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 A Message to FCSI-TA Members from the Chair 
Bill Taunton, FCSI, Chair 
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  |  | Bill Taunton, FCSI |   
Dear Fellow Members, 
 Another year has come to an end and for those of us who work on your behalf at FCSI, this has certainly been an incredible year, full of positive and exciting achievements.  
- FCSI launched its mobile app which is free to members to download and offers intelligence and insight for foodservice industry professionals everywhere. 
 - Consultant membership increased for the third year in a row.
 - FCSI participated in its first educational event and trade show in South America at the Espacio Show in Santiago, Chile.
 - We signed a three year agreement with SINDAL to host educational outreach in Brazil beginning in 2015.
 - PCP was honored with two Silver Awards for the Foodservice Consultant magazine at The Content Council Awards.
 - We celebrated the10th Anniversary of the NRA Show's 'Ask the Design Experts' partnership.
 - FCSI sponsored educational sessions at the New York Hotel Motel & Restaurant Show.
 - We expanded FCSI's social media presence with our partner, Digital Coco, who also produces 'Rock My Restaurant' featuring FCSI Members Bill Bender and Eric Norman.
 - Many FCSI Chapters hosted successful events, including the Pacific Northwest's S3 Conference, the Midwest Chapter's NRA Show reception, the Birchfield FCSI Educational Foundation Golf Scramble and Crab Feast, and the New England Chapter Golf Outing.
 - The 2nd Edition of the Project Showcase publication was sent to over 10,000 AIA Members.
 - And many, many more!
  
We are ready to Rock n' Roll as we kick off 2015 with the FCSI Symposium at the NAFEM show in Anaheim, CA in February! Registrations have exceeded our projections and the planning committee has been working hard to bring you a fun event with informative education sessions.  I sincerely hope you will join us for this extraordinary event!  I also hope you will enjoy the ride with us in 2015! 
 Have a wonderful holiday season with your families and have a great New Year. 
 Best regards, 
    
  
  
   
  William Taunton, FCSI-TA - Chair 
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Congratulations to our Newest Professional Member  
Ted Farrand 
 
 
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On behalf of the FCSI The Americas staff, the Board of Trustees and the Council for Professional Standards The Americas, a BIG congratulations to our newest Professional Member, Ted Farrand of Cini-Little International!  
 
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 Welcome to our New Members!
  
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 Associate
 
  
Jessica Dengel 
Robert Rippe and Associates
  
  
 Jason Geckeler Corsi Associates
  Rochelle Hombsch Robert Rippe and Associates
  Mark Nilson Robert Rippe and Associates
  Nicholas Palagruto Corsi Associates
  Megan Patterson Robert Rippe and Associates
  Noble Samon  Corsi Associates
  Michael Westendorf Robert Rippe and Associates
 
 Thomas Wuyek
  Cini-Little International
 
  Student  
 
 Wilbert-Michael Lawrence Capital Community College 
 Corporate 
 
  Individual Allied
  
 
 Ted Kolstad Education Provider
 
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Sponsor the 2015 Direct Connection 
Monthly  
E-newsletter 
 
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 | Sponsor this e-newsletter! Prices remain the same as 2014. Click here for details. |  
 
The NAFEM Show 
February 19-21, 2015 
 
 
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 Get Your Free Badge 
  
February 19-21 
Anaheim, CA 
FCSI members should use the code FCSI15 to obtain complimentary badges.  
Register Now 
  
Scholarships  
  
Did you know NAFEM is offering scholarships in the amount of $500 to qualifying consultants?  Click here for details 
Deadline to apply:  
January 31 
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Reitano Design Group Turns 10! 
 
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  |  | Congratulations to Reitano Design Group on its 10 year anniversary. |   
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~ Can you afford NOT to attend? ~ 
 
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The FCSI Symposium takes place just prior to the NAFEM Show on Tuesday evening, February 17 with an opening party. Wednesday features an education-packed day, including separate tracks for consulting services and the business of consulting. Consultants will earn 6 CEUs for attending this program. Register now. 
  
Click here for the most current details on the FCSI Symposium. 
  
FCSI has a special sleeping room rate at the Anaheim Marriott and the Marriott Suites. Click here to book your room now. 
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Thank you to our Sponsors!  
  
PLATINUM 
Advance Tabco 
Ali Group 
Alto-Shaam 
Amerex 
American Panel 
ANSUL 
Continental Refrigerator 
Eagle Group 
FWE / Food Warming Equipment 
Halton 
Hestan Commercial Corporation 
Hobart-Traulsen 
Hoshizaki 
  
GOLD 
Angelo Po America 
Eloma 
Franke Foodservice Systems 
InSinkErator 
Kason Industries 
Kitchens To Go 
Micro Matic 
Salvajor 
ThermalRite 
Thermodyne Foodservice Products 
Unified Brands 
  
SILVER 
Channel Manufacturing 
Clabo USA  
Follett Corporation 
Gaylord Industries 
Irinox 
KCL 
Manitowoc 
Master-Bilt 
New Age Industrial 
Nor-Lake 
True Food Service Equipment 
Vollrath 
Wood Stone 
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Click Here for FCSI Symposium Sponsorship Opportunities 
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The FCSI TA New England Chapter raised $15,000 to the foodservice program at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans at its 11th Annual Holiday Dinner. 
  |  | From Left to Right: Ed Arons, FCSI, Mark Gough, Chandra Comfort, Tom McArdle, FCSI |   
  
 
Held at Davio's in downtown Boston, the sold-out event was attended by more than 100 industry colleagues and guests from the New England area and abroad. 
  
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New Chapter Structure for FCSI The Americas 
 
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 FCSI The Americas is pleased to announce a new chapter structure for its division. The new structure consists of 8 chapters:  
  
*	Canada 
  
*	Northeast
  
*	Southeast
  
*	Upper Midwest
  
*	Lower Midwest
  
*	Southwest
  
*	Pacific Northwest
  
*	Mexico/South America 
  
Members will have the opportunity to meet with fellow chapter members over lunch at the FCSI Symposium on February 18, and learn more about the new chapter structure, including the 2015 chapter leaders and chapter forums available on the FCSI website. 
  
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 Follow the FCSI  
WW President  
on Twitter!  
 
 
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 Continuing Professional Growth
  
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UPCOMING CEU OPPORTUNITIES
  
  
 
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 Exam Opportunities for Consultants Pursuing Professional Membership  
  
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Industry Knowledge Exam (IKE) 
  
At the FCSI Symposium 
Tuesday, Feb 17 
3:00-5:00 p.m. 
  
Questions? Need help finding a Proctor for the IKE? Contact Kimberly Kissel.  
 
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Have You Renewed Your Membership?
  
 
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 We are looking forward to the new year!  You should have received email reminders regarding the renewal of your 2015 membership. Please do not forget to log in to your profile on the FCSI website to pay your 2015 dues on line, or mail your payment to 5004 Francesco, Bloomington, IL 61705. 
  Renew now to ensure that you continue to receive all the benefits of membership. If you have questions about your statement please contact Penny at 309.808.2165 ext 3.
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Update Your Profile with FCSI 
  
 
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 Be sure to update your profile with FCSI in the next couple of weeks. The FCSI App includes the information you provide FCSI, and the app is scheduled for an update in mid-January. The app is free to members to download and offers intelligence and insight for foodservice industry professionals everywhere. To log into the app, use your email as listed in your FCSI database profile and your Constituent ID.  
Download the FCSI App Now 
  
For help, contact Nick at Worldwide FCSI. 
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Solutions 3 Conference 
January 30 
 
 
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 S3: It's All About The Food... Or Is It? 
  
     
Program Details 
Register Now 
  
Redmond, Washington 
  
This program qualifies for 5 CEUs 
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FCSI EAME Conference  
March 26-29 ~ Madrid, Spain 
 
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 Conference Website 
Schedule 
Hotel 
  
For questions, contact Sabine Wagner, Executive Director of FCSI EAME. 
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FCSI-TA 2014 Project Showcase Released 
 
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Special Thanks to our Direct Connection Sponsors
  
 
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 FCSI The Americas Headquarters |  www.fcsi.org | 5004 Francesco Lane  Bloomington,  IL  61705   
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