Join Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association in honoring dairy processing industry leaders by submitting nominations for the 2024 WCMA Recognition Awards.
Please share the names of your nominees via https://www.wischeesemakersassn.org/Recognition by close of business on Aug. 18 for the following awards:
WCMA Cheese Industry Champion Award
This award goes to industry leaders who have created tremendous opportunity for others and spurred industry growth. Consider CEOs, directors, presidents, or vice presidents of their companies for this award. In 2023, Bill and Don Mullins of Mullins Cheese and Jim Sartori with Sartori Cheese were recognized with this award.
WCMA Distinguished Service Award
This award recognizes supplier partner members who have played a significant role in building the success of the dairy industry, contributing innovations in dairy manufacturing. In 2023, WCMA presented this award to Debra Cherney of Cherney Microbiological Services and Bob Fassbender from T.C. Jacoby and Co.
WCMA Luminary Award
Launched in 2021, this award recognizes the contributions of leaders in dairy product sales and marketing. These are individuals who introduce new concepts, products, or innovative ideas to drive sales. The 2023 recipients of the Luminary Award were Dennis Kasuboski from Alto Dairy and Masters Gallery Foods, and Stan Woodworth at Klondike Cheese Co.
WCMA Vanguard Award
This award goes to groundbreaking cheesemakers or cheese manufacturing employees — those who innovate in their day-to-day dairy operations. In 2023, Tom Jenny with a career spanning Swiss Valley Farms, Specialty Cheese Company and Carr Valley Cheese, and Dan Stearns from Agropur, got the award.
WCMA Babcock Award
This award recognizes the contributions of those in education who partner with dairy manufacturers in the pursuit of dairy industry excellence. In 2023, this award went to Dr. Ed Jesse at the University of Wisconsin and Dr. Charles White from University of Tennessee and Mississippi State University.
Members of the WCMA Recognition Committee will consider the nominations in September. The WCMA Board of Directors will make final determinations in December. Awards will go out at CheeseExpo, set for April 16-18, 2024 in Milwaukee.
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