Are there more generous people in the world than those in the food business? If donating toys is any barometer, the answer is a resounding no! Such was the case on December 3rd when the AMR/MAFTO held its 27th annual holiday party-Monte Carlo Night benefiting Christmas for All Kids. Bill Schlosky of Utz, Ron Benjamin of Pro-Star and Joe Gardyan of Utz put together an incredibly fun evening filled with gambling with “funny money,” delicious food, an open bar, dance music from way back when ‘til now…and TOYS! Each person was asked to bring an unwrapped new toy for the organization to donate to the Salvation Army and The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. AMR/MAFTO president Jim Mullen, Acme Markets, and his wife Teresa brought not one but two skateboards with gift cards for the children to purchase helmets and knee pads. Many guests brought more than one doll, game, kite or learning toy. The generosity was overwhelming. I was nominated to shop for the first $500 of toys to be donated. Accompanied by my son Gino, we headed for Toys ‘R Us and bought up the store. In addition to the toys we purchased, AMR/MAFTO donated $2,250 to each of the aforementioned charities, for a grand total of $5,000 donated. Major Connie DeMichael of the Salvation Army told me this year donations were tracking especially low. The generosity of the AMR/MAFTO members will help her purchase toys and clothing so parents can “shop” for free at the Wilmington, DE store set up just for Christmas. For those who couldn’t attend this year, you missed a great party. Way to go AMR/MAFTO!
In November, the Food Trade News team attended the first New York Regional Produce Show, and what a show it was. While other association shows are dying, this one was buzzing. The sweet smell of produce was in the air. Everything from fruits and veggies to nuts and ready to eat/pre cut produce items were on display for buyers to sample and order. John Durkin of Foodtown made sure to tell me about the black garlic and the brown tomatoes. So, off I went in search of these unknown delicacies. Both the garlic and the tomatoes were delicious and amazingly tasty, but I have to admit they did look a little strange on the plate. Industry veteran Joseph Procacci was on hand looking dapper as he greeted growers, retailers and potential customers. Also on hand were the Corrado brothers from Corrado’s Family Market in Clifton, NJ. Known for their low prices and good quality in every department, they made their way through the crowd shaking hands and making deals along the way. Corrado’s has a large wine making facility on the premises of the Clifton location. It is definitely worth a trip in September and October to see how wine is made. You can pick your own grapes and they will process and bottle them for you. Delicioso.
On Monday, November 15, Weis Markets participated in America Recycles Day, dedicated to the promotion of daily recycling programs. America Recycles Day was started by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. It encourages people to recycle more at home, work, and on the go and to buy recycled products. As part of this day, every Weis associate including those who work in the company’s 164 stores took part in America Recycles Day by signing the Weis “Trash Treaty” commitment to take part in the company’s recycling programs. The Trash Treaty reinforces the company’s efforts to reduce waste, recycle and find new opportunities to reduce its impact on the environment.
“We are proud that all Weis associates are participating in America Recycles Day and are making an effort to conserve natural resources by recycling every day,” said David Hepfinger, Weis Markets president and CEO. “Today, it’s not just about trash or garbage. There’s more to it and we want our associates to be more aware of what can be recycled or reused.” As part of this pledge, Weis associates acknowledged that trash disposal is expensive and is a source of pollution that creates unnecessary greenhouse gases. And each associate pledged to understand the benefits of recycling to the environment and their company. “We know that 80 percent of what we discard can be recycled or reused. As a company that’s been recycling for 30 years, we recycled 1.5 million pounds of plastic bags and 45.8 million pounds of cardboard in 2009,” said Patti Olenick, Weis Markets’ sustainability specialist. “Our Trash Treaty reflects our collective commitment to do even more in the coming years.” Olenick also said Weis is also involved in two pilot programs evaluating the feasibility of composting food waste typically thrown in the dumpster. Since the largest portion of a grocery store’s waste stream is food waste, Weis Markets is looking for ways to recycle food waste and turn it into compost. As part of America Recycles Day Weis Markets featured a deal on its newly redesigned reusable shopping bags (one of my favorite things) with a buy one get one free offer at its stores. The bags are made with microban to prohibit bacterial growth.
Speaking of sustainability and energy conservation, The General Building Contractors Association (a broad based membership association representing different types of union contractors, including general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty contractors) has announced the results of the 2010 Construction Excellence Awards. The Construction Excellence Awards are the premier awards given out in recognition of excellence in construction and safety. The program is dedicated to creating a greater awareness throughout the region of the quality workmanship produced by union contractors. Best Commercial Project Under $15 Million was awarded to The Fresh Grocer at Progress Plaza with recognition going to the contractor, E.P. Guidi, Inc., the primary architect, Cubellis, and the owner, The Fresh Grocer. The Fresh Grocer also acknowledged Cold Technology, Inc for their engineering design and store development as well as Balongue Design for interior design.
The 46,000-square-foot Fresh Grocer supermarket located at 1501 North Broad Street in North Philadelphia anchors Progress Plaza, the nation’s oldest African-American owned and developed shopping center. The store boasts a unique total energy management system that continually monitors power consumption in every device and automatically adjusts systems to minimize energy consumption based on daylight, temperature and shopping traffic. This equates to a 35 percent energy reduction in the total usage of all systems. Additionally, the system allows The Fresh Grocer to work with PECO Energy Company so that the store automatically lowers its energy levels of refrigeration and lighting units during the energy company’s peak times, dramatically lessening the Progress Plaza Fresh Grocer’s overall energy footprint. “At The Fresh Grocer, we’re committed to developing and operating our stores with the best interest of our community and environment in mind,” said Patrick J. Burns, president and CEO of The Fresh Grocer. “The energy management system at our Progress Plaza Fresh Grocer allows us to run a sustainable business in an environmentally-friendly manner.”
The store further manages its carbon footprint by utilizing energy efficient lighting as well as a back-up energy source. Other noteworthy project features include a rooftop parking deck and seven murals on the exterior of the building commissioned by the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program.
Safeway Inc., one of the nation’s largest supporters of cancer research and treatment, today announced its stores raised $16.1 million in October to combat breast cancer, the most common form of cancer for women. Funds donated at checkout by Safeway customers throughout North America support three areas of focus: research, treatment and early detection. “We are grateful and humbled by the extraordinary outpouring of support for a cause that impacts so many women and families,” said Steve Neibergall, Safeway’s eastern division president. “Even in a difficult economic climate, our customers recognize the importance of continuing the search for more effective treatments and an ultimate cure for breast cancer.”
Linda M. Doherty, president of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), was elected chair of the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) during its annual convention at the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach, FL in November. FIAE is a network of local, state, regional, national and international food associations. They, in turn, represent more than 95 percent of the grocery and food industry in the United States. As a professional organization, FIAE sponsors meetings, activities, publications and services to advance the knowledge and professionalism of the food industry association executives, and serves as a vehicle for the advancement of the food industry’s agenda. An active member and strong advocate of FIAE, Doherty has served on FIAE’s board and executive committee for a number of years. “Linda is a model of excellence in association leadership, and sets a high standard of achievement in resolving tough issue and major legislative victories. We are honored to have her serve as the 2011 Chair of FIAE,” said Jim Olsen, President.
Golden Slipper Camp has announced that Pat Burns, Fresh Grocer will be the “Angel of the Year” for 2011. Pat operates eight stores in Delaware Valley area. First Lady Michele Obama chose Pat’s Progress Plaza store to promote her “Let’s Move” initiative to keep children healthy by engaging in more exercise and eating healthy foods. Pat joins former Angels including Gerry Schreiber, J&J Foods; Manda Johns, Supervalu; Howard Stoeckel, Wawa; Doug Buchanan, Brandywine Marketing; and me as we raise food to help underprivileged children enjoy the summer camp experience of a lifetime. Check here next month for the exact date of the event.
Wedding wishes go out to Loren and Jordana Ostroff who were married November 13. Loren is the son of Nate and Judi Ostroff, KFL Management. Also tying the knot over Thanksgiving weekend wer Dan Kane and his lovely bride, Jamie Donahue. Dan managed to fit a wedding in while preparing to open the new Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.
Birthday shout outs in this festive month of December go out to: Larry Rothwell, Pennington Market; Paul McGurkin, Integrity/ESM; Jay Gordon, Sales Management Partners; Jay Orfetel, BBU; Lane Gordon, Key Impact Sales; Dorothy Hamilton, Acme; and Linda Naddeo, HP Hood. Buon Compleanno a tutti!
Celebrating five years of marital bliss this month are Anthony L. and Pat Maglio, Maglio Sausage Company. Congratulations!
As 2010 winds down, we at Best-Met Publishing would like to thank you for your continued support of our efforts to get you the news in our part of the universe. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza or another holiday this season, may you do it in the company of family and friends, in good health and with love in your heart. All the best in 2011.
Quote of the month: There are three kinds of people in the world, those that make it happen, those that watch it happen and those that wonder what happened…..”Make it Happen.” – Bob Burris, courtesy of Mark Tarzwell