As you contemplate trying to survive in this challenging business climate, it helps to remember the unique rewards of being in one of the last remaining entrepreneurial industries. Don’t forget the encouragement we get from colleagues who invest in our collective well being.
There is no lack of personal commitment extending beyond individual well being in our industry. What often goes lacking is recognition of these efforts.
One of the best examples is the vending repair program at Edison Fareira High School in Philadelphia, Pa., profiled in our October issue. The program meets the critical demand for machine technicians and at the same time provides career opportunities for inner city youth.
As the only remaining vending repair vocational program in the country, it has for nearly two decades catalyzed our industry’s support.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT IS NATIONWIDE
The Edison Fareira program exists thanks to the commitment of industry members nationwide, even though it draws students exclusively from a specific school district. Each year, operators, distributors and manufacturers generously support this program because of what it represents: the industry’s future.
The volunteer advisory committee, consisting of more than 20 members, works tirelessly to ensure that the training continues. Without this volunteer group, the program would not continue, given the current state of vocational education funding. Funding problems have undermined vocational training programs nationwide.
The past year has been especially difficult, and for their efforts, the advisory board members deserve recognition.
PROGRAM FACES CHALLENGESThe Philadelphia school board this past year changed credit requirements in an effort to improve graduation rates. As a result, the vending repair students are no longer required to complete all of the class work that was designed by the advisory committee.
The third year attendance took a hit this past year, alarming industry members who depend on the graduates to fill technician positions. The falling third-year attendance in itself jeopardizes the school district’s support.
The advisory committee, led by Bud Burke, vice president and general manager of MacKenzie Coffee and Vending Services in Allentown, Pa., has tried to convince school officials to restore the credit requirements.
Larry Eils, who recently retired as NAMA senior technical director, also played a supportive role, as has Jim Clark, the program’s instructor.
Many industry players heeded the call to lend their support to the program throughout the year and voiced their concerns in writing to the school board.
Given the tenacity with which the advisory board is pursuing the matter, there’s a good chance that the program will survive. Anyone wishing to help should contact Burke at: [email protected].
LONG DESERVED THANKS
The efforts that individuals make to sustain the educational opportunities in automatic merchandising are seldom rewarded.
To Bud Burke, Larry Eils and the many others who lent their support to the only vocational vending training program, thanks. Your efforts go beyond merely sustaining credit requirements. You remind many of us what makes this industry special.
