Snack World - November 2011 - (Page 13)

W ith an eye on the future, the 2011 Snack Food Association (SFA) Management Development Program in Dearborn, MI, Oct. 10-11 focused on key issues and business practices important to the men and women who lead snack food companies today, as well as those who will likely lead their companies in the future. “We received a lot of great tools,” said Michael Mundell, quality assurance manager at Shearer’s Foods, Inc., Brewster, OH. “There were powerful presentations that provided information and insight that we can take back and put into practice.” As a highlight of the program, the tour of the Better Made Snack Foods plant in Detroit showed off the company’s production of potato chip, popcorn and potato stick products. Mark Winkelman, president of Better Made, welcomed the group and called the management conference “a great opportunity to learn and a great way to move our industry forward.” The program’s agenda covered an overview of governmental relations developments by SFA President Jim McCarthy as well as an update on acrylamide and the new food safety law (see “Working for You” on Page 10). Other highlights included a highly popular session on negotiation techniques, a presentation on selecting and managing the best and brightest employees, and a discussion on business ethics. In addition, attendees could select from two breakout sessions on social media opportunities and time management. “The presentations were right on target to what we as a group need,” said Doug Meyer-Cuno, president, Carolina Ingredients, Rock Hill, SC, and a member of the conference planning committee. In addition, the program offered a variety of networking opportunities with many attending the opening reception and dinner at The Henry Ford Museum and a reception with tabletop exhibits. SUSTAINABLE EFFORTS. As the program came to a close, Scott Smith, president, Shearer’s Foods, and SFA first vice-chairman, encouraged attendees to remain as active as possible in SFA, which he said has been an invaluable Management Development Program attendees toured the Better Made Snack Food Co. plant in Detroit, MI, where they saw the production of potato chips, potato sticks and popcorn. www.sfa.org November 2011 Snack World 13 http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - November 2011

Snack World - November 2011
Contents
Letter from SFA - Looking Back and Seeing Ahead
Supplier’s Corner - Making it Work
Calendar of Events
Government Update - Working for You
Management Development - Leaders of Tomorrow
Inustry Images - Future Focus
Celebrating 75
New Snacks
Products & Services
Ad Index

Snack World - November 2011