Farmer Brothers Business Development Director Receives IFMA's Prestigious William J. Tobin Award
Kathleen Schartner recognized for notable and lasting contributions to foodservice education
TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmer Brothers' Director of Business Development, Kathleen Schartner, was honored with the William J. Tobin Award at the 53rd Annual International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Presidents Conference, co-hosted by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA). The award honors an industry executive who has made notable and lasting contributions to foodservice education.
"IFMA's Educational Foundation has provided hundreds and hundreds of scholarships over its 50 year history," said IFMA President and CEO Larry Oberkfell. Kathleen Schartner has been a tireless leader and advocate who has provided her personal time and resources to truly make a difference. It is an honor for us to present Kathleen with this year's William J. Tobin Award to thank her for all her efforts."
Ms. Schartner, who worked as Farmer Brothers' Foodservice Director for over two years prior to her current role, got into foodservice at an early age. "I was responsible for the snack bar at the pool in the summer of my high school – hot sandwiches to ice cream – served it all!" she said. She currently serves as chair of IFMA's Educational Foundation, as well as a member of IFMA's Board of Directors. She will serve as vice-chair of IFMA's Marketing & Sales Leaders Forum and the Small & Medium Business Committee in 2016.
Ms. Schartner's foodservice education continued at the University of Akron, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Food and Nutrition. She brought her work ethic and dedication to foodservice to Farmer Brothers, where, as a self-described foodie, she enjoys working on the supply side. "I love being able to provide real time solutions to operators with which to enhance food and beverage preparation and presentation," Ms. Schartner said.
Receiving the award means a great deal to Ms. Schartner, who says the conference is the best in the industry. "This is the most prestigious award in our industry, so to be recognized is both an honor and humbling at the same time," she said.
About Farmer Bros. Co.
Founded in 1912, Farmer Bros. Co. is a manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and culinary products. The Company is a direct distributor of coffee to restaurants, hotels, casinos, offices, quick service restaurants ("QSR's"), convenience stores, healthcare facilities and other foodservice providers, as well as private brand retailers in the QSR, grocery, drugstore, restaurant, convenience store, and independent coffee house channels. The Company's product line includes roasted coffee, liquid coffee, coffee-related products such as coffee filters, sugar and creamers, assorted iced and hot teas, cappuccino, cocoa, spices, gelatins and puddings, soup bases, dressings, gravy and sauce mixes, pancake and biscuit mixes, and jellies and preserves.
Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., Farmer Bros. Co. generated net sales of over $500 million in fiscal 2014 and has approximately 1,800 employees nationwide. The Company's primary brands include Farmer Brothers®, Artisan Collection™, Superior®, Metropolitan™ , Cain's™ and McGarvey®. For more information, visit: www.farmerbros.com. Follow Farmer Brothers on Twitter: @Farmer_Brothers or on Linkedin.
About International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)
IFMA is the leading trade association comprised of the world's most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the $600 billion foodservice industry, as well as related marketing service organizations, trade publications, distributors and brokers. IFMA's Vision is to provide our member community and industry partners the opportunity to enhance the consumer's enjoyment of the foodservice choice. For more information, visit ifmaworld.com. Follow IFMA on Twitter: @IFMAWORLD or join our group on LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Farmer Brothers
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