WCMA Unveils Front-Line Training Dates for 2025 

Invest in your most important asset – your valued dairy processing employees – with a new lineup of Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association’s (WCMA) popular Front-Line Leadership trainings, offered virtually. Details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities for these highly rated classes are available now at WisCheeseMakers.org/Trainings. 

“With over 1,000 graduates to date, WCMA’s Front-Line Leadership courses are the trusted choice for dairy manufacturers, processors, and suppliers who want to train – and retain – their staff,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney. “These classes sell out each year, so don’t wait to sign up. Plan ahead and join us!” 

WCMA’s three-part Front-Line Leadership series benefits both new and seasoned supervisors in the dairy processing industry. Part A encourages attendees to evaluate their current leadership skills and find opportunities for growth. Part B focuses on practical ways emerging leaders can elevate their teams’ work performance. In Part C, students explore strategies to drive productivity by cultivating a positive, team-oriented environment. 

“Strong leadership skills are key to success in any dairy processing business, and they’re especially important for managers on the front lines of production. Whether they’re supervising for the first time or just need a refresher, there’s a place for your employees in WCMA’s Front-Line Leadership courses,” added WCMA Membership Director Sara Schmidt. 

Beginning in January 2025, WCMA will offer two virtual tracks of Front-Line Leadership classes: 

• Tuesday, January 14: Part A - Essential Leadership Skills  

• Thursday, February 13: Part B - Boosting Staff Performance    

• Thursday, March 13: Part C - Cultivating a Team  

• Tuesday, January 21: Part A - Essential Leadership Skills  

• Wednesday, February 26: Part B - Boosting Staff Performance 

• Tuesday, March 18: Part C - Cultivating a Team 

Front-Line Leadership classes may also be taken a la carte and in any order. These virtual sessions are affordably priced at just $135 per person, per part. Participants who complete all three sessions receive a free Full Registration to attend CheeseCon 2025, April 15-17 in Madison, Wisconsin, valued at approximately $600. 

Impactful sponsorship opportunities are also available now for these popular courses, with benefits including reserved class spaces, recognition in promotions and during trainings, and access to class lists for follow-up. Businesses interested in connecting with dairy processing employees and showing their support for the industry can find full details now at WisCheeseMakers.org/Trainings. 

WCMA offers a variety of recruitment, onboarding, and training tools tailored to the dairy processing industry. For more information on these resources, or to join WCMA’s Workforce & Education Committee, please contact WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney at rsweeney@wischeesemakers.org.