PAST FPAC ACTIVITIES

Dinner-Meeting Discussion

"The Food Service Specialist"

Even when the supply chain management is working well, there are always new challenges that appear giving rise to a constant need for improvement.  This was the subject for discussion this evening.  We were fortunate to have the following people make up our discussion panel:

John Cirillo (J. J. Derma Meats)

Marcello Anastasi (J. L. International)

Bob Villeneuve (BSCC Sysco Canada)

Tom Penna (Nestle Canada)

Ralph Bettany (C. W. Shasky & Associates)

David Abrams was the moderator for the evening, and after each guest panelist had introduced himself, Dave presented them with a series of questions.  For example, Dave asked if when calling on a chef or purchaser, would it be preferable to have a distributor representative present?  When discussing products, are the product's benefits emphasized over price and quality?  What is the norm when it comes down to pricing issues?  Is HACCP control a major factor with chefs and purchaser?

 New trends were also discussed by each panelists, especially the trend of chefs becoming foodservice representatives.  The pros and cons were discussed, which made for a very lively discussion.   

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FPAC Annual Golf Tournament

"Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club" Scarborough

Over one hundred golfers showed up early on a Monday morning to have a good time, support FPAC's annual fund-raising event, and put in a little practice on their game.  The purpose of the tournament is to raise funds to finance the FPAC Scholarship Fund.  The Fund supports five deserving students through its scholarships program in four colleges and universities in and around Toronto. The tournament is a great opportunity for members and customers to meet over a game of golf.  It has been said that more deals have been made over a game of golf than anywhere else!  Regardless of what the score cards showed at the end of the day, all players were winners as they were treated to a sumptuous post-tournament dinner reception.  The evening ended with the raffle of various prizes, many donated by members themselves.  It is anticipated that next year's venue will be changed.  So please stay tuned for more information.    

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"An Evening at the Races"

Woodbine Race Track, Toronto

This was the eighth annual such event. Its sole purpose was a social one:  for FPAC members to get together with guests and/or loved ones.  Members could invite anyone they wished.  Included in the price of the tickets was a lavish all-you-can-eat buffet held in the Post dining-room and a free $10 betting voucher for the races.  One of the highlights of the evening was Jenny Hetherington's winnings of $98 on a $2 bet!  Of course, there were a few losers, but everyone agreed that as far as excitement is concerned, horse racing in at the top of the game!

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"FPAC Chairman's Invitational

Christmas Gala"

The Old Inn and Spa, Toronto

No event is more anticipated than the annual FPAC Christmas Gala, and this year's event was particularly successful.  The organizers of the evening were fortunate in being able to secure the services of the well-known comedian  Scott Harris.  Scott was nominated as "Stand-up Comic of the Year" at the prestigious Canadian Comedy Awards.  He also hosted seven Montreal "Just for Laughs" festivals.  Scott kept the audience laughing relentlessly with his unique sense of humour.  The highlight of the evening, however, belongs to David Abrams who accepted to play the role of Santa and who did an outstanding job, tossing out gifts among those assembled.  Much of the success of the function was attributable to the organizers who worked for weeks to make the evening the success that it turned out to be and to the fine array of raffle prizes, most of which were donated by members.  Everyone agreed that next year's event is a must, and the Gala is expected to be well attended again.

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