The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

The Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. and Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc., in conjunction with then Pennsylvania Association of Milk Producers will be convening for the 32nd annual Northeast Dairy Convention from September 11-13, 2019 at the Otesaga Resort in historic Cooperstown, NY. Attendees will include hundreds of dairy executives, managers, industry vendors and supplier representatives from throughout the Northeast and United States to gather for industry updates and information, panel discussions, networking events, and conclude with annual meetings for the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Association of Milk Producers, respectively.

The 2019 Northeast Dairy Convention special guest and speakers includes;

  • Richard “Goose” Gossage, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer
  • Susan McLennan, President, Reimagine PR: How to get the workforce you want in 5 easy steps
  • Kristen Park, Cornell University Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management: Changes in U.S. food retailing
  • Rob Barley, Star Rock Farms, Chairman of the PA Milk Marketing Board and Milk PEP Board Member: Dairy industry perspectives
  • Barry Coultas, Digital Transformation Solutions Manager, Emmerson Automation Solutions and Ted Reppi, Engineering and Process Consultant, Emerson Automation Solutions: Digital transformation in the dairy industry
  • Dr. Andrew Novakovic, Cornell University Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management: Government’s future role in regulating dairy markets

A panel discussion on the topic of labor workforce, recruitment and retention for the dairy processing industry will also feature representatives from throughout the dairy industry and will be moderated by Susan McLennan.

“This convention proves to be highly informative and very successful for attendees who are able to listen to industry experts, network and make new business connections year after year,” said Bruce W. Krupke, Executive Vice President of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. “This is the second time in the past decade we have held the convention at the Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, New York, and it is a beautiful location and facility that will provide a world-class stay and a great experience for attendees and their guests.”

The inaugural NDFA Customer of the Year Award will also be presented at this year’s convention. The 2019 Customer of the Year award will be presented to Sonbyrne Sales, Inc. The award was established to recognize the often unsung loyalty, leadership and support role customers play in the important and evolving customer partnership within the ever-changing exciting and complex dairy processing, manufacturing and distribution industry. This annual event will recognize and honor the contributions of a nominee who demonstrates a vision for operational excellence as it pertains to the dairy food and beverage industry. Attributes considered but were not limited to were; innovation, product introduction, promoting dairy products and the industry through marketing including June Dairy Month/July National Ice Cream Month events, advertising, involvement within the dairy industry, community relations, management planning and oversight, exceptional leadership, and commitment to improving accountability and success of their own operation and relationship with their vendor service product supplier.

A variety of activities and networking events are also planned for attendees, spouses and guests, including a tour of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum and a golf tournament.

Anyone associated with the dairy industry is invited to attend the convention. To register or for more information and a registration packet, contact the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. visit www.nedairyfoods.org/events or call 315-452-6455, or the PA Association of Milk Dealers at 717-238-1738. Convention registration is open to association members, supplier/vendor associate members, non-members and related companies.