The New Jersey Food Processors Association, founded back in the 1930s, has been aggressively stepping up its importance in the state’s food manufacturing community as it prepares for its 2020 conference to be held in March in Atlantic City.
The volunteer planning committee has been solidifying the final elements of the agenda, and Chair Brian Tannenhaus of BD Engineering has shared the first look at the plan for this annual must-attend event.
“We will highlight sustainability, supply chain and corporate social responsibility as the educational themes for the March 13 gathering,” he said.
Tannenhaus noted that the committee is leveraging a recent statewide analysis of industry education needs commissioned by the NJFPA. These topics will be broken down even further to ensure that there is content designed for all levels of professional experience and roles within member companies.
“The NJFPA went through a strategic planning exercise this past fall,” noted incoming President Mark Macellaro of Campbell Soup Co. “A significant outcome of that process was a renewed commitment to meaningfully expand the organization’s education footprint over the coming year.”
If you’re not familiar — and why aren’t you? — the NJFPA is a community of food and beverage companies, suppliers and service organizations that promotes industry growth throughout the Garden State region through education, resource sharing and strong member partnerships.
Members of the NJFPA have access to the resources necessary to strengthen their companies, are able to network at a number of association events and via an electronic listserv, and can participate in a number of committees where they can learn about best practices in their areas of expertise.
A new program year also means changes to the NJFPA board of directors.
Current President Eric Hoversen of Comarco Products, along with the incoming president, Macellaro, recently announced the 2021 class of board members.
Returning to the board, having been elected to a new two-year term, are:
- Frank Catalana, Cumberland Dairy, food processor member;
- Shawn Knechtel, Widerman & Co., associate member.
New members of the board, also beginning two-year terms, include:
- Bill Cornelius, M&T Bank, associate member;
- Sam Pipitone III, F&S Produce, food processor;
- Nihal Rivel, Puratos, food processor;
- Anne Strauss-Widener, NJTPA, strategic adviser.
Good luck to the new board and members of the NJFPA!
Registration for the annual conference is now available online. Anyone who registers by Dec. 31 will have their name entered in a drawing for a free hotel night at Ocean Casino Resort, this year’s conference host.
Check the organization out online at: njfoodprocessors.org.
