Opening Day of FMI2012 is ‘Independents’ Day’

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is dedicating the first day of its FMI2012 trade show as “Independent’s Day,” during which the association will provide activities focused on the unique needs of the independent operator.

“I encourage all wholesalers to consider the FMI2012 event as an opportunity to draw attention to the business needs of their customers by urging the Independent Operators to attend,” said Kevin Davis, CEO of Bristol Farms and chairman of the FMI Independent Operator Committee and a member FMI’s board of directors. “FMI2012 is the perfect event for all of us to get outside of our community stores and engage with our entire industry."

The program for FMI2012, which will be held in Dallas April 30-May 3, will feature an education track unique to the professional needs of the independent operator, including results of a 2012 survey on store manager success; the impact of the ‘local’ movement; shopper strategies and how to increase sales per customer; and effective uses of marketing dollars.

FMI will kick off April 30 with a hard-hat tour for independent operators, offering a sneak peek behind the scenes and a way to map out their show experiences.

“FMI hosts its largest event for the food retailing community, carving out distinct focus areas relevant to the dynamic businesses we represent,” said FMI president and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. “We want to create an environment at the FMI2012 that’s inclusive for all food retailers and especially meaningful for our independent operator members.”

Arlington, Va.-based FMI conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.