The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) today announced the creation of the Processor Spotlight Series as an integral part of the educational program at this year's PROCESS EXPO taking place September 19-22, 2017 at Chicago's McCormick Place. The Processor Spotlight Series will include a wide variety of speakers from successful food processing companies who will cover topics of critical concern from the food processor's perspective. The slate of speakers for the 2017 Processor Spotlight Series includes:

• Mike Bartikoski, Senior VP of Operations, Land O'Frost
• Aaron Merrell, CEO, Plato Pet Treats
• Fabio Nunes, Latin American Poultry Processing Consultant
• Justin Shimek, CEO, Mattson Food Development
• Richard Thompson, former CEO, Freshpet
• Ted Wampler, President, Wampler's Farm Sausage Company
• Judith Winfrey, President, PeachDish

"The speakers in the Processor Spotlight Series bring a unique perspective to the PROCESS EXPO educational program," said David Seckman, President & CEO of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA). "They will provide strategic insights on topics such as exploiting niche opportunities, consumer trends, workforce issues, plant innovations, R&D and much more - all topics that attendees at the show will not want to miss."

The Processor Spotlight Series is just one component of the 2017 PROCESS EXPO University educational program. This year's program includes 30+ hours of educational sessions including a special Food Safety program put on by the experts of the Food Safety Summit, in addition to a wide range of speakers addressing important technical topics for food and beverage industry professionals.