A monthly newsletter from the Women's Foodservice Forum
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Roadmap Report: Comments from the Chair, Paula Marshall New Executive Programming Takes Center Stage
What a successful Executive Women's Summit! As I am every year, I was truly energized by the wealth of talent present at the EWS in Chicago on September 10-12, 2006. Once again, this event sold out and received strong ratings from the attendees.
(Paula Marshall, WFF Chair and Brenda Barnes, CEO Sara Lee Corporation)
All of this continues to remind us just how important it is for the Women's Foodservice Forum to continue to offer an unprecedented level of education and assistance for our executive members. It is obviously filling an important role in the professional lives of our members and we are committed to maintaining our leadership position in offering such relevant programming.
At the upcoming 2007 WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference, we are pleased to announce a new "Executive Track" for women and men at the VP level and above. This new programming, designed especially for VP's, CEO's and board members, will include workshops on financial savviness, an expanded program for those interested in pursuing a board seat and several other optional sessions designed to elevate the executive woman leader to and beyond the "C" suite.
What's Up? Regional Connects --- Coming to a City Near You!
WFF has embarked on the most aggressive Regional Connect schedule in our organization's history. From a base of eight different regional events in 2004 to 21 cities this fall, WFF is pleased to offer these unique opportunities to build strong networks, work on personal development and to gain new insights into mastering the 10 Core Leadership Competencies linked to Elevating Women Leaders. So far, hundreds of women and men have gathered in cities in Canada and the U.S. this fall to reconnect with friends, build their networks and enjoy an evening with other women and men leaders in our industry. And we've just begun!
Tim Asinger and Lisa Costigan
Stacy Craig and Pam Downey
Regional Connects are (as always) FREE to members and up to three guests per member. The agenda is rich in education, networking and re-connecting with peers in your area. This year's Regional Connects focus on the Competency - "Building High Performing Teams." A typical agenda includes a panel composed of executive-level members discussing strategies and sharing personal experiences on what it takes to build and maintain strong teams.
Guests are welcome -- so do consider introducing the WFF to a friend in the industry. Here's what a guest at the October 10th Chicago event recently said about her first Regional Connect:
"I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and took a lot of helpful information away from the dynamic panelists participating in the program. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet others from a different segment of the food industry. As I mentioned, I was not aware of this organization and last evening was very enlightening regarding the support and education for women in all aspect of the food industry. I look forward to learning more and becoming a member." Rebecca Bowen, Marketing Manager, FBC Industries, Shaumburg, IL
Each event is generously sponsored and we remain grateful to each and every Regional Connect sponsor for the growth and expansion of our successful Regional Connects program.
Committee Connection Corporate Board Link Program Ready for WFF Executive Women
One of the early members of the Women's Foodservice Forum, Sarah Palisi Chapin knows from experience that WFF can help to prepare future women leaders "for the road ahead."
Currently a partner of The Chain Gang, a restaurant and investment entity, Sarah has also served on seven corporate boards during her career, a total of 40 collective years of board experience! She presently serves on five boards, including recently joining the board of Maggie Moo's Ice Cream & Eatery. She notes that there are only two other women serving on these boards. Among the relevant skills for serving on corporate boards that Sarah recommends are collaboration, communication, strategic planning and, most importantly, an understanding of corporate finance. more
WFF in the News
Read more about WFF in the news! We've been busy promoting WFF and all the current events and activities that have been taking place over the last few months.
Click on the story headlines below to get a full view of the stories recently appearing in the press.
- Nation's Restaurant News: WFF Holds 2006 Executive Women's Summit
- Nation's Restaurant News: WFF Holds 2006 Executive Women's Summit con't
- Restaurant Hospitality: Carving a Path to the Top
- Chef Magazine: SFM allies with WFF
Snapshots Along the Road WFF Executive Women's Summit -- September 10-12, 2006
For the third consecutive year, the Women’s Foodservice Forum sold out attendance at the invitation-only Executive Women’s Summit, a premiere leadership event for female executive leaders in the foodservice industry.
Highlights of the 2006 Summit included dynamic presentations and interactive workshops on High Performance Negotiation Skills, led by Professor Leigh Thompson, Ph.D., M.A., Kellogg School of Management and Strategic Crisis Leadership, led by Professor Daniel Diermeier, Ph.D. also of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
For an in-depth recap of the event, copies of recipes from the Culinary Event featuring Chef Charlie Baggs, click here!
The Path to Leadership Reap Rewards from the New WFF Mentor Program
Are you currently a mentor? Are you currently being mentored? Do you wish you had a mentor?
Indisputably one of the very best programs offered by WFF, the Mentor Program provides the absolute best networking opportunities in the industry. Members of WFF are well known for their involvement in our association and nothing offers more rewards than being a Mentor or a Protégé.
Whether you are an executive vice president or a marketing assistant in your very first job, you will personally benefit when you become active in this wonderful endeavor.
If you are on the giving end, you can help shape the career of someone who will truly value your input. Just think about it! The person you work with wants your guidance and respects your opinions. And you will learn from the experience as well. If you are the recipient (protégé) of this effort, you will gain a new perspective on management and the goals that you need to aspire to. It is your opportunity to be inquisitive and freely explore your career options.
