A Message From the President - Dwight Ely

• By: admin
• On: 01/03/2022 12:54:13
• In: Industry News

I am humbled and blessed to serve as your president this year. I am incredibly lucky to follow in the footsteps of previous leaders who have had a profound impact upon our members and this great association. I would especially like to thank Past President Rick Reams for leading us through a challenging two years.
 
As we look forward to 2022, we know the pandemic situation continues to have a major impact on businesses and our livelihoods. Nonetheless, we expect a busier year, both for the association and for the industry. We will have more opportunities to learn and grow as business owners and be better prepared to face challenges in the industry as a result.
 
AAMP has many objectives this year and the staff and leadership are working diligently to achieve long-term goals as part of the strategic plan. As we prepare to navigate through the new year, here are some key items we will focus on:
 

• Education – Increased training opportunities through video and webinars. The addition of new AAMP staff will help provide these opportunities.

• Regulatory – AAMP is reviewing the revised Appendix A & B and what it will mean for our members. Keep watching for more information from the association on this.

• Grants – The association launched a grant resource page on its website to provide members with the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. Visit www.aamp.com/grants for more details.

• Continued partnerships – AAMP works with several industry partners to help bring members the most important and relevant information to their businesses. These include partnerships with the Independent Processor, Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN), the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), many universities, and of course, our wonderful state affiliate associations.

• Volunteerism - I encourage you to become involved in AAMP. If you haven't served on an AAMP committee, maybe now is a good time to start. If you would like to get more involved with AAMP, we are always looking for volunteers, especially during our annual convention.

 
We are excited to continue our partnership with the German Butchers' Association and will have our third U.S.-based IFFA competition this month in State College, Pa. Watch AAMP's social media channels and newsletters for updates from the competition. It will be exciting to see how our products stack up against the German standard. Thank you to those processors who are participating. I know it's a major commitment in such a busy time of the year.

Lastly, don't forget to save the date for our 83^rd convention in Des Moines, Iowa, July 14-16. The Convention Planning Committee has a great show planned and you won't want to miss it. We have a great incoming board, and a highly talented incoming president, Darla Kiesel, of Dewig Meats in Indiana. Just as I did, she will rely on the great AAMP staff to see her through her term, and she will look to each of you to continue to do your part to advocate on behalf of our industry. Because that is what AAMP is all about —advocacy for its members.
 
Thank you to our membership for their service and commitment. The Executive Committee and the Board of Directors are thankful for your efforts. As we continue into 2022, we hope AAMP remains a source of connection, friendship, and professional development for you. Together, we can make a difference.