In This Section:
New Group Pushes For Energy-Efficient Lighting
Denny's Dumps Trans Fat; O.C. Eateries Do Too As Ban Looms
MAFSI Schedules Online Seminar Series
FER's MUFES Meeting Wins Folio: Award
This issue's Economic Report Sponsor: The NAFEM Show 2007
Regulatory ReportSponsor: Enodis
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New Group Pushes For Energy-Efficient Lighting
Last issue, we told you about Australia's commitment to phase out incandescent light bulbs in favor of more efficient compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs. Now, a new group wants to push for policies here in the United States that would accomplish essentially the same thing by 2016. And it may have the muscle to get what it wants.
The Lighting Efficiency Coalition comprises corporations and non-governmental organizations such as the Alliance to Save Energy, Philips Lighting N.A., the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earth Day Network, and Californians Against Waste. The Alliance to Save Energy itself is a coalition of business, government and environmental leaders chaired by U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, D-Ark.
The new group plans to push for government and utility incentives that will encourage businesses and consumers to replace traditional lighting with more efficient alternatives. The group said it is "technology-neutral" when it comes to performance standards, but hopes that energy savings from its efforts will equal the power produced by 80 coal-burning plants by '16.
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Denny's Dumps Trans Fat; O.C. Eateries Do Too As Ban Looms
Denny's is the latest big chain to eschew trans fat in favor of less potentially harmful alternatives. The chain announced earlier this month that it's completed a systemwide rollout of a trans fat-free frying oil. Next on tap for the chain are trans fat-free margarines, including a garlic spread, by mid-year. The chain also is working on eliminating trans fat from products it purchases from other suppliers.
In Orange County, Calif., the Orange County Register reports restaurants there are voluntarily eliminating trans fat from menus as quickly as they can. Some, according to a recent story, are not only concerned about their customers' health, but about the possibility of legislated bans.
While the city of Los Angeles recently decided against a ban, a bill in the state assembly would ban trans fat statewide. The bill, sponsored by State Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, passed a health committee vote early this month. If the bill becomes law, it would phase out restaurant use of shortenings and oils containing trans fat by 2009. The bill goes to an appropriations committee before a full assembly vote.
MAFSI Schedules Online Seminar Series
Starting in April, the Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry will hold a series of live online seminars on a variety of industry-related topics. The webinars will be conducted in real time on the Internet each Monday, from April 2 through June 30.
The seminars are open to anyone, and topics include effective time management, negotiation skills, interviewing skills, motivational techniques and strategic planning. CFESA, CFSP, CPMR, and FEDA Sales Pro educational credits also are available to those who participate.
You'll need a computer with an Internet connection and a phone to participate, and each seminar costs $95. You can get a discount for participating in multiple seminars--$85 for two to five sessions, and $75 for six or more. To find out more details about timing and how to register, go to www.mafsi.org, or
e-mail info@mafsi.org.
FER's MUFES Meeting Wins Folio: Award
Good news for Foodservice Equipment Reports magazine and its biennial MultiUnit Foodservice Equipment Symposium. Folio: magazine, which covers the magazine publishing industry, named MUFES the bronze award winner in the Best Conference category of the Folio: Awards for Magazine Events competition. The FAME program, open to both consumer and business publications, recognizes the best in magazine sponsored events such as conferences, awards competitions, expositions and charity events. The award was presented to FER Publisher Robin Ashton at a breakfast ceremony March 13 in New York.
Meeting structure, purpose, content and financial results were among criteria considered.
The next MUFES meeting will be held Feb. 16-18, 2008, at the Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.
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