October 2008

Dear WAFC Members, Illuminators and Friends of the Industry:

It is with sincere pleasure that I invite you to join us, April 25-29, 2009, at the WAFC’s 88th Annual Convention at the distinguished JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona.

This year’s convention theme is “Education & Innovation: A Winning Combination.” We have a truly exciting line-up of guest speakers this year; including: Jim Sinegal, co-founder, CEO & president of Costco Wholesale, the premier warehouse club company; Don Knauss, chairman & CEO of The Clorox Company, talking about “Creating Sustainable Innovation”; Rick Pitino, head basketball coach for the University of Louisville, showing us that “Success is a Choice”; Eric Chester, founder and president of Generation Why, Inc., helping our efforts at “Employing Generation Why.” We also will be educated by Robin Miller, food writer and author of 8 cookbooks and host of Food Networks “Quick Fix Meals.” Robin will enlighten us on preparing quick, delicious and nutritious meals. Bring your jeans and boots for the welcome reception on Saturday night where we will be entertained by Arizona’s own “Dina Preston Band” which has played 19 international tours with the US Embassy and armed forces entertainment. The World Classic Rockers wrap-up the convention with the world’s greatest rock & roll group consisting of former members of Toto, Boston, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana, Steppenwolf, Journey and others. As a reminder, 2009 marks the 51stth year of the Food Industry Management Program at USC. We are planning the best ever convention program for you…you won’t want to miss it!

The WAFC convention is highly regarded throughout the Industry as the “best event of the year.” It provides an opportunity for scheduling “top to top” business discussions, as well as, getting to know others in the Industry. Please be sure to take advantage of the time to schedule some meetings with your industry colleagues.

Each year, nearly ten percent of the attendees are “first-timers.” We welcome these first-timers, and promise to provide a rewarding experience.

If all that isn’t enough to persuade you to join us, what about the world-renowned hospitality of the Illuminators? Under the direction of Headlite, Chuck Elste, the Illuminators promise to take exceptional care of all of our delegates.

Chryl and I look forward to seeing you, April 25-29, 2009, at the beautiful JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona. So, please, take a moment to mark your calendar and register today.

See you in the valley of “The Sun!”

Best regards,

John Eagan
President, WAFC