NACS CAFE, which debuts in early 2010, will provide certified training programs for foodservice managers, supervisors [image-nocss] and corporate directors through a series of online computer-based training modules and on-campus educational programs, as well as through a web-based resource center.
"The NACS CAFE is designed to bring compelling value to both small companies just getting into foodservice and sophisticated retailers already in the business," Armour said.
Meanwhile, NACS also officially announced that Jennie Jones, vice president/director of marketing convenience stores for S&D Coffee Inc., has been named 2009-10 chairman of the NACS Supplier Board. Jones began her career in the c-store industry with the Southland Corp., holding various positions in purchasing, sales and marketing and working extensively with the 7-Eleven Franchise Coalition. She also held positions at Fas Mart and Crown Central. Jones is a founding member of the Network of Executive Women.
(Click here for a CSPTV interview with Jones.)
Also, Tom Joyce, vice president of customer industry affairs for The Hershey Co., was named chair-elect and will succeed Jones as 2010-11 chairman. Jones and Joyce were named to their positions during the NACS Supplier Board meeting at the NACS Show in Las Vegas. Joyce joined Hershey as sales merchandiser in Louisville, Ky. He has held a number of positions with the company over the past 34 years, including director of customer and industry affairs, division manager of the Southern U.S. Broker Network and division manager of diversified products.
As chair and chair-elect of the NACS Supplier Board, Jones and Joyce also serve as members of the NACS board.
Also elected to the five-member NACS Supplier Board leadership team as vice chairmen were:
Scott Hill, vice president of convenience stores channel, Jack Link's Beef Jerky. Lucia Crater, director national accounts, US Nutrition/MET-Rx. Karin Thrift, director national accounts, Clif Bar & Co. In addition, three new members were elected to the NACS Supplier Board:
Kenneth Fries, president, TNT Marketing. Wendy Redmond, director of sales and convenience (on the go), Lance Inc. Brad McGuinness, vice president of product development, VeriFone Inc. The NACS Supplier Board is comprised of individuals from NACS supplier member companies that represent different product and service categories in the convenience store industry. Board members are nominated by the Supplier Board Nominating Committee and elected by the Board. NACS defines a supplier member company as one that provides products and services to the convenience store channel of trade.
Founded in 1961, the National Association of Convenience Stores represents more than 2,200 retail and 1,800 supplier member companies. The U.S. convenience store industry, with nearly 145,000 stores across the country, posted $624 billion in total sales in 2008, of which $450 billion was motor fuels sales.
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