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WASHINGTON, DC - September 23, 2004 - U.S. Representative Howard Coble is a 2004 recipient of the Food Distribution Industry's Thomas Jefferson Award, honoring his commitment to free enterprise. The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) presented the award at a September 22nd ceremony on Capitol Hill. At the end of each Congress, FMI and IFDA present the award to senators and representatives who demonstrate their commitment to free enterprise through their votes on issues such as taxes, free trade, labor policy and other economic matters.

(L-R) Randy Hutton, Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.; Rep. Howard Coble; Mark Allen, President & CEO, IFDA

"Thomas Jefferson Award recipients are exemplary policymakers who keep the interests of consumers, the industry and the nation's economy foremost in mind," said FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds. "Throughout the 108th Congress, Representative Coble cast crucial votes to stimulate economic growth, to strengthen family businesses and to promote prosperity for the American people."

"The Thomas Jefferson Awards are our way of recognizing lawmakers who have stood true to the ideals of Thomas Jefferson and have supported policies that strengthen the food distribution industry," said IFDA President and CEO Mark S. Allen. "Food distribution is an industry that is fundamental to our economy and touches the life of every American consumer. These awards are our way of acknowledging Members of the 108th Congress who support family-owned businesses, make balanced policy decisions and stand on principles that make our economy stronger."

Recipients of the award supported FMI and IFDA's position on at least 70 percent of 11 House votes deemed critical to the Jeffersonian ideals of free enterprise. The votes are listed on the Web sites of FMI (www.fmi.org) and IFDA (www.ifdaonline.org).

The program, introduced in 1992, was inspired by Thomas Jefferson, who in his third inaugural address said, "A wise and frugal government ... shall leave men ... free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government."

The award itself is a custom-crafted replica of Jefferson standing in his Memorial, framed by his four pillars of prosperity: agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and navigation.

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FMI conducts programs in research, education, industry relations and public affairs on behalf of its 1,500 member companies - food retailers and wholesalers - in the United States and around the world. FMI's U.S. members operate approximately 26,000 retail food stores with a combined annual sales volume of $340 billion - three-quarters of all food retail store sales in the United States. FMI's retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent supermarkets. Its international membership includes 200 companies from 50 countries.

IFDA is a trade organization representing foodservice distributors throughout the U.S., Canada, and internationally. IFDA's 130 members include broadline, systems, and specialty foodservice distributors that supply food and related products to restaurants, institutions, and other food away from home foodservice operations. IFDA members operate more than 550 facilities, and sell more than $75 billion in food and related products to the fastest growing sector in the food industry.