EXECUTIVE VP MESSAGE

Thanks, Bob! Loyal Supporter of Association Moves on to New York State Supreme Court New York State Supreme Court Justice Robert Antonacci with his son, Bobby, left, wife Michelle, right center, and daughter, Jackie, right.

BY BRUCE W. KRUPKE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, NDFA

2019 was certainly a very busy one for us from a legislative and lobbying perspective, and 2020 will be even more so. I’ll provide timely updates on lobbying and introduced laws and regulation to members during the legislative season (Take a look at my legislative report on page 8 of this issue). Keep up-to-date on the laws affecting your state by utilizing our website’s “Member’s Only” legislative links to bills being introduced by individual states. Visit www.nedairyfoods.org, and sign in to learn more.

Ok, so who is Bob, and why am I thanking him? Well, it began more than 25 years ago when I first met Robert (Bob) E. Antonacci II when he graduated from Syracuse University’s law school in 1993 and passed the bar exam. I was hired by the Northeast Dairy Foods Association in January 1992, and one of my first initiatives later that year was to find a lawyer to assist us in our board meetings. For associations that ask members (many of whom are competitors) to sit in a room and set policy, it is very important that there is legal counsel present to prevent any potential anti-trust conversations.

That is when our association’s board of directors took my recommendation to hire Bob as our legal counsel to help guide us. Who would have known at that time the trusted relationship that would develop over all these years and where it would take Bob on his career path?

Bob and I were much younger then and excited to get moving and active. We both shared the same vision to help revive the association and make it what it is today.

I remember when Bob attended our first convention after his hire. It was at a resort where they provided individual cabins. Well, Bob was assigned to one of these, and he happily agreed to host an after-dinner poker game with a bunch of our supplier members. He didn’t know how to play poker, and let me just say, the wolves were salivating. There were some good drinks and cigars introduced during the game,

but Bob was neither a drinker nor a cigar smoker. He was a good sport though when they all gave him the nickname “Esquire” and took him to the cleaners! I think we played past midnight, and we had a good time. Bob quickly learned to “fit in” with our members, and I could tell he would be a good fit for us.

One of the key qualities Bob has is his motivation. He graduated from Le Moyne College in 1987, obtaining his accounting degree and eventually his CPA accreditation. Not only did I have a lawyer to rely on, but also having someone with an accounting background came in handy over the years. I eventually referred to him as the “boy wonder.” Over time, Bob made it his job to learn about the dairy industry, the complex laws, regulations and Federal Milk Market Order system. He became a specialist, which really helped provide me with an extra ear and mind when complex issues arose.

The reason I’m thanking Bob is because, as of Dec. 31, 2019, he has moved on to even greater achievements. Over

the years, Bob had a desire to get into politics, so in 2008 he ran for Onondaga County (NY) comptroller and won. He served in that capacity for 10 years. Then, in 2018, he was asked to run for the New York State Senate 50th District seat and won that race, too. During his first year as a state senator, a New York State Supreme Court justice passed away, and his party asked him if he would consider running for that post. He accepted and won that race, as well. As a state Supreme Court justice, he has to resign all outside jobs and posts, thus leaving our association.

I have come to consider Bob a loyal associate and industry supporter, hard worker, confidant, professional, family man and great trusted friend. Our board members, staff and I will miss his advice and professional help.

I want to wish him and his family the very best as he now pursues his new path. He has been a great friend to our association, and, on behalf of our membership and board of directors, I want to say, “Thank you, Bob,” — and hopefully, we won’t see you in court!

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE LEAKING BIG DOLLARS WITHOUT YOU KNOWING IT

HOW WE WORK • For no cost, we will analyze the way you purchase and use your services. • We find and correct errors and overcharges, obtain refunds, and reduce costs going forward. • We only earn compensation if you realize a cash flow improvement.

EXPERT COST VERIFICATION OF THE FOLLOWING EXPENSES: GOOD NEWS! YOUR DOLLARS CAN BE RECOVERED!

Electric • Gas • Water • Sewer • Local and Long Distance • Cell/Wireless • Internet • Data • Waste • Recycling • Shredding

Steve Thompson, President steve@IntegrityCostConsulting.com 315-935-9379