MAFSI News - Introducing MAFSI's Newly Elected Board Members and Committee Updates! - Oct/Nov 2024

 
Introducing MAFSI's Newly Elected Board Members!

MAFSI is excited to introduce its newly elected Board Members. These individuals bring extensive experience and expertise, along with entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. They recognize the potential of MAFSI representatives to transform the foodservice industry.

Help us congratulate our new board members! Their contact information is available at the MAFSI Board of Directors webpage.

MAFSI Committee Updates

MAFSI committee members are dedicated to advancing our industry with new initiatives leading up to The NAFEM Show and beyond. MAFSI is driving the foodservice industry forward with innovative tools, training, and opportunities designed to elevate the role of manufacturers’ reps and strengthen partnerships across the Five Families.  

Driving Membership and Marketing Success
The Membership and Marketing Committee continues to play a vital role in MAFSI's growth and member engagement. With the "Looking for New Partners" initiative, MAFSI makes it easier than ever for reps and manufacturers to connect, fostering long-term partnerships. MAFSI Messenger, this bi-monthly newsletter, is dedicated to being your go-to resource for association news, insights, and industry updates.

Supporting member involvement at every level, the committee has organized 23 regional meetings across the country. These meetings are a unique opportunity for reps, manufacturers, and prospective members to network, share knowledge, and discuss new strategies. Additionally, the two-year membership offer for new prospects aims to grow MAFSI’s base by attracting non-member firms and manufacturers to experience the benefits firsthand.

Research, Data, and Trends (RD&T): The Power of Data
The RD&T Committee is committed to providing members with actionable insights through data-driven tools and resources. At the heart of this effort is the MAFSI Business Barometer —a quarterly survey and North American economic indicator that provides critical insights into market conditions. Members can also take advantage of the Rep Firm Benchmarking Survey to see how their firms compare to industry standards.

This committee has also launched The Good, The Bad, and The Foodservice Industry podcast, covering the latest trends, innovations, and challenges facing foodservice professionals. RD&T is dedicated to staying ahead of industry changes, encouraging members to participate in surveys and contribute to MAFSI's valuable data pool.

The Rep Firm of the Future Committee: Equipping Members for Success
The Rep Firm of the Future (RFOF) Committee works to address evolving industry challenges and support MAFSI members through strategic resources. The Rep Firm Toolkit will launch by end of the year, providing practical guidelines, best practices, and tools for rep firms. This toolkit focuses on common challenges, such as managing line overlap, harnessing AI, and balancing sales, marketing, and administration.

RFOF Committee is tackling the approach to evolving expenses and their impact on rep firms. By highlighting the cost of investments in areas like showrooms and customer service, the committee aims to equip members with data and resources to address these topics effectively with manufacturing partners.

Digital Training and Education: Empowering through Knowledge
With industry knowledge at its core, the Digital Training and Education Committee is making professional development accessible and impactful for all members. Foodservice 101, a four-hour foundational course, offers insight into foodservice channels, operators, and key industry concepts. Meanwhile, the Pantry of Knowledge (POK) offers over 800 courses covering essential skills, from marketing and sales to advanced software applications like CAD and Revit.

Excitingly, both programs now count toward CFSP credits from NAFEM, making them even more valuable to industry professionals.

SpecPath & Industry Data Sharing: Tools for a Competitive Edge
The SpecPath & Industry Data Sharing Committee is enhancing member resources by introducing innovative tools within SpecPath, a crucial data-driven tool for MAFSI reps. SpecSpotter and SpecQuote are the latest features designed to simplify quoting and streamline project management. SpecSpotter allows customer service staff to mark awarded projects, while SpecQuote offers a seamless integration with AutoQuotes, allowing reps to quickly generate quotes.

Other powerful tools include My Product Categories, which benchmarks product categories across projects, and My Business Intelligence (BI), which offers customizable reports with visual analytics. Together, these tools provide reps with the ability to track their performance, assess market position, and make data-driven decisions with ease.

M Chef Committee: Creating Star Studded Chefs!
The M Chef Committee is setting a new standard in foodservice with the M Chef Certification Program for rep firm chefs. This tiered certification program offers pathways for culinary professionals at different experience levels—from those with sous chef experience to executive chefs with over 20 years in the field.

The M Chef initiative recognizes the value of culinary expertise within rep firms and equips members with training to enhance their industry knowledge and effectiveness. This certification will be available through MAFSI’s Foodservice Academy, solidifying MAFSI’s commitment to culinary excellence.

Conference Planning Committee: We’re going back to Cali!
Get Ready for MAFSI 2026! After a record-breaking event in 2024, the Conference Planning Committee is thrilled to announce that MAFSI 2026 will return to the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs from January 18-21. This biennial event is a must-attend, featuring over 40 educational sessions, networking opportunities, and fun activities like a golf tournament, pickleball, and music jam.

The conference draws nearly 750 professionals from across the industry, offering a unique platform for learning, networking, and innovation. MAFSI 2026 promises to bring together the best in foodservice, with reps, manufacturers, and associate members gathering to exchange insights and ideas.


Through the hard work of these committees, we are well-positioned to lead the industry forward. From developing powerful data tools to offering cutting-edge training programs, MAFSI’s commitment to supporting its members remains unwavering. We look forward to seeing everyone at upcoming events and continuing to elevate the role of reps in the foodservice landscape.