Thank You to Our Direct Connection Sponsors!
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IN THIS ISSUE
BizEssentials Series
FCSI On Tap
Chapter Corner
Membership News
Industry News
Quick Links
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Whether you believe in science or not, believe COVID is a hoax or not, think wearing a mask and washing your hands works or not, something’s wrong when arenas are becoming temporary hospitals, too many people are dying in a short amount of time, hospitals are running out of oxygen. And since when has it become the norm to have dozens of refrigerated trucks in hospital parking lots to stack our loved ones who have passed away?
Though this is our latest reality check it has put a few other things in perspective, like privilege. In just days, those who could still afford to dine out or shop were unable to as those minimum wage employees were put out of work. Suddenly we all realized how much these folks, who get paid the least, contribute to our nation’s survival. Our foodservice and retail personnel have always been our heroes, we just had to see it.
Suffice to say, our industry was devastated and still is. But through it all, so many have found creative ways to survive and support other professions. Though there will always be those who take advantage of situations, so many others are doing great things. These are the situations that remind us where we came from, the hard times we survived, those who helped us along the way and what made us successful.
Restaurateurs and foodservice professionals who have financial stability aren’t just giving back to the communities who have supported them; they are also supporting smaller mom and pop restaurant owners. Larger facilities are sharing their storage and kitchens so other businesses (in some cases their competition) can make it. Central kitchens, ghost kitchens and test kitchens, a number of which are associated with our manufacturers and rep groups, are doing the same. Facilities who can afford it are remaining open after hours so small local businesses and nonprofits can utilize their kitchens and support those on the front lines. Though so many businesses had to cut staff or close their doors, these same folks are volunteering—because that’s what we do. Companies and businesses have merged, and others have partnered to increase business and efficiently utilize their facilities for the long haul. Other companies are purchasing facilities and businesses that have closed, which may bring life back to struggling neighborhoods. Fast food businesses, groceries, and restaurants have stepped up, donating food to homeless shelters, care facilities, hospitals, fire and police stations, and families who have lost their income. These are just a few of the amazing things our industry is doing. I hope we all continue to work together when this new normal goes out of style, because we shouldn’t need something like this to bring the best out of us.
Though we are going through hard times the sun comes up every day. Things will get better. This is a new challenge. We haven’t been here before but we are resilient and will survive this too. Be kind, help one another, smile—it goes a long way. So does good Karma! To those on the front lines, thank you. And, thank you for the fabulous work the foodservice industry professionals do every day.
-- Howard Stanford FCSI
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Track Your 2020 Continuing Education Credits
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It's not too late to track your CEUs
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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 February 15 to ensure there are no disruptions in your membership benefits.
Contact penny@fcsi.org if you have questions about CEU compliance.
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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!
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BizEssentials Webinar Series
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Employee Happiness Roundtables
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 @ 3:00 pm ET
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Join us February 10 for our next BizEssentials webinar!
This month we’ll present a lively set of roundtable discussions on Employee Happiness and Operations. This exciting roundtable format will feature 3 different breakout rooms to choose from, each with 20-minute discussions. You’ll be able to select two topics during the webinar to attend.
Topics will include:
Workplace Culture – How has your culture changed during the past year? How can you keep everyone healthy, engaged and happy moving forward?
Alternative Working Conditions & Accountability – Think you have it all figured out after working virtually for the past year? Join the discussion to see what tools other firms are using for connecting, presentations, and collaboration.
Employee Benefits – What exactly defines a benefit? Curious to know what other companies offer in benefits? We will discuss everything from vacation, work arrangements, continuing education opportunities, and other options.
Watch your email for information about joining the session!
Sponsored by
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Sponsor an Upcoming Webinar
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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
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FCSI THE AMERICAS IS ON TAP
New Episodes Every Tuesday
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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.
January special guests included Scott Reitano from Reitano Design Group, Tarah Schroeder from Ricca Design Group, Steve Young from YoungCaruso, and Teri Kidwell from ATK Design Studios.
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FCSI Northeast Chapter Holiday Social
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For the past few years, the recipient of the FSCI Northeast Chapter Holiday Social donation has been Community Servings in Jamaica Plain, MA. This outstanding organization, founded in 1990, evolved from a small neighborhood meals program to a regional program serving nutritionally tailored meals to thousands of people across Massachusetts – all of whom are unable to shop or cook for themselves or their families due to critical illness. As one can imagine, due to the pandemic, the need has grown exponentially.
Since we were unable to celebrate in person at the Annual Holiday Social, we asked our members to still make a commitment to support Community Servings this year. We understand all people and businesses have been impacted by the pandemic, and more specifically the foodservice industry. Our members came through and we were able to donate $12,250.00 to Community Servings to help them continue to do their good work. The Northeast Chapter will also donate $2,000.00 to the FSCI Educational Foundation.
We would like to thank the following organizations for their generosity and support:
Boston Showcase Company
Brass Smith LLC
Clarion Group LLC
Colburn Guyette Foodservice Design
Continental Refrigerator
CR Peterson Associates with the help of the following: LTI, TurboChef, Hatco Corp., RDT, WoodStone, Beverage-Air, Thermalrite, Carter-Hoffmann, Follett, Southbend, Crown, Dormont, Pitco, Blodgett, and Middleby Marshall
Dave Swain Associates
E3 Commercial Kitchen Solutions
Equipex
Halton Company
Jade Range
James and Wadad Whiffen
Jason Enterprises
Perlick Corporation
Scotsman Ice Systems
Serena Simkins
Viola Group
Weeks and Company
Wyllie Marketing
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Associate Members
Courtney Klimm, Foodlines
Terise Urias, Counihan and Associates
Corporate Members
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Ali Group Founder and Honorary Chairman Luciano Berti passed away on January 18, 2021 from natural causes. Berti would have celebrated his 90th birthday on January 26, 2021.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Berti's family and our friends at Ali Group.
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Congratulations to the Early Renewal Prize Winners
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We love giving stuff away! All members who renewed their membership before the 12/31/20 deadline were entered into a drawing for Amazon gift cards!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO
Sojo Alex
Bob Doland
Vijay Oza
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Thank you to everyone who renewed their memberships before the deadline.
Renewals are now 30 days past due!
If you have not yet submitted your renewal payment, please do so asap to avoid disruption in your membership benefits. Questions about your renewal? Contact penny@fcsi.org
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Compass Consulting November Industry Report
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The December issue of the Compass Restaurant report is now available. According to the University of Michigan, consumer sentiment increased in December. According to their sources, this increase was due primarily to a rapid partisan shift with Democrats becoming more positive after the election. The National Restaurant Association reported that an additional 10,000 restaurants closed permanently between October and December 2021.
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Want to share your stories, projects, or insight?
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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.
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