SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Food Marketing Institute on Tuesday presented the William H. Albers Award to Joe Burke, vice president of retail industry affairs at Coca-Cola Refreshments.
The award, which recognizes industry relations in the supplier community, was presented at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference here.
Reflecting on Burke’s cooperative influence, Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and chief executive officer, said he helped to forge the FMI Associate Member Council, which is now called the Industry Collaboration Council.
“This council continues to evolve and serve as the platform through which our knowledge partners participate in industry research, conferences and events, and joint industry opportunities — Joe has served as our co-chair for two years and his imprint forever remains,” Sarasin said. “From a personal perspective, Joe has been a tremendous supporter in recent years as FMI has undergone a transition.”
Burke began his career with Coca-Cola in 1978, and is retiring this year.
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Coca-Cola Americas’ President Steve Cahillane remarked, “Joe Burke is a great choice to receive FMI’s William H. Albers Award. In his 34 years at Coca-Cola, Joe has been not only a tremendous leader for our business but also a tireless advocate for food retailers across North America. With his dedication, vision, and commitment to working with partners, he has left a lasting mark on the industry.”
Many colleagues attest that Burke’s major contribution to industry collaboration is the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council, according to FMI. He has been managing director of both the grocery and convenience store councils for nearly 15 years. The councils bring together groups of leading retail executives for four-year terms to work on projects benefiting the entire industry. Recent topics have included: social media, winning back meal time, linking health and eating, raising management performance, reducing turnover, reducing out-of-stocks and understanding how shoppers select which store to shop.
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