Announcement from CRFA Chairman Michael Aronovici

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

Announcement from CRFA Chairman Michael Aronovici
The Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA), Michael Aronovici, announces that President Douglas Needham has decided to leave the association at the end of June, 2009.

“Doug has made an enormous contribution to CRFA and the foodservice industry over the past 26 years, and the Board of Directors is pleased that he will remain at the helm over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition takes place,” says Aronovici.  “The Board has formed a succession committee to oversee the search for a new president.”

Needham joined CRFA in 1982 and led the association through more than two decades of growth and expansion aimed at the betterment of Canada’s foodservice industry.  His accomplishments span government lobbying, industry trade shows and money-saving services for foodservice operators. Here is a snapshot of CRFA’s evolution during Needham’s tenure:

In 1982:
•    1,644 members
•    one trade show
•    no one dedicated to government affairs
•    leased offices in Toronto
In 2008:
•    over 33,000 members
•    four annual trade shows
•    an 1,800-member buying group
•    eight full-time industry lobbyists
•    offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, including association-owned buildings in Toronto and Edmonton

“Foodservice is a tremendous industry because of the people involved,” says Needham.  “I’ve been privileged to work with an exceptional team of CRFA staff and Directors, as well as thousands of foodservice operators across Canada who personify the entrepreneurial spirit of this great industry. 

“My departure from CRFA is a bittersweet decision.  I’m excited about trying some new endeavours, but I’ll miss working for such a magnificent organization.”

CRFA is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors.  Since its founding in 1944, CRFA has grown to become one of Canada’s largest business associations, with more than 33,000 members representing independent and chain restaurants, caterers, bars and other business operators in Canada’s $59-billion foodservice industry.  CRFA’s four annual trade shows —  the CRFA Show in Toronto, BC Foodservice Expo, Alberta Foodservice Show and ApEx in Atlantic Canada – help to fund CRFA’s government affairs and research activities, which benefit the entire foodservice industry.  

Contact:  Jill Holroyd, VP, Research and Communications, jholroyd@crfa.ca or (416) 649-4217