Go RED Food Service Consulting & Connections, Inc.

What a great idea!

As you return to campus this spring semester, keep an eye out for Mirabella at ASU resident Pencie Culver, who spends Tuesday afternoons at a bench just east of the Lattie Coor building on the ASU Tempe campus. She, along with other Mirabella at ASU residents, sit on the bench to listen to student stories and share any wisdom they might have if it's welcome. Welcome back to campus Sun Devils!

Can’t wait to see my friends in Spokane for NACUFS- it’s been too long!

Wow so much has changed in the past month. I wanted to touch base with you. Here is the latest that I am hearing from different Universities.
• Many Universities are trying to stay positive that they will reopen in the fall
• Operations will change once they reopen, self serve buffet lines will be dramatically different, this will require changes in flow and layout of many dining halls.
• I foresee some campuses will close and remain on-line only
• Layoffs and staff reductions will cause problems as campuses try to reopen and they may have a whole new staff.
• Social distancing will impact all parts of the college experience. Living, learning and dining.
• Parents loss of employment/income will impact some students college plans. May have to cancel or take a year off or not go at all.
• Operators are still trying to work with distributors to use up products that they have committed to last year. Very few are looking at any new products.
• Operators are looking to their partners more now than ever. They are not looking for people to just try and sell them things – empathy is key to long term success. They will remember how they are approached right now.
I hope this helps and I look forward to talking with you whenever you have the time.

Cheers, stay safe, stay healthy and stay upbeat!
Elisa

While we are still trying to figure out what this crazy virus is going to take us next - know that there are lots of vendors who are there to help you. We all want to get back to being together and making memories together. Soon my friends we will.... talk, share, laugh, dance, make more memories!

Be safe, be healthy and stay upbeat!❤ miss you all!

And tomorrow I will be leaving the warmth of AZ for the chill of NY and the NACUFS Mid-Atlantic/Northeast conference - looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Headed to Madison, WI for the NACUFS Midwest Regional Conference. I am excited to be part of the team presenting the Trends Pre-Conference workshop tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing some amazing people there!

2018 NACUFS Regional Conferences are in full swing - had a great time in Salt Lake City with the Continential & Pacific regions. Next up - Midwest in Madison, WI!

The NACUFS National Conference kicked off with the Theodore T Minah Award. This is the highest award given to an active College & University Foodservice Operator. This year it was awarded to Rich Neumann from Ohio University. I have had the pleasure of knowing Rich for many years. It was my pleasure to nominate Rich for his many years of service. He is an unsung hero, one of those quiet guys who does so much but doesn't seek recognition. I am glad he finally recieved his well deserved praise. Congratulations my friend!

Last week at the NACUFS National Conference, Rich Turnbull a retired Foodservice Director was awarded the David R Prentowski Disttinguished Lifetime Award. Rich has done so much for the College & University segment over the years, it was my pleasure to not only nominate Rich but be there to see his years of outstanding service be awarded! Congratulations Rich - you are an amazing person!

Another great NACUFS in the books! Great seeing so many wonderful people. Dinners went great - lots of good connections. Trends presentation was SRO & we had very good reviews! Thanks to everyone!

It has been 5 years since I started my company - what a ride it's been. Thanks to all my wonderful clients and friends who have been on this journey with me. Can't wait to see how the next 5 develop - I know it will continue to inspire and challenge me.

Congratulations to Jon Lewis of Ball State on receiving the Theodore Minah Award at the 2015 NACUFS national conference. Well done my friend!