Approximately 35 vending operators and distributors met in Indianapolis, IN on September 17 and 18 for the 2015 Indiana Vending Council (IVC) annual meeting. Of that number, 19 were operators that represented 13 companies – a great turnout, according to association president Jeff Snyder of Snyder Food Services, Inc. in Kendallville, IN.
The meeting started with a tour of the Indiana State House, followed by free time dedicated to networking.
On Friday, the attendees were treated to breakfast and a legislative review from the IVC lobbyist, Steve Beebe. The educational opportunities continued with a discussion of the most recent Food and Drug Administration calorie disclosure ruling, new labor department rulings affecting salaried and commission paid employees and a seminar on vending route drivers – who they are and how to keep them.
“The real highlight of the meeting was our open panel discussion,” said Snyder, who has been president of the association for more than 10 years. Just before lunch, the IVC hosted three operators for a “You ask the question and we will answer it” panel including Ron White, president of Total Vending in Louisville, KY; Chris Evans, president of K and S Vending in Kalamazoo, MI; and Lawrence Binsky, president of Advantage Food and Beverage in Columbus, OH.
“These gentlemen were superb,” said Snyder. “They make the panel live up to our title.” Attendees could ask any question, and did. The operators, members of the associations in their individual states, answered honestly and according to Snyder, were impressed with the “packed room” of the annual meeting.
Local aspect fosters relationships
While industry consolidation has taken its toll on IVC membership, the association continues to provide crucial help and resources to area operators. One local vending operator, attending for the first time, has decided to join due to the industry relationships the organization creates and reinforces. “It’s good to know that we have a regional resource, a place where we can discuss challenges and learn from those who are fighting the same battles that we are,” he said in a personal thank you note after the event.
