As we continue to shape our industry’s strategic future, I hope you consider one of FMI’s shining member benefits—the Midwinter Executive Conference. And yes, we’re bringing the event to the comfort of your office, virtually.

Following closely on the retail-oriented heels of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday provides us with the opportunity to begin the holiday season on a charitable giving note. If you are participating in the altruistic spirit of Giving Tuesday, I invite your consideration of directing your donation to the FMI Foundation.

Every year in The Food Retailing Industry Speaks report we ask food retailers about their communications channels/methods and which they find to be most effective. In a typical year I’d tell you which social media channels food retailers are finding most effective and evaluate whether the print circular is on the way out. This year has been anything but typical, so my usual analysis simply won’t do.

While 2020 has presented a once in a lifetime challenge for the food industry, FMI’s public policy team in conjunction with our members, state association leaders and others in the industry have been able to tap into experience and connections to ensure that our members are able to keep the essential supply of food and household supplies available, safe, and affordable. We have compiled many of the 2020 accomplishments into our End of Year report, with the caveat that much work is still ongoing.