instore - May 2018 - 22

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exciting, though, is the debut of the new Fresh Careers program at this
year's show. As part of the program, 16 college students and four professors will have the opportunity to attend our show and be mentored
by leaders in our industry. The more we, as an association, can do
to develop and retain young talent in our industry, the stronger our
industry can become.
What drives you in this industry?
The food and the people. First, what a great business we are in to help
customers enjoy a meal, a snack, or a drink. We are in a service business that, in general, is enveloped in positive experiences, whether it is
entertaining for a group or creating an intimate meal for two. We have
the chance to make that experience just a bit better or more pleasant
by creating products and solutions for retailers and consumers alike.
Second, it's the people. I have had the pleasure of working with some
of the best people in the world on the retail side of the business. These
are the professionals that are actually serving customers every day
and doing their best to make a great experience for them. At the plant
level, I see the sheer effort, passion, and pride those employees have in
creating the best food products for consumers. I wish every consumer
could see the pride our employees have in creating the best tasting
products for them.
What advice do you have for those beginning their
careers in the industry?
Stick with it. This is a great and exciting industry, especially with all of the
changes we're experiencing. To be successful, it's paramount that individuals new to the industry look for opportunities to grow. Become involved
in the IDDBA and participate in our scholarship, mentor grant, and new
Fresh Careers programs. The opportunity to make yourself even more
valuable to retailers and manufacturers has never been this accessible.
What can exhibitors and attendees expect from this
year's show in New Orleans?
A: Solutions, solutions, and more solutions! At Show and Sell,
attendees will experience ways for creating solutions that keep
consumers coming back to your dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, and
prepared food departments for meal solutions. From our great speaker
lineup, industry experts like Christina Tosi and Bill McDermott will
inspire and encourage attendees to improve personally and professionally, which in turn can help their stores and companies. And make
sure to book an appointment at our Expert Neighborhood, where
well-respected experts will be available to answer questions and
provide insights on topics such as marketing, disruptors, and regulations. Finally, let's not forget the show floor and all the great companies
that will have displays, geared more than ever to creating culinary,
packaging, display, and equipment solutions for our retailers. Combine

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