Large Business of the Year

From Left to Right Bud Kriz, Richard Hedrick, DeeDee Katsias, J.J. Smith, and James Katsias

Large Business of the Year Valley Proteins, Inc.

In 1949, Clyde A. Smith started a business that would fulfill a dream for three generations. Over the next 60 years, Valley Proteins, Inc. has grown to become one of the largest rendering companies in the United States. Through multiple acquisitions, expansion into global markets, and investments into the development of biofuels, Valley Proteins has flourished, providing consistent employment for many in our community. Valley Proteins, Inc. is one of the largest rendering companies in the United States with several hundred million dollars in annual sales. On average, the company processes three million tons of raw materials and manufactures over one million tons of value-added animal feed ingredients annually, which are marketed throughout the world. The company employs 1,900 employees and recently sold to Darling Ingredients Inc. In addition, J.J. Smith, Chairman, President & CEO for Valley Proteins, Inc. has contributed so much to the Winchester Community having served on countless Boards and Associations in his professional capacity. He has also served or is serving as a board member for affiliations such as Shenandoah University, Wake Forest University, Winchester Regional Airport Commission, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Virginia Historical Society, Valley Health System Member of Corporation, Glass-Glen Burnie Foundation Trustee, and Congregational Community Action Project (CCAP) to name a few.