Jun 17, 2016

By: Leslie Sarasin, President and CEO, Food Marketing Institute
Connections at FMI Connect

It is one of life’s mysteries the way seemingly chance encounters sometimes turn out to be significant connections, like when a person we meet incidentally introduces us to a friend who invites us to a gathering where we get acquainted with someone who, over time, turns out to be a substantial friend, a future business partner, or even a spouse. In fact, I’d venture to say if we trace the origins of our most important relationships, many of them at their root tip would come down to a casual meeting or an offhand decision that did not seem to carry great value at the time, but turned out to have substantial returns.

It is mysterious and grand, but life is all about the connections we make. 

As its name conveys, FMI Connect is focused on helping its participants get connected in a variety of ways. We seek to provide the environment that enables you to connect with colleagues in the greater food retail industry, connect to new ideas and trends, connect more deeply with your trading partners, and connect to new solutions to the challenges you face. We do this in the hope that the small encounters prove to be substantial connections.

While at FMI Connect, you will encounter those who share your passion and hopes for the noble enterprise of food retail and experience the rejuvenation of being part of something much bigger than your particular initiative. As you move among the thousands gathered, you will meet dozens, if not hundreds of new people, but in the midst of all these meetings, there are two other contacts I hope you will make while you are in Chicago with us. 

FMI has created two new staff positions to strengthen our connectivity. These new posts provide focused direction to our member relations and advocacy in the eastern and western regions of the United States. Lucas Darnell assumes responsibility for the eastern half of the United States, and Cynthia Brazzel joins the FMI staff to cover the western region. 

These new directors of member relations and advocacy will provide a hands-on physical presence for each region while also acting as the primary FMI liaison with key constituencies. They will reinforce the growing number of benefits and services available to members and ensure that our members stay connected to the resources, the information and the help FMI provides. They will also emphasize government relations and food safety while articulating FMI’s position on current and emerging issues.

In addition to a deeper presence with members, Lucas and Cynthia will strengthen our work with the state food and retail associations. This bi-coastal presence will enhance FMI’s ability to communicate with members, better understand their needs, and connect them with the many resources FMI has to offer. 

Lucas and Cynthia will be in the FMI member Lounge during the hours the Expo floor is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They will be happy to meet you, answer your questions, arrange a future visit to your home operations or just chat for a bit. While you are at FMI Connect, please drop by and experience the meaning of the event’s name.