Thank You to Our Direct Connection Sponsors! |
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE
FCSI On Tap
BizEssentials Series
Save the Date Symposium 2021
Membership News
Industry News
Quick Links
|
|
Foodservice during Times of Need |
Over the last couple of weeks, most of the United States was in the grip of a deep freeze that majorly impacted areas that have not seen temperatures that low in over a decade. Most of us in the northern states are used to harsh winters and sub-zero temperatures, but our neighbors to the south were blindsided by the ice, snow, power outages and bursting pipes. A major crisis unfolded in Texas as residents faced days without power, empty grocery stores, and a collapse of city services.
In times of need, the foodservice industry always seems to step up and do whatever they can to assist in these types of disasters. One person from Iowa comes to mind when I think about selfless acts and helping the greater good. As you may or may not know, Iowa was devastated this past summer by a storm called a derecho. Essentially, a derecho is an inland hurricane that covers hundreds of miles and leaves a path of destruction in its wake. After the derecho hit, power was out for days and grocery stores were empty. A man named Willie Ray Fairley came to the rescue. Willie runs an establishment called Willie Ray’s Q Shack in Cedar Rapids. The entire week after the storm he fired up his BBQ’s and fed thousands of people for free. After the recent Texas storm, Willie sent out a tweet that he and his team were loading up and heading to Texas to again prepare free food to those in need.
In a recent news article, Willie was quoted as saying “When a storm happens, you have to become family”. I think this quote can be taken to heart in regards to the entire past year. We have all been weathering a crazy storm and at times likes these, we all need to become family.The foodservice industry family always steps up to the challenge when disaster strikes or others are in need.I encourage all of the members of FCSI to continue on with this service to others and help out in any way possible in your own local areas.
-- Eric Norman FCSI
|
|
2021 National Restaurant Association Show Cancelled |
The NRA Show announced today the cancellation is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a state of Illinois order in effect until early June limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people. While this order could be modified prior to expiration, the McCormick Place does not anticipate changes to the state regulation that would allow an event of its size and scope to occur in May.
The next NRA Show will be held May 21 to 24, 2022.
|
|
|
|
FCSI THE AMERICAS IS ON TAP
New Episodes Every Tuesday
|
The first season of On Tap presented by FCSI The Americas is now available!
Episodes premiere every Tuesday morning and are always available on our YouTube channel, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Each week, Wade interviews a consultant member and quizzes them on their professional accomplishments and gets an insight into their personalities.
February special guests included Doug Huber, Food Service Consultants Studio, Kathleen Held, Cini-Little International, Eric Norman, Clevenger Associates, and Christine Guyott, Rippe Associates.
|
|
|
|
Rewind to the Good Times! |
Make sure to join us for our first event in over 2 years! Our FCSI TA Symposium will be August 24-25 in Orlando prior to the NAFEM Show.
We want to hear from you!
Due to scheduling changes, a couple of sessions have opened up in the education program for the Symposium in August. If you have a great idea for a session topic or would like to be a presenter, please fill out the survey by March 12 to be considered for the Symposium or other upcoming education programs or events.
Interested in sponsoring? Corporate members who want to support the 2021 Symposium can contact Wade (wade@fcsi.org) to learn more or download the application!
|
|
|
|
BizEssentials Webinar Series |
|
Alternative Revenue:
Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 @ 3:00 pm ET
|
Fees are fees are fees, right? Are you maximizing all of the services you offer to your clients? Design fees and management fees are typical, but there are other ways to increase revenue (legally and ethically) within your firm. James Camacho FCSI and Ken Schwartz FCSI will share their success stories and suggestions. Come prepared to share your stories as well!
Sponsored by
|
|
|
|
Sponsor an Upcoming Webinar |
Are you interested in sponsoring a future webinar? Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Sponsorship includes:
- intro (first 3 minutes) or closing (last 3 minutes) sponsor spotlight that can be live or recorded
- company logo on webinar title slide
- company logo on all promotional materials (email and social media) for the program you sponsor and its on demand recordings
- list of participants post-webinar
|
|
|
|
Associate Members
Art Davis, AMD Foodservice Design
Michael Mills, PES Design Group
Student Members
April Rose, Belmont Abbey College
Corporate Members
|
|
|
|
FCSI The Americas extends heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of longtime member, Brian Sill, FFCSI (EM) (PP).
Brian was an active member of FCSI for nearly 30 years and served as the President of FCSI World Wide from 1996 to 1997. He was inducted into the Council of Fellows in 2006.
An obituary was not available at press time.
|
|
|
|
We miss seeing everyone in person but the monthly Happy Hours have definitely helped to keep us connected! Attendance remains strong with a great mix of consultants and allied members.
Mix up one of the classic cocktails found here and join your FCSI friends again March 24 at 5 pm EST for another FCSI virtual Happy Hour.
We can’t wait to see you! CHEERS!
|
|
|
|
It's not too late to track your CEUs |
We know you're busy, and we understand 2020 was a rough year. To help you stay up-to-date with CEU requirements, we have extended the grace period for posting 2020 credits. Please update your journal by March 15 to ensure there are no disruptions in your membership benefits. Contact penny@fcsi.org if you have questions about CEU compliance.
|
One you have logged all required CEUs DON'T STOP!
Professional members can roll forward up to 6 CEUs to 2021. Senior Associate members can roll forward up to 3, and Associate members can roll forward 1 CEU. Continue learning to continue earning!
It's not too early to begin thinking about 2021 requirements! Click here for details about earning and logging CEUs in the new year! |
|
|
|
2021 National Restaurant Association Show Cancelled |
The NRA Show announced the cancellation is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a state of Illinois order in effect until early June limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people. While this order could be modified prior to expiration, the McCormick Place does not anticipate changes to the state regulation that would allow an event of its size and scope to occur in May.
The next NRA Show will be held May 21 to 24, 2022.
|
|
|
|
NAFEM Renames its President's Award |
NAFEM announced this month that it renamed the President’s Award in honor of former president and long-time volunteer Louise O’Sullivan, CFSP.
O’Sullivan, elected the first female president of the association in 1991, was the recipient of the inaugural award in her name. She received NAFEM’s highest honor, the William W. Carpenter Award, for 20+ years of service to the association and the industry in 2005.
The newly named Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence recognizes a non-elected NAFEM volunteer who has donated their time and expertise for the betterment of the Association. O'Sullivan is credited as the founder in 1987 of NAFEM’s Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) program, the equipment and supplies industry’s leading professional development certification. Today, the program boasts 1,000+ designees across all facets of the foodservice industry.
|
|
|
|
Compass Consulting November Industry Report |
The January issue of the Compass Restaurant report is now available. The report highlights a dismal outlook for small businesses, noting that the Operator Optimism Index fell 5.5 points in January. The report blames the continued uncertainty of the Covid crisis, increased concerns over the new Administration's Executive Orders, and the lack of another economic relief package for the restaurant industry. |
|
|
|
Want to share your stories, projects, or insight? |
|
Headquarters is always happy to feature articles from Consultant Members in the Direct Connection. We encourage Consultants to take some time and share experiences with the membership. No idea or topic is too silly!
If you would like to have an article featured in the Direct Connection, submit it to Amy by the 23rd of each month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
