By Tristan Zuber

A more globalized environment, policy changes, evolving consumer dynamics, crisis management, and a leadership gap.  These are some of the challenges that our industry will further face as we dive into the next 20 years.  To address these challenges, our industry needs to develop those with the skills and knowledge that will drive change and enable our industry to grow and prosper.

Cornell University has again teamed up with the International Dairy Foods Association to host the 2^nd Annual NextGEN Symposium.  This year’s event, held October 6-8^th, will feature Connie Tipton, President & CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, a DiSC Personality Assessment Workshop, and a workshop on how to cultivate a culture for innovation featuring Anne Orban – Director at Innovation Focus.  Participants will also hear from Dr. Ed McLaughlin, Director of the Food Industry Management Program at Cornell University, Dr. Andy Novakovic – EV Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics, and Dr. Martin Wiedmann – Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety.  Former Governor of Kansas and Professor at the Staley School of Leadership – John Carlin, and industry leaders such as George Cornell of Pacific Cheese Company, Rich Stammer of Agri-Mark/Cabot and Gary Vanic of Great Lakes Cheese will also be talking about their leadership experiences.

The program will conclude with commencement certificates and closing remarks made by Dr. Kathryn Boor – Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS at Cornell University.  For more information on the program or to register, please click here.