June 11, 2020
The 8th Annual UEP Future Leaders Conference (FLC), rescheduled to 2021, was to take place this week at Fair Oaks Farms, IN. Like previous conferences, the UEP staff had planned an amazing experience.
Egg farms were facing many daunting challenges when UEP planned the first FLC in 2013. "UEP was being defined by some as 'stuffy and old.' Committees, the Board and leadership positions were held by the same people for many years," said Chad Gregory, president and CEO. "For our industry and members to flourish, we needed to build on our past, but more importantly, create a culture that encouraged and inspired new ideas. Our organization needed young, energetic, diverse views."
UEP set the following strategic goals for the Future Leaders Conferences:
According to Gregory, "I am very proud to say that our goals have been achieved. Many attendees have ‘graduated’ from being a future leader to leaders at member companies. Many are on committees and the Board, and a few are even on the Executive Committee."
1st Annual UEP Future Leaders 2013
UEP's SVP of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, Oscar Garrison, has helped lead the FLC since 2013. "Seeing the future leaders grow both professionally and personally is truly amazing. The relationships forged as part of this program will continue to benefit both the participants and UEP for years to come," said Garrison.
Though the FLC will not be held this year, UEP remains committed to fostering the next group of industry leaders. Next year's Future Leaders Conference will be at Fair Oaks Farms, June 8-11, 2021.
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