Mar 8, 2004
WASHINGTON, DC — March 8, 2004 — Honored for three decades of distinguished service to the food distribution industry, Paul Schulz, Food Marketing Institute (FMI) senior vice president, received the Herbert Hoover Award at the FMI Annual Business Conference underway here.

Schulz was recognized for serving the industry as a top executive of Food Distributors International (FDI) and FMI after the two merged in 2003. “Wholesalers know him for his hard work and dedication, for his quiet leadership, and his vision in helping FDI to transform its outdated convention to this new, much more effective format, the Annual Business Conference,” said Jeff Noddle, SUPERVALU INC. CEO and chairman, and chairman of the FMI Wholesaler Division, in the award tribute.

Since its founding in 1992, the conference has become a highly regarded strategic planning forum for trading partners in the food industry, featuring more than 50 meetings among top executives.

Schulz was also instrumental in helping to establish the Productivity Convention and Exposition in 1976. This annual event has evolved into widely attended forum for promoting innovation in warehousing, transportation and logistics.

At the award ceremony, FMI Executive Vice President Jack Block described Schulz as “a pillar of strength and source of stability and wisdom who was able to build bridges between individuals, companies and trading partners.” They have worked together for 18 years.

Schulz’s leadership also extends to anti-hunger causes as a board member of Food for All. This industry initiative seeks to alleviate hunger and malnutrition worldwide by fostering long-term, self-help solutions.

The Hoover award was established in 1961 to recognize personal and professional excellence in the industry.