ARLINGTON, VA — February 11, 2010 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) issued the following statement from Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, on today's announcement of the appointment of James V. Olsen to the position of president of the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE).

"On behalf of all of the members of FMI, it is my pleasure to salute Jim Olsen as the new leader of FIAE. His formidable experience includes 36 years of association management, including his work as President and CEO of the Utah Retail Grocers Association and President and CEO of the Utah Merchants Association. We have worked closely with him to address industry issues and concerns on local, state and national levels, and he served two terms on FMI's Government Relations Committee. In fact, under his guidance, FMI fostered strong relationships with all of the Members of Congress from Utah.

His stellar leadership skills and industry acumen are why FMI recognized Jim with the prestigious Donald H. MacManus Award in 1997. Our long-standing and mutually supportive work with FIAE and Jim will certainly continue to flourish, and we look forward to continuing to work with Jim in his new role."