National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) CEO Carla Balakgie announced that the association’s “Positioning for Growth” capital campaign has secured financial commitments totaling $3 million.
“First and foremost, we wish to thank all of our supporters," said Balakgie, in a prepared statement. "We believe the response from our industry, representing broad-based involvement from operators, suppliers, distributors and manufacturers alike, is further affirmation that NAMA is on the right track where it sees opportunity for industry growth. What we’ve heard is that our members agree that the tenets of the campaign case – research, advocacy, thought-leadership – resonate with the issues they face.”
“Our members are stepping up at an unprecedented level to make sure NAMA has the resources it needs to execute with excellence, clearly demonstrating their commitment to ensuring a strong future for the industry,” she continued. “Furthermore, we recognize the critical role investors such as Pepsico Foodservice and others have had in helping to create sustained momentum for the campaign.”
“Our leadership – the National Steering Committee of fourteen, led by Jim Terry (NAMA chairman emeritus), Howard Chapman (Royal Cup) and Marc Whitener (Refreshment Solutions) – has also done an outstanding job reaching out to their colleagues, increasing awareness and enthusiasm for our campaign and NAMA’s vision,” she continued.
“Our progress to date – $3 million – is great news for our industry,” added Jim Terry, campaign chairman. “Quite simply, this goes a long way to reaching our overall goal of raising $5 million for the capital campaign. While we have not yet reached our funding goal, we are well on our way. We encourage those who have not yet done so to join us – lend your support – as we celebrate this milestone.”
