Press Release November 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Donna C. Maglio 203-597-7215

Frozen & Refrigerated Association of the Northeast (FRANE) Celebrates a Successful Year at their Annual Convention and Welcomes New Board of Director Members

The members of FRANE were treated to a phenomenal event at their 57th Annual Convention and Business Conference held in September at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, NH. Industry leaders, who gathered for the three day event, honored Big Y as this year’s Member of the Year and welcomed Mr. Steve Heggelke, Bozzuto’s as their Keynote Speaker.

The event was extremely well attended with representation from throughout the Northeast. Eric Swensen was on hand to accept the award on behalf of Big Y and celebrate their tireless commitment to working with the FRANE organization. In addition, the group was treated to an informative and timely presentation from Steve. Both Big Y and Bozzuto’s are part of the leadership team within FRANE and strong supporters of the entire organization.

This meeting also served to recap the amazing year the Association has enjoyed. With continued new member growth, they celebrated the accomplishments of this past year. Their signature events, The Annual Ryan Marrocco Memorial Golf Tournament held annually in May welcomes over 200 golfers and their Annual Convention and Business Conference continues to draw leadership participation from throughout the Northeast. The Scholarship program continues to grow, this year, awarding 26 scholarships and to date, awarding just shy of $600,000 to deserving students of their member companies. In addition, they have continued to support the Food Banks throughout the Northeast with their annual Boston Pops Event as well as their Volunteer Event in March, in which this past year, close to 100 members volunteered at Food Banks in Boston, Western Ma, Maine, NY and CT. In addition, their Annual Grant Program continues to grow, this year awarding $2500 to the Rhode Island Food Bank. Over the past few years, the membership of FRANE has awarded well over $20,000 to area food banks and their commitment in the fight to end hunger continues to grow.

At their Annual Meeting held on Saturday, September 22, the members of FRANE unanimously announced their Leadership team and the following additions to their Board of Directors:

The Executive Committee leadership team for 2012-2013 includes Ms. Maureen Ray, CROSSMARK, Association Chairperson and Mr. JimWright, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Association Co-Chair. They join the following members of the Executive Committee: Rick Billings, Turkey Hill Dairy, Sal Marrocco, Stop & Shop, Brian McNulty, Mama Rosie’s and Melonie Nastanski, Big Y. Together with the Executive Advisory Committee members, Jerry Capaldi, Advantage Sales & Marketing, CA Dapolite, Radlo Foods, Bill Lyons, Bill Lyons Associates, Kevin O’Brien, Roche Brothers, Karen Olson, Acosta Sales & Marketing and Ron Suchecki, Ateeco / Mrs. T’s they will work directly with the Board and past Association Leaders to further grow and develop the FRANE Association.

The Board of Directors also gained a wealth of knowledge and leadership with the election of the following new Board members: Jason Adams, Pioneer, Mark Criswell, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Rob Cohen, Bozzuto’s, Alan Fisher, ESM New England, Dave Izzo, Palermo’s Pizza, Peter Marchant, CROSSMARK, Jim Messer, Dari Farms, Matt O’Hare, Johnson O’Hare and Dan Tegolini, Guida Dairy. Together, these leaders will continue to enhance the value of FRANE within the marketplace.

The group was also treated to amazing, exclusive events throughout the weekend including the talents of Mr. Jon Stetson, world famous humorist and illusionist and the Mastermind behind the hit TV show, . In addition, direct from Nashville, the music of Mammoth Jack filled the events throughout the weekend. All in all, it was an amazing event, with most commenting it was “the best one ever”!

As an Association, their goal is simple, to support the frozen, refrigerated and fresh foods members of this industry by providing valuable programs and benefits for its membership. Relying on their core principles for their guidance – adding business value, educational support and giving back to their members and their communities – the members of FRANE are confident that with the “continued support of our retailers, wholesalers, brokers, logistics providers and manufacturers, this Association will continue to thrive and grow in this ever changing marketplace.”