MWFPA Elects James Knetsch as Chairman of Board of Directors
Press Release Summary:
Midwest Food Products Association names James Knetsch, vice president of operations for Del Monte Foods as chairman of MWFPA board of directors. Knetsch will be assuming leadership of MWFPA’s governing body and will preside over quarterly meetings of the board of directors. He was a member of association’s board since 2014 having served as vice-chairman this year. The association also welcomes Jeff Griep and Mark Enter as member of the board.
Original Press Release:
Del Monte Foods’ Knetsch Elected Chair of Food Products Board
James Knetsch, Vice President of Operations for Del Monte Foods, Inc., based in Rochelle, IL, has been named chairman of Midwest Food Products Association's (MWFPA) board of directors for 2019.
As chairman, Knetsch will assume leadership of MWFPA’s governing body and will preside over quarterly meetings of the Association’s board of directors. That body adopts policies and provides strategic guidance and oversight for the Association.
“I am confident Jim will provide strong, objective and thoughtful leadership to the Board based on his deep understanding of the food industry, said MWFPA President Nick George. “Our Association remains a leading voice in the Midwest. James’ experience and leadership will provide valuable guidance to MWFPA and our members.”
Knetsch has worked for Del Monte for 25 years and was previously the company’s director of vegetable operations. He has been a member of the Association’s Board since 2014 having served this year as vice-chairman. He also serves on MWFPA's Illinois Legislative Committee.
“MWFPA plays an important role in representing the interests of food manufacturers” said Knetsch. “Del Monte has been a strong supporter of the Association and its efforts to advance the interests of manufacturers on key issues affecting them. I will work to ensure the Association continues to be an indispensable resource to every member company.”
Several changes and additions to the MWFPA Board of Directors were announced recently at the group’s annual convention held in Wisconsin Dells, WI:
Kip Guyon (Pinnacle Foods) and Rob Anderson (Bonduelle, USA) agreed to serve additional 3-year terms.
Joe Breid of Bush Brothers & Company retired from the Board and is being replaced by Brad Krings, also of Bush Brothers. Bob Porter (Layton Systems), who also stepped down from the board, will be replaced by Dean Becker of A&K Development.
MWFPA welcomed its newest Board members – Jeff Griep of B&G Foods and Mark Enter of Lakeside Foods.
MWFPA officers for 2018 are:
Chair: James Knetsch, Del Monte Foods
Vice-Chair: Rob Anderson, Bonduelle USA
Sec/Treas: Mark Enter, Lakeside Foods
Past Chair: Jon Brekken, Seneca Foods Corp.
In addition to the above officers, the MWFPA Board of Directors includes:
Dean Becker – A & K Development Col. Inc.
Jeff Griep – B&G Foods
Brad Krings – Bush Brothers & Company
Ken Sevcik - Fairbault Foods
Ryan Downs - GLK Foods
Joe Yanda - Lakeside Foods
Bob Goeres - Lodi Canning Co.
Steve Hughes - Lyco Manufacturing
Chris Jones - McCain Foods USA, Inc.
Kip Guyon – Pinnacle Foods
The Midwest Food Products Association represents the business interests of the region’s dynamic food products industry. The association lobbies on legislative and regulatory matters; promotes safe food processing practices; investigates new technologies; funds industry research; and plans industry events. It represents over 100 processing facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.
Contact:
Nick George, President
608-255-9946
Brian Elliott
Dir. of Communications
608-255-9946
