NAMA's Executive Development Program Continues Tradition of Excellence

March 9th, 2010

Chicago, March 9, 2010 -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) and The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University (MSU) have announced the eleventh offering of the NAMA Executive Development Program (EDP), a four-day certificate course designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of key leaders in the food and refreshment vending, coffee service and food service management industries.

It will be held Sunday-Wednesday, October 3-6, at The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development on the campus of MSU in East Lansing, Mich., and will deliver techniques designed to help attendees learn to grow revenue, increase profits and cut costs and expenses.

"The Executive Development Program has always been critical for anyone serious about advancing within the industry, but now it's more important than ever," said NAMA Senior Director OneShow and Education LyNae Schleyer, NCE, CMP. "In addition to learning more about all aspects of our industry and the trends for the future, attendees will learn a variety of techniques that are critical in today's economic environment - techniques to help them grow revenue, increase profits and cut costs and expenses. Plus, the incredible contacts that you make are invaluable and will last a lifetime," she added.

MSU distinguished faculty from the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, The School of Hospitality Business and the College of Communications and Sciences along with key industry experts will focus on current trends vending and coffee service leaders face in today's competitive environment. The newly revamped four-day format provides the same intensity as former programs, but with a sharper focus on the emerging needs of today's ever changing business environment. The new format also features a reduced time commitment and cost for participants in travel and out-of-office time.

"We understand how hard it can be to implement everything you've learned after you've returned to the office, which is why we work with each attendee to help them create a Personal Action Plan delineating all the important concepts that were covered and explaining exactly how each will be used. It really helps participants document new ideas and strategies after each session to make it simple for them to implement the ideas and enjoy the results after they return home," said Schleyer.

When asked about the program at Michigan State University, Ronald F. Cichy, Ph.D., CHA, CHE, Director and Professor of The School of Hospitality Business said, "The School of Hospitality Business is the nation's oldest hospitality business school. With more than 10,000 alumni worldwide, The School prides itself on preparing the industry's future leaders. The School's longstanding philosophy of relationship building and connectivity means students, alumni, and faculty are all part of an ongoing, influential network that has mentored, empowered, assisted, and influenced generations."

Attendees who have graduated from the Program rave about the benefits. For example, when asked about his experience, Graduate and NAMA Board member Stanley Ledbetter, NCE5 said, "This was one of the most knowledgeable experiences I've had in the 34 years that I've been in this business. I was very surprised too at the level of knowledge the Program's professors had about our industry. It was a well organized great Program and I'd recommend it to anybody."

Over the past 10 years, nearly 400 professionals in the vending and coffee service industry have completed the NAMA EDP, which is sponsored by Pepsico Foodservice. For additional information and to register for the course, go to http://www.vending.org/education/executive.php.

Concluded Schleyer, "Year after year attendees continuously rave about this program and the incredibly valuable information, insights and skills it delivers. So if you are thinking 'I just can't afford to send someone this year,' you might want to rethink that. In fact, with the focus on increasing revenue and profits, this is the best time to go."