The most recent winner of the NCI Laureate Award was Elmer Marth for a lifetime of cheese safety research and education. Marth is pictured here with (from left) NCI Chairman Lou Gentine, Marth’s wife Phyllis, and IDFA Pres./CEO Connie Tipton.
Washington, D.C.-Nominations are now being sought for the National Cheese Institute's (NCI) highest honor, the NCI Laureate Award. NCI will honor this year's winner at a special ceremony during the 2005 Dairy Forum, Jan. 9-12, in Orlando, Fla. NCI will accept nominations through October 15, 2004.

Candidates should be business or academic leaders who have made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of the cheese industry. The award recipient is chosen by a panel of industry professionals based on a nominee's overall career achievements.

Award winners have ranged from cheese company founders to microbiologists. Previous winners of the NCI Laureate Award include Elmer Marth, Max Gonzenbach, Rudy Nef, and Betsy Holden. There is no fee to submit a nomination. For a nomination form, visit www.idfa.org. or contact Tracy Boyle at tboyle@idfa.org, 202/220-3509.