AAMP Presents 2024 Outstanding Service Award

• By: admin
• On: 08/06/2024 08:57:40
• In: Industry News

The American Association of Meat Processors has presented its Outstanding Service Award to Dianne Handsaker, Executive Secretary for the Illinois Association of Meat Processors and the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors. The Outstanding Service Award is an honor to be bestowed on affiliated associations, officers, secretaries or leaders by AAMP and recognizes noteworthy state, regional, or provincial associations or remarkable leaders whose dedication and enthusiasm have elevated an association to an outstanding degree. The award was given to Dianne during AAMP's annual convention, which took place August 1-3 in Omaha.

“The 2024 AAMP Outstanding Service Award recognizes a person who has worked tirelessly within their state association to ensure the success of not only the association but also its members. For years she has worked to strengthen an association that was in need of strong leadership, and she has provided that,” said Chris Young, Executive Director of AAMP.

Growing up in the meat industry, Dianne understands the different facets of meat production and processing. She has been on the cattle raising, meat processing and restaurant sides of the meat industry and still raises cattle today. With that well-rounded knowledge and involvement on many sides of the industry, Dianne can easily talk to processor members about issues they may be having and direct them to the right party that will have the answers. Oftentimes, she will take it upon herself to make the contact and get the answers.

Dianne became executive secretary of IAMP in 2005 and has flourished. She always does a great job planning for conventions, ensuring both operator and supplier members have a great convention, whether that be in connecting with others or learning from well-planned workshops as well as participating in fun social activities. Attendance is always good, and the convention is a financial success. Dianne has also been a big supporter of AAMP, attending the national convention each year and helping wherever needed. Dianne played a big role in bringing AAMP to Springfield, IL, in 2015. Dianne has also recently taken over the Executive Secretary position for the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors and is doing a similarly great job there.

Dianne spends a lot of time reaching out to operators and suppliers encouraging them to be members of the associations, which has ensured a good growing membership. Dianne is also heavily involved in the Illinois State Fair cured meats contest, working to make sure that this is a good marketing opportunity for those operators who enter the competition.

Young said, “It is because of her commitment to the industry and her service record of almost 20 years in Illinois and now in Wisconsin that we present the 2024 Outstanding Service Award to Dianne Handsaker.”