Gunderson Completes AFIA Chairman Role (May 2013)

Posted on May 21, 2013 in Company News
 

(Washington D.C.) – Al Gunderson, Vita Plus vice president of sales and marketing, recently received a heartfelt thank you and appreciation from his peers after completing his role as chairman of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA).   Gunderson wrapped up holding the top leadership role at last week’s spring meeting in the Washington D.C. area with nearly 50 members present.  The organization is the world’s largest trade group devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal feed industry and its suppliers.

Passing the leadership gavel: (left to right) Chair-elect Alan Wessler, Incoming Chair Jeff Cannon, Al Gunderson and AFIA President Joel NewmanThe AFIA board recognized Gunderson for his leadership as chairman this past year and welcomed his successor, Jeff Cannon, Diamond V.

“It’s been a tremendous year under Al’s guidance,” stated Joel G. Newman, AFIA president and CEO. “We’re looking forward to Jeff’s leadership as we make the transition; the association remains in good hands,” Newman continued.

Gunderson has been an active member of AFIA, having previously served twice on the board of directors. He also chaired the Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Committee and served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER).

Special AFIA recognition: (left to right) AFIA President Joel Newman with Debi and Al Gunderson“Al has been a strong, long-term advocate of AFIA. He’s chaired PISC and IFEEDER; he established the Membership Task Force and introduced the strategic vision study,” commented Newman.

Also during the spring meeting, board members visited Capitol Hill to publicize AFIA positions on proposed legislation as they visited their respective members of Congress.  The congressional visits, held following a legislative briefing on Capitol Hill the previous day, gave members the opportunity to discuss issues impacting the feed and feed ingredient industry, the Farm Bill, Renewable Fuels Standard and feedstock completion, the new FDA requirement for pet food under the Food Safety Modernization Act, and facility inspection user fees.   AFIA board members also discussed a range of topics during their time together, including matters pertaining to membership, strategic objectives, finances, regulations and legislation.

Vita Plus Corporation is an employee-owned company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Vita Plus has been serving livestock producers since 1948. More than just a feed supplier, Vita Plus consultants offer the latest cutting-edge technology, nutrition and management information. For more information about the organization, call 1-800-362-8334 or go online at www.vitaplus.com.

Photo 1:  Passing the leadership gavel: (left to right) Chair-elect Alan Wessler, Incoming Chair Jeff Cannon, Al Gunderson and AFIA President Joel Newman

Photo 2:  Special AFIA recognition: (left to right) AFIA President Joel Newman with Debi and Al Gunderson

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