Senior exec David Harris leaving CRFA

Aug. 4, 2010, TORONTO – After 31 years with the
Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA), senior executive vice-president David Harris has announced his decision to leave the association as
of Sept. 3, 2010, to pursue new opportunities.

Harris joined CRFA as director of communications in 1979. Over the years he took on responsibility for CRFA operations, including membership, trade shows, finance and IT, and was instrumental in building the association to its position today as one of Canada’s largest and most effective business associations.

“David’s dedication to CRFA and the foodservice industry over the past 31 years is truly commendable. Under his stewardship, CRFA was able to significantly expand and strengthen its work on behalf of foodservice operators from coast to coast,” said CRFA president and CEO Garth Whyte. “On a personal note, I am grateful for the knowledge he has shared and the support he has provided during my first year with the association.”

In announcing his decision, Harris noted: “It was a difficult decision, but having reached a certain age, needing to address some family issues, needing a break and not wanting leave part-way through the trade show cycle, I determined that the time was right for me to depart. The association is in good hands with the board’s leadership and the staff committee of management with Garth Whyte at the helm. The association is also blessed with an outstanding group of bright, dedicated and focused individuals delivering day-to-day service to the industry.”

A decision on Harris’s replacement will be made over the coming months. In the meantime, the membership, trade show and finance/IT functions will report directly to Garth Whyte. The top priority of CRFA’s senior management team is to ensure CRFA’s three trade shows are a continued success, and meet the evolving needs of foodservice suppliers and operators.