Now is the time to start preparing for one of the exams for Professional Membership at the Nashville Conference! Exam times are available Wed, April 13 and Thu, April 14. This includes the Industry Knowledge Exam (IKE) and the Professional Skills Exam (PSE). FAQs about the Exams

For questions or to register, contact Kimberly.

A Message to FCSI-TA Members from the Chair

Bill Taunton, FCSI

Dear TAD Members:

Today is my last day as Chair of TAD; two years have passed since I was named Chair in January 2014. With tears in my eyes, as I was when reading my welcome speech in Phoenix, I'm writing this thank you and good bye letter.

I have so many ideas and many mixed feelings in my mind about the end of my term. But the biggest is of gratitude to all of you, the membership, and to our Board for allowing me to represent our society and follow my dream during this time.

I hope you feel that I was a good representative Chair of our Division. You can all be sure that I took the job seriously and was very mindful of the responsibility that was given to me. I always share my business card and wear my badge with pride and honor everywhere I travel on behalf of FCSI.

I believe in FCSI's commitment to share, support, and inspire. Throughout my term I definitely shared as much as I could with every one of you in the industry, supported every member or idea that created value for FCSI, and hopefully I inspired some of the many people who returned or became new members during my term.

I am proud that at the end of my term as Chair, The Americas Division is bigger, stronger, better, and more diverse than ever. I am confident that this is just the beginning of great things yet to come! Our next Chair, Mr. James Camacho, FCSI has been an integral part of the Society for many years and there is no question that he will be an outstanding leader of our organization.

I am looking forward to continuing my work the next couple of years on behalf of FCSI in the role of Worldwide President. This is an exciting professional challenge and responsibility for me, as well as my family and my firm. I will always be willing to receive your feedback and comments so feel free to contact me should you have any concerns you would like to address.

Thank you FCSI-TAD. My best to you all in 2016.

Regards,

William Taunton, FCSI-TA - Chair

Student Competition Entries Due January 8

Time is running out to submit an entry for the FCSI-TA Student Competition! Finalists all receive a scholarship and an all expense paid trip to the FCSI Nashville Conference. For more information, contact Kimberly or anyone else on the C4EC (Committee for Emerging Consultants).

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Student Chapters page

2-sided flyer

Competition Rules

Press Release about the Student Competition

Thank you to the FCSI Educational Foundation for providing the scholarships to the finalists!

FCSI Award Nominations Due January 31

The 2016 Nashville conference is right around the corner and we are looking for the best of the best. If you know of anyone that is worthy of being nominated for the following awards, please consider submitting a nomination.

The Trendsetter Award

This award is presented to an individual who best exemplifies innovation, creativity and unique and lasting contributions to the foodservice industry.

The Robert Pacifico Memorial "Doing Well by Doing Good" Award

The award is intended to recognize an FCSI Consultant Member who has been diligent in his or her community service and who has consistently shown dedication, support, and leadership to the hospitality industry. By inference, this individual is dedicated to encouraging a values centered approach to consulting practices.

FCSI Green Award

This award is presented to an individual or company in the foodservice and hospitality industry that has created an innovative environmental operation or product that has improved the environmental standards and conditions of the operation or industry as a whole.

To submit an individual or company for consideration email Wade with the following information:

Nominee Name:

Submitted by:

Award Category:

Description and Explanation for nomination:

Chapter Corner: Canadian Chapter

The FCSI-TA Canadian Chapter held its annual holiday event on December 10. All were greeted with laughter and merriment ringing through the halls, and Santa showed up in the form of the Silent Auction.

The Chapter thanks Wade Koehler, FCSI-TA's Executive Director, for traveling north to spend the night with them at St. George's Golf and Country Club.

Cease Fire Accord Signed with Interior Design Association

As you all know, FCSI The Americas has been in a partnership with FEDA, MAFSI, NAFEM and CFESA over the past 5+ years actively pursuing all legislation efforts put forth by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) under the Interior Design Protection Council.

We are happy to announce that the IIDA has agreed to stop pursuing such legislation at the state and national level and agree to work on all future legislation if any will be proposed. The agreement was ratified and signed by the President of IIDA and FEDA President Brad Pierce. While this is considered a victory for both sides, FCSI will continue to monitor the activities of ASID and IIDA.

MAFSI Releases 2016 Market Forecast

MAFSI Reps are forecasting another year of positive growth for 2016 with a gain of 4.5% overall. This represents an overall gain over last year's forecast of 4.1%.

The year-end numbers for 2015 will exceed the previous forecast of +4.1% at about 4.8%. Most reporting agencies have adjusted their overall forecasts to reflect a more positive economy that was expanding faster than previously anticipated. Overall, the foodservice equipment and supply market is poised to continue its seven-year positive tract.

For foodservice E&S, the percentage growth numbers across North America reflect the upward trend. Growth is expected in all regions of the US and Canada, as well as in all product segments, and expanded equipment sub-categories. Geographically, the midwest and west lead the pack at +5.0%, followed by the south at +4.4%, the northeast at +3.9%, and Canada at 3.4%. This reflects greater balance between regions than has been reported over the last several years.

By product, MAFSI Reps forecast Tabletop at 5.1%, Supplies at 5%, Furnishings at 4.6%, and Equipment at 4.4%.

MAFSI Reps continue to move the market with increased end user bookings, order quoting, and Rep Firm facility expansions abound. 2016 looks to be an incredibly strong market for E&S, and for the Rep-manufacturer method of marketing.

Did You Know?

Did you know employers can post job openings on the FCSI website? View current posts here. If you or your company are a member of FCSI and would like to post a job opening, contact Penny for assistance.

Consultant Members: Log your CEUs

Be sure to log your 2015 CEUs by the end of January in order to maintain your membership status. There are so many ways to earn your continuing education by taking advantage of the FCSI's Approved Education Providers, including Set Date Events, Flexible Date Events, 'Your Place' Events and Webinars. Visit the FCSI Calendar for current programs.

Remember, Consultant Members are required to earn the following CEUs annually:

Associate Members: 3 CEUs

Senior Associates: 6 CEUs

Professional Members: 12 CEUs

Need help understanding CEUs? Visit our Professional Growth page, or contact Kimberly.

Rippe Associates Hires Foodservice Management Consultant

Joie Schoonover

Rippe Associates recently announced that Joie Schoonover has joined the firm to enhance its foodservice consulting services with operational management advisory services.

Schoonover brings over 30 years of experience, with the past seven years at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. While there, she was instrumental in realizing efficiencies by changing from traditional serving lines to marketplace dining. During this process, the team streamlined procurement, food management systems, and staffing structures which increased student satisfaction, and lowered food cost by 12% over six years. Schoonover earned her BS in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management from Purdue University and is active in the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) where she has served on regional councils and national committees.

Renew Today! Last Chance to Win a Prize

Consultant members, submit your dues payment by midnight for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

iPad Pro|Apple Watch|2016 Conference Registration|$250 Visa Gift Card

We value your membership and look forward to serving you in 2016. Questions about your renewal? Ask Penny.