By: Tristan Zuber, Dairy Foods Support Specialist, Harvest NY
As dairy food manufacturers continue to grow and evolve their operations, one of the most critical requirements is the replacement of senior level managers with members of the organization having comparable knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities. As a result, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has launched the NextGEN Dairy Network to begin engaging the next generation of leaders in the dairy foods industry. This network is meant to help professionals with less than 15 years of experience in the dairy industry connect with peers, enhance their careers and prepare for leadership opportunities within their companies and the industry. The network will provide opportunities for young dairy professionals to grow, collaborate, network and solve problems.
“The NextGEN Dairy Network enables industry professionals at all levels to grow, collaborate, network, solve problems and develop the skills necessary to hold leadership positions in their companies, as well as in IDFA and its constituent organizations,” said Clay Hough, IDFA senior group vice president and general counsel.
Cornell University has teamed up with IDFA to create the first opportunity for leadership development. Cornell University Dairy Extension has been on the cutting edge of workforce development initiatives in the dairy foods industry. Teaming up with an organization such as IDFA will help to bridge the gap in workforce development for the next generation of leaders in our industry. The first ever NextGEN Symposium will be held October 6-8th at Cornell University. The program will feature exposure to the dairy industry from production to processing to supply chain distribution. The program is also designed to enhance personal and professional networking, increase self-awareness, and improve leadership skills in a way that can drive change within an organization.
Look to join the NextGEN Dairy Network on the IDFA website (www.idfa.org) and stay tuned for more information on the first ever NextGEN Symposium!
