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FEDA Distributor Value Series: Stafford-Smith
The FEDA Distributor Value Series reinforces the essential role distributors perform in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, informs supply chain partners about the specialized services and trusted expertise distributors provide, and inspires distributors to elevate their value through innovation. In this episode, Dave Stafford, president and CEO of Stafford-Smith, discussed the company's turnkey design-build capabilities and its philosophy that service never clocks out.
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Learn, Connect, and Recharge in One of Utah’s Most Inspiring Destinations
After a full day of engaging industry sessions, FEDA conference attendees can step outside the conference room and discover everything Park City has to offer. From the natural beauty and stargazing opportunities at Jordanelle State Park to the Olympic history preserved at Utah Olympic Park, there are countless ways to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow industry leaders. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your leadership skills while experiencing one of Utah’s most inspiring destinations. Register today for the FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference, taking place Sept. 15–18, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah.
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Now On Demand: Critical Skills for Front-Line Leaders in Distribution - Session 2
Getting promoted into leadership does not automatically make you a leader. This session covers the people side of running a distribution operation: how to lead former peers without losing their respect, how to motivate individuals rather than manage tasks, how to delegate without losing accountability, and how to build a team that performs consistently rather than only when you are watching. Managing people is the hardest part of the job. This session gives you a framework for doing it well. Available at no cost to FEDA members.
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Craft Your Leadership Flywheel at the Next Young Industry Leaders Virtual Session
Young professionals at FEDA member companies are invited to attend the next FEDA Young Industry Leaders (YIL) virtual session, Building Your Leadership Flywheel: Creating Momentum Through Consistent Action. Set for noon CT Tuesday, Aug. 25, this session will build on the flywheel effect concept presented by Jim Collins at last year’s FEDA conference and discuss how the framework can be applied to individual leadership development. For those attending the 2026 conference, the program provides a valuable foundation for Verne Harnish’s keynote, which will tie Collins’ teachings to the four critical areas of people, strategy, execution, and cash. Rather than focusing on organizational strategy, participants will develop a personal leadership flywheel that identifies the habits, strengths, relationships, and experiences that create long-term leadership momentum. There is no cost for FEDA members to participate.
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Reminder: Share Your Flywheel With Conference Keynote Speaker Verne Harnish
As Verne Harnish prepares for his keynote at the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference, he is asking FEDA member companies to share their organization’s flywheel — the self-reinforcing cycle of actions that drives sustained growth and success. Your contribution will help Verne tailor his presentation to the real-world experiences, opportunities, and challenges facing distributors and manufacturers in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. That input will make the session even more relevant and actionable for attendees. Whether your flywheel is well established, recently developed, or still taking shape, we'd love to hear from you. Simply email your flywheel — and any questions you may have — to FEDA Director of Industry Programs and Professional Development Ashley Mueller at ashley@feda.com.
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CES Family of Companies Continues Acquisition Strategy With Addition of Southeast Mechanical
The acquisition is expected to strengthen CES’ ability to service the foodservice industry by combining Southeast Mechanical’s expertise in equipment installation, service, and repair with the equipment and supplies offerings of Total Restaurant Supply, another CES company based in Minnesota. CES acquired Total Restaurant Supply in March 2024.
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Alto-Shaam Fundraiser Raises Record $230,000 at 15th Annual Golf for a Cure Event
Held on July 15 at Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex, Wisconsin, the event brought together Alto-Shaam employees, customers, distributors, suppliers, and community partners in support of the cause. The total includes $115,000 raised through event sponsorships, donations, and fundraising activities, matched dollar-for-dollar by Alto-Shaam.
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Welbilt Appoints Vice President of Strategic Accounts
Jennifer Voitek has joined Welbilt, an Ali Group company, as vice president, strategic accounts – chains and general market. In her new role, Voitek will lead the development and execution of sales strategies across key account channels, including strategic dealers, chain accounts, manufacturers’ representative groups, and general market customers. She will be responsible for strengthening customer relationships, driving revenue growth, optimizing sales performance, and collaborating closely with Welbilt’s product management, marketing, culinary, service, and rep partner teams to deliver industry-leading solutions.
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Restaurant Industry Sales Expected to Grow Despite Ongoing Cost Pressures
With economic conditions projected to improve over the next six months and consumers feeling generally positive about their personal financial situation, the National Restaurant Association expects total restaurant and foodservice sales to increase 4.3% for 2026. While the projection was revised down slightly from the 4.8% growth the association expected earlier this year, the fact that the industry is still growing demonstrates resilience, the association said. According to a National Restaurant Association study, 98% of travelers plan to use restaurants during summer trips this year. That makes eating out one of the most popular activities for tourists, ranking ahead of shopping, sightseeing, and going to the beach.
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FEDA Legislative and Regulatory Updates: Navigating Packaging EPR Laws and the Trump Administration's Latest Tariffs
The trial challenging Oregon's extended producer responsibility (EPR) law concluded in July. As distributors await a ruling, other states continue to advance their own EPR regulations. Amy Waite, an associate at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, provides an overview of the latest EPR information and discusses practical considerations for distributors. On the trade side, Devin Sikes and Sally Laing, partners with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, explain the Trump administration's new mechanism for imposing tariffs. They also provide details on the refund process for the tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year. If you need assistance logging in, please contact Tim O’Connor at tim@feda.com.
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Upcoming FEDA and Other Industry Events
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FEDA Young Industry Leaders Session
Aug. 25, 2026
LEARN MORE
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2026 FEDA Annual Conference
Sept. 15-18, 2026
LEARN MORE
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Full Calendar of Industry Events
Ongoing
LEARN MORE
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Support the FEDA Learn Institute
The FEDA Learn Institute is supported in part by donors to the FEDA Education Foundation, which develops important and relevant education and training programs for distributors. Learn about becoming a Diamond Donor and be recognized within FEDA for your support.
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The FEDA Weekly News is published by the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association. FEDA's mission is to provide advocacy, education, and service on behalf of foodservice equipment and supplies distributors and dealers.
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