I hope this issue of the Direct Connection finds all of you safe and healthy. The last time I wrote for the newsletter was at the end of March and so much has transpired since then. In late March we were just entering the pandemic. Many were transitioning from their main offices to working from home and adapting to the quarantine life.

While things are still very serious in regards to the pandemic, we are now starting to see signs of life returning to normal across the country. Employees are returning to offices. Businesses, including restaurants and bars, are opening back up. The world definitely has a different look and feel as all industries cope with restrictions and guidelines for re-opening, but there seems to be a light at the end of this global nightmare.

Throughout this whole ordeal, FCSI staff and leadership have been hard at work to keep members connected and the Society moving forward in a positive direction. To date, we have had eight FCSI Happy Hour webinars with average attendance between 65-75 people. It has been amazing to connect with everyone on these calls and share information, news updates and personal stories. As individuals and companies are now getting busier, we have decided to hold the webinars biweekly instead of every Wednesday. Check your inbox for details. We hope to still see you all there!

Another exciting development is the creation of the Public Relations Committee and the addition of Dustin McKissen as a contracted communications strategist for the Division. Dustin has a background in association management and communications and currently serves as a columnist and contributor to multiple media outlets. The PR Committee will be focusing on positioning FCSI and its members as the thought leaders in foodservice. There is no better time to make this push as so many establishments in all market segments could use the assistance of professional consultants with the knowledge and expertise that our members possess. For additional information on the committee or to find out how to share your articles, white papers, etc. please reach out to Wade, Dustin, or myself. Dustin can be reached at [email protected].

Finally, as of right now the conference is still on as planned for late August. A survey will be going out to all members in the first week of June to get feedback for the comfort level of traveling and attending the event. Results will be studied and a final determination will be made as to how we move forward. I know for many this would be their first trip to an industry event in months. Above all, we want to ensure all participants feel safe and comfortable attending.

Whether we see you in Austin in August or at another event in the near future, we certainly are anxious to connect and look forward to seeing you soon!

We continue to update a COVID-19 resources page on the FCSI The Americas website. Keep checking it for information as we reopen businesses and travel. The latest post includes a link to the Compass Restaurant Consulting & Research COVID-19 Impact Report #8 .