SCOTTSDALE, AZ — January 13, 2004 — Recognizing exemplary statesmanship, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented the William H. Albers Industry Relations Award to five trade relations executives who have served the industry as ambassadors, mediators, communicators and leaders. FMI Board chair Liz Minyard presented the awards here at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference.

The Albers Award is typically given to one CEO who forges strategic alliances that benefit the entire industry. This year, FMI recognized five individuals whose careers have spanned decades of service to the entire food industry:

Robert Holbritter, vice president, industry relations (retired), Minute Maid Company.

Michael Irish, director, trade relations, Philip Morris USA.

Michael L. Maurer, director, industry affairs (retired), The Procter & Gamble Company.

F.A. “Buddy” Miller, vice president, customer development (retired), Unilever Bestfoods.

Mel Williams, director, trade relations (retired), Unilever Bestfoods.

“As a group, they have championed the movement for efficiency, cost-cutting, reducing waste — in short, eliminating practices that do not create consumer value,” said Minyard in the award tribute. “They all share a deep commitment to their communities, to hospitals, to education and scholarships for students. And let us not forget the funding they helped raise for the award-winning FightBAC! Program™, teaching millions of consumers the food safety basics.

“Whenever you honor an elite group such as this, you quickly realize the list could be much larger. Yet there can be no argument that the group we honor today represents the very best of their craft. And, through them, we honor all those who serve their companies and our entire industry so well in the demanding trade relations role.”