Mike Henningsen new IARW chairman; Don Schoenl assumes helm of WFLO.

Mike Henningsen, president of Hillsboro, Oregon, USA-headquartered Henningsen Cold Storage, was elected 2008-09 chairman of the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) during its annual convention held recently on Marco Island, Florida.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Also elected as officers to serve with Henningsen were Vice Chairman Larry Laurin of Conestoga Cold Storage, which has multiple operations in Canada, and Treasurer Mark Blanchard of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA-headquartered New Orleans Cold Storage.

Shortly after assuming office, Henningsen issued a statement assuring the food distribution trade that IARW members are poised to meet challenges in the year ahead. He cut directly to the chase regarding today's challenges to business:

"Fortunately, for several reasons, the weaker economy is likely to impact businesses involved in food production and distribution much less than companies in other sectors. While consumers may cut back on non-essentials, they still need to eat. And according to all the experts with whom I have spoken, well-managed firms are still going to be able to secure credit at attractive rates."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

He continued: "That said, we are still facing a number of pressures. At the top of almost's everyone's list are continued increases in the cost on energy ... Of course, wages and benefits are always a huge expense, and I know that IARW will be looking at creative ways to manage these costs as we more forward."

Meanwhile, the World Food Logistics Organization (an IARW sister organization) tapped Don Schoenl of Nordic Cold Storage as its 2008-09 chairman. Elected to serve with him were Vice Chairman Derk Van Mackelenbergh of Rotterdam, Holland-based Eurofrigo BV/Nichirei Logistics Group Inc., and Treasurer Mike McClendon of Richmond Cold Storage Company.