House & Home
House and Home
House and Home 
Fri, February 13, 2009
Thu, February 12, 2009
Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. Announces Ed Pera to Become President and CEO
HAYWARD, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. (Pink Sheets:AMNF) announced today that it has implemented its management succession plan following the death of its Chairman and CEO. David B. Scatena, Vice Chairman of the Board announced that Edmond J. Pera, currently Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company will replace William Armanino as President and CEO. Mr. Armanino passed away on January 24, 2009. Ms. Deborah Armanino Le Blanc, the Company's National Sales Manager, was elected to fill the vacancy on the board created by Mr. Armanino's passing and to assume the office of Secretary. In addition, board member Douglas R. Nichols, who has served on the board since 2001, was named Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Pera began his tenure with the Company as a consultant in 1998 and has served in a variety of capacities as an officer and director of the Company since that time. For the past seven years Mr. Pera has served as the COO of the Company, as well as its Treasurer and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company. Mr. Pera headed his own consulting practice, was President and CEO of ACI, a NASDAQ company, and CFO of Levi Strauss International.
Mr. Pera said "While we mourn the loss of Bill Armanino we know that he would energetically encourage us to forge forward to build on his legacy. All of us in the Company have re-dedicated ourselves to that goal."
Mr. Pera continued, "During these uncertain times we are pleased to report that preliminary results for our year ended December 31, 2008 show mid to high single digit percentage growth in sales and pre-tax income from operations and that our sales growth curve continued into the first month of 2009. We remain cautiously optimistic regarding our prospects for 2009 as our sales and broker teams continue to show good traction across our product lines and market segments."
Mr. Pera also announced that the board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.0075 per share to stockholders of record on April 4, 2009. The cash dividend will be payable on or about May 2, 2009.
Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. is an international food company that manufactures and markets frozen Italian specialty food items such as pesto sauces, filled pastas and lasagna to the foodservice, retail, and industrial markets. In addition to a classic Basil Pesto Armanino offers other flavors such as Cilantro, Dried Tomato & Garlic, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Southwest Chipotle, Artichoke, Roasted Garlic, Ancho Chile, Mediterranean and Alfredo sauce. Armanino's Organic line includes the classic Basil Pesto as well as Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto. Frozen pastas, sauces, spreads, meatballs and Focaccia are also offered by Armanino Foods.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release.