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UPCOMING EVENTS | NETWORK NEWS | PARTNER EVENTS | CAREER CENTER

INDUSTRY NEWS

A letter from Matthew BotosCEO, ConnectFood

Having worked with hundreds of companies in the food & beverage industry, I have seen manyhurdles that a food manufacturer faces, and I believe one of the toughest (but most important) isfood safety and traceability. More than ever before, consumers are demanding that foodmanufacturers have complete, reliable information about foodsourcing. I think it’s safe to say that transparency is at the forefront ofthe food safety discussion since Americans want to be certain aboutwhere their food comes from, and they need to be confident inknowing where that information is coming from. The FDA has releasedguidances and rules through the Food Safety Modernization Act of2011 to support the consumers’ wishes.

The key question is how we as an industry can develop a system thatcreates a transparent model for food traceability and transparency.The idea of developing a blockchain food system to monitortransactions is a potential solution that has been sometimes viewed ascontroversial, yet highly effective. If you’re unfamiliar with blockchain,it’s a unique, permanent ledger that is capable of recording all food transactions. The ledger ispublicly accessible, and seemingly can’t be altered by food manufacturers. Theoretically,blockchain has the ability to transform food traceability, eliminating the guessing game thatsurrounds the status and location of a food product.

If we take the necessary steps and make food transparency a priority, we as industry can createa better relationship across the value chain with manufacturers, their suppliers and partners, andultimately, consumers.



ConnectFood is a member of the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network. Matthew Botos willbe on the Panel at the Technology Breakfast on October 24th “Building a Trusted Brand:Transparency, Traceability and Blockchain.” Registration link below.

Farm to Table Experience (Local Farm Tour & Lunch on the Farm)Oct. 18, 20188:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.Manhattan, IL 60661

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Illinois is home to quaint ruraltowns and plenty of peaceful countryside. And that means lots offarms! Join CFBN and the Illinois Farm Bureau, spending the day exploring a local Illinois farmto see where it all begins. We are literally going from farm to table; learning about theconnection between agriculture and the food & beverage industry, talking to a farmer, touring thefarm, and enjoying a locally sourced lunch.

Registration is closed for this event.

Technology Breakfast: Building a Trusted Brand

Oct. 24, 20187:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.Lockton Companies LLC, 500 W. Monroe, Suite 3400, Chicago

Brand loyalty is the foundation of every successful consumer business. With the advent of theInternet, consumers have gone from making choices from a limited pool of big brands to the eraof endless alternatives and abundant information. No longer limited by what is available on localstore shelves, consumers are more selective about want they want and how they want it.

Brand honesty and transparency empower the consumer to take control of their buying decisionsunlike ever before. When brands make it easy to acquire information about their products, it tellsconsumers they have nothing to hide while sending the message that they care about the needsand wants of their customers. Trust can’t be bought. It must be earned. Consumers want tounderstand exactly what they are buying, and rightly deserve the knowledge they seek.

Come for breakfast and learn from our speakers how you can help your customer become thehero of their household.

Taste the Trends Nov. 6, 20184:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.Location: TBD



Taste the Trends is the handson event where you'll experience new trends and gain a trueinsider’s perspective about the new forces that will revolutionize eating and drinking.

What emerging trends and food movements can we expect to see in 2019? Come learn whatnew and exciting changes are on the horizon—the next generation of food, beverage and flavortrends. The evening will begin with Datassential’s look at the next wave of trends and continuewith a dinearound cocktail reception through which the trends come to life! You will be withchefs from Research Chefs Association who will be offering bites which reflect the emergingfoods and flavors presented. This is one event you don't want to miss!

Save the Date: November Innovation Breakfast Nov. 8, 20187:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.

Be sure to check our events calendar for more details on our nextInnovation Breakfast, including discussion topic and speakers!

The New Rules of BrandingNov. 29, 20184:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.401 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Where we’re headed, there are no rules. Unlimited media access, shifting thought leaders andconstantly connected (and unfiltered) consumers have resulted incomplex conversations about the food we eat. This means many triedandtrue marketing tactics no longer apply to food brands. It nowrequires new and creative ways to successfully bring products tomarket. Learn to navigate this new world. Join us for a panel discussionabout the new rules of food marketing and learn how some successfulproducts have been launched by both newer and seasoned foodbrands.

Chicago Innovation Awards

Innovation empowers everyone! Be at the Harris Theater on Oct. 29 asChicago Innovation announces 2018's amazing winners live, and meetthe new faces of Chicago's innovation community.



Tickets can be purchased here.

CFBN Event Recap

What Are Food Investors Really Looking For?

One of the biggest challenges of an industry entrepreneur is navigating the world of foodinvestors, and appealing to the right one(s). During our lively panel discussion entitled, “What arefood investors really looking for?” our panelists offered some greatadvice, from carefully assessing risk, to proper brand management.We were able to chat with a panel of food experts to help us betterunderstand these ideas.

Our panel included Lenny Lebovich, founder and CEO of PREbrands, Steve Gaither advisor of Spiral Sun Ventures, Jason Starr,managing director of Company First and Michael Schopin, partner ofZenfinity Capital. Our panel moderator for the evening was RandyBridgeman of our cohost, Perkins Coie. Check out the article here.

Innovation "BarFest"

On Thursday, October 11, we put a spin on our usual, monthly Innovation Breakfast and cohosted an Innovation "barfest" with our friends at Fifty Gazelles. We had a fantastic paneldiscussion with Jenny Solberg Katzman, who grew Rhine Hall Distillery from a single product toa wellcomposed line of smallbatch spirits, Jordan Tepperof Apologue Spirited Liqueurs built a Benefit Corporation and brokeall the rules of traditional liqueurs. Brent Engel of Letherbee Gin andDistillers, who started with moonshine and now boasts nationwide(and international) distribution. Check out our event highlights here.

Network Connections

“The networking at CFBN events is incredible – definitely the best in the area. Knowing fewpeople in the area, I relocated to Chicago to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in thefoodindustry. The CFBN was directly responsible for connecting me with agreat group of entrepreneurs, and ultimately made introductions thatconnected me to a company/founder that provided the startup opportunitythat I was looking for. I’m excited to grow our respective organizations, theindustry, and Chicago. Keep up the great work!"

Adam Root, Blake's SeedBased

Welcome To Our New Members!

Our network continues to grow! We are excited to welcome US Foods and Lee & AssociatesLLC to the CFBN, which includes over 70 corporate members and over 100 individual members(and counting). Thank you for being a part of the Network!



Sweetener Systems Conference

October 23, 2018 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Hyatt Lodge, 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL

Global Food Forums will hold its 3rd annual Sweetener Systems Conference, October 23,2018, at the Hyatt Lodge, McDonalds Campus, Oak Brook, Ill. USA. This technical program willprovide insights and actionable information on hot topics related tosweeteners and sugar reduction.

Core to the event will be the properties and interactions of a range ofingredients that impact the sweetness perception and performance of finished products.Examples of intended sessions include updates on consumer attitudes, formulating for sugarreduction, sensory issues, critical regulatory updates, emerging technologies and nutritionalaspects.

CFBN Members receive a discount on registration for this conference! Check our MemberBenefits page for the code.

1st Taste of GFA

October 25, 2018 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM 1871 Auditorium (12th Floor of the Merchandise Mart), Chicago, IL

The 1st Annual Taste of the GFA is the Good Food AcceleratorAssociate Board's annual fundraiser to raise funds to support theAccelerator. The event will feature delicious samples from many GoodFood Accelerator graduates and their companies.

We are excited that chefs from wellknown Chicago restaurants will prepare awesome samplesand drinks for the event showcasing ingredients from the Accelerator's companies. Theparticipating restaurants include Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar and Kimski with more tocome!

Future Food 100 Hackathon

November 1, 2018 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 , IL

Forecast in Motion is hosting a hackathon to help figure out the next 100 years of food. We kickoff at 6:30pm, but come when you can, as you can get started at any time throughout the event.Join a team when you arrive or bring your own. This event is welcome to anyone who has ideasabout the next 100 years of food.



Horizon21c Summit

November 6, 2018 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 , IL

Presented by FARM Illinois, an Illinoisbased agrifood alliance, thesummit will eschew the traditional conference format in favor of dynamic,wellfacilitated conversations that explore the many ramifications of the event’s central themeThe New and Future Consumer. Participants of this gathering are diverse, forwardthinkingleaders from across the agrifood value chain prepared to think, share, and explore opportunitiespresented by shifting consumer values and a rapidly changing agrifood marketplace.

CFBN Members receive a special discount on registration for this event! Checkour Member Benefits page for the code.

Food NavigatorUSA Summit: Food for Kids

November 1214, 2018 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM W. Chicago City Center, Chicago, IL

Almost one in three American children is overweight or obese, and according to FARE (FoodAllergy Research and Education ), one in every 13 has a food allergy, and prevalence appears tobe rising. Many kids also lack access to fresh, nutritious food, and are short of essentialnutrients from potassium, dietary fiber and calcium, to vitamin D. Still more go to school without adecent breakfast, while many teens increasingly snack on junk food, throughout the day.

Join us for the inaugural FoodNavigatorUSA Summit: Food for Kids. Organized by thepublishers of FoodNavigatorUSA, the number one daily news service for the food and beverageindustry, FoodNavigatorUSA Summit: Food for Kids focuses on food and nutrition for every lifestage.

CFBN Members receive a discount on registration for the Food For Kids event! Checkour Member Benefits page for the code.

Global Midwest Alliance: 2018 Midwest Food Matters

November 13, 2018 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL

On November 13th one of the most important Midwest foodevents will take place at the Hilton Chicago, and we havearranged for a discounted opportunity for your company to bea part of this special evening! The 4th Annual MidwestFoodMatters campaign will culminate that evening. This importantinitiative accomplishes three great goals;

· It highlights and celebrates the importance of the vibrant Midwest food industry,and itsnational and global impact.

· It recognizes innovation and exceptional leadership in the industry;

· All of the net proceeds support nonprofits that are giving back to the food industry.

This year the Campaign will recognize and honor Flying Food Group and The Institute for FoodSafety and Health, with all proceeds going to Global Midwest Alliance, and to fund the Sue Ling



Gin Scholarship in Food Safety at IFSH.

CFBN Members receive a discount on registration for this event! Check our MemberBenefits page for the details.

STAY IN THE KNOW! Our food & beverage industry wide events calendar isupdated regularly.

Check out new opportunities in the Chicagoland area!

Our members are always looking for talented candidates to fill positions within theirorganizations. We're here to connect you to those wonderful opportunities. Check out theselatest postings from our members!

Director Global Innovation Partnership Insights

Has proven experience in influencing businessstrategy through consumer and market insightsAbility to work well in crossfunctional team environments, being the voice of theconsumer/customerComfortable with various syndicated data including IRI, Crest, Technomic, Data Monitor,Innova Innate curiosity to seek out the ‘why’ behind the data, and illuminate it for others Expert with leading edge global data and insights tools and methods for longtermopportunity/threat identificationExperience in working with and leading global research agenciesAbility in uncovering opportunities through global market immersions and ethnographiesComfortable leading different types of research studies, i.e., longterm opportunity/threatidentification, new business development, segmentation, domestic and global marketstructure, strategy development.

Take me to this job post.

Quality Assurance Specialist

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able toperform each essential duty satisfactorily.Provide training to plant operations personnel on qualityprograms to promote the safe and cost effective production of quality product.Responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of inprocess formulae,specifications and testing procedures and initiating changes as required.Confirm plant audit procedures are properly carried outEnsure adherence of required quality and food safety laws, regulations, and companypolicies, procedures and practices.Verify overall plant product quality by conducting and evaluating various product tests andtests related to ingredients and packaging.Resolve major quality problems at the plant level, warehouse and other areas as required.



Evaluate and take corrective action when necessary with regard to product date codingand trade age management at all levels of product movement.Educate and instruct plant personnel in recommended quality control testing (SPC),equipment sanitation and general sanitation and housekeeping practices. Verify theseprocedures are being maintained.

Take me to this job post.

TeaSquares Selected for Incubator Program

TeaSquares, a 2017 graduate of FamilyFarmed's Good Food Accelerator, is one of fourcompanies accepted into the Chobani Incubator's intensive fall program. This is the latestachievement by the highly regarded company, located in Englewood on Chicago's South Side,which produces delicious energy snacks with a caffeine boost from tea, and pursues a socialmission of teaching business skills to youths from underserved communities. READ MORE »

Former Sara Lee CEO Passes Away

John Bryan Jr., the former CEO and driving force behind Sara Lee Corp., passed away Oct.1 atthe age of 81. Bryan built his family’s meat business into one of the food industry’s greatpowerhouses. READ MORE »

Kraft Heinz Launches Tech Venture Fund

The industry giant recently announced the formation of Evolv Ventures, a unit with initial fundingof $100 million that “will work with tomorrow's most innovative founders and companies,” saidCEO Bernardo Hees. Evolv will be headed by Bill Pescatello, an investmentfund veteran whowas a founding partner of a similar fund for NBCUniversal and GE Capital. READ MORE »

Why Big Food is Startup Shopping in Chicago

Chicago is quickly becoming a hotbed of investment for startups in the food industry, befitting thecity's legacy of being the world's hog butcher and stacker of wheat. Kraft Heinz recently hired aLightbank veteran to run its new $100 million Evolv Ventures fund, joining Tyson Foods, whichcreated a $150 million investment fund after it bought Sara Lee's Hillshire Brands. READ MORE»



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To drive inclusive economic growth in Chicagoland by bringingtogether the region’s food and beverage industry stakeholders topursue collaborative opportunities.

upcoming events | network news | partner events | … · be on the panel at the technology...

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