Developed by PMMI’s Emerging Leaders Committee, the fourth annual awards recognize only 10 young professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential in the packaging and processing industry.

Richard Graeter has been inducted into the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) Hall of Fame, an award for selected individuals whose dedication, hard work and innovation have greatly benefited the industry to ensure future growth and achievement. 

Dynamic Conveyor Corporation has been recognized as one of five finalists for the 2021 Lakeshore Innovator of the Year Award. The Lakeshore Innovator of the Year Award was created by the Muskegon Innovation Hub at Grand Valley State University as a way to honor and recognize the many creative innovators found in West Michigan. The program recognizes innovative ideas and can be given to an individual or a team of people from any business or nonprofit in the West Michigan area.

Smithfield's plant-based Pure Farmland brand is proud to present the recipients of the 2021 Pure Growth Project grant program. After receiving 103 applications from community gardens and farms across 29 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, 55 organizations have been carefully selected to receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, providing a total of $125,000 in financial support to nurture these unique neighborhood spaces. 

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and RLS Logistics are honored to announce MJ Faison of Interstate Warehousing and Christian Avila of Valley Cold Storage as the first recipients of the Anthony M. Leo WFLO Scholarship. The scholarship will provide the opportunity for these individuals to participate in all three years of the WFLO Institute training program in memory of Tony Leo’s contributions to GCCA and the cold chain industry.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance’s (GCCA) President & CEO Matthew Ott, M.S., CAE, CMP, has been selected for ASAE’s 2021 Class of Fellows. This esteemed recognition is awarded to less than one percent of ASAE’s membership, which includes 7,300 organizations and 42,000 individuals. Being named to this year’s class, Matt is recognized for his work and leadership at GCCA, in addition to his accomplishments as an association executive and volunteer for nearly two decades.

Rondo-Pak, a leading provider of quality folding cartons and printed components for the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer industries, has attained certified vendor status with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. This designation comes as a result of Rondo-Pak providing dozens of consecutive batches of material, totaling eight-million cartons, without a single complaint or failure. As a preferred supplier, the status signifies Rondo-Pak’s consistent ability to provide supreme customer service, while minimizing cost and maximizing efficiency for its customers.

The Trucking Association Executives Council last night recognized ATRI Senior Vice President Dan Murray with the prestigious J.R. “Bob” Halladay Award.  Presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to assist and support the work of the 50 state trucking associations that comprise the ATA Federation, the Halladay Award is only awarded when a TAEC region hosting the annual meeting deems an individual worthy of recognition.

Greenhouse Competitions in Leamington, Ontario, made a return this year hosting its annual Greenhouse Vegetable Awards, showcasing the best greenhouse-grown produce from leading North American growers. Family-owned Nature Fresh Farms was awarded overall winner of the Hottest Tomato with their newest Umami Cherry Tomato, in addition to winning the entire Bite-Sized Tomato category with their Axiany placing third, Orange Cherry receiving second, and their Umami Cherry Tomato awarded first place.

Pure Flavor’s Cloud 9 Bite-Sized Fruity Tomatoes have been awarded the ChefsBest Excellence Award, adding to the reputation of this snacking tomato endorsed by professional chefs.