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30 FEDA News & Views President's Message continued (866) 327-4159 www.micromatic.com (866) 327-4159 www.micromatic.com Simplifying Draft Beer Dispensing NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA SOUTHEAST FLORIDA WEST CALIFORNIA CENTRAL ILLINOIS and small dealers—all of which is redefining how our busi- nesses operate and what it means to be a dealer in this day and age. In response, FEDA is working diligently to develop strate- gies and explore what changes we should make to continue to serve members of all types and sizes. We've had some great dialogue already and we certainly welcome your input as we continue down this path. Accolades FEDA continues to honor the vendor partners that have exhibited their support for dealer-based distribu- tion through our Exceptional Manufacturers program. We've also recognized our Diamond Donors, all of which have dem- onstrated their commitment to enhancing dealer education with a generous financial con- tribution. Both of these pro- grams were initiated by my predecessor, Brad Wasserstrom, but will continue to be embraced as valuable resources through- out my administration. Collaboration I've previously remarked on how our industry works in silos, and while we communicate often, we do not collaborate nearly enough. Over the past year, I've joined with the leader- ship of our allied associations to tear down those walls and we've had great success in this endeavor. The groundswell of support we've received for the FEDA Data Interchange Initiative, for example, has been instrumental in its execution and is exemplary of how we can all benefit from a concerted effort to communicate and partner. We've also gained respect for each other's contributions to the channel—CFESA's new global training center in South Carolina; the holistic view of the industry provided by MAFSI's market forecasts, and NAFEM's initiative to recruit new talent and develop future leaders. FEDA's relationship with NAFEM, MAFSI, CFESA and FCSI is stronger than ever and it's truly been a great experience working with each of these respected organizations. Lastly, it's been an honor to serve you for the past year and I am looking forward to all that's to come in the second half of my term. I'm thankful to each of you as members; this organization is strong because of your support and your com- mitment to running the best dealerships in the industry. FEDA is your Association and I'm always only a phone call or email away if you have suggestions or ideas, as to how we can better serve your needs. FEDA's relationship with NAFEM, MAFSI, CFESA and FCSI is stronger than ever and it's truly been a great experience working with each of these respected organizations.