AUGUST 2006

Do you sometimes get the sense you are on the sidelines, rather than really in your game? And when you are tired or discouraged, do you find yourself wondering how to revive your spirits, renew your vision, and play full out? Join us to hear the secrets of great athletes and their coaches describe–how they play their games to win, and what they do to set up a winning season. Kristen Armstrong, Phd, psychologist and executive coach will take us through the paces of those who set themselves and their teams up for success. Discover for yourself what habits of thought or action (or inaction) may hold you back from your best, and how to change these unhelpful habits and replace them with a winning formula.

Kristen Armstrong is a consulting psychologist who uses her people know-how to assist chefs and restaurateurs, managers and other culinary professionals to become their very best. Her background in consulting to Fortune 500 companies, multi-site restaurant businesses, couple and family-owned enterprises, and start-up teams affords her considerable expertise in addressing the very common human systems problems and opportunities that invariably arise in the course of day-to-day operations. Her work with individual leaders and executive management teams takes groups from the level of getting things done to that of truly exceeding their expectations.

Registration Form (http://www.sfm-online.org/pdf/LdLink060912RegFormWYG.doc)

As facilitator, Karen Malody of Culinary Options led the discussion on developing and fostering partnerships with not just each other but more importantly, the consumers. Karen was joined by Frank Isernio and Michael Durand of Isernio's Sausage Company to provide the food supplier's point of view. The program was conducted on-site with 15 out-of-town participants joining in by NetMeeting.

SFM would like to extend their appreciation to sponsor Bon Appetit.

Seven students will receive a total of $30,000 toward full-time or substantial part-time studies in a restaurant or foodservice related, post-secondary program in the United States.

A $10,000 scholarship was awarded to ProStart student
Darnell Dale of Zion Benton, IL to attend The Culinary Institute of America.

Scholarships of $5,000 each were awarded to
Matthew Evans of Lorain County, OH to attend The Culinary Institute of America; and
Erin Folkestad of La Quinta, CA to attend California State Polytechnic.

Scholarships of $2,500 each were awarded to
Morgan Waite of Mechanicville, NY to attend The Culinary Institute of America;
Daniel Vaughn of James Monroe, WV to attend Johnson & Wales University;
Desirie Roach of Poinciana, FL to attend Johnson & Wales University; and
Desiree Meyers of La Quinta, CA to attend The Culinary Institute of America.

In addition to their academic qualifications, all award winners had at least 400 hours of restaurant or foodservice work experience.

SFM's School-to-Career Committee, chaired by Ron Tremper, Compass Group, works to encourage members to partner with the culinary programs in their local high schools or vocational tech schools to enhance the image of the onsite foodservice industry, offer practical work experience to students and present to employers an enthusiastic, educated work pool.

SPONSORS OF THIS ISSUE: www.activiafoodservice.com

COMING TO A MAILBOX NEAR YOU….. THE SFM 2006 INNOVATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION BROCHURE

You should receive a copy of the registration packet for SFM's 2006 National Conference in Las Vegas, October 24-26 by the end of this month. Keep an eye out for it and start planning for your Vegas Adventure!

Your Conference Planning Committee, chaired by Carol Bracken-Tilley, Motorola, and co-chaired by Jay B. Silverstein, Credit Suisse, have put together an exceptional education and networking event that can't be missed! Keynoters include Elizabeth Blau, President of Elizabeth Blau and Associates, who will lead a panel of experts in the General Session, "The Celebrity Chef Phenomenon in Las Vegas" to discuss about the success of the Las Vegas food scene; and Tim Gaiser, renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier, will demonstrate and facilitate the Deductive Tasting Technique used by Master Sommeliers world wide.

Don't miss your opportunity to attend this special conference in one of the country's most exciting cities. This time around, what happens in Vegas does not have to stay in Vegas!

Some important dates to keep in mind:
Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 29
Hotel Reservation Deadline for Conference Rates: September 25

We appreciate the support of the following National Conference Sponsors.

Diamond
ARAMARK
Coca-Cola North America
Compass Group North America
PepsiCo
Sodexho

Platinum
General Mills Bakeries & Foodservice
Hobart-Traulsen
Red Bull North America, Inc.
Sara Lee Foodservice
The Soyfoods Council in partnership with QUALISOY
Starbucks Foodservice

Gold
Basic American Foods
CBORD Group
Corporate Dining, Inc.
Debitek, Inc.
Ecolab, Inc.
Food Management Magazine
FoodService Director Magazine
Jump Asian® Express Cuisine
Lamb-Weston
Nation's Restaurant News
Ricca Newmark Design/Envision Strategies
USA TODAY
Valley Services, Inc.
ValuWaste

Silver
Barber Foods
Brass Smith, LLC
Cleveland Range, LLC
Diamond Crystal Sales
Follett Corporation
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Viking Seafoods, Inc.

Bronze
Cambro Manufacturing Company
Cini-Little International, Inc.
Concordia Coffee Systems
Nestle Foodservices North America

As of 8/18/06

SPONSORS OF THIS ISSUE: Retail Pizzazz! No-Skill Labor 24/7 Support www.JumpAsian.com

2006 BENCHMARKING STUDY RELEASED — HOW DO YOU RATE?

The 2006 Industry Standards & Benchmark Comparisons report is complete and a complimentary copy was mailed to all SFM members in late July. This report, produced annually by SFM, is the only study of its kind for the onsite foodservice industry. The study of member operations includes information on population size, region of country, check average, subsidies and FTEs. New this year is a brief trends analysis at the beginning of the report and a Glossary of Terms for the onsite industry. SFM members can order additional copies of the benchmarking report for $25 per copy by accessing the Order Form on the SFM website. Use this data to see how your foodservice operation compares to others.

If you are interested in comparisons not included in the report, customized reports are available. Customized reports are a valuable tool for sales presentations, senior management updates, quarterly and annual client reviews, as well as continuous improvement programs. The research database has been organized to provide a variety of sorts for specific Key Performance Indicators. This allows you to compare your unit against any one of these sorting categories. For more information on how to order a customized report, contact Maria Richie at 502/583-3783 ext. 247 or mrichie@hqtrs.com.

MEMBER NEWS

SFM would like to wish Laura Lozano and Matt Merson good luck in their new positions.

Laura Lozano joined Dell, Inc. in Round Rock, TX as Project Senior Consultant in June 2006. Laura is very involved in the activities and programs of the Women's Council Steering Committee. Laura was also recently married to Bob DeSimone, formerly of Compass Group, earlier this month during a vacation cruise over the lovely waters of Key West. Congratulations Laura and Bob!

Matt Merson has joined Glaceau and will be responsible for foodservice national accounts and is based out of Westchester, NY.  Matt is an active member of the School-to-Career and the 2006 National Conference Planning Committees. Glacéau pioneered the concept of nutrient enhanced water. The success of the Glacéau brand launched a new marketing category in the beverage industry.

ASSOCIATION NEWS: SFM NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SFM is pleased to announce Mary Gratzer as the new SFM Executive Director. Mary brings to the association a wealth of experience having served as Director of Programs for SFM from September 2003 until December 2005. Prior to that, she served as Director of Administration and Executive Director, North American Division, for Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) for four years. She returns to SFM from being an Independent Contractor for the City of Louisville, KY most recently. Mary begins her new responsibilities in September and you will be able to greet and welcome her at the SFM National Conference in October.

NEW MEMBERS IN JULY

SPONSORS OF THIS ISSUE: www.ZeroTransSoy.com/offers.htm

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST

27-29
Commercial Food Equipment Service Association Fall Conference
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Santa Fe, New Mexico

SEPTEMBER

6-9
International Food & Hospitality Show (IFHS)
Bangkok, Thailand

8-10
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

12
LeaderhipLink Webinar: Winning at Your Game
Web-based workshop presented by Kristen Armstrong
4:00 pm ET (3:00 pm CT, 2:00 pm MT, 1:00 pm PT)
Registration Form (http://www.sfm-online.org/pdf/LdLink060912RegFormWYG.doc)

16-19
Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (ADA)
Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii

28-30
FCSI North American Division Symposium
Louisville, Kentucky

OCTOBER

4-7
IFMA Fall Symposium
Holiday Inn on the Bay
San Diego, CA

24-26
SFM 2006 National Conference
JW Marriott
Las Vegas, Nevada

NOVEMBER

12-14
International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York, NY

13
Collaborative Competition presented by KC Mayer
Women's Council Professional Development Seminar
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York, NY

13
Industry Networking Reception at IHMRS
Naples45
New York, NY

DECEMBER

12
Holiday Party
Rubin Museum of Art
New York, NY

JANUARY 2007

January 28-February 1
catersource Annual Conference & Tradeshow
Rio Hotel
Las Vegas, NV

FastFacts SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

For the fourth year, SFM is offering sponsorships in FastFacts. Distributed via email every month to SFM members, FastFacts is a great way to keep your company name in front of the on-site industry's decision makers. Sponsor monthly or save by committing to a full year. Space is provided for your color logo, link to company website and slogan. Contact Maria Richie at SFM for information on sponsoring future issues at mrichie@hqtrs.com or call 502/583-3783 ext. 247.

FastFacts Sponsorship Information

For additional information on SFM or any items mentioned in FastFacts, contact:
Society for Foodservice Management
304 West Liberty Street, Suite 201
Louisville, KY 40202
502/583-3783
fax: 502/589-3602
sfm@hqtrs.com
www.sfm-online.org