"I have met very few men as dedicated to their families, their businesses, this industry and their God as Marty was," said Leonard Bench of Jake's Finer Foods in a note to friends in the industry posted by IFDA. "His sharp mind, attention to detail, enthusiasm, energy, and love for his friends and this industry will be sorely missed."
Whelan was an important leader in IFDA, serving on the IFDA Board of Directors from 1996-2005. He became treasurer of the IFDA Board in 2002 and helped create IFDA's financial model as it prepared to become a freestanding trade organization. He was honored in 2005 with the IFDA Cornerstone Award for outstanding leadership in the association, shaping the association's financial decisions, and strong support of IFDA's public policy efforts, including testifying before a U.S. Congressional committee.
Ettline Foods, which Whelan purchased in 1989, joined UniPro with the Premier merger in 2002 and Whelan was instrumental in the merger. He actively supported UniPro, serving on the Board of Directors from 2002-2006 and as chairman of UniPro's Finance Committee from 2002-2007.
Visit here for Whelan’s obituary and access an online guest book for sharing condolences.
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