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8 FEDA News & Views Association Highlights Something New and Different for FEDA in 2018 Ray Herrick Executive Vice President ray@feda.com Need more information on how FEDA can help you? Contact me by phone at 800-677-9605 or by email. P lease mark your calendar and join FEDA at its new 2018 Joint Channel Conference with CFESA and NAFEM on March 21-25, 2018, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Calif. Thanks to this group initiative there will be networking among the manufactur- ers who produce the equipment; the deal- ers who sell it and the agents who service it. Imagine the channel problem-solving con- versations that could take place and the take- home value. Don't miss this fi rst of its kind in the industry. "It's the people you know…" It's all about building relationships. That's what makes FEDA spe- cial. I've said this for years. It was true when Sam Anoff and a small group of dealers formed FEDA in 1933 and it has taken on an even greater meaning as we've come to realize the role a true collaborative effort can play in improving the profi t- ability and excellence of our industry. Of course, it all comes back to every- one working together to deliver the best service possible to the customer. Next year, FEDA, NAFEM and CFESA will unite its resources to discuss the how. The 2018 Joint Channel Conference is our opportunity to come together as an industry to put into practice what FEDA's 2017 Convention keynote, Daniel Pink, calls attunement. That is to see the world from our channel partners' world view, and understand one another's problems and challenges. What would less friction in the channel mean to your bottom line and customer service? Make the Connection We can all learn something from long- time FEDA attendees who know and understand the value. Take for example past President Brad Wasserstrom and for- mer board member Jameel Burkett. Their businesses are differ- ent in size and scope, yet each makes the most of the high- touch inherent in a FEDA meeting. Be it at the member break- fast, multiple recep- tions or one of the roundtables, they can always be found in private discussions storing up practical take-home value and ideas. Who will be your great channel connection in 2018? FEDA 2017 Convention Scores High on Evaluations Hats off to the FEDA 2017 Convention Chair Paul Parr and Assistant Chair Keith Kidwell for an outstanding convention. Nearly 390 foodservice equipment pro- fessionals attended. Members and guests, alike, gave this convention high marks for its value, networking opportunities Next year, FEDA, NAFEM and CFESA will unite its resources to discuss the how. The 2018 Joint Channel Conference is our opportunity to come together as an industry to put into practice what FEDA's 2017 Convention keynote, Daniel Pink, calls attunement. continued on page 32 See pages 16-24 for highlights from the 2017 FEDA Convention.