President’s Message

Traditionally, it’s the time of year to reflect on a year about to end. I think most will agree, that looking forward rather than behind might be a wiser decision. 2021 brings much hope and anticipation of a sense of normality. I’m sure many of you have experienced a very busy year as the food chain remained strong. The momentum that you have established will hopefully develop into something that you can manage going forward. More importantly, may you be able to manage this new momentum in such a way that you can find time for yourself and family. New opportunities await us. Staying flexible has certainly kept our industry more nimble than most and will continue to be one of our greatest strengths. Our Associate members have been a huge part of the last 9 months as we navigated new markets. So many of them working hard on your behalf to supply you with innovative options to get the job done in the most economical way. They will continue to be there as we move forward into the new year. Be sure to reach out and support them. They know this industry best. Your MPO team continues to assist you in every aspect of your business. Hopefully the many roundtables and discussions with government from this year will result in favourable outcomes next year… with labour being one of them. As always, reach out to the team for any concerns you may have. Chances are, other members have the same issues. In closing, once the busy holidays are over, I hope you will have a chance, to spend time with the ones you love. On behalf of the Board of Directors and MPO staff, I would like to extend warm wishes to you and your families for a safe and joyous holiday season. Merry Christmas Carol Goriup, President

Are you ready for the cold? As winter approaches and the year comes to an end, we take the time to reflect on the blessings of the year behind and the hopes for a more social future next year. Take a moment and remember the winter months can be hard on anyone. Add to that the fact that many of us have been practicing social distancing for 8 months already, this winter may be harsher on everyone’s mental health. Remember to take a moment for yourself, no matter how busy you are, because nothing is more important than your personal health. Give your leadership team a reminder of the same and give them opportunities to pause and reset. Provide all your team a chance to connect with each other, even if it is done from a safe social distance. Reflecting on what you are thankful for and your accomplishments of the last year and thanking those that helped you get here is always a good practice this time of year. Find a meaningful way to communicate this to your teams and they will thank you. This is also a great time to start anew. To put the year behind us and to look forward and plan. What is your year going to look like? Where do you want to be 12 months from now? What do you want to improve in your business? How do you want to see your business change in the next 365 days? What would success look like to you when you look back at the end of next year? Here at MPO I am grateful for the amazing team we have that have worked diligently to provide you with the supports you have needed during this crisis. Our success is due to the hard work of April, Daphne, Derek, Melissa and Roger. In a time when we were all held apart, they found a way to come together and worked closer than I have ever seen a team work. Special kudos to them for adjusting to the new realities. I look forward to another year of great things and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together! Franco Naccarato, Executive Director

VISION A sustainable, respectful and diverse food system that celebrates the nutritional and economic value of meat and poultry. MISSION We strengthen the meat and poultry industry in Ontario by connecting people, influencing change and empowering our members. MPO LIFETIME MEMBERS • Doris Valade (2019) • Gerry Houtzager (2003) • Laurie Nicol (2018) • Leo Rocheleau (2001) • Joe Abate (2017) • Jim Vidoczy (2000) • Brian Quinn (2016) • Nancy Ackert (1997) • Graham Dalziel (2015) • Dr. Ron Usborne (1996) • Tony Facciolo (2011) • Ron Deeth (1995) • Pat Johnson (2005) MPO LONG TIME MEMBERS Thank you to our long time members who have been helping move the industry forward for over 25 years. • Ontario Pork, Guelph • Brenner Packers, (1980) Windsor (1991) • Gord’s Abattoir, • Norwich Packers, Leamington (1982) Norwich (1991) • L’Orignal Packing, • Weston Abattoir, L’Orignal (1986) Maidstone (1991) • MMIS/MONDO, Aurora • Handtmann Canada, (1986) Waterloo (1992) • Nitta Casings, Markham • Hay’s Custom Cutting, (1986) Campbellford (1992) • Walnut Hill Farms, Gads • Hoffman Meats & Hill (1986) European Deli, • VG Meats, Simcoe (1987) Stayner (1992) • Rothsay, Dundas (1988) • Newmarket Meat • Stemmler Meat & Packers, Newmarket Cheese, Heidelberg (1988) (1992) • Chicken Farmers of • WIBERG Corporation, Ontario, Burlington Oakville (1992) (1989) • Schinkel’s Legacy, • Jetnet Norstar, Toronto Chatam (1993) (1989) • Windcrest Meat Packers, • Schinkels’ Gourmet Port Perry (1994) Meats, Chatham (1989) • Malabar Super Spice, • Springer’s Meats, Burlington (1994) Hamilton (1989) • R. Denninger Ltd., • Barron Poultry, Hamilton (1995) Amherstburg (1991)

MEAT INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT (MIA) AWARD RECIPIENTS • Hayter’s Farm, Dashwood • Springer’s Meats, (2016) Hamilton (2010) • Schinkel’s Legacy, • VG Meats, Simcoe (2009) Chatham (2014) • Stemmler’s Meat & • Conestoga Meat Packers, Cheese, Heidelberg Breslau (2013) (2008) • In Memory of Dave Tiller • Leo Rocheleau, (2012) Maidstone (2007) • Halenda’s Fine Foods, Oshawa (2011)

ASSOCIATE MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARD (AMRA) RECIPIENTS