Over October 3-5, members of the Society for Foodservice Management gathered in Philadelphia to explore the latest trends in B&I and contract management while looking ahead to advance the group's strategic plans.

Incoming President Barbara Kane challenged members to “leave personal agendas behind and focus on doing what is right for SFM.”

Expanding membership is a top priority, she said, adding that “We don't want members to join SFM out of a sense of obligation — we want them to join because it matters, because the organization listens to its members, helps them advance their careers and offers industry support unavailable anywhere else.”

In related news, SFM's board of directors announced in late October that it has selected FSA Management Group, to oversee the organization's headquarters operations, with the transition beginning immediately and completed by January 1 (for more details, go to food-management.com)

In awards ceremonies, SFM recognized Kent Bain, of Kent-Bain Associates, with its Lifetime Achievement Award; Tom Newcomb, of Corporate Dining, Inc., with its Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award; Gerald White with the Robert Pacifico Above & Beyond Award; Damian Monticello, of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, with its Spirit Award; and Andrew Shakman, of LeanPath, Inc., with its Leadership Award. Presidents' Awards went to Tony Kaszuba of Restaurant Marketing Associates, Inc.; Kathy Sanders of Wells Fargo; and Ron Ehrhardt of Canteen Vending Services, Inc.

FM TV

To view exclusive video clips from the conference, go to http://video.food-management.com/pages/contract-management.