Promised Land Dairy's digital marketing program recognized with interactive marketing awards The DFW Interactive Marketing Association presented Launch Agency with 2012 Excellence in Interactive Marketing Awards for the agency's digital marketing work on behalf of Promised Land Dairy. The work that Launch did for the Texas-based premium milk distributor won second place for two separate category submissions. Most Effective Online Brand Awareness was judged by the look and feel of website creative as a reflection of the Promised Land Dairy brand. In the Social Media category, Launch designed and utilized a Promised Land Dairy Facebook page to build awareness and track the specific site actions of Store Locator searches and Moo-mail email club signups. —From Launch Agency news release BouMatic receives Governor's Export Award Dairy equipment manufacturer BouMatic, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, received the 2012 Governor’s Export Award from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker at the 48th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference.

“BouMatic has achieved extraordinary results in international markets while significantly contributing to Wisconsin’s economy and job growth opportunities,” said Walker. “BouMatic has been a great contributor to Wisconsin’s ability to compete in the global economy.”

BouMatic President Bob Luna explained, “BouMatic’s export markets have experienced significant gains over the last three years.

"With offices and facilities in Belgium, Denmark, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Brazil and India we are prepared to support our business growth in the world’s major dairy markets. Additional offices will open as our business continues to expand.”

Despite the soft global economy, BouMatic has increased its workforce in Madison, along with its capability and manufacturing output.

Overall sales outside of the U.S. have grown significantly since 2009 and the trend continues today. More than half of all revenues for the company are now generated outside the U.S.

“BouMatic is the only full line dairy equipment manufacturer in the U.S. and having our headquarters in the heart of America’s dairy land gives us an ideal perspective on the dairy industry,” said Jorge Prieto, BouMatic's VP of global sales.

—From BouMatic news release

Dinsmoore and Huttula honored at 68th Annual Michigan Dairy Industry Conference
Christina Dinsmoore of Fairgrove, Michigan, was selected as Field Person of the Year at the 68th Annual Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held May 23-24 in Mt. Pleasant.

A Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) membership representative and mastitis management specialist, Dinsmoore was nominated for the prestigious award by her peers.

Dinsmoore grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Fairgrove and has been in the business of dairy field work for eight years.

She was hired as an MMPA member representative in September 2004, promoted to Milking Systems Performance Assurance Program (MSPAP) specialist in January 2010 and assumed the role of mastitis management specialist, animal care in October 2011.

“I really can’t take much credit for this award,” Dinsmoore says. “I’ve had some of the best leaders and friends in the dairy industry to learn from for the past eight years. Their mentorship means so much to me.”

Dinsmoore lives on the family farm, just around the corner from her parent’s, Kirk and Cindy Dinsmoore, home. She can often be found helping with chores on her family’s beef, alfalfa and corn farm.

“Christy has a passion for this industry and works to stay informed on the latest issues in dairy animal health,” says MMPA Director of Member Services Dean Letter.

“Her knowledge of mastitis management is beneficial to her co-workers and MMPA members. She is quickly becoming a leader in mastitis management in the state and region.”

Also at the conference, Patti Huttula of Howell, Michigan, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award.

Huttula, who is MMPA's laboratory supervisor, has made substantial contributions to the industry over the course of 24 years.

Huttula began her career in the dairy industry working in a food, water and dairy testing laboratory, Dairilab Services. She signed on as a laboratory technician with Michigan Dairy in spring 1988 and transitioned to MMPA in August of that year. Huttula was promoted to laboratory supervisor of MMPA’s Novi lab in 1992.

She was cited for her excellent managerial skills and her reputation as an industry-wide “go to” person when laboratory issues are on the table.

Huttula has been a strong advocate for educational opportunities for herself and her co-workers at MMPA, as well as the rest of the dairy industry.

“Patti is a key member of our Member Service Department,” says Letter. “The Novi lab handles hundreds of samples every day. It is her leadership and dedication that allows the lab to run smoothly.”

Huttula is a Michigan Certified Milk Analyst and a member of the Laboratory Committee of the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. She was one of the primary organizers of the Michigan Laboratory Analysts Annual Meeting and continues to be a key member of the organizational team of the annual MDIC.

Huttula said that success is a team effort. “It’s so hard to single out just one or a handful of people who make this industry work. It’s the lab techs, the MMPA member representatives, the people who come in day-in and day-out and work hard that really make the difference.

"They rarely get the credit, but it’s those people that make us all look good.”

The Michigan Dairy Industry Conference brings together leading players in Michigan’s dairy industry to discuss current issues, technology, economic outlook, techniques and legislation affecting dairy farmers, shippers, processors and consumers.

This year’s conference was titled “Meeting Consumer Expectations” and included presentations on global export markets, market conditions, food safety and promotion efforts. PD

—From Michigan Milk Producers Association news release