First training program in October 2014

(Washington, D.C. – July 29, 2014) The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is joining with Cornell University to offer leadership development opportunities for the next generation of leaders in the dairy foods business. Through its newly-launched NextGEN Dairy Network, IDFA will partner with Cornell University to provide a series of training opportunities for dairy professions with less than 15 years in the industry.

“As dairy companies continue to grow and their operations evolve, one of the most critical requirements is to create a strong pool of dairy professionals who are prepared to fill senior-level management positions in their companies and in our member organizations,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “Our collaboration with Cornell is an important step towards strengthening the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of our industry’s employees.”

The first joint program will be the NextGEN Symposium, October 6-8, at Cornell University. The symposium will feature exposure to the dairy industry from production to processing to supply chain distribution and is designed to enhance personal and professional networking, increase self-awareness, and improve leadership skills in a way that can drive change within an organization.

“Teaming up with an organization such as IDFA will help to bridge the gap in workforce development for the next generation of leaders in our industry,” said Kathryn J. Boor, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. “Cornell and IDFA share a commitment to create opportunities for industry professionals at all levels to develop the skills, connections and confidence to be successful in the dairy industry.”

The symposium is limited to 50 participants, and registration is now open. For more information and to register, visit NextGEN Symposium.

IDFA developed its NextGEN Dairy Network to engage the next generation of leaders in the dairy foods industry. It is intended to help professionals with less than 15 years of experience to connect with peers, enhance their careers and prepare for leadership opportunities within their companies and the industry.

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies within a $125-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's nearly 200 dairy processing members run nearly 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.