CLFP Elects Burt Fleischer, Hilmar Cheese Company, 2016-17 Chair
CLFP Elects Burt Fleischer, Hilmar Cheese Company, 2016-17 Chair
Burt Fleischer of the California-based Hilmar Cheese Company, was elected the 2016-17 chair of the California League of Food Processors (CLFP) at its annual board of directors meeting April 21 in San Francisco, Calif.
"The opportunity to serve as CLFP’s chair for the next year presents challenging opportunities as CLFP continues to be in the forefront representing the issues and concerns facing the food products industry in California," Fleischer said.
The Hilmar Cheese Company has been a member of CLFP since 2008. Fleischer has served as the company’s environmental director since 2006. Hilmar Cheese is a family owned company privately held by 11 dairy families. Based in Hilmar, Calif., it also has a manufacturing facility in Dalhart, Texas. Hilmar consists of two companies - Hilmar Cheese Company and Hilmar Ingredients. Hilmar is the world’s largest single site cheese and whey manufacturing operation, and its products are available in more than 50 countries.
Other 2016-17 CLFP officers elected were Janet Edwards of the Musco Family Olive Co. as first vice chair and Tim Nelson of the Seneca Foods Corporation as second vice chair. Outgoing Chair Greg Estep, Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, will continue as immediate past chair.
CLFP members elected to the CLFP Executive Committee for the 2015-17 term include Nick Kastle of Mooney Star Farms, LLC, P.J. Mecozzi of Del Mar Food Products, Reuben Peterson of Los Gatos Tomato Products, Chris Rufer of The Morningstar Packing Co. and Doug Reifsteck of Bell-Carter Foods, Inc.
Executive Committee members continuing their terms for 2014-2016 are Michael Mariani of the Mariani Packing Co., Inc., Andrew Howe of the Horizon Nut Company, Dave Johnson of the J.G. Boswell Tomato Co. LLC, Randy Rickert of Mizkan America, Ross Siragusa of the Kraft Heinz Company and Melvin Ward of Sunsweet Growers.
CLFP also recognized David Withycombe of Del Monte Foods, Inc., for his long term service on CLFP’s board of directors. Withycombe has served on CLFP’s board since 1991, served as chair in 1999 and will be retiring from the board later this year. Del Monte Foods was one of CLFP’S original members when the organization was formed in 1905.
Written by Lisa Jager, CLFP Marketing & Communications Director
California League Of Food Producers