January 16, 2001

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI), usually considered a representative of the grocery chain stores, has formed an independent operators division that will work to both the interests of independent supermarket companies as well as better serve their specific needs. The announcement came at FMI's annual midwinter executive conference

FMI's Board of Directors approved the move. Michael Sansolo, currently FMI's senior vice president for education, industry relations and research, will head up the new division with the title of president while maintaining his current responsibilities.

Tim Hammonds, president and CEO of FMI, said the move was dictated by the organization's belief that it has many products and services of real value to the independent community and that these offerings need to be better communicated. He said that the creation of the new division formalizes FMI's belief in the "vitality of the independent sector as a continuing force in the industry" and noted that Sansolo is the "perfect person" for the job.

Sansolo, for his part, said he was excited about the new challenge, which he said would help bring "focus" to its ability to provide services that can help independents "deal with the challenges of a fast-changing industry." He said the current FMI Independent Operators Committee would be a "guiding body" for the new effort, calling it a "vibrant committee with a diverse membership."