Marc Whitener, CEO of Refreshment Solutions in New Orleans, La., was recently announced as NAMA’s Industry Person of the Year as part of the association’s 2014 Industry Awards. Whitener will be presented his award on April 10 at the 2014 NAMA OneShow in Chicago, Ill.
The NAMA Industry Person of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence throughout his or her career in the vending, coffee service, or foodservice management industry and who has been an inspiration to others.
Since 2006, Whitener has served as the CEO of Refreshment Solutions in New Orleans, the largest vending operator in the state of Louisiana. The company has 4,000 machines in the market, serving 35,000 customers each day. Whitener’s company has been at the forefront of adapting to new technologies, most notably credit card acceptance and bundle purchases.
Whitener, who serves on NAMA’s board of directors, is also a NAMA certified executive (NCE) a designation awarded to professionals who demonstrate the commitment, knowledge, integrity and leadership characteristics that distinguish themselves in their field.
He also served as the co-chair of NAMA’s Positioning for Growth campaign. Whitener’s tireless efforts helped NAMA raise over $5 million to fund initiatives in the association’s strategic plan.
