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Partners in marriage and in business, Laurel and Moti Almakias of Full Service Vending, Rockaway, N.J., are being recognized by the Milk Education Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) as the 2006 "Spotlight On" winners in the vending category. As the annual winner, The Almakias' will be featured in a National Milk Mustache "got milk?" trade ad beginning in June in various vending publications. The Almakias' made a strategic decision to expand their business to schools as the result of new nutrition policies in the U.S. Once the couple realized the positive impact on their business from having implemented programs in schools, the company further extended into the 3-shift factory and hospital settings as well.

"We realized right away that a branded milk program would be easier to market and control than a generic one so we partnered with a processor," stated Laurel Almakias, in a prepared statement. "The program we developed with our processor includes a great school milk vending program that works for both full-service and self-op locations. The program works so well because of the colorful packaging -- it really drives sales because it is so eye-catching!"

The MilkPEP "Spotlight On" initiative recognizes vending operators that implement successful milk programs. "As varied and complex as vending companies are in their operations and markets, they share an entrepreneurial spirit to grow their businesses strategically," commented Julie Buric, IDFA vice president of marketing. "Full Service Vending's success supports the fact that there is consumer demand for milk, among both adults and kids. This is a terrific example of how milk can be an important component in a well-planned and executed growth strategy."

Since partnering with their processor and implementing the school program, as well as factory and hospital programs, the company has purchased three new refrigerated trucks and recently placed an order for a fourth. Moti Almakias added, "We found that providing milk to our school and factory clients brought in additional business rather than taking away from the sales of other drinks. Milk comprises a surprising 30 percent of beverage sales in these locations. It has opened doors such as allowing us to offer cold cereal in snack machines. We also added milk to our coffee service. Our customers are very pleased with the changes and our sales figures reflect the positive impact milk has had on our business."

The "Spotlight On" program provides an excellent opportunity for vending operators to share success stories. Each month, one winner is selected in the vending category from entries received online at www.milkdelivers.org. The monthly winner is featured on the web site and receives an iPod® . One annual winner will be featured in the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" trade advertising campaign.