, helps restaurant operators develop winning and profitable menu items. Karen enjoys taking her client's idea and developing it into a full menu concept. She believes the foundation for a successful menu starts with the cross-utilization of products and making a second purpose for popular menu items. Listen to Karen's podcast here
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"Who Loves Ya" Golf Tournament |
The 2022 "Who loves ya" Golf Charity Tournament is back, September 28 at 8:30 am. The tournament is held at Bears Best Golf Club in Suwanee, Georgia. Email Anja ( anjak@camachousa.com) or Aimme ( aimmeh@camachousa.com) for details.
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Check out the FCSI The Americas Job Page |
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Know someone who is ready for their next career move? Check out the FCSI The Americas job postings webpage for new opportunities!
If you're looking to hire and would like to be included on the website, email Penny for more information. |
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Keep an eye on your inbox for details regarding your current CEU status: how many you currently have for 2022, how many you need to meet your requirement, and helpful links to qualifying programs.
A commitment to lifelong professional development is one of the things that sets FCSI consultants apart from others -- it indicates to clients and industry professionals that you are current with the skills and knowledge of foodservice equipment and industry trends.
Stay current with your membership by earning the following credits this year:
- Associate members are required to earn 3 CEU credits.
- Senior Associate members must earn 6 CEU credits.
- Professional members must earn 12 CEU credits.
Contact Penny if you have questions about your journal or logging CEU credits.
Instructions for logging CEU credits in your journal:
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Registration is Now Open for NAFEM 2023 |
Once again, complimentary badges to the NAFEM Show 2023 are available to all FCSI consultant members and anyone from a member company who plans to attend. Contact Penny or Amy to request the special FCSI registration code.
The show runs from Wednesday, February 1 through Friday, February 3. Show hours are 9:00 am to 5 pm Wednesday and Thursday; 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday. Training Time hours are from 8:00 to 9:00 am on Thursday and Friday. All FCSI consultants automatically get early access to the show floor for Training Time.
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MAFSI Foodservice 101 Training |
MAFSI now offers a "Foodservice 101" training program. Expand your knowledge of operators, product categories, the channel partners roles and responsibilities and foodservice math. The program benefits all employees, no matter their level of experience. It is the only industry training program that explains the intricacies of the channel partners' relationships, roles, and responsibilities, how we work together to serve the operator, and even foodservice math! FCSI consultants can earn 3 CEU credits for completing the course.
Training highlights:
Chapter 1: This is Foodservice
Chapter 2: Operator Alley
Chapter 3: Meet the Channel Partners
Chapter 4: Foodservice Math
Chapter 5: Running a Restaurant
Chapter 6: Culture & Customs of Foodservice Town
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The July monthly report confirms again that inflation is taking a toll on the entire economy. For restaurants specifically, this means that consumers are choosing QSR options over casual dining, and ordering less expensive menu items. Operators continue to struggle filling staffing needs.
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Want to share your stories, projects, or insight? |
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