Industry Stars to Shine at 2011 NJFC Conference

Kevin McDonnell, chief merchandising officer of New York-based Fairway Market, will be the featured dinner speaker during the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Trade Relations Conference slated for May 31-June 1 at The Borgata in Atlantic City. McDonnell will present his views on the food industry and share his expertise on the New Jersey marketplace during the event's NJFC Executives Reception and Awards program.

Additionally, longtime consumer packaged goods executive Larry Brown will receive the trade organization’s Max Stone Trade Relations Award. “Mr. Brown brings over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry and has been personally involved with the Food Council for more than 20 years,” noted NJFC president Linda Doherty. “His progression through a variety of sales and leadership roles [is] a testament to his dedication to the industry and the amount of respect he has garnered from his colleagues and peers.”

The award is named for the longtime trade relations leader for Best Foods, CPC in recognition of his distinguished career in trade relations in the state.

NJFC will also hold the 4th Annual New Product Competition during the event, for which food suppliers can submit new food items that conference attendees will sample and vote on. Companies must be registered for the event to take part in the competition.

As in previous years, the event will conclude with golf at Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway, N.J.

To register to attend the conference, contact NJFC event coordinator Anne-Lorraine Sweeney at 609-392-8899.

The Trenton-based NJFC represents nearly 400 members serving the retail, wholesale and manufacturing segments of the New Jersey food distribution industry.