You’re Invited!It’s time for the 6th Annual FOAC Holiday Trade Show and Party!

Everyone is invited. Bring your staff and your family. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

DATE:Thursday, November 16th

TIME:1:00 PM – Registration Begins

2:00 PM – Trade Show Doors Open5:30 PM – Trade Show Doors Close

5:30 PM – Cocktail Reception, Awards Ceremony and Prizes!

7:00 PM – Dinner and Entertainment*

PLACE:Holiday Inn North Shore

5300 W. Touhy Avenue, Skokie

NOVEMBER 2017

Our

LARGESTHoliday

Trade Showto Date!

$50gift card for all

FOAC member

franchisees!

BE SURE TO GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET!FIVE lucky franchisees will walk away with $711!

Get theBEST PRICESof theseason!

REMINDER: This is an Election Year for the FOACVoting will take place to determine the FOAC Board of Directors for 2018/2019. Let your voice be heard. Please make time to cast your vote during the Holiday Trade Show. Voting begins at 1:00 PM.

Over70vendors!

*Only 4 peopleper store, please.

A box of sweets for EVERY franchisee!

#IDGTAltria GroupAnheuser-BuschAonArctic Glacier Premium IceArgo TeaAriZona Energy ShotsBEON Bon AppetitBoston Beer Co. CelsiusChelan FreshChobaniCoca ColaConstellation Brands

Country ArcherDarlington SnacksDr. Pepper Snapple GroupDyla/Forto CoffeeEnovation BrandsFairlifeFantasy FarmsFAZ ElectronicsH-FACTORHeineken USAHershey’sHuckster, Inc.Inhale HealthInter-Continental Cigar (Al Capone)Inter-Continental Cigar (On!)

Jack Link'sJoe and RossKellogg'sLa Colombe LatteLaCroix BeverageLagunitas Brewing Lil’ Drug StoreMaxtra DistributorsMazuma Trading Company McKee FoodsMcLane MidwestMike's Hard LemonadeMillerCoorsMonster EnergyNestle Professional

FOAC HOLIDAY TRADE SHOW Bigger and Better Than Ever!

Here are just some of the deals being offered by some of our vendor partners. If you order all of these

products, you’ll SAVE hundreds of dollars!

*Please note that these savings are estimates. The savings can be in the form of cost savings or merchandise (RIA may be required). Actual savings in terms of dollars and or merchandise may vary. Vendors may have several “Deals” with different incentives. Franchisees receive incentives for the orders placed for the deal. Not all deals are listed on the order form. All deals and its incentives are available while supply lasts or quota met. Sorry, no rainchecks.

New Age BeverageNiagara WaterNiche GourmetNico PureNitey LeashNjoyNorthstar LotteryNovamexOrganic ValleyPepsi Pepsi - Quaker BrandsPerfetti Van MelleRed BullSapporo USASargento

WANT TO MAKE MONEY? Place orders at the Holiday Trade Show and you’ll walk away with CASH!

WHO QUALIFIES? In order to qualify for the cash back ordering incentive, you must be a member of the FOAC. The store must be an FOAC member on or before October 31st. If you file a case to become an FOAC member after November 1st, then bring the case print out to the trade show.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Simply place at least 1 order per store at 15 different booths and you’ll get $50!

HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK?Franchisees must have an order sticker placed by the vendor on the order verification form, and must also have the vendor’s initials for the order to be considered valid. The FOAC is not responsible for lost order forms or any errors.

MORE DETAILS REGARDING THE REDEMPTION PROCESS…• Franchisee places orders of desired merchandise at the vendor booths.• Franchisee presents the order form (given at the time of registration) to the vendor.• Vendor places the order sticker on the order verification form and initials it.• Once the franchisee has placed orders at all desired booths, the franchisee submits the order verification form to the order redemption booth near the main stage.• The incentive is then calculated by a member of the FOAC staff.• Franchisee is given the incentive during the holiday party dinner.

Place

an Order

GET PAID!an

d

Check OutThe Savings!

VENDOR SAVINGS* VENDOR SAVINGS*

Lil’ Drug Store $14 Al Capone $24

Kagi $8 Voss Water $67

Fairlife $50 Perfetti Van Malle $62

Boing $24 Nitey Leash $3 or More

On Nicotine $300 La Croix $1 or More

Nestle Professional $14.50 Forto Coffee $143

La Colombe Latte $17.50 H-FACTOR $7

Heineken (Free Gift) $35 to $100 Teavana $180

Smuckers (Sahale Snacks)SnagajobSnyder's Lance/Diamond FoodsSouthern Glazer's Wine & SpiritsSpace Jam JuiceStrike Force EnergySwedish MatchTejas Sales & Marketing*(*Ocho Candy and Cookie Chips)That's How We RollVixxoVoss WaterWatermelon WaterX2 Energy

WHO’S EXHIBITING THIS YEAR? TAKE A LOOK!

Smuckers (Sahale Snacks)SnagajobSnyder's Lance/Diamond FoodsSouthern Glazer's Wine & SpiritsSpace Jam JuiceStrike Force EnergySwedish MatchTejas Sales & Marketing*(*Ocho Candy and Cookie Chips)That's How We RollVixxoVoss WaterWatermelon WaterX2 Energy

Liaqat AliFranchisee for 30 yearsNumber of Stores: 1Current Treasurer of the FOAC

Honest, Humble, Innovative

I’ve been involved with a number of FOAC committees throughout the years and was part of the FOAC website development team. I’ve been the Treasurer for the past 8 years, worked with three different FOAC presidents, and have always given my all to the FOAC as a board member and as Treasurer. I am truly dedicated to working for the FOAC and, as always, I will be part of any committee that needs me.

Vyomesh DesaiFranchisee for 7 yearsNumber of Stores: 1Honest, Hardworking,

Self- Motivated

I am a dedicated team player and will devote as much time as needed to help franchisees and the FOAC. I am willing to work hard and do whatever is required for the benefit of the FOAC and its members, and will serve on whatever committee needs me most. I’m ready to join forces and make a positive impact.

Hitesh Kumar DoshiFranchisee for 8 yearsNumber of Stores: 3Passionate, Hardworking,

Loyal

I am deeply dedicated to serve in any way that I am needed, and I am willing to make personal sacrifices in order to maintain my commitment. I was first drawn to the FOAC because of the challenges I saw that franchisees faced daily. I was impressed with the strong and consistent actions of the organization to defend our rights, and I wanted to be part of that effort. I feel that my experience will be very valuable.

Nizarali LadhaniFranchisee for 28 yearsNumber of Stores: 1 Disciplined, Leader,

Team Player

I have many decades experience in FOAC leadership including Chairman of the Annual Trade Show for 5 years, a member of the Finance Committee, the Website Committee and the Vendor Relations Committee. I was also Vice President of the FOAC for 4 years. As I’ve done for many years, I will continue doing whatever is needed of me to continue effecting positive change for franchisees.

Jaimin PandyaFranchisee for 10 yearsNumber of Stores: 5Dependable, Trustworthy, and Helpful

I am a team player and know how to multitask to get the job done. If I am elected to the board, I will continue to serve as much as I possibly can to help franchisees become as successful as possible. I’ve served as a Merchandising Director and as the Holiday Trade Show Chairman, but I am willing to work on whatever committee needs me most.

Gaurav PatelFranchisee for 12 yearsNumber of Stores: 3Honest, Reliable and Friendly

I am dedicated to helping my fellow franchisees and would be

very excited to be part of the FOAC Board. I’ve been helping wherever needed in an unofficial capacity, but now I am seeking a formal position. I’m willing to put in the work and the hours to do whatever is necessary to keep the FOAC and its members successful. I am most interested in the Merchandising and Franchise Relations committees.

Katen PatelFranchisee for 10 yearsNumber of Stores: 3Passionate, Hardworking

and Creative

I have three years of experience working as a Merchandise Director and as Vendor Relations Director for the FOAC. I originally became a board member to help franchisees communicate their issues and to help find resolutions. I have been instrumental in developing our vendor relations strategy and I would like to continue working to improve vendor relations, while growing the association thru strategic partnerships with some of the biggest brands we are partnered with.

Kaushik PatelFranchisee for 8 yearsNumber of Stores: 2Active, Faithful and Honest

We need to remember that we are all partners and we need

to work together for the best interest of all. I am proud to be part of the system and will do my best to make the brand even more valuable to our guests and to help our franchisees succeed. Even if I am not elected, I will still work actively with the FOAC board and my fellow franchisees for the well-being of our franchise community.

Nirav (Nick) PatelFranchisee for 6 yearsNumber of Stores: 2Current Vice President of

the FOAC - Approachable, Ambitious, Determined

I am always trying to challenge the way our business works for the better and am determined to help my fellow franchisees make the most of their profits. I will help in any way possible, whether it be assisting a franchisee to understand the business or help them with a problem that might arise in the store. I will be part of any committee assigned to me.

See Who’s Running for the FOAC Board of Directors! As of November 1, 2017

Ken PatelFranchisee for 16 yearsNumber of Stores: 8 Current President of the FOAC Strong Leader, Determined,

Disciplined

I have been President of FOAC for 4 years. I am in leadership positions with NBLC and NCASEF in order to assist with the continuing effort to ensure that franchisees receive the best circumstances with which to build their businesses and to build a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with SEI. I care deeply about franchisees and I make every effort to avail myself to them in any way that can be helpful to their progress. I have, and will continue to serve, with every possible moment I have to build this organization and support member franchisees. I am passionate about 7-Eleven and I want to build and strengthen the FOAC for current and future franchisees. I hope to continue to serve as FOAC President.

Pinak PatelFranchisee for 7 yearsNumber of Stores: 2Efficient, Effective, Resilient

There is no task that I can't

handle. I believe that franchisees deserve the support from their peers to achieve a profitable business. Being a millennial, I keep up with the trends of our customers and can relate to how our business is changing. I can help our franchisees change along with our customers. The FOAC is a great group of leaders that truly cares for their business and the franchise community. I believe that I can help the organization in their mission.

Rahul PatelFranchisee for 9 yearsNumber of Stores: 2 Dependable, Approachableand Analytical

I bring patience, experience and availability to the FOAC, and will do whatever is required without jeopardizing family and work life. I’ve been on the FOAC board for the past two years and I enjoy being able to help franchisees in need. I’ve been involved with numerous FOAC committees (including serving as chairperson of this year's Annual Trade Show), and I hope to continue doing good work for the FOAC and for my fellow franchisees.

Janak ShahFranchisee for 22 years Number of Stores: 2 Friendly, Organized and Team Player

I will do whatever is needed to help the franchisees and the FOAC. I've been involved with many FOAC committees over the years, including co-chairing the Food Committee for all of our events, and I will continue to do everything necessary to help keep the FOAC strong and protect the franchisees.

Rashid Siddiqui Franchisee for 23 yearsNumber of Stores: 2Committed, Loyal and Trustworthy

I am fully committed to the franchise community and doing everything possible to make our community better and more successful. I’ve been on the FOAC board for 10 years, and I believe that my experience as a franchisee and as board member will be very beneficial as the FOAC as it continues to grow. If elected to the board for an 11th year, I will serve on any committee that needs me. I want to make the franchise community the best it can be.

Hashim Syed

Franchisee for 25+ yearsNumber of Stores: 1Sincere, Bold, Dedicated

I am a franchisee for over a quarter of century, and during this

time I have been very vocal about franchisee's issues. I started the only monthly newsletter for Chicagoland 7-Eleven franchisees ten years ago that boldly addressed these concerns, and I continue to serve as planner of the publication. I have served as Treasurer, Vice President and President of the FOAC, and also served as Vice Chairman of NCASEF. If elected to the FOAC board, I will remain committed to safeguard the interests of all franchisees, especially those with low-volume stores.

As in years past, members of the FOAC Board of Directors made it a priority to attend NACS, which took place last month at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

As you may know, NACS is the major event for the convenience store industry. Board members capitalized on the opportunity to meet and mingle with the country’s top vendors, while identifying the latest products and innovations to share with franchisees. Many of these vendors will be exhibiting at this year’s Holiday Trade Show!

NACS also provided an opportunity for FOAC board members to visit with Rahim Budhwani, the newly appointed NACS Chairman, who also spoke at the 2017 FOAC Annual Trade Show. He is a true visionary, and his welcome presentation at NACS was enlightening and inspiring. There is no doubt that NACS made an excellent choice in choosing him as their Chair, and we are very fortunate that he is a friend of the FOAC.

Cast Your Vote?

FOAC Board

Attends

NACS

• FOAC Newsletter Editorial Contacts •

Editor: Alisa Bay 847-337-5970 • alisagbay@yahoo.com

Planner/Art Director: Hashim Syed 847-293-8551 • hj.syed@gmail.com

The FOAC newsletter is designed and printed by Semper Fi Printing & Promotions, LLC located in Arlington Heights, IL

www.foachicago.com • Telephone: 847-353-9999 • Fax Number: 877-387-FOAC (3622) • Email: admin@foachicago.comPlease call the FOAC Hotline at 847-293-8551 with any problems that require immediate assistance.

The opinions expressed in bylined articles within our newsletter don't reflect, in any way, the opinions or observations of the 7-Eleven FOAC.

953 N. Plum Grove Road Suite B Schaumburg, IL 60173

Registration begins at1:00 pm for the FOAC

Holiday Trade Show on NOVEMBER 16TH.

Let your customers know that your store is expanding its selection of private brand wines with the launch of a new chardonnay and pinot grigio, both of which were created by 7-Eleven as the Trojan Horse brand. The suggested retail price per bottle is $6.99, and they come with a Stelvin closure, a type of screw top that is easy to open and preserves freshness.

Trojan Horse Chardonnay is described as having delicate aromas of ripe pear and stone fruit with balanced oak notes of vanilla; luscious fruit flavors are complemented with subtle hints of caramel and toasted oak. Trojan Horse Pinot Grigio is bursting with bright citrus and green apple aromas, with the citrus fruit flavor leading to a crisp and clean finish.

“To create the flavor profile we wanted, the Trojan Horse wines were custom developed with grapes from different California valleys,” said Tim Cogil, 7-Eleven director of private brands. “We benchmarked both the chardonnay and pinot grigio against some of the most popular brands, and in taste tests, they came out on top. As with all our private brand products, our goal is to exceed quality expectations when compared to national brands while offering a great value.”

“With Trojan Horse, 7-Eleven customers can enjoy higher quality chardonnay and pinot grigio wines at an affordable price,” said Dennis Phelps, 7-Eleven vice president of vault. “We believe these will be a hit with wine-loving millennials, and customers can still enjoy our Yosemite Road branded wines, which make up four of the top 10 selling wines at 7-Eleven.”

New Wine

Thanks to Miller Lite, former Chicago Bears player, Alex Brown, will be at the FOAC Holiday Trade Show from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, mingling with guests and signing autographs at the MillerCoors booth. Don’t miss your chance to speak with Alex about his career with the Bears and his thoughts on this year’s football season. Maybe he’ll share his prediction on which team will win the Super Bowl!

A L E X BROW N

Meet Chicago Bears Alumni

for Your Customers!

New Wine