Craig W. Hess is the president and CEO of Speco Inc., which has now been in business for over 100 years. His career started at the AMI convention in Chicago at The Palmer House in 1957.

Hess has had great success growing his family business including securing many patents. He served on the Meat Industry Suppliers Association board of directors, Food Processing Suppliers Association foundation board, North American Meat Institute board, and on the executive NAMI board as supplier representative member.

He was one of the founding members in the development of the Meat Industry Suppliers Association Educational Foundation and instrumental in the re-establishment of the new Meat Industry Suppliers Alliance Educational Foundation. Speco is the oldest supplier member of the Meat Institute.

To celebrate the Meat Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, MIHOF is once again hosting its annual in-person honors ceremony, with this year’s induction reception planned to take place July 25, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. during the AAMP American Convention of Meat Processors & Suppliers’ Exhibition in Kansas City, Mo.

The National Provisioner invites all meat and poultry industry professionals to join us in commemorating Craig W. Hess with our industry’s highest honor.

Learn more about the Meat Industry Hall of Fame and this year’s in-person induction reception honors ceremony here.