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Episode 2 of the Food Forum Podcast with Roma McCaig

Roma McCaig talks ESG with the NJFPA Food Forum

Bill Mandia, Partner at Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, speaks with Roma McCaig, VP of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Campbell Soup Company and keynote speaker for NJFPA’s 2021 Annual Conference, about ESG: environmental, social and governance strategy and why it is important to every business large and small. 

And a special note...Roma was just named to GreenBiz’s “25 badass women leading corporate climate action list” for 2021!

Listen to Hear: 

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New: NJFPA Food Forum Podcast!

Welcome to the NJFPA Food Forum Podcast!

It is finally here! Over the last year NJFPA has heard amazing stories of resilience, perseverance and ingenuity from our members and we couldn't keep them to ourselves. Bill Mandia from Stradley Ronon, will be our interviewer extraordinaire and kick off Season 1 with our very own NJFPA President, Mark Macellaro.

NJFPA Food Forum listeners will hear from different corners of the food processing industry and see unique perspectives. You will hear who's done it, who's done it well, and lessons you can use today to drive your company forward. 

In Episode #1 listeners will hear: 

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NJFPA Member Discounts

NJFPA members and sponsors are known for their generosity and willingness to support each other. We all value the connections and support we get from this organization and want to give back to the industry. 

From discounts on supplies, services, expert advice, training and more take a look at just some of the discounts NJFPA members have shared: https://www.njfoodprocessors.org/membership-benefits

Have discounts or services you would like to share with your fellow NJFPA members? email [email protected]

Conference Training: CFR 117 subpart B

Rutgers Food Innovation Center Presents NEW Training at the 2021 NJFPA Conference
First time offered to the public!

Thursday, April 22nd (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
A Deep Dive discussion into the NEW FDA Regulations - CFR 117 subpart B offering Regulatory Views vs. Food Processing Concerns including changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presented by Rutgers Food Innovation Center 

CFR 117 (B) was just the first of many new food-related regulations that the FDA has released as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and covers the basic requirements of the Good Manufacturing Practices, Adverse Health, personal hygiene and Allergen handling requirements for food handlers working in a food processing-type environment. Participants will learn how to better comply with FDA rules, while also earning a Rutgers Certificate of Training needed to show compliance with some of the new FDA training documentation requirements.


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NJEDA Issues RFI on Strategies for NJ Food Deserts

NJEDA Seeks Input on Strategies to Address Food Insecurity in New Jersey’s Food Deserts

NJEDA specifically reached out to NJFPA and asked us to share with anyone in the food & beverage sector, including farms, animal production & fishing companies, bakeries, food manufacturers, retail & foodservice markets, wholesalers, logistics & supply chain. They need YOUR voice and perspective to find the best ideas to make #NJfood work for everyone.

TRENTON, N.J. (March 15, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight into food security challenges faced by communities across the Garden State, including specific obstacles and disparities within communities that are considered “food deserts.” Responses to the RFI are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 12, 2021. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.com/bidding/#OET.

The NJEDA issued the RFI in conjunction with Governor Phil Murphy’s office and the New Jersey departments of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and Agriculture (NJDA), to gather information and ideas regarding the implementation of the Food Desert Relief Act, part of the NJ Economic Recovery Act of 2020 that Governor Murphy signed into law in January 2021.

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Partner Programing - Webinar: Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Webinar: Restaurant Revitalization Fund – What You Need to Know

NJFPA Partner Withum is once again on top of the latest changes in the business environment. Join them Wednesday, March 24 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST for their advice and recommendations on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). 
After a year of uncertainty and economic disruption, the restaurant industry has won federal relief. On March 11 President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law which includes a $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to assist struggling restaurants during the pandemic. The RRF impacts restaurant owners with 20 or fewer locations and will be administered by the Small Business Administration.
Topics for discussion:
  • Who is eligible for RRF?
  • How can the fund be used?
  • Next steps and important considerations for restaurant owners
Presenters:
  • Terry Moncrief, Partner, CPA, Team Leader, Food and Beverage/Restaurants and Bars
  • Jeremias Ramos, CPA
Have news or expertise to share with our members? Contact [email protected]

NJFPA Virtual Open House

Stop by for Coffee!

Every other Friday at10:30 AM, join us for an informal conversation with NJFPA staff. 

For members, it's a chance to get tips on maximizing the value of your membership and give feedback on your experience with NJFPA and what you want to see the organization focus on.

If you're not a member, it's a chance to learn more about the organization and the value of joining.

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We Need You: Important Survey on NJ Food Processing

NJFPA's First Industry Benchmarking Effort

This project is an effort made possible thanks to several organizations, including NJFPA, Rutgers Food Innovation Center, the NJEDA, and Grassi Advisors & Accountants.

Take the short 5-10 minute survey and you will help provide invaluable insight into our industry. The result is valuable information that you can leverage to strengthen your operations and enhance your ROI come year-end.

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2021 Conference Schedule

2021 Annual Conference, Presented by M&T Bank

Education Days: April 22nd and 29th (both Thursdays)
Session Days: April 23rd and 30th (both Fridays)
All Elements Are Virtual This Year

This year's conference features an expanded schedule of presentations along with two standalone educational offerings and special pre-conference experiences.


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Cultivate Small Business Program

Note: The NJFPA is pleased to let you know about the program mentioned below. If you have any questions, please email the contacts listed below.

Cultivate Small Business was created to help early-stage entrepreneurs (focused on women, people of color, and immigrants) build food businesses. It’s like a mini MBA for food businesses and it’s completely FREE. This year it’s virtual and open to anyone in New Jersey.

When is it?
The 16-week program runs April - June 2021.

What do I get?
The program provides:
  • classes taught by Babson business professors
  • connections to mentors in the food industry
  • support from a network of entrepreneurs, and
  • the chance to apply for grants to support your business

Who runs this?
It’s a collaboration between 
Santander BankBabson CollegeCommonWealth KitchenLAEDA and ICIC.

How can I get more information?
Join an online info session on February 17th at 10 am. You can register for each session by clicking here. If you have any questions about the program you can contact [email protected]

Applications are due March 1, 2021.
The team will review applications and begin scheduling interviews on a rolling basis beginning February 15th. We strongly encourage you to apply early to allow sufficient time for gathering the necessary documentation.
 
 

Environmental, Social, and Governance with Mazars

NJFPA member, Mazars is proud to sponsor the upcoming Food Institute webinar: ESG Best Practices For The Food Industry. Join them on Thursday, Feb. 25 for an overview of the Environmental, Social, and Governance movement and review best practices for implementing ESG across operations. Also, hear from industry leaders Barilla Group and Just Salad as they share their approaches on tackling ESG issues within their companies. The panel will also be joined by William Hughes, Sustainability Services Lead, Mazars.

Who Should Attend:
• Food Manufacturers
• Food Retailers
• Foodservice Operators
• Agricultural Companies

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The NJFPA will be building on this session during our
Virtual 2021 Annual Conference (April 23rd and 30th) - details coming soon.


Phase 2 of Emergency Loan Program Begins

NJEDA Announces $10 Million Second Phase of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program
Pre-registration for Phase 2 of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program will open at 9:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The $10 million program expansion will support New Jersey small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and will be capitalized by a United States Economic Development Administration (USEDA) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act appropriation. Any business or entity that intends to apply for a loan must first pre-register during this pre-registration period, which will run from 9:00 a.m. EST on February 10, 2021 to 5:00 p.m. on February 22, 2021.

Read more at NJEDA

NJFPA YouTube Channel

Did you know NJFPA had a YouTube Channel?

Find recordings of past fireside chats, town halls and information about the New Jersey Food Processors Association.

Subscribe now to get alerted to new content!

2021 Conference Dates

The NJFPA's 2021 Annual Conference will take place online over April 22-23 and 29-30. Both two-day sets will include one day of education and programming on the second day. Join us for keynotes, panels, and discussions with speakers, including: Campbell Soup, Ahold Delhaize, Comarco Products, Norris McLaughlin PC, and Omni Food Sales. 

Make sure your membership is up to date to receive the latest conference news and member discounts to the events.

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Governor Murphy Says Thank You

Governor Murphy says Thank You to the Food Industry at the NJ Food Council 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting
The governor said the food industry has “gone above and beyond” to keep people fed during the crisis, noting the ongoing partnerships with food banks have been critical.

Watch the full video today

Energy Savings & Sustainability: NJFPA Member Experts

Energy Savings - Analysis, Technology, Upgrades

The most valuable benefit of any professional organization is the knowledge of its members. Today we hear from Julian Harris of Ecosave. Want to share your member expertise? Send your tips and advice to [email protected]

Energy and Sustainability are topics that many organizations plan to further explore in 2021. The EPA estimates 30 percent of the energy consumed in commercial facilities is wasted. Energy efficiency is the single largest way to eliminate this waste, reduce emissions, and save money. Over the last 18 years Ecosave has helped manufacturing facilities better understand their energy consumption and implement technologies that can reduce energy operating costs typically 25-45% while also achieving sustainability goals.



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Contaminant Protection for Food Processing Operations: Member Experts

Contaminant Protection - Roofing

The most valuable benefit of any professional organization is the knowledge of its members. Today we hear from Dave Mohr of Seaman Corporation. Want to share your member expertise? Send your tips and advice to [email protected]

As a food processor, one of the most important choices you can make is what roofing system you trust to protect your processing plants. Roofing systems are the first line of defense against food contamination and equipment damage, two impacts with potentially devastating consequences. While businesses in many industries can afford minimal roof leaks for periods of time, the same is not true for companies that process food products.

For critical food processing facilities, any leak (no matter how minuscule) occurring over even the shortest period of time is unacceptable. Any amount of food contamination caused by a leaking roof can be costly to your business’s reputation and, most importantly the health and safety of your customers. Potential impacts of a leaking roof could cause the complete shutdown of your plant resulting in:

  • Extensive facility downtime
  • Foodborne disease outbreaks and subsequent lawsuits
  • Expensive damage to your facility
  • A significant loss of revenue
In food processing facilities, high foot traffic and maintenance on the roof is common. The preferred choice for roofing over a food processing facility is to choose a membrane with a heavy based fabric and knit design, one that provides superior puncture and tear resistance, and one that will last and protect your facility for years past any warranty date.

Roofing on food processing facilities must also be able to withstand exposure to grease, oils, and other toxic chemicals. As buildup of grease and oil increases it poses a risk to contamination and sanitation within the facility.  From the food processor’s standpoint it is important to invest in a roof that is easy to maintain, is durable and provides worry-free protection year after year.

If you are interested in a free no obligation roof evaluation, please contact Dave Mohr at [email protected] or 609-468-4208.

HR Corner: Top 5 HR Risks - 2020 Bonus COVID-19 Risks

Overcoming the Top 5 HR Risks: 2020 Bonus - COVID-19 Risks

Jeff Agranoff, HR Consulting Principal, Grassi Advisors & Accountants

COVID-19 Risks
In addition to these 5 major areas of HR risk, which are all exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, there are risks inherent in the pandemic itself. Employee morale and loyalty can be severely tested in situations where furloughs and layoffs are inevitable. If you find yourself needing to make these tough decisions to contain employee-related costs, take purposeful steps to make the process easier for those who are leaving and staying. To the extent possible, communicate with remaining employees about the potential and timeline to bring furloughed employees back. Discuss how laid-off or furloughed employees’ roles will be covered. Offer departing employees job coaching and resume building services to support them in this transition.

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NJEDA Expands PPE Access Program

NJEDA Expands Discounts, Extends Deadline for PPE Access Program

Businesses and organizations with 100 or fewer employees can apply for nearly 70 percent discounts on PPE purchases

TRENTON, N.J. (November 23, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it will increase the discounts available on purchases of personal protective equipment made through the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program to nearly 70 percent, effective Tuesday, November 24, 2020. The Authority will also double the per-business cap on discount vouchers. These discounts will be available to New Jersey businesses and nonprofits with 100 or fewer employees until December 10, 2020. Businesses that have already made purchases through the program will be able to receive vouchers for additional purchases up to the new program caps, but the 65 percent discount will only apply to purchases made on or after November 24, 2020. 

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HR Corner: Top 5 HR Risks - #5 Talent Acquisition

Overcoming the Top 5 HR Risks: #5. Talent Acquisition

Jeff Agranoff, HR Consulting Principal, Grassi Advisors & Accountants

#5. Talent Acquisition
Before any employee can become a key team member, you first need to be able to identify and attract them in the recruitment process. Oftentimes, the inability to find or secure the right candidates is due to mistakes made in this selection process.

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