The North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) held its 2024 Annual Meeting at Sun Valley Resort, where Tedd Kruse (ADM Baking and Milling Solutions) was elected as Chair. Key discussions focused on the industry's strategic plan, policy issues, and workforce development.
The 2024 NAMA Annual Meeting brought together key figures from the milling industry and their guests at The Sun Valley Resort. “As I step into my role as Chair, NAMA is well-positioned to continue delivering significant value to its members as the unified voice of the milling industry in Washington, D.C.," said Tedd Kruse, the newly elected NAMA Chair. “The connections fostered through involvement in the association and the educational opportunities offered are invaluable.”
During the event, the NAMA Board of Directors held its annual business meeting. Tedd Kruse (ADM Baking and Milling Solutions) was elected as Chair, while Chris Giguere (Iowa Corn Processors) was named Vice-Chair for the 2024-2026 term. Jessica Exley (Cargill) was appointed to the NAMA Executive Committee. The corn, oat, and wheat divisions of NAMA also met to discuss the implementation of the association’s 2024-2027 strategic plan.
At the 2024 Annual Meeting Dinner and Awards Ceremony, sponsored by NAMA Associate Members, Kruse presented the 2024 Honorary Member Award to Dan Dye (retired, Ardent Mills) for his decades of leadership in the industry. Additionally, outgoing Executive Committee member Jeff Hole (Miller Milling) and outgoing Oat Division Chair Terry Tyson (Grain Millers) were recognized for their contributions.
“The 2024 Annual Meeting highlighted the power of NAMA’s collaboration across the supply chain to address critical issues facing the milling industry,” said NAMA President Jane DeMarchi. “As we look to the future, NAMA's strategic values and goals will continue to guide the industry through ongoing challenges in Washington, D.C., and the marketplace.”
The general sessions featured presentations offering both business insights and a forward-looking view on industry trends. In the opening session, Dave Whorton (Tugboat Institute) and author Brad Cleveland led a compelling discussion on building purpose-driven businesses and harnessing the power of customer experience. Dr. Michael Swanson (Wells Fargo) addressed the economic factors currently affecting profitability in the milling sector.
On the second day, Melinda Farris (International Association of Operative Millers) emphasized the importance of strengthening the talent pipeline and workforce development in the milling industry. A panel discussion featuring Molly Miller (NAMA Vice President of Regulatory & Industry Affairs), Kim Cooper (NAMA Vice President of Government Affairs), Rasma Zvaners (American Bakers Association), and Chandler Goule (National Association of Wheat Growers) explored key policy issues impacting the entire flour supply chain.