We’re nearing the end of summer with Labor Day weekend approaching and the kids getting ready to get back to school. However, our industry has now made August one of the busier months with extensive event activities, like golf outings, trade shows and conferences. That being said…
Congratulations to the team at Bozzuto’s for once again putting forth a spectacular three-day event with their supplier golf outing and a two-day trade show and conference held at Isles of the Lake and Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT. When it comes to the Bozzuto’s team, nothing less than first class is the norm and it always shows. Shout outs to Pam Carstens, Chris Griffin and Steve Heggelke for all of the massive heavy lifting they do behind the scenes to pull it off every year. It all starts with the supplier appreciation golf outing which is capped off by the epic showmanship of Steve Heggelke who gives John Moschitta Jr. a run for his money. (look it up). Steve set a new record by coordinating the distribution of more than 1,200 prizes in less than 10 minutes during the raffle giveaway! You have to see it to believe it. The Merchandising Marketplace was held at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino and was bigger than ever.
All hands from the Bozzuto’s associates were on site to assist the customers and attendees. When the selling and networking were over, Bozzuto’s turned the outdoor pavilion area into downtown Nashville.
It was spectacular. Every type of southern food, drink, game, establishment and – most of all music – was on display. You know it was a special event when I didn’t hear one back-handed or snide comment from anyone. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Well done to all at Bozzuto’s for pulling off yet again one of the industry’s premier events.
The Connecticut Food Association (CFA) will hold its 2024 Food Industry Champions Celebration on November 6 at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Ledyard, CT. This year’s honorees include Mike DeFeo of Coca-Cola, Randall Shaw of Acosta and Steven Letterle of Stop & Shop. Featured speakers for the evening are Karen Munson of Munson Chocolates and Chris DiPentima of CBIA. For more information call the CFA at 860.216.4055 or email ctfood@ctfoodassociation.org.
The Tri-State Italian American Congress (IAC) along with his Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, honored the contributions of Jonathan D’Onofrio, EVP of operations at Associated Supermarket Group (ASG) at the Metropolitan Club in New York City during their annual dinner reception. The evening was a big success with a large crowd on hand to celebrate Jonathan’s continuous support for the IAC. The organization, formed in 1988, is a non-profit whose membership includes individuals active in Italian-American affairs in the tri-state area. Its purpose is to provide educational opportunities for Italian-American children, to support organizations and charities benefiting Italian-Americans and to support other programs and individuals with similar goals. Since its inception, it has provided scholarships for qualified students, has responded through the media to anti-Italian-American bias and has provided grants to other organizations for scholarships and Italian studies programs. Congrats to all involved!
RDD Associates held its 26th annual business conference at the end of June at the Barnyard Carriage House in Totowa, NJ. The meeting kicked off with brunch and a welcome speech from Bob Weinmann, RDD’s president and CEO. Bob revealed his comprehensive mission statement for the organization, detailing the fundamentals and strategic drivers to fuel RDD’s future. Part of that path to success included the addition of several new employees in 2024.
RDD welcomed Kerry Hechler as senior account and business development manager – Ahold USA. Keith Hoffman joined as procurement analyst for Wakefern deli, seafood and foodservice. Tom Caruana came on as VP of enterprise marketing and business intelligence, to lead RDD’s B2B development initiatives, marketing strategies, and proprietary thought leadership agenda.
Presentations on industry trends and the current state of the food business were given by the management staff, along with their goals and predictions for the remainder of 2024. This year, RDD’s marketing team headed by Tom Caruana and Lisa Bothfeld was proud to debut the company’s “brand refresh” unveiling a new modernized logo, redesigned website, branded merchandise and marketing materials – and more. The highly-anticipated rebranding initiative sought to honor the brokerage’s deep roots and leading reputation in the NY/NJ Metro market, and revitalize their brand identity with an elevated, fresh new look and feel.
RDD Leadership named Paul Mulvaney as Employee of the Year, applauding his cultivation of “knowledge-sharing” culture and countless contributions in data analysis and actionable insights. To finish off the meeting, several of the firm’s largest client representatives took the stage, answering industry-related questions and sparking discussion with the greater group. After the panel session, the event concluded with everyone enjoying dinner and conversation on the terrace.
Here’s a little PSA for anyone who is looking to update their current employment status or is looking for a job. My dear friend Lou Biscotti of Marcum LLP let me know that his beautiful wife Alberta can be of help in that area. Alberta is the CEO of The 4th Quadrant Services, which specializes in consulting in all areas of HR. She can give a real “out of the box” review of your strengths and abilities to guide you to your next endeavor. Alberta has done wonders for everyone she has helped in preparing them to get to the next level. From resume building, communication skills, developing personal social media sites and any possible item to help secure that next position. She is offering free consultations to help anyone interested in finding that work/life balance. To reach Alberta call 516.817.3206 or email her at alberta@t4qs.com.
And finally, congratulations to Bob Hughes of Porky Products and his bride Laura on becoming first time grandparents on July 4th. Bob’s son Harrison Hughes (who also works at Porky’s) and his wife Amy had a bouncing baby boy, Henry Harrison. Mother and son are all very healthy and we wish them the best.
Well, that will wrap it for now. I plan on enjoying the last few weeks of summer with family and friends and I hope you all do too. I look forward to seeing you out in the field and as always you can reach me at 201.250.2217 or kevin@foodtradenews.com.
