MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A Century of Accomplishment
The year 2014 marks the 100th birthday of the Northwest Food Processors Association. It is evident that the
pioneers who decided to join together for the benefit of the industry, had no idea how important their decision would be. I’m certain they had no vision of how much the food processing industry would change over the
ensuing 100 years.
I’m honored to be serving as Chair during the year when we will celebrate our shared history. The history
of our industry tells the story of a journey filled with enormous challenges and remarkable opportunities.
That so many businesses and individuals have adapted to ever-changing conditions over the century, and
continue to provide wholesome food for the world, is extraordinary. That so many companies have made
the decision to stay in the Pacific Northwest, when other locations around the world entice them to move
production, is heartening.
We have some outstanding programs planned throughout the year in honor of this centennial milestone. Kicking off the EXPO and Conference in January is a celebration and industry-wide dinner. You won’t want to miss
this special evening; the entertainment will be top notch! We are also planning something special for the Executive Business Summit and other meetings over the course of 2014. Attendance at all these events is something
you should work to accomplish as they will be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
As we celebrate 100 years of success for the Northwest food processing industry, we can’t and shouldn’t overlook the role agriculture has played. The Northwest is blessed with innovative, productive and hardworking
growers who supply our crops, and many of our grower families are in their second or third generation. Food
processing and agriculture will always go hand in hand.
One of the reasons companies choose to remain in the Pacific Northwest is stable access to electrical power at
rates often lower than those found in other parts of the country, thanks to our productive hydro-power system.
We need to protect that advantage.
For many years, NWFPA has promoted critical public policy decisions favorable to food processing. We must
continue to provide the tools necessary for the organization to be successful, such as healthy political action
committee funding, updated technology and database systems, and talent recruitment.
Just as our first organizational leaders could not possibly have predicted all the changes ahead, neither can
we foresee what will take place in the next 100 years. However, we can lay the groundwork for continued
industry success. When our association succeeds, our industry flourishes.
I hope you will strongly consider joining your peers at many of the upcoming NWFPA events as we take time to
celebrate 100 years as an organization. I know you won’t be disappointed with what we have planned.
I also hope you will give some thought to increased participation in Northwest Food Processors Association. Together we can continue healthy growth of the food processing industry so that our children and grandchildren
can celebrate our legacy in another 100 years.
Mark Dunn
Chair, NWFPA Board of Directors
J.R. Simplot Company
2 NWFPA NW REPORTS – WINTER 2013
Celebrating 100 Years