(CHICAGO) March 31, 2016 – Art Wittern, Chairman of U-Select-It, was named NAMA’s Allied Member of the Year as part of the association’s 2016 Industry Awards. Wittern will be recognized with this honor April 13 at the NAMA OneShow in Chicago.
The NAMA Allied Member of the Year award recognizes an individual who has exhibited the highest level of integrity, dedication, and leadership in the refreshment services industry. The recipient of this award has provided innovative products and services and demonstrated responsiveness to the needs of the industry through education and best practices, helping operators to grow their businesses.
A 55-year industry veteran and seasoned executive, Art led U-Select-It as President and CEO until 1990, when he was named Chairman and the company transitioned to its third generation of family ownership. Under his leadership and with his passion for innovation, USI diversified and transformed its products to adapt to advancements in technology, shifting markets, and changing customer needs. Art's dedication and hands-on approach in delivering customers practical solutions led to his work on numerous patents and product designs, including glass front merchandisers and the revolutionary multi-zone frozen vending machine.
Throughout his career, Art worked to help the industry thrive by educating lawmakers and customers on industry issues and the impact of proposed laws. Meetings hosted with elected officials at USI’s facilities helped contribute to legislative revisions benefitting the industry today, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. A longtime NAMA member and supporter, Art has participated in more than 50 NAMA tradeshows.
In recognition of his achievements, Art was named Ernst & Young, LLP’s Iowa/Nebraska Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008. He is the founder of The Wittern Family Foundation, supporting multiple organizations and the Wittern Family Scholarship Foundation, providing post-secondary scholarship assistance to children of USI employees. Art resides in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife, Carol.
About the Awards:
The NAMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals that best exemplify support of the refreshment services industry through a history of service and leadership throughout the industry and in their own communities. They must be innovative, possess a willingness to expand conventional practices and follow ethical business standards in accordance with the NAMA code of ethics.
About NAMA OneShow
OneShow is the one place industry members gather to focus on advancing industry innovation, building relationships and growing their businesses. Featuring a robust exhibit hall and 40-plus hours of education and networking, this premier event provides attendees with information directly applicable to their businesses and valuable peer-to-peer relationship-building.
NAMA members are encouraged to save 20% by registering now versus onsite pricing at OneShow. Visit www.namaoneshow.org.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1100 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
