NW Reports -- Winter 2014 | Page 10

FOOD RESOURCES & EDUCATION fredtalks.com NEW! Food Resources & Education Institute to Launch in January 2014 FREDi Group @Fred_Talks What began as an idea to increase food processor interaction within the industry, and provide a channel for processors and suppliers to learn from one another, has at last been achieved through the establishment of the Food Resources & Education Institute (FREDi). Founded in 2013, FREDi is a sub-organization that operates under the Northwest Food Processors Association. An industry led initiative, FREDi provides a space, both online and off, for food processors and suppliers to connect with their colleagues and access the resources needed to help increase productivity and grow business. FREDi combines the ease of online resources with the personalization that comes from face-to-face meetings, offering the food processing industry a unique experience designed specifically for its needs. FREDi has partnered with Succeed Management Solutions, LLC (Succeed), Vinca, LLC, The Acheson Group, LLC, and Richard Dougherty, Ph.D to provide unsurpassed services, and the latest in food processing and manufacturing trainings and trends. FREDi provides information on industry trends, regulations and mandates, training courses, and events for the industry by providing a space for processors, manufactures, and suppliers to collaborate, learn and cultivate upward movement. How Will FREDi Serve You? Events: Featured prominently on the FREDtalks.com, the events calendar is a practical tool for processors and suppliers to stay updated on relevant events and training courses. Through a few simple steps, anyone can add an event or training that they think will be useful to industry members. Directory: The directory of more than 500 food processors, food manufacturers, and suppliers is a great tool for companies to find connections and spread the word about their business. FREDi offers processors and suppliers the opportunity to make a directory listing a featured listing, ensuring that more online visitors take notice. Discussion: Anyone can join the Food Resources & Education Institute’s LinkedIn Group and instantly connect to professionals to discuss the latest news, trends and events in the industry. Search “FREDi Group” on LinkedIn to get started. Library: The FREDi library offers an opportunity to learn from others in the industry. Upload and browse relevant white papers from other industry leaders, companies and related associations. The FREDi team will review all content submitted, ensuring the quality of information provided remains consistent and the topics are relevant to your business. Risk Management Center: Through the partnership with Succeed, FREDi brings food processors quality online management tools to ensure a workplace that is safe, compliant and efficient. Employers can choose between traditional on-site or public training courses, or time-efficient online training courses. Employers will be able to administer and monitor employee training progress and, for the first time, maintain digital documentation and certifications to make preparing for compliance audits a cinch. 10 NWFPA NW REPORTS – WINTER 2013 Celebrating 100 Years