Notes From CFESA: Record Attendance At Annual Conference

Call it momentum for learning more about the service side of the foodservice industry. The Commercial Food Equipment Service Association has seen growing attendance at its gatherings these past few years, and its 2017 Annual Conference was proof of it. The October 16-18 meeting in Austin, Texas, welcomed a record-breaking number of attendees—324—including 97 first-timers.   

In addition to presentations and discussions, CFESA elected three new members to its board of directors. Elected to the board for a two-year term are Ken Beasley of Key Food Equipment/Heritage, Nick Crib of SAM Service, and Dan Dibeler of K&D Factory Service.

During its gala closing banquet, CFESA presented its biennial awards recognizing the efforts of seven members of the service industry. It also announced it had changed the name of its Community Service Award to the Anthony Rapanotti Community Service Award, to recognize a member of the association who passed away earlier this year. The foodservice professionals recognized by CFESA include:

• Anthony Rapanotti Community Service Award: Mike Coker, CSI – Coker Service Inc.
• Dedication to Training: David Duckworth, Commercial Kitchen Parts and Service
• Elwood Hawkins Memorial Award: Liz Lorino, Parts Town
• Most Engaged Member: Gary Potvin, Pine Tree Food Equipment
• Outstanding Support from an Allied Association/Press/Industry Partner: Brad Pierce, Restaurant Equipment World
• Outstanding Customer Service/Technician Award: Brian Warfel, Clark Service Group

And CFESA posthumously presented its Ron Arrington Advocacy Award to Tony Rapanotti of AR Repairs Baker’s Kneads. His son Matthew accepted the award.