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One More Week Until the FEDA Conference: Tech Talks Speaker to Cover Why Clean Data Is Essential to Businesses
In the second part of this year’s Tech Talks presentation at the FEDA conference, Jason Hein, vice president of B2BEA Academy and global director of programming at the B2B eCommerce Association, will share why clean product data is more than an IT issue — it’s a business necessity. In just 20 minutes, Hein will demonstrate how bad data affects search, e-commerce, customer experience, and decision-making. With more companies turning to artificial intelligence to analyze their data, Hein will explain the limitations of depending on those tools to compensate for poor-quality product information. But it’s not just the shortcomings Hein will cover. He’ll also show attendees what “good” product data looks like and provide practical steps distributors and manufacturers can take to turn their data into more reliable and usable information.
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Now On Demand: Critical Skills for Front-Line Leaders in Distribution - Session 3
Presenter Will Quinn talked about building simple scorecards, running effective one-on-ones, setting clear expectations that teams can measure themselves against, and having performance conversations that lead to improvement rather than resentment. This series is available at no cost to FEDA members and for $99 to nonmembers.
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Singer Equipment Expands Eric Santagato’s Leadership Role
In his expanded role, Santagato will continue to lead Singer’s distribution business while also assuming leadership responsibility for the company’s PA/NY contract business. During his two-year tenure as president of the distribution business, the segment more than doubled in revenue and was transformed from a strong regional business into a national distribution platform. He also expanded Singer’s warehouse footprint and strengthened the logistics network and capabilities necessary to serve customers across the country.
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ACP Strengthens Sales Team With Expanded Regional Roles
ACP, a Welbilt company that specializes in accelerated cooking technology, announced two updates to its sales team that are designed to deepen customer support, strengthen regional sales coverage, and further integrate culinary expertise into product development, training, and commercial activities. Chris Bugher has been promoted to manager – Eastern region sales and corporate chef, while Heidi Connors’ role has been expanded to director – Central region sales and key accounts.
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ITW Expands Dealer Service Support With Appointment
Elton Johnson will serve as a dedicated point of contact for distributors, helping connect ITW’s equipment brands with Hobart Service’s network of more than 1,200 factory-trained technicians.
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Foodservice Equipment Sales Hold to Slow-Growth Pattern
Sales in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry remained muted in the second quarter of 2026, growing just 2%, according to the latest Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI) Business Barometer. Overall sales actually beat the 1.5% growth MAFSI previously projected for Q2 2026, but the result marked the 12th consecutive quarter in which sales failed to exceed 2.4% growth or decline by more than 1%. Those consistent results are likely being depressed by external economic factors. MAFSI pointed to the challenges faced by Main Street restaurants, such as vegetable contamination, the impact of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, changing food trends, high fuel prices, and overall inflation. To counteract those forces, MAFSI noted that restaurants are shortening operating hours and reducing menu options.
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Tariffs, EPR and What’s Next: Get the Inside Track at FEDA’s Legislative Advocacy Session
Tariffs and extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws are creating new challenges for distributors, with significant policy developments emerging in 2026. The Legislative Advocacy Presentation at the FEDA conference will provide an update on the latest changes, including recent tariff actions and a federal court decision upholding Oregon’s packaging law. Matt Holyoak of U.S. Rep. Blake Moore’s (R-UT) office will discuss tariffs and trade, while Thayer Ellis of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath will address EPR compliance. The session will help distributors understand evolving requirements, assess their exposure, and prepare for changes across multiple states.
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From FEDA News & Views: Packaging EPR Puts Distributors on the Front Lines of a Regulatory Fight
For distributors selling packaged equipment and supplies into Oregon, determining whether they are an obligated producer under the state’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program is only the first question. Once they figure out what packaging, if any, they are accountable for, and after consideration of various exemptions, they must then calculate how much covered material they are introducing into the state. As distributors like Curtis Restaurant Equipment are discovering, making that calculation is easier said than done. The Springfield, Oregon-based distributor has been following the state’s first-in-the-nation implementation of an EPR program, which seeks to collect fees from companies that introduce packaged products into Oregon to pay for recycling and end-of-life programs. So far, CEO Ryan McPhail has identified two areas where Curtis might be responsible for paying EPR fees: disposables such as paper plates and to-go containers, and, more significantly, repackaged equipment.
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Upcoming FEDA and Other Industry Events
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2026 FEDA Annual Conference
Sept. 15-18, 2026
LEARN MORE
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FEDA Distribution Leadership Webinar
Sept. 25, 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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