CheeseCon to Tackle Current Workforce, Sales Topics
CEOs, human resources leaders and sales professionals in the dairy processing industry will find ample opportunities to learn and connect at CheeseCon, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) April 15-17, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit CheeseCon.org now to register!
“CheeseCon offers something for everyone in dairy processing, whether they work on the production floor or in the corporate headquarters,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director. “In a landscape of constant change, industry’s corporate leaders, human resources pros and sales leaders will find cutting-edge insights from trusted resources and ample opportunities to connect at CheeseCon.”
Explore the recent trends in consumer demand for health-focused dairy products in a newly-announced Keynote Lunch talk, “Dairy’s Health Halo: New Consumer Insights Offer Sales Opportunity.” As you enjoy a complimentary catered lunch, join Paul Ziemnisky, Group EVP for Health & Wellness, Insights and Innovation at Dairy Management Inc. for this insightful talk. Per capita dairy consumption in the U.S. continues to grow, with new research showing Americans drawn to dairy not only for taste, but also for its nutritional benefits for overall wellness and functional health. Make sure to join this energizing dive into the products, data, and sales strategies based around dairy’s health halo that support a bullish outlook for processors in the years ahead.
Throughout the conference, CheeseCon’s educational seminars offer exciting avenues for learning and growth. On Wednesday, April 15, all attendees are welcome at the Opening Keynote Panel, “Mastering Change Management in Dairy’s Evolving Environment.” As the pace of change in our industry quickens, hear directly from leaders in transition as they share actionable strategies to balance vision with agility, harnessing the power of emerging technology, building inclusive culture, and navigating dynamic markets and politics. Join Betty Thompson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Society for Human Resource Management, for this engaging talk and panel discussion featuring dairy leaders Heather Anfang, President of Dairy Foods, EVP at Land O' Lakes Inc.; Craig Caballero, CEO of United Dairymen of Arizona; Bob Sarver, President and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese; and David Scharfman, VP of Growth at Specialty Cheese Company.
On Thursday, April 16, WCMA explores how HR leaders can successfully navigate the changing regulatory landscape in Washington in a just-announced seminar, “Navigating Inclusion: Supporting Dairy’s Diverse Workforce Post-Executive Order 14173.” Following President Donald Trump’s order limiting private organizations from conducting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility programs, many dairy processors are working to determine how to navigate both liability concerns and support for their workforce. WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney moderates an engaging conversation with Allison Bolet Cafaro, Generational Impact Manager at Great Lakes Cheese, Jose Quijada, Senior Director, Digital Solutions at Ecolab and Farrah Rifelj, Sub-Practice Leader, Affirmative Action at Micheal Best & Friedrich LLP. Hear their perspectives and learn strategies to uphold a welcoming, equitable workplace, attracting top talent, while ensuring long-term success in a changing regulatory environment.
Meanwhile, dairy sales professionals – especially dairy exporters – will find fascinating information and useful insights in WCMA’s concurrent session, “Sustainable Trade: Exploring the Nexus of Sustainability and Dairy Exports.” Sustainability initiatives are increasingly shaping the landscape of international trade. For U.S. dairy exporters, aligning with evolving consumer demands, market expectations and regulatory frameworks is essential to drive growth and maintain competitiveness. In this session, attendees will hear from U.S. Dairy Export Council leaders Nicholas Gardner, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs and Megan Sheets, Vice President, Strategic Development. The seminar also features a panel discussion with Alfiya Thomas, Vice President, Export Sales at Schreiber Foods and Carly Arendt, Global Sales & Marketing Strategist for Sartori Cheese. Don't miss this engaging look at how evolving trade policies, customer expectations and sustainability certifications are shaping the future of dairy exports.
CheeseCon registration is open now to dairy processors and manufacturers, exhibitors, suppliers, government employees, and members of academia. Advance registration is open now through April 7. After April 7, all registrations will take place on-site. For complete details, a schedule of events, and more, visit CheeseCon.org. Questions can be directed to events@wischeesemakers.org or (608) 286-1001.