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• Quarterly Distillations (Free Virtual Series)

  • Start
    2 Feb 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    2 Nov 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    (Virtual Event Series)

  

  Join CFBN & the team from Bader Rutter’s Intel Distillery for a recap of the latest happenings in food, beverage and agriculture.  These short webinars outline what you need to know to stay current with the latest in food policy, food business & marketing, and production trends.

  The Intel Distillery keeps you informed on the influential and ever-changing conversations across the food production system. Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2020 as CFBN tapped this great resource for our Monday @11 series! 

  

  We are excited to continue this great web series to keep the Network informed in its' new quarterly format!  This is a FREE series offering - all are welcome, register now to join us for the full series!

  
  

  JOINING US FOR OUR NEXT EPISODE: 

  Looking for your new favorite savory, protein-packed and sustainable snack?  Look no further than our next episode!  We are excited to welcome Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, co-founders of CHOMPS as our featured guests for the next episode on Tuesday, May 4th (11 am CT).  Join us to learn more about the road to creating this popular snack with sustainably sourced protein!

  
  

  Joining us for this conversation from Bader Rutter's Intel Distillery team:

  • Nick Praznowski, Team Leader - Editorial/Content – with a long background in food marketing, Nick helped start The Intel Distillery in 2011 and serves as the functional lead for strategy and content.
  • Dennis Ryan, Executive Creative Director –  celebrating a successful career advertising and marketing CPG food products, Dennis serves as creative director, copy editor and chief promoter to translate The Intel Distillery’s analysis into actionable insights for subscribers and clients.
  • Betsy Rado, Team Leader – with an extensive experience in food and ag marketing, Betsy has served as an adviser and content creator to bring clients business driving insights from The Intel Distillery since 2012.
  • Kyle Church, Content Specialist has been an integral part of The Intel Distillery team since 2014 and heads up the quantitative analysis and technical functions.  Kyle researches and writes a good share of The Intel Distillery content.

  Upcoming Episodes: 

  • Tuesday, May 4th (11 am CT)
  • Tuesday, August 3rd (11 am CT)
  • Tuesday, November 2nd (11 am CT)

  The team behind Bader Rutter’s The Intel Distillery has partnered with CFBN to host this quarterly chat series breaking down the headlines from the headlines impacting the food and beverage industry. Using The Intel Distillery’s Friday by Noon newsletter as a guide.

  Since 2012, The Intel Distillery has tracked the top stories from the most influential voices in the business. From farm fields to consumer plates, the Chicago-based team has diligently categorized and catalogued everything important in food, beverage and agriculture to outline a clear picture of what's happening and who's driving the conversations on our industry.

  (Subscribe here for Friday by Noon weekly.)

  Tuesday @11 is a quarterly webinar offering produced in partnership with CFBN member company, Bader Rutter!

  

  Missed an episode? 

  Visit our Virtual Library to catch up with all previous episodes!

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• The Connection Series (Virtual Networking Events): Where Does Grocery Go Next?

  • When
    20 Apr 2021
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    (Virtual Event Series)

  Register

  Leadership in 2021 will be more about thriving than surviving, and connecting is key.  Throughout 2021 CFBN and Kincannon & Reed are partnering to bring you opportunities to connect, learn, and grow through the Connection Series.  Join us for an opportunity to explore all that the food industry has to offer, network with leaders, and share best practices with your peers.

  Each event in the series will offer attendees an opportunity to hear from industry leaders on the primary topic.  Following that brief opening presentation, these events offer focused small-group and individual networking around the topic areas.  Join into any group to network with your peers, or connect 1:1 with your fellow attendees in private networking chats.  This is a clear virtual solution to the networking we've all been missing!

  
  

  Join us for our NEXT event in the series, Tuesday, APRIL 20th:

  Where Does Grocery Go Next!

  Change is an understatement for the grocery sector this past year.  The April Connection Series will focus on the Leadership needed in 2021 as we think about sourcing new products, engaging with customers through technology, and using data and intelligence to understand the diversity of consumer habits.  We will discuss how leaders need to innovate and adapt for the future.

  Opening Conversation Featuring:  

  • Nico Cattaneo, Vice President - Merchandising Solutions for Schnuck Markets
    
  • Tony Stallone, Principal, Tony Stallone Consulting
    
  • Ashley Alden, Senior Director of Merchandising, Foxtrot Markets
    
  • Andrew Bluestein (Moderator), Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Bluestein Ventures
    

  
  

  Following our opening discussion, join your industry peers for Networking in one of our SIX moderated discussion sessions:

  
  

  SESSION 1:  How to use Influencers when Marketing

  Rob Easley, COO,  Trend Management:   An entrepreneurial retail executive, Rob Easley will be sharing 25 years general management/P&L experience, especially when it comes to leveraging influencers when marketing.  

  
  

  Gary Weihs, Managing Partner, Kincannon & Reed:  Gary will be joining Rob after the panel discussion to facilitate a networking opportunity.  Gary has exceptionally broad experience across the food value chain.  He has led organizations from start-ups to mature groups and will assist in facilitating this discussion.

  
  

  Session 2:  using Analytics for Operational Execution

  

  Nico Cattaneo, Vice President - Merchandising Solutions for Schnuck Markets:  Nico will share his view on the ever-changing grocery sector. In his role, Nico leads end-to-end Merchandising Solutions, including pricing and promotion strategy, category planning & cost optimization, assortment, and space planning. Over his tenure at Schnucks, Nico assisted in the development and implementation of the company’s first advanced analytics program, with focus on data science, digital analytics, and competitive intelligence.

  Lisa Johnson, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed:  Using analytics for operational execution can be a differentiator in the grocery sector.  K&R’s Lisa Johnson will be facilitating a discussion with Nico on best practices in Using Analytics for Operational Execution.  Prior to joining Kincannon & Reed, Lisa was a partner at Global Food Partnership that advised food manufacturers and retailers around the world in strategies for bringing new products to market.

  SESSION 3:  Investing in the Future of Food

  Andrew Bluestein, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Bluestein Ventures:  Andrew is a strategist with a broad view of the grocery sector. He sits on three boards as a director, and observer on another three.  He brings a diverse background working with emerging leaders and will facilitate an in-depth discussion on where the grocery sector goes next. 

  Paul Izenstark, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed:  Paul will be joining Andrew after the panel discussion to facilitate a networking opportunity around Investing in the Future of Food.  Paul has exceptionally broad experience across the food industry.  He has worked with organizations from start-ups to mature groups and will assist in facilitating this discussion.
  

  SESSION 4: The value proposition -it’s not just price

  Tony Stallone, Principal, Tony Stallone Consulting:  With more than 20 years of experience, Tony brings to the discussion a passion for the possibilities of food and the consumer experience.  In his recent role Tony provided the leadership that grew Peapod into the largest Internet delivery grocery company in the nation.   His views on where grocery is going and how to add value along the way will be invaluable in our panel discussion and networking session.

  Ed Yuhas, Managing Partner, Kincannon & Reed:  A marketer, an advisor, a leader. Ed brings his 30 years of industry experience with large food organizations and private equity-backed startups to facilitate a discussion with Tony on creating the value proposition. 

  
  

  SESSION 5:  Emotional Intelligence and your leadership style

  Mark Dorian, Associate, BGJ Group:  Mark brings extensive experience in the retail grocery environment, growing businesses, and companies, creating shareholder value, and championing innovation. Throughout his career he has led teams, developed leaders, and recognized the importance of combining the right strategies with the right talent.  Strong leadership comes from individuals who are aware of their leadership style, and Mark will be joining K&R’s Executive Coach, Sally Day to facilitate what promises to be a productive discussion. 

  Sally Day, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed:  Sally is a certified executive coach and search professional, who brings years of food industry experience as a senior leader. Sally’s tenure in organizational strategy and leadership provides an unmatched experience when coaching executives.   Mark and Sally will discuss with those in attendance how leadership awareness is key to overall career development.  Sally knows firsthand the kinds of challenges leaders encounter and with Mark will bring actionable insights to the discussion. 

  SESSION 6: Building Your Team to Build Your Business

  Ashley Alden, Senior Director of Merchandising, Foxtrot Markets:  Ashley is a results-driven merchandising professional with the ability to establish and execute Omni Channel strategies and deliver volume driving product assortments. Recognized as a highly motivated individual and engaging cross-functional team leader brings a unique perspective on the consumer experience and where grocery goes next. 

  Carolyn Schubert, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed:  The ultimate professional, K&R’s Carolyn Schubert will facilitate with Ashley Alden an action-oriented discussion on how building your team, builds your business.  Carolyn brings nearly 20 years of experience in the recruitment senior leadership and advising clients on how critical the right talent is to yield the right business outcomes. 

  
  

  Hear what fellow attendees said about our 1st event in the series:

  "I was hesitant to attend this networking event...Instead I was pleasantly surprised at the collaborative feel of the HopIn platform, the quality of the table sessions, and the provided networking options. The CFBN Networking event- 5 stars!"

  "I really miss the in-person networking and was a little skeptical on doing the virtual networking but WOW-- completely surprised and REALLY liked the format! The opportunity to do one on one conversations was great. The topics were relevant and it was nice to be able to "sit" at a table but then if the tables were full, I could still listen to the conversation. Thank you!"

  
  

  Upcoming EVENTS: 

  • Tuesday, May 18th
  • Tuesday, August 17th
  • Tuesday, October 19th
  • Tuesday, November 16th

  
  

  ABOUT OUR SERIES PARTNER, Kincannon & Reed:

  Founded in 1981, Kincannon & Reed is a retained executive search firm engaged by organizations around the world to recruit impact players in the food, agribusiness, and life sciences sectors. Clients benefit from their unique focus, expertise, and approach. This combination has produced an enviable record of success: the deliver leaders with judgment who get results.  Kincannon & Reed brings a unique perspective to this series of virtual networking events - helping to provide expertise, insight, connections from across the wider food and beverage industry in the midwest.

  (Click HERE to learn more about Kincannon & Reed)

  The Connection Series is a new virtual event offering produced in partnership with CFBN member company, Kincannon & Reed!

  
  

  Missed an event? 

  Visit our Virtual Library to catch up with all previous events!

  Show details
• Founders Series: Quarter 2 - Innovation

  • When
    21 Apr 2021
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    (VIRTUAL EVENT)

  Register

  A majority of founders and leadership in growing companies in the food and beverage space have reported that they expect to see growth in 2020.  Even after the volatility and challenges of 2020 - the food and beverage industry as a whole is looking forward to 2021 to see what products will impact and hit with consumers and the marketplace.  Join us to explore and examine that “growth” as part of our Founders Series for 2021 - the conversation that founders and leadership from growing companies across the midwest want to be a part of!

  The Founders Series has been re-imaged for 2021, in partnership with Foodbevy and CA Fortune, we are looking to industry experts, a wide range of successful and growing founders, and our own partners to provide hands-on learning opportunities around each of our primary topic areas.  Each quarterly event will feature a brief opening panel discussion to examine where we are as an industry for the quarter and how the main topic area relates to each of us.  And then we will break-out into roundtable or workshop sections led by our partners and panelists for in-depth conversation and problem solving.  Join us to explore how your peers and industry can help you tackle growth in 2021.

  *As always, Founders and CFBN Members attend these events for FREE.  Reach out by dropping us an email if you are looking to be connected!

  Upcoming Event Dates:

  • Quarter 2 (4/21/21):  Innovation
  • Quarter 3 (TBA):  Production & Operations
  • Quarter 4 (TBA):  Finance

  
  

  Join us for the Next event of the series:  APRIL 21st

  The events of 2021 may have caused some fundamental changes in how we interact with and approach products as consumers and eaters.  But, they also spurred some tremendous innovation amongst developing and growing CPG brands across the globe.  Join us for the second event in the 2021 Founders Series to talk INNOVATION.  In 2021 and beyond, we expect food and drink companies to create mental and emotional wellbeing solutions, deliver on new value needs, expand the plant-based product landscape, and use brands to celebrate people’s identities.  What other innovations are out there and how are companies pushing forward...join us to discuss.

  The Founders Series offers two exciting opportunities in one event.  Join us for a 30-minute opening panel featuring all of our speakers and guests.  And then turn on your camera and join the conversation in our break-out sessions featuring pairs of our featured speakers and guests.  This is a great opportunity to really dive into the topic and meet your peers.

  We are excited to welcome Branchfood as a partner for this event in the Founders Series!

  MASTER AGENDA (CT):

  • 11:00 AM:  General Welcome (Alan Reed, CFBN)

  • 11:05 AM - 11:35 AM:  Opening Presentation/Conversation

  • 11:35 AM - 12:00 PM:  Workshopping/Networking Breakouts

  • 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM:  1:1 Individual Networking Open (15 mins)

  FEATURED SPEAKERS & GUESTS:

  Lauren Abda, Founder & CEO, Branchfood

  Lauren Abda is the Founder and CEO of Branchfood, the largest community of food entrepreneurs and startups in New England, and Co-founder at Branch Venture Group, an angel network for investment in early-stage food startups. Prior to Branchfood, Lauren consulted for foodtech businesses in Boston and San Francisco, worked as an analyst for Salt Venture Partners LLC, a venture capital firm, focused on food startups, targeting content, commerce, and technology, and wrote reports on international food safety development initiatives on behalf of the Agriculture and Commodities division at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. She has a Masters in Food  Policy and Applied Nutrition from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Vermont.

  Benjamina Bollag, Founder & CEO, Higher Steaks

  Benjamina is the founder and CEO of Higher Steaks, a venture backed cultivated meat startup. Prior to Higher Steaks, she co-founded a London-based B2B electronics company selling to FTSE500 companies. She also worked in 3D printing, fragrance and flavouring, marketing of FMCG and holds a Master of Chemical Engineering from Imperial College.

  Nadine Habayeb, Co-Founder & CEO, Bohana

  Nadine Habayeb is the Co-Founder + CEO of Bohana, a nutritious popped water lily seed snack.  Bohana is the first brand to introduce this ancient Ayurvedic ingredient to the US market.  Prior to Bohana, Nadine built her career in Brand Marketing, PR & Communications in the fields of Fashion and Hospitality between the Middle East, Europe and the US. She is an MBA graduate of IE Business School and an extension fellow from Babson College - Franklin W. Olin Graduate School of Business.  Nadine is a founding member of the Welfare Association for Youth and is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.  Nadine is currently expanding Bohana’s retail footprint and spreading its mission of ‘Free Spirit Snacking’.

  Courtney Boyd Myers, Co-Founder & CEO, Akua

  Courtney Boyd Myers (CEO, CMO of AKUA) is an entrepreneur, environmentalist, and writer. Prior to launching AKUA, she helped build the Summit Community, a global network of founders, creatives, and innovators. Previously, she helped market companies such as Four Sigmatic and Unframed Ice Cream. She began her career as a journalist at Forbes Magazine and The Next Web and has been recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business. She currently serves as an advisor to GreenWave.

  
  

  Our Series is Co-Moderated & Features:

  Jordan Buckner, Founder - Foodbevy & Founder - TeaSquares

  Jordan Buckner is on a mission to help food and beverage companies build successful businesses, and launched Foodbevy.com to create a pipeline for companies to grow from startup to scale by reducing the resource and network gaps.  Jordan also co-founded TeaSquares, a line of superfood energy bars designed to help people stay focused and alert so they could achieve their passions. 

  Steve Gaither, Chief Marketing Officer,CA Fortune

  Steve Gaither is the Chief Marketing Officer at C.A. Fortune, and leads the C.A. Branding pillar. Founded as JB Chicago, C.A. Branding is an integrated marketing agency whose clients range from Fortune 500, middle-market, to emerging brands.  As a mentor at the Good Food Business Accelerator, ICNC, the Food Foundry, Chicagoland Food and Bev, and The Hatchery, his relationships with entrepreneurs led him to co-found the Windy City Troublemakers, an early-stage food meetup in Chicago. Steve was formerly a partner in Spiral Sun Ventures and Windy City Food Brands, where he and his fellow CPG experts provided the capital and go-to market strategies that help brands accelerate their growth. Steve graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Architecture and Planning. He resides in Munster, Indiana with his wife and three children.

  
  

  The Founders Series is virtual event series produced in partnership with CFBN members and partners,

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  Missed an Event?

  Don't worry, you can access all previous events from the Founders Series in our Virtual Content Library, FREE to all CFBN members!

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• The Food & Beverage Industry - Leaders in Sustainability (Innovation Series)

  • When
    13 May 2021
  •  
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    (VIRTUAL CONFERENCE)

  Register

  Join us for our next event in the 2021 Innovation Series.  The Innovation Series is the longest running series in CFBN's programming - originated in partnership with Fifty Gazelles as our opening offering via the "Innovation Breakfasts" originally hosted at Blue Dog in the West Loop.  Today, this virtual series tackles a series of innovation topics of interest to all of us in the food and beverage industry.  Our attendees join us every other month on the second Thursday to explore where food is headed, what companies are making a true impact in the market, and who is helping to change the way we all do business!

  Upcoming Events & Conversations:

  • Thursday, May 13th: The Sustainability Conference
  • Thursday, July 8th:  Taste & Trends
  • Thursday, September 9th:  Technology Innovations
  • Thursday, November 11th:  State of the Industry (Next Generation Leaders)

  
  

  The Food & Beverage Industry:          LEADERS IN SUSTAINABILITY

  Now, more than ever, consumers want to be assured that the food they are buying is more sustainable and that the companies in our industry are tackling the important questions around sustainable sourcing, human health, and environmental health impacts!  Join us at our first Sustainability Conference to explore several industry-led conversations addressing how food & beverage companies are increasingly committing to greater sustainability efforts across their businesses.

  Our Master Agenda for the CONFERENCE:

  • 11:00 AM:  General Welcome (Alan Reed, CFBN)

  • 11:05 AM - 11:45 AM:   Opening Conversation, Moderated by Erica Kuhlmann, BMO Harris Bank

  • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM:  Breakout Presentations 1&2 (40-45 mins each - run concurrently)

  • 12:30 PM -  1:15 PM:  Breakout Presentations 3&4 (40-45 mins each - run concurrently)

  • 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM:  Breakout Presentations 5&6 (40-45 mins each - run concurrently)

  • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:   Expo/Networking Spaces Open

  • 2:00 PM - EVENT CLOSES

  
  

  Opening Conversation:    Sustainability & Animal Agriculture - demonstrating leadership and strategy

  Sustainability has evolved from an expected part of good corporate citizenship to a driver of business strategy and a key decision-making consideration for consumers.  The financial benefits of operating sustainably can be considerable—ranging from increased revenue and market value to an improved bottom line*.  One industry making significant commitments to changing their image and impact in terms of sustainability is animal agriculture.  While this may be a surprise to some, companies and organizations are taking the industry in a progressive and impactful direction.  Join us for an insider’s conversation around sustainability in animal agriculture and dairy with leadership from DMI, DFA, and The National Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.   This opening conversation is moderated by and supported by BMO. 

  *Excerpted from a great article on sustainability in our industry by Margaret Malocheb, read more here.

  Our opening panel features:

  • Erin Fitzgerald, CEO, US Farmers & Ranchers in Action
  • Lisa Watson, Social Responsibility Officer, DMI & The Innovation Center for US Dairy
  • Erica Kuhlmann (Moderator), Managing Director - Food, Consumer & Agribusiness Group, BMO Harris Bank

  
  

  Following our OPENING PANEL, we are excited to offer several options for featured break-out presentations:

  
  

  SESSION 1:    The importance of ESG in food industry commercialization

  Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are an increasingly popular way for investors to evaluate companies in which they might want to invest.  Consumers increasingly see (ESG) investing as a strategy they can use to put their money to work with companies that strive to make the world a better place.  Join us for an exploration of why ESG is important to the food and beverage industry in particular and how your company can approach ESG to incorporate it as a critica business element.

  • Featuring:  Coming Soon!

  
  

  SESSION 2:    Sustainable food industry brands - Incorporating green technology for your company

  One of the consumers’ focuses in terms of sustainable impact is in practices, operations, and products that help contribute to a healthier planet (environmental impact).  Companies across food and beverage are evaluating how their day-to-day operations and facilities can incorporate better practices, greener technologies, and a reduced environmental impact.  Join us to explore how food and beverage companies are “greening” their operations and how green technologies are impacting future business strategies and operations.

  • Featuring:  Coming Soon!

  
  

  SESSION 3:    Up-Cycling - Where sustainability and Innovation meet

  Reducing food waste is crucial to addressing food insecurity and mitigating climate change. According to the UN Environment Program, roughly one-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year – approximately 1.3 billion tons – becomes lost or wasted. As a result, many brands are finding new, innovative ways to address food loss and waste, in an attempt to foster a zero-waste supply chain.   A trend set to hit the mainstream market, in an effort to reduce food waste, includes the practice of upcycling foods. Upcycling allows food producers to add value to by-products or surplus ingredients that might otherwise have been wasted.  Join us to explore upcycling in the food and beverage industry - where sustainability and innovation meet!

  • Featuring:  Coming Soon!

  
  

  SESSION 4:    Creating brand engagement around sustainability

  The green consumer wants brands to embrace purpose and sustainability, and they want their purchases to contribute to the greater good, or at least, do no harm. The industry has responded by introducing healthier products, with more ethically-sourced ingredients and more transparent supply chains. These consumer actions and attitudes are now influencing the development of new food items and packaging designs as manufacturers realize consumers are taking notice.  And, being able to tell your company’s story of sustainability and connect your brand’s commitments with your consumers is an incredibly important part of making those commitments.  Join us to explore sustainability from the marketing perspective and how creating engagement is crucial. 

  • Featuring:  Coming Soon!

  
  

  SESSION 5:    ENHANCING SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE SUPPLY CHAIN

  According to research by Forbes, 60% of consumers buy products and services from companies that are socially and/or environmentally responsible.  A key way for businesses to take action – and reassure consumers – is by managing their supply chain sustainably. To do this, many brands are now adopting better sourcing strategies throughout their supply chains that will give them transparency and traceability.   Join us to examine how green your supply chain might be and how you can push forward to improvement!

  • Featuring:  Coming Soon!

  
  

  SESSION 6:    Sustainable Packaging

  One trend set to develop into 2021 and beyond includes incroporating eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, including the use of compostable, recycled or biodegradable materials. In addition to meeting environmental goals, sustainable packaging enhances a brand’s image as consumers become as concerned about the packaging of products as much as the product itself.  As we move into 2021, we expect to see this trend continue and see companies incorporate more packaging made from plant-based materials.  Join us to explore how these “green” packaging innovations are pushing sustainability commitments and helping to shape the next generation of packaging for food and beverage. 

  • Featuring:  Coming Soon!

  
  

  NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY!

  We also offer the opportunity for 1:1 networking with your peers - choose this feature to be able to be randomly paired with another attendee for a 10 minute engagement session!

  
  
  

  We appreciate the support and collaboration of our sponsors for this event:

  
  

  
  

         

  We also appreciate the support and collaboration of participating companies and partners:

  
  

  
  

  Missed an Event?

  Don't worry!  All previous events in the Innovation Series are available for viewing in our Virtual Content Library - FREE to all CFBN Members!

    

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