Thank You to Our Direct Connection Sponsors!
Sponsor Spotlight
KCL BIM/CAD Designer: Foodservice Design. Simplified.
With more than 139,000 models from 250 foodservice manufacturers worldwide, the KCL BIM/CAD Designer is the leading choice for FCSI consultants. KCL’s CAD and Revit tools provide unparalleled efficiency.
 
Time-saving features include:
●     Revit to 3D CAD conversion and Flatten 3D to 2D
●     Revit Tools: change/set family category, change to uppercase text
●     Custom Block programs to quickly create 2D/3D CAD as well as 3D Revit items
●     KCL NapkinSketch to create kitchen layouts without a CAD or Revit program

KCL’s generous license means that your entire team has access to the full suite of design tools for one low price.
 
We look forward to connecting with you in Montreal at the FCSI The Americas Conference.
 
See our website, www.kclcad.com, now available in English, French, Spanish and Italian. Connect to KCL on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download KCL’s free app, KCL Mobile, from your app store.
Leadership Spotlight
FCSI The Americas On Tap
Join Wade and Friends for Season 3!

On Tap presented by FCSI The Americas returned for its new season on January 3. This season's guests include many longtime FCSI members and a few new faces.

Check out the On Tap website to view the newest season and rewatch episodes from Season 1 and Season 2.
March Guests
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to On Tap on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and YouTube.

2022 Conference
Montreal, Quebec
April 21-23, 2022
The 2022 Conference Is Around the Corner!
This year's program is full of sessions of interest to all FCSI members!

One of the highlights of this year's event is a session with April Simpkins, SHRM-CP, PHR. April is a dually certified HR Professional with 30 years of executive-level Human Resources experience. She is an HR Consultant and the Chief Human Resources Officer for Totalhr, a human resources services firm focused on supporting the HR needs of small- to mid-sized businesses. April will help you better understand what organizations can do to create inclusive cultures—from hiring to professional development, retention and succession planning.
Do you have questions about using Revit? Or, is there a particular challenge you're having with projects? Join colleagues in the Revit Room at conference this year! Your fellow consultants will be available on Friday, April 22 to chat and find solutions.
The FCSI hotel room block at the Hotel Bonaventure is sold out! There are several hotels within walking distance of the hotel; many are available through the Montreal Underground City.

More information about the conference, including session descriptions, registration, and hotel information is available at http://fcsita.org.
We'll Keep You Informed on the Latest Travel Information for Montreal
Keep an eye out for video updates about the latest policies and requirements for travel to and from Conference this year. Check out the most recent installment!
Conference Sponsor Spotlight -- Ali Group
Ali Group University offers two days of hands-on educational programs led by Ali Group companies that are corporate members of FCSI The Americas, providing continuing education to FCSI consultants through the FCSI Education Provider Program (EPP). Consultant members participating in the pre-approved program will earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) towards their requirements for professional education and maintenance of membership status.
 
Ali Group University is an excellent resource for learning more about multiple Ali Group companies in one location. Interested in learning more? Contact us via email at training@aligroup.com.
Thank you to all of our sponsors!
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2022 Conference are still available! Download the Sponsorship Book or contact Wade, Amy, or Penny for more information.
FCSI Project Showcase
Check out this Year's Winning Projects
The 2022 issue of the Project Showcase is now available!

All projects in the showcase were completed by FCSI The Americas members who focus on both design and management consulting projects. A committee of distinguished FCSI members and foodservice experts selected the list of fifteen projects. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees!

Membership News
New Members
Associate Members
Mercedes Dishaw, Foodservice Design Professionals

Corporate Members
Congratulations to Our Newest Professional Member!


Melissa Moore, FCSI
Foodservice Design Professionals
You're Invited to the Upper Midwest Chapter Annual Reception
Sunday, May 22
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The venue has changed, but the fun night with industry friends is the same!

The Upper Midwest Chapter of FCSI The Americas cordially invites you to the annual networking reception during the NRA Show. Appetizers and cash bar will be served. Tickets $50 in advance; $60 at the door.

The Exchange, 224 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
FCSI TA Member Andrey Teleguz Helping Fellow Ukrainians
FCSI The Americas Andrey Teleguz was born in Ukraine and fled the Soviet Union with his family in 1989. This month he became the Fund Administrator for the Ukraine War Refugee Aid Fund created in partnership with Bethany Slavic Church. The fund is coordinating and financing the effort to help provide evacuation, temporary housing, and accommodations in Poland, Romania, and other nations to as many refugees as possible.

If you would like to contribute to the effort, you can do so here or by mailing a check to Bethany Slavic Church, 864 Dawn Ave, Ephrata PA 17522. You can read the article about Andrey in Foodservice Consultant here.
"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.

Start Tracking Those 2022 CEUs!
A commitment to lifelong professional development is one of the things that sets FCSI consultants apart from others. This commitment indicates to clients and industry professionals that FCSI members are always current with their skills, their knowledge of foodservice equipment and products, and industry trends.

  • 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:
Industry News
National Restaurant Show 2022
The National Restaurant Show is scheduled for May 21-24, 2022 at McCormick Place, Chicago. Registration is now available for attendees and exhibitors.
Compass Consulting Industry Report
This month's report warns that consumer confidence is at its lowest point in over 10 years with the drop primarily due to the 12.9% decline in personal income due to inflation and falling confidence in the government’s economic policies. Inflation is the consumer’s top concern with so many expecting it to impact them personally. The situation will drive the consumer to seek value in purchases, limiting/restricting some purchases and be driven back to price shopping. Read the February report here. The monthly Restaurant Industry Summary Report is available here.
Quick Links
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.
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