NDSA MESSAGE

NDSA Has Plenty to Offer This Spring and Summer

BY OZZIE ORSILLO, PRESIDENT, NORTHEAST DAIRY SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION

Here we are pulling out of another long, cold and dreary winter. One simple and old-fashioned beverage that made it bearable for me was hot chocolate made with real milk! Now I am ready for spring and summer, as well as all the great events and programs our associations have in store for you.

Our board of directors has voted to make two changes to our popular scholarship program. First, we have increased the total scholarship offering from $15,000 to $20,000. The full amount will be awarded through 10 scholarships; five $2,500 scholarships to college students in dairy science programs and five $1,500 scholarships to college students in any major.

Secondly, we have opened up our scholarship program to both NDSA and NDFA members. That right’s, all members, members’ families and the employees and their families of both associations are eligible to apply for these valuable scholarships. This is one program our association is very proud to offer and is made possible only through the proceeds of our annual events and your participation. Thank you! Full details and an application can be viewed and downloaded at www.neastda.org.

This summer, we are hosting our annual Clambake at The Spinning Wheel at 7384 Thompson Rd. in North Syracuse, New York. As always, this event will be held on the second Wednesday of July, which happens to be July 8 this year. Mark your calendars now. Don’t miss out, as this is a must-attend event! To make it easier to attend, our board of directors has lifted ticket purchasing restrictions. Before now, tickets could only be purchased by members of the NDSA. This year and hereafter, tickets can also be directly purchased by members of the NDFA. Now you have no excuse not to join us for some delicious eats and a great day of networking and fun! Go to www.neastda.org to buy your tickets, and don’t forget to buy enough for your plant staff. This is a great opportunity to say thank you by treating your key managers and employees to a great day of golf at Rogue’s Roost, fun, food, socializing and outdoor competitive games. Clams, beer and pulled pork with all the people you enjoy being with…really, does it get any better? See you there.

Later this summer, our partners at the Northeast Dairy Foods Association and Pennsylvania Association of Milk Dealers with be hosting their annual conference at the Mount Airy Casino Resort, Aug. 12 through Aug. 14. This event provides a fantastic networking opportunity for all members of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association (and is open to NDFA members, as well). Our venue this year at Mount Airy offers the best vendor exhibit area we have ever had. Exhibit space and attendee flow will provide you direct contact with the decision makers from your customers and prospects. Go to www.neastda.org to register for the conference and sign up for a display table. The success of this event always relies on the generosity of our sponsors, so please consider taking advantage of the many sponsor opportunities we have.

Enjoy our publication and, as always, thank you for your support.