WOMEN’S FOODSERVICE FORUM (WFF) CONCLUDES
2008 ANNUAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Record Breaking Attendance in Organization’s History
Multi-Tiered Personalized Programming Offered
Individuals Recognized for Significant Impact on Foodservice Industry
Washington D.C. (April 25, 2008) –It was an energizing and inspiring four days filled with leadership development, thought-sharing and professional growth at the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Annual Leadership Development Conference at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington D.C. More than 3,000 foodservice professionals attended the organization’s 18th annual event.
Featuring multi-tiered personalized programming for Entrepreneurs, Emerging Leaders, Emerging Executive Leaders and Executives, this year’s conference content provided attendees with numerous opportunities to personalize their attendance to match their unique development needs. WFF also recognized and celebrated five outstanding individuals for their contributions to Foodservice with the presentation of the prestigious WFF Trailblazer Award, Leadership Award, Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and Outstanding Board Service Award.
“This year’s Conference marks the beginning of WFF’s 20th Anniversary year,” said Mary Bentley, WFF President. “As our organization continues to grow, WFF is proud to offer our members the types of professional development programming that they need to elevate themselves, their organizations and the entire Foodservice industry.”
Each year WFF designs conference programming around its mission of Elevating Women Leaders, concentrating on four of WFF’s 10 Core Leadership Competencies. This year’s conference competencies were Initiative, Visioning/Setting Direction, Tough Mindedness and Developing Others. WFF’s full-time staff and volunteer Conference Committee work each year to develop relevant content and programming for an evolving membership that has now reached more than 3,700 members. Following are some of the key highlights from the 2008 WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference.
Exceptional Keynotes: During Monday’s general session, award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne Dr. Bertice Berry had the WFF audience in both laughter and tears as she shared her stories of overcoming poverty, sexism and racism using her mantra, “When you walk with purpose, you collide with destiny.” One of the most influential leaders of our time, General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.) wrapped up Tuesday’s general session highlighting as a leader, how to create an effective command plan by always setting high standards, going for better and reaching for the best, and not only motivating, but inspiring those who are your followers.
Multicultural Keynote Event: The 2008 Multicultural Event featured one of the most celebrated African American owned business success stories of the past three decades: Susan L. Taylor, Editor Emerita of Essence Magazine. During her keynote, Taylor led a spirited conversation around diversity and the challenges and opportunities facing women of color in corporate America.
Executive Forum: A highlight within the WFF Executive Track programming was WFF’s Executive Forum featuring two of Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo CEO and Claire Babrowski, EVP and COO, Toys “R” Us. Kathleen Mathews, EVP Global Communications, Marriott International, moderated the highly intimate discussion, as Nooyi and Babrowski shared personal experiences and lessons on the impact of power, how they built it and effectively transferred it to new situations.
Entrepreneur Session: This year’s new programming for Entrepreneurs featured Mariel Miller, Extraordinary Outcomes! Financial Performance Systems and Nina McLemore, founder and CEO of Nina McLemore, Inc. and previously founder of Liz Claiborne Accessories. The programming also included an expert panel of successful franchisees, operators and vendors who explored the insights, challenges, valuable lessons learned and successful strategies for entrepreneurs.
WFF Awards Ceremony and Celebration: The WFF Awards Ceremony and Celebration recognized three of the Foodservice industry’s best. Roz Mallet, President and Interim CEO, Caribou Coffee, received the 2008 WFF Trailblazer Award. Robin Robison, Chili’s Regional Director, Chili’s Grill and Bar, was awarded the 2008 WFF Leadership Award (formerly the WFF Emerging Leader Award). Joy Wallace, President and CEO of J.O.Y. Foods, Inc. was honored with the WFF Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
WFF Volunteer of the Year Award: Lori Bierman, Management Consultant, Batrus Hollweg International, was the recipient of the 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes a WFF volunteer who is highly active in the organization through committee work and general support of the organization. Bierman demonstrated consistent effort, above and beyond expectations, enthusiastically and visibly contributing to WFF’s goals and overall success.
Outstanding Board Service Award: The 2008 Outstanding Board Service Award was presented to Linda Pharr, Chief Foodservice Relations Officer, Batrus Hollweg International. Established in 1998, the Outstanding Board Service Award honors the outstanding efforts of a WFF board member who has made a major impact on the organization by driving volunteer programs.