Giving the keynote address at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, President Bill Clinton praised the restaurant industry’s efforts to work with suppliers and local schools to fight childhood hunger and childhood obesity, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: President Clinton makes good point in noting that cooperation between government and industry can get a lot done at lower cost to everyone. He noted his work in establishing the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, by which beverage companies changed the kinds of drinks sold in school cafeterias and vending machines to lower-calorie and lower-sugar options.
One way that the average business owner can support such initiatives is to support industry trade organizations. Trade organizations such as the National Automatic Merchandising Association work with government officials in finding solutions to problems. Such organizations develop working relationships with public officials that prove important in preventing harmful regulations.
Trade organizations can’t work miracles, but they do serve an important role. Any vending operator who fails to support their trade associations is shirking his or her responsibility. 05-08-12 By Elliot Maras
