Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA) stopped by Crystal Creamery in Modesto, Calif., last Wednesday, August 26, for a tour and discussion with employees of the nearly 115-year-old dairy company.

“Representative Denham’s visit to our Modesto facility was of significant value,” said Crystal Dohner, who is responsible for business development at Crystal Creamery. “The visit included a plant tour, as well as time to discuss key legislative issues that directly impact our business and the dairy industry.  

“Our ultimate goal was to build a foundation for a long-term relationship, which we felt that we accomplished. The visit concluded with an ice cream social for our congressional visitors and Crystal Creamery management,” Dohner added.

Denham represents the 10^th congressional district in the agriculturally significant Central Valley of California. He was first elected to Congress in 2010 and is currently serving a third term in the 114^th Congress. He sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Agriculture Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.

As part of an amplified political programs effort this year, IDFA challenged member companies to host at least one federal legislator or legislative staff member at each of their processing facilities during the month of August. IDFA termed the initiative “Take Your Legislator to Work Month.”

IDFA is always available to facilitate tours by putting members in touch with the appropriate staff for their legislators, securing tour dates and times, preparing a tour agenda and, if desired, providing talking points on key dairy issues. A typical plant tour lasts about an hour, covers the history and current function of the plant, allows opportunities for the legislators to meet plant employees and pose for photos and, when possible, sample product right off the line.

Through IDFA’s GrassRoots Action Network for Dairy (GRAND) program, members can find more information about Take Your Legislator to Work Month, how to set up plant tours or how to reach members of Congress. Visit the GRAND website at www.dairycounts.org or contact Ashley Burch, IDFA director of political programs, at (202) 220-3534 or aburch@idfa.org.