People forget that the typical meat processor in America is not a multi-billion dollar corporation with dozens of plants and tens of thousands of employees across the country. The local meat market or regional processor closer represents the “typical” processor, and their story is being underreported. I’ve developed a “Tales from the Front Lines” series here on Provisioneronline.com, where I profile some of these companies and the ways that they have adapted to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s our way of making sure that all of the voices in the industry are being heard. We’ll be doing much more of that in the August edition of Independent Processor (now appearing as a digital-only magazine, along with The National Provisioner). If you would like to get your voice heard and tell the story of your company, contact me at gazdziaks@bnpmedia.com, and we’ll talk.

In the meantime, use all the tools at your disposal to make sure that your customers and your community know your story. Talk with local newspapers, utilize your social media channels and communicate with your customers. Do it until you’re sick of marketing yourself, and then do it a little more. Unfortunately, the actions of other companies may affect your business adversely unless you take the necessary steps to get your voice heard.