The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association’s 2009 Dairy Symposium will be held July 12-13 at the Eagle Ridge Resort, in Galena, Ill. The Dairy Symposium is a complete and comprehensive program focusing on issues impacting all dairy processors. The conference’s program format has been designed to be concise, hard-hitting and to-the-point, and includes exceptional program speakers, entertaining social events, a golf outing and the opportunity to network with leading dairy executives in an upscale, resort setting.

This year’s Dairy Symposium features:

Ø    Stellar, cutting-edge seminars for all dairy interests. A partial listing of confirmed speakers include:

Keith Gomes, Dairy Farmers of America
Miles Hurrel, Fonterra USA 
Mike Reidy, Leprino Foods
      Tom McIntyre, SuperValu

Ø    Representatives from leading dairy companies will be in attendance providing opportunities to network and interact with business peers.

Ø    Fun-filled social events, including a spectacular Sunday night reception and banquet, and a golf outing at one of the Midwest’s premiere golf courses. 

The Dairy Symposium begins with a golf outing at The General Golf Club at the Eagle Ridge Resort, which is one of Midwest’s premiere golf courses. The outing will utilize a scramble format to allow golfers of all abilities to have an enjoyable day. Tee times will begin at 10:30 a.m. and lunch, drinks and prizes are included in the golf fee.

That evening, there will be a gala reception, followed by the Presidents Award dinner banquet.

The next day begins with a breakfast and the WDPA annual meeting, followed by the main educational program. The lineup of guest speakers is as follows:

Sustainability Round Table Discussion
Sustainability. Carbon footprints. Going green. These are the latest buzzwords being used to describe how society is attempting to protect our planet. The dairy industry is a vital player in this environmental movement. How are the different segments of the dairy industry addressing this issue? Leading experts will be discussing the various pillars of sustainability pertaining to dairy manufacturers, dairy producers, retailers and overall dairy product safety. This will be a thought-provoking discussion, which will provide attendees with ideas for their own companies. 

-    Mike Reidy, Leprino Foods
-    Deborah Van Dyk, Schreiber Foods
-    Tom McIntyre, SuperValu
-    Rick Naczi, Dairy Management Inc.
-    Dr. Rusty Bishop, Center for Dairy Research – Moderator

Executive Discussion on Dairy Markets
What is currently happening with dairy markets? How are the national and international economies impacting the dairy industry? Hear from a panel of leading dairy executives on what they are doing to remain competitive in these recessionary times. Hear how their companies are addressing challenges in today’s dairy economy and what steps they’re taking to position their companies for future growth.

-    Keith Gomes, Dairy Farmers of America
-    Phil Plourd, Blimling and Associates
-    Jaime Castaneda, US Dairy Export Council (invited)
-    Miles Hurrel, Fonterra USA
-    Bill Jacoby, T.C. Jacoby & Co. – Moderator

The 2009 Dairy Symposium concludes with a lunch and keynote speech by Clay Detlefsen, IDFA.

To register for the 2009 Dairy Symposium, visit www.wdpa.net or call 608/836-3336 to obtain a registration brochure. The deadline to secure a room at the Eagle Ridge Resort is June 12, and the deadline to register for the Dairy Symposium is June 26.