|
|
|
|
|
|
Conference Distributor Focus Session to Showcase How Better Data Sharing, Transportation Visibility Boost Operations
Jason Boomer, vice president of technology for Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, and Rory Clarke, president of Avanti Restaurant Solutions, will share strategies distributors can put into action to overcome constraints and drive growth. The conversation will be guided by J Schneider, managing director at the Dorn Group. A global strategist for industrial manufacturers and distributors, Schneider will connect Boomer and Clarke's insights to the FEDA Future of Distribution Council's efforts to drive operational transformation.
|
|
|
Sign Up for FEDA’s New Webinar Series: Critical Skills for Front-Line Leaders in Distribution
Today’s supply chain practitioners must manage increasing complexity while developing skilled teams capable of keeping the operation running. FEDA’s new live and on-demand webinar series will help distributors close those gaps. Each of the four sessions is designed specifically for supervisors and team leads in the distribution industry who want practical skills they can put to use on the Monday after each session. The series is complimentary for FEDA members and $99 for non-members.
|
|
|
|
|
Distributors: Complete the 2026 FEDA Profit Survey Before the July 3 Deadline
How does your company’s profitability, margins, and operating performance compare with those of other distributors? The 2026 FEDA Profit Survey will help you answer those questions with real-time benchmarking data designed specifically for the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. There is no cost to participate! Contact Isabelle Piotrowski, director of membership and business development, at isabelle@feda.com to get started.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital Transformation Leader Takes Role at Boelter
Andrew Hastert joined Boelter in April after spending most of his career at Rockwell Automation, a provider of industrial automation and digital transformation technologies based in Milwaukee. At Rockwell, Hastert held several sales roles before eventually becoming director of digital strategy and portfolio.
|
|
|
FEB Elevates Manager to Director of Operations and Supply Chain
Michael Johnson joined the Arizona-based company in May 2025 as a purchasing manager. Previously, he worked as a parts manager for Medley Equipment Co. and a warehouse manager for a plumbing company.
|
|
|
Experienced Chef Joins Unox as Regional Manager
In his new role, Jermaine Richardson will support customers, dealers, consultants, and distribution partners across Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
|
|
|
Alto-Shaam Expands Sales Team in Australia and New Zealand
As the regional sales manager for Australia and New Zealand, Nathan Warren will be responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with distributors, consultants, and rep groups.
|
|
|
Wood Stone Names New Director of Sales
Over more than 30 years in the foodservice industry, Chris Hartford has built a track record of developing strong relationships with consultants, dealers, representatives, and operators.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industry Event: How to Spec Live
How to Spec Live is a first-of-its-kind continuing education and networking event for distributors and dealers in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. Presented by Foodservice Equipment Reports, the program will combine expert panel discussions, live equipment demonstrations, and real-world tips across seven equipment categories, including fryers, refrigeration, ice machines, ventilation, and combi ovens. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience with equipment at the Frontier Energy Food Service Tech Center in Pleasanton, California, while connecting with manufacturers, operators, consultants, and fellow industry professionals. The event will take place Sept. 23-25, 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Take Action Alert: Tell Your Senators to Oppose the Faster Labor Contracts Act
Twenty House Republicans joined Democrats to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA) on a 230-193 vote last week. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration. FEDA and other business advocacy groups oppose the legislation because it would impose the first-ever federal timetable for initial union contract negotiations. It represents the most significant amendment to the National Labor Relations Act in more than 50 years and would alter the bargaining process by creating a 90-day negotiation timetable followed by 30 days of federal mediation. After that period, a binding three-person arbitration panel would be appointed to establish a two-year initial contract — one that both employers and employees would be required to follow regardless of whether either side agreed to its terms. FEDA encourages members to contact their senators by sending a pre-written letter through the FEDA Advocacy Center using the link below. Please contact Communications Manager Tim O’Connor at tim@feda.com if you need assistance.
|
|
|
Labor Costs Reach Record Level of Concern for Small Businesses
Ongoing economic uncertainty appears to be affecting business owners’ investments in their companies. In May, job openings and hiring plans fell to their lowest levels in six years. Only 29% of all respondents reported having job openings they could not fill, a five-point decline from April. On the outlook side, a net 9% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, down four points from April. Both readings were at their lowest mark since May 2020. External pressures continue to affect businesses as well. Reports of supply chain disruption picked up in May, with 70% of small businesses saying they had been affected to some extent, up 6% from April.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming FEDA and Other Industry Events
|
|
|
|
|
2026 FEDA Annual Conference
Sept. 15-18, 2026
LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
Full Calendar of Industry Events
Ongoing
LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
