The MMPA 104th Annual State Delegate Meeting was held on March 12 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan. The meeting, conducted in accordance with MMPA bylaws, was condensed with limited attendance to protect the health and safety of attendees in response to the spread of COVID-19 (the coronavirus).
During the Annual Meeting, MMPA announced the donation of over 2,020 pounds of milk per day to the Food Bank Council of Michigan throughout 2020. Processing and packaging of the milk was provided by Kroger’s Michigan Dairy. In response to increased need at local food banks, MMPA began the donation early than planned, shipping the first load of milk in March. The total donation of around 85,000 gallons of milk will ultimately reach all 83 counties of Michigan.
MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio commented on the importance of a strong team and noted many achievements and milestones that were made in 2019. “The more you learn and adapt to the challenges ahead the more success you will have. And to learn and adapt means you must trust each other on how to navigate the challenges.”
In the board chairman’s address, Kris Wardin shared how MMPA is cultivating connections and driving innovation. “By cultivating connections – with our elected officials, other co-ops, customers and ultimately our end-user consumers – we can continue to build an even stronger co-op that will last another 100+ years. But we have to be proactive! We must drive innovation with new products and look for partnerships that fit our core values.”
MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio thanked Gary Trimner, retired MMPA director of member services, and his wife, Carolyn, for their generous contribution to support interns in the MSU Food Systems Fellowship Program.
MMPA Treasurer Eric Frahm presented the financial status of the cooperative and reported annual revenue of $850 million.
Business conducted by the delegates included the adoption of the 2020 MMPA resolutions and election of MMPA members Kris Wardin and Bruce Lewis to the board of directors in three-year, at-large positions. In the board reorganizational meeting held at the conclusion of the delegate meeting, the following officers were elected: Doug Chapin as board chairman, Tony Jandernoa as board vice chairman and Eric Frahm as treasurer.
The annual meeting proceedings also involved recognition of several MMPA members:
- James Weber, of Vassar, Michigan as the 2019 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator
- Leroy Zimmerman, of Carson City, Michigan, as the Top Quality Award Winner
- Members who achieved membership milestones of 35 or 50 years with MMPA:
- 50-Year Member: Dale E. Weidmayer
- 35-Year Members: Robert W. Coulombe, Daniel & Dorothy Ritter, Randy G. Dragt, Brent & Nancy Wilson, David Adkinson, Raymond Bucholz, Jane M. Wood, Mark S. Rau, Robert A. Rau, James R. Richmond and Keith M. Richmond
