Home
About the FILC
The FILC Mission:
To assist and support the retail, food, beverage and consumer products
industry in adapting successfully to its increasingly competitive environment,
through the delivery of high quality educational and research programs.
What Does the FILC Offer?
The FILC offers courses, programs, conferences, forums, seminars and internships to current industry employees as well as talented students interested in developing careers in food industry management. The Center also has a strong applied-research component that draws upon PSU faculty expertise in marketing, supply and logistics management, human resources, accounting, finance, information systems, and strategy. Custom-designed programs on or off site are also available to develop management and leadership tactics for responding to industry needs.
FILC Objectives:
- To be a nationally renowned leadership resource for the food and consumer packaged goods industry.
- To provide talented and well-prepared graduates seeking careers in the food and packaged goods industry.
- To be a valuable strategic resource in meeting the educational and research needs of the food and consumer packaged goods industry.
What is Different About the PSU FILC?
The FILC believes the interdependencies along the value chain, from
grower to grocer, are a significant source of sustainable competitive
advantage. While many other programs isolate certain segments, such
as retailing or food technology, the FILC's focus is on the interrelationships
among trading partners as they work to satisfy consumer needs and wants.
Dr. Tom Gillpatrick, Executive Director, explains, "Industry managers come to us to get additional strategic skills. Many of them have reached the top of a functional area—such as sales, distribution or research—but don’t feel prepared for the challenges of general management. Now they're faced with putting together information systems and learning to deal more effectively with customers. With the help of the FILC, these people become leaders who are equipped to think more broadly."
How the FILC Came About:
The Food Industry Leadership Center began in 1994 as a partnership between PSU’s School of Business Administration and the industry. Visionary retail and packaged goods companies provided seed funding in order to realize their goal: To establish a world-class resource for recruiting and developing top management talent specific to the food industry.
All of the Center’s activities continue to be developed in close collaboration with industry representatives. More than 140 companies—including food processors, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and brokers—have participated in the various executive programs. In addition, our industry advisory board meets quarterly to ensure that the programs meet the industry’s needs.
An Active Executive Committee:
Distinguished CEOs and executives from leading firms volunteer their time and expertise to the FILC, helping ensure that programs are current and relevant. CEOs such as Western Family’s Ron King and Compli’s Ken Thrasher aid the FILC in long-term strategy, financial planning, fundraising and development.
The FILC also works in conjunction with an Advisory Board comprised of a skilled team of industry leaders representing a wide variety of industry interests. The Industry Advisory Board meets regularly with the program directors to assist with program development, fundraising and marketing. By providing an industry perspective, these individuals each contribute to the Center’s continued growth and success.
Companies Working with the FILC:
Companies throughout the industry agree: Being involved with the FILC is valuable. The following companies have enrolled in our programs, made significant donations, and/or sponsored student projects and internships:
Images Provided by Coreen Sapp