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NAMA NEWS & VIEWS Growth + Innovation = A Renaissance Pete Tullio, NAMA chairman and 2013 CTW co-chair. Moving into his fourth month as NAMA chair, Pete Tullio strongly believes we're moving into a renaissance period. O Randy Parks ProStar Services West Carrollton, Texas Paul Shlossberg ur industry has seen dark days since the recession hit, but it's clear we're beyond them. While we can't rest on our laurels, we can take heart that things are on the upswing — and that NAMA has done much to prepare us for this infection point. Guiding our efforts is the recently implemented NAMA strategic plan. This powerful tool has already helped us move the needle in key areas. This progress is detailed in the midyear update, but I'd like to share some highlights with you here. Reinvigorating advocacy NAMA's government affairs team has completely stepped up its game, increasing our relationships with elected offcials in Washington, D.C. and across the country. NAMA is on top of the issues and recognized as a valuable resource by legislators, as well as federal agencies. If you haven't seen the enhanced NAMAvoice advocacy portal (namavoice.org), check it out. It offers comprehensive updates on the issues we're facing and helping to manage. Fostering innovation Our ability to grow as an industry will be fueled by the innovation in offce coffee, single-cup brewers and micro markets. NAMA is committed to providing the leadership, education, support and resources that will help our members grow and prosper. Micro markets — what an opportunity! I wouldn't have believed 10 years ago that I would be expanding our company's offerings to include offce supplies, drug store items, salads and sandwiches. NAMA's popular micro market seminars are advancing growth in this area by providing needed strategic and operational information. Dynamic events At Advocacy in Action, our second annual public policy conference, NAMA's board of directors delivered our important messages and worked to build relationships that will help us fght potentially harmful legislation. November brings us to Nashville for CTW 2013. Read more about this must-attend industry event on page 13. Supporting young leaders With the formation of the Emerging Leaders Network, NAMA is encouraging young industry professionals to advance in their careers and make a difference in the association and the future. Taking the lead on nutrition NAMA continues to work to enlighten our detractors, engage our stakeholders and show we care about consumers, including providing nutrition information to help them in their food and beverage choices. Based on your feedback, we're creating an online NAMA nutrition center as a one-stop shop for nutrition-related data, news, tools, standards and more. Automatic Merchandiser Scott Guardino Paramount Automated Food Service Pompano Beach, Fla. By Pete Tullio, Contributing Editor 8 AUTOMATIC MERCHANDISER EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD VendingMarketWatch.com Gathering success stories Networking is a valued beneft of NAMA membership. To help encourage more interaction, we are asking you to share your stories with the NAMA staff, from business successes to interesting personal stories. Last but certainly not least — my thanks and congratulations on achieving the Positioning for Growth goal! It is so thoroughly gratifying to chair NAMA at this time, as our association has come together to make such a signifcant investment in the future of our industry. I am excited about the opportunities in front of us and look forward to working with you to achieve even more. October 2013 DFW Consulting Goshen, N.Y. Mike Nugent Compass Group USA Middletown, Pa. Brad Ellis Crane Merchandising Systems St. Louis, Mo. Tom Siciliano Integrity Recruiting & Consulting Inc. Huntley, Ill. Tom Britten Britten Management Services Zephyrhills, Fla. Brad Bachtelle Bachtelle & Associates Inc. Tustin, Calif. Glenn Butler CTO Services LLC Boston, Mass. Gene Ostendorf InOne Technology Hunt Valley, Md. Paul Schindelar Mondelez International East Hanover, N.J. Chuck Reed MEI Malvern, Pa. Anant Agrawal Cantaloupe Systems San Francisco, Calif.