Scott Smith, Shearer's Food, Inc., accepted the SFA Chairman's gavel Sunday from outgoing Chairman of the Board Matt Colford, Old Dutch Foods, Inc., who has served in that position since March 2011.
Colford said that as he leaves his post, the Snack Food Association is in a strong financial position for now and the future, noting that this year's SNAXPO has record levels of attendance, exhibits and international attendees. He encouraged the Snack Food Association to continue reaching out internationally to continue its growth.
"The world has become a smaller place, and many of our newest members are coming to SFA with an international perspective,"Colford observed.
Smith laid out his objectives for the coming year, which include expanding involvement of the Snack Food Association members in the association's committees and making sure each committee is aligned with the association's long-range plan. He said the Snack Food Association needs to continue to grow financially and take advantage of new opportunities that arise. He said plans are underway to further improve SNAXPO, a financial cornerstone for the Snack Food Association, and said he hopes to see attendance at the Executive Leadership Forum increased.
Smith said the key focus in 2012 will be continued evolution of SFA's educational offerings, staying on top of trends, issues and compliance. The association will continue to stay abreast of key governmental issues, Smith added, saying SFA needs to "own"the priority issues that most concern members and continue working with allied groups on other issues of importance. He encouraged participation in the Day in DC governmnetal affairs program, slated for May 15-17.
Finally, Smith said SFA will continue to look at alliances and explore opportunities to partner with other associations to help achieve its vision and mission. "Our association, like our businesses, is part of an evolving market, and we need to be open to what these opportunities present,"he concluded.
Scott Smith, Shearer's Food, Inc., (right) accepted the SFA Chairman's gavel Sunday from outgoing Chairman of the Board Matt Colford, Old Dutch Foods, Inc. (left), who has served in that position since March 2011.
Source: Snack Food Association (SFA)
