local economy here in Cincinnati. It’s important that the products I serve and who serves them reflect our own community and that the kids see themselves and where they live in their school dining environment.” Shelly also believes strongly in collaborating with food and equipment providers. “We like to work with our foodservice partners to build a better product. Most other foodservice categories really don’t do that.” Marlon Gordon, of NxtGen Network, a foodservice marketing company, says these awards are cause for celebration. “This recognition of K-12 dining operations is much deserved and I’m glad to see it finally happening on a national scale,” He further remarked, “Before launching NxtGen, I worked in a school district foodservice program, and I also have experience on the industry side. I have seen what these school programs can do and the results of their efforts—healthy children who are learning about proper nutrition. We finally have a seat at the national table.” Solomon and Shelly also made a point to recognize their kitchen staff—their “teams.” Shannon added, “I stand on the giants in K-12 who perform miracles every day.” Shelly declared, “All of this works because I have the best team in the country. Hey, we offer the best meal deal anywhere. For a $1.75, you get an entrée, four sides and a milk!”
“My hope is that K-12 will be
acknowledged and embraced not just as a cafeteria-style industrial feeding operation but as the quality restaurants we are.” Shannon Solomon
Other school districts are not our competitors, we work as a team.”
She takes advantage of the Good Food Purchasing Program, a national-local program, that emphasizes purchasing food from local farmers and using minority- and women- owned businesses for goods and services. “I get my operating money from the government, and I like to pump that money back into the
Lisa has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing, public relations, and advertising. A graduate from Miami University (Ohio) with a BA degree in English/Journalism she entered the publishing industry as a Regional Marketing Manager for The Wall Street Journal in Dallas. That led as position as Advertising/ Marketing Director at American Airlines Publishing where she eventually moved into advertising sales management working in Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. In 2003, Lisa opened her own marketing and advertising sales firm—LMT Media Partners. Her company provides marketing/PR consulting, copywriting services, and advertising sales. She has published articles in magazines and business journals and for the past 9 years, she has worked with the School Nutrition and Foodservice industries. LMT Media Partners & Served Contributor Lisa Turner
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