The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) will honor industry leaders at its inaugural Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at the 2016 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia. The luncheon, which is scheduled to take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on January 26, 2016, at the Georgia World Congress Center, will feature Meat Institute Board of Directors, key industry leaders, representatives from packer and processor companies and award nominees and their families. NAMI packer and processor members are welcome to attend as part of their complimentary registration in the Members to Atlanta program. The Master of Ceremonies will be comedian and best-selling author James Cunningham, host of the television series Eat St.

“The Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon will celebrate the enormous talent and showcase the significant contributions of Meat Institute members and industry leaders,” said NAMI President and CEO Barry Carpenter. “The inaugural event will provide a unique opportunity to honor the meat and poultry industry’s continued commitment to service, ingenuity and improvement against the backdrop of the world’s largest annual meat, poultry and feed tradeshow.”

Jim Lochner, former chief operating officer at Tyson Foods Inc., will receive the E. Floyd Forbes Award in recognition of his record of accomplishments and strong commitment to the meat industry. Kerri Gehring, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University and president of the International HACCP Alliance, will be honored with the Industry Advancement Award as a testament to her professional contributions in the areas of animal and food science education and research, which have had a significant and positive impact on the meat and poultry industry.

The Edward C. Jones Community Service Award will honor Sheldon Lavin, chairman and chief executive officer of OSI Group LLC, for his dedication to, and active participation in, charitable organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area and the international communities in which OSI operates. Meanwhile, Joseph Sebranek, Ph.D., distinguished professor of animal science at Iowa State University, will receive the Harry L. Rudnick Educator’s Award in recognition of his role as an educator of future industry leaders and his extensive research, which has advanced the meat and poultry industry’s food safety and quality management systems.

Mohammad Koohmaraie, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the meat division at IEH Laboratories, is the recipient of the NAMI Foundation Scientific Achievement Award, honoring his longstanding contributions assisting the industry to produce safe and wholesome meat, and his efforts to improve meat and poultry technologies. The Supplier of the Year Award will be presented to JBT Corporation/Wolf-tec in recognition of the company’s spirit of partnership with its customers and contribution to the success of the meat and poultry industry through advanced and innovative equipment design and production.

NAMI also will present the recipients of the Environmental Recognition Awards, which are given to companies that demonstrate a dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems.

“The Meat Institute congratulates these exemplary individuals and companies for their impressive achievements” said Carpenter. “Their hard work and innovation will ensure that the industry continues to employ the highest standards and latest technology to produce wholesome, safe, nutritious products that exceed customer expectations.”

The 2016 IPPE is expected to attract more than 28,000 attendees and is a collaboration of three trade shows—International Feed Expo, International Poultry Expo and International Meat Expo—representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the North American Meat Institute. More information about IPPE, including registration details, lodging and education offerings, is available at www.ippexpo.org.

Source: IPPE