SFM Rebrands Officially As SHFM, Presents Awards

In with the new this month as the 35-year-old Society for Foodservice Management has become the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management. The strategic brand enhancement was unveiled in October at the association’s national conference in Bonita Springs, Fla.

The change addresses the evolving responsibilities of the association’s key member segment, Client Liaisons and Self-Operators in Corporate Foodservice, which has expanded to embrace hospitality-related functions, such as vending, conference and events support, fitness centers, health and wellness and childcare.

“Today marks a historic moment for our Society,” says SHFM Executive Director Tony Butler. “This was the critical moment to shift with the growing needs of our industry. SHFM will honor the legacy of SFM while reflecting the importance of being flexible and responsive, the key ingredients of growth.”

“Our new brand is fresh, relevant and responsive for our current members, prospective members and the industry at large,” adds SFM President Mark Freeman. “Our influence is expanding into new markets and members segments. It’s an exciting new era of growth for the Society.”

SHFM also presented its annual awards honoring members who have gone “above and beyond” to serve SHFM and better the industry.

The Robert Pacifico Award was given to Barbara Kane, v.p.-industry relations of Ecolab. The President’s Award went to Steve Follett, president/CEO of Follett Corp.

Kane also was the recipient of a Directors Award for leadership. Other awards went to Dick Hynes, director of consultant services at Hobart-Traulsen, for Community Service; and Genevieve Stona, director of joint ventures at Thompson Hospitality, for Spirit. Kathy Sanders, v.p.-corporate properties and strategic sourcing at Wells Fargo, won the Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award. Ron Ehrhardt, FMP, v.p.-operational safety at Compass Group, won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

More information on SHFM and a complete list of its new board of directors can be found at its new website.