October 18, 2000

AMI Convention Report: New Leadership Takes the Helm for 2001

by Dan Murphy

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- As more than 1,200 attendees at the American Meat Institute's Innovation Showcase 2000 gathered here in the nation's desert playground, some serious business took place -- along with a little fun and games befitting the location (see photo at end of story).

Taking the reins as AMI chairman for 2000-2001 is Dan Wright, president and CEO of Wright Brands Foods, a Vernon Texas-based manufacturer and national marketer of specialty hams and bacon. Wright, formerly a certified public accountant, had rejoined his family's business more than 20 year ago when the firm changed from a full-line packer to a specialty processor, and recently guided the sale of the firm to IBP inc.

“Believe it or not, I attended my first AMI convention 40 years ago, with my dad, when I was just a kid,” Wright told the audience during the convention's final general session Saturday. “It's a vastly different industry today,” he said.

Showing a different side than most AMI chairmen who have preceded him, Wright quoted songwriter Jimmy Buffet, saying, “I'm one of a dying breed. The [Jimmy Buffet] song says 'son of a son of a sailor.' Well, I'm the son of a son of a son of a meatpacker. I think of myself as a big little guy, and I want to make sure that there's room in this business for the 'little' companies, too.

”Wright said he make his highest priority a focus on the people of the industry. “We can have the greatest plants in the world, and not have a thing without the people who comprise our companies,” he said.

Among the issues Wright said industry executives should focus are worker safety, employee recruitment and training and community involvement. “We have 500,000 people in this business,” he said, and it's a huge task to recruit, train and retain them. But our people need to be our priority -- not packaging products.

”In a bit of bantering with AMI's outgoing chairman, Greg Page, president and chief operating officer of Cargill Inc., Wright said that he was “a little concerned” when he saw Page stride to the podium ahead of him and put on a feather boa (symbolic of Minnesota's Gov. Jesse Ventura).

“You need to be wearing boots and a cowboy hat,” Wright told Page, as he presented him with an authentic Texas hat and boots. “Great,” Page retorted. “I've become my father's worst nightmare: All hat and no cattle.

”Carrying the joking to new heights, Page and Wright then donned shades and bandanas (see photo), symbolic of AMI's “hip new leadership.”

“I don't think I could imagine doing a better job as AMI chairman than you have, Greg,” Wright said. “Especially if it involves wearing this outfit!

”Along with Wright, Phil Clemens, chairman and CEO of Hatfield Quality Meats, Hatfield, Pa., was elected to a one-year term as vice chairman, serving until October 2001, as will the other AMI officers. Clemens brings more than 37 years of industry experience to his position.

Richard G. Searer, president of the Oscar Mayer Foods Division of Kraft Foods, Madison, Wis., was elected to serve as treasurer. Searer is also executive vice president and general manager of Kraft Foods.

Stewart K. Owens, president and chief operating officer of Bob Evans Farms Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was elected to serve as secretary. Owens, whose family founded Texas-based Owens Country Sausage, was formerly president of his family's company and after Bob Evans acquired Owens Country Sausage, he became executive vice president of the parent company.

Henry Davis, president of Greater Omaha Packing Co., Omaha, Neb., was elected to serve a one-year term on AMI's Executive Committee. Davis, president of Greater Omaha Packing since 1985, has been in the meat industry more than 20 years.

Michael Silverberg, senior vice president of the Beef Division of Moyer Packing Co., Souderton, Pa., was elected to serve a one-year tem on the AMI Executive Committee. Silverberg has been with MOPAC for 23 years.

Robert “Bo” Manly, president and chief operating officer of Premium Standard Farms, Kansas City, Mo., was elected to serve a one-year term on the AMI Executive Committee. Manly, formerly executive vice president with Smithfield Foods, is responsible for farm and plant processing operations, as well as sales and marketing for Premium Standard Farms.

New members elected to AMI Board of Directors include:

· Alan Simon, chairman and CEO, Omaha Steaks International Inc., Omaha. · Edward Bleka, president and CEO, Quantum Foods, Bolingbrook, Ill. · Alan Sussna, president and CEO, Atlantic Premium Brands Ltd., Northbrook, Ill. · Steve Tennis, president, Handtmann Inc., Buffalo Grove, Ill.

All these directors will serve a three-year term through 2003.

Elected to a one-year term on the board is John Rueb, managing partner of Southwest Hide Co., Boise, Idaho. Rueb will represent the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association.

Photo caption: Dan Wright, AMI chairman and president of Wright Brand Foods (left) and Greg Page, outgoing AMI chairman and president of Cargill Inc., sport the “hip new look” for 2001.

This article reprinted with permission from Meat Marketing and Technology Magazine.

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