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Welcome to the October 2022 MSNA Minute newsletter! Get important updates from board members, see just who our new board members are, recap the annual conference, check out past and future events, and more.


School Nutrition & Industry Partner (SNIP) Conference

The School Nutrition and Industry Partner ("SNIP") Conference is next week, November 2-4! This is an annual convening for sharing, learning, and networking between school nutrition professionals and industry partners. This is a time for the community of school nutrition directors and industry partners to come together to grow as professionals and discuss how we can better serve our kids at school.

 
MSNA 2022 Executive Board Installed

The 2022-2023 Executive Board was installed during the final day of the Annual Conference. Past President Amy Thering led the installation ceremony.

President Cheryl Pick, Foley Public Schools, will represent MSNA members and serving under her leadership is:

 Michele Hawkinson, Tracy Public Schools; Emily Malone, Prior Lake-Savage Public Schools; Kathy Faust, Crosslake Community School; Jess Pena, Red Wing Public Schools; Lori Landowski, Foley Public Schools; Ross Larson, Waseca Public Schools; Darcy Steuber, Mankato Area Public Schools; and John Jurichko, ATS&R Architects.


MSNA Annual Conference Recap

What a great time we had back in August in St. Cloud for our 65th Annual State Conference. Thank you to those who attended! We are thrilled to report that almost 700 attendees participated in the conference, 180 being first-time attendees. Over 100 companies exhibited their products and/or services on Tuesday, August 9 at the food show. A variety of breakout sessions were held, $2,282 was raised for the MSNA scholarship fund via the basket raffle, and nine individuals were installed into the 2022-2023 MSNA Executive Board. As we look back, here is what our attendees thought of their experience.

  • ~85% of survey-takers said the conference met or exceeded their expectations.
  • The top three most valuable parts of the conference included 1) the ability to gain CEUS, 2) speakers, and, 3) the exhibit show.
  • 75% rated the General Session speakers, Kat Perkins, Ian Leonard, and Annette Derouin, as Good or Excellent.
  • Breakout session topics of interest for next year include hands-on classes, procurement, kitchen problem scenarios, allergens, new recipes, body mechanics, and more!

We look forward to putting together a wonderful conference for 2023, including bringing a larger variety of breakout sessions and activities. Thank you for your input on the conference survey! 

View the conference photos here


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MSNA President's Message

With a new Executive Board under her wing, President Cheryl Pick is ready to lead MSNA this upcoming year. Read about Cheryl's thoughts on the board retreat, the annual conference, and more in her President's message.

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Public Policy Update

The midterm elections are just around the corner and they’re certain to bring change to Minnesota’s state legislature. Darcy Stueber, SNS, MSNA Public Policy Chair, and Sam Walseth, MSNA Lobbyist, cover what's been happening at the federal and state level.

Secretary/Treasurer's Update

Ross Larson, MSNA's Secretary and Treasurer, gives an update on MSNA's financials. Ross and the Board are reviewing various contracts and identifying where financials will fall at the end of the year. 

Industry Chair Report

Welcome John Jurichko as he takes on the role of Industry Chair. Read what he has to say about the Annual Conference exhibit show and get excited about the upcoming SNIP conference.

Executive Director Update

MSNA's Executive Director, Margaret Winchell, continues to navigate a busy last few months. We can't believe it's almost been one year since she took over the role following the retirement of previous Executive Director Sharon Maus. Margaret and her colleague, Noelle Hulshizer continue the work of the association.


Upcoming Events

November 2-4, 2022: School Nutrition & Industry Partner (SNIP) Conference | Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point, MN

February 21, 2023: MSNA Legislative Action "Lobby" Day | MN State Capitol


Past Events

October: Farm-to-School Month | Learn how you can still participate.

October 10-14: National School Lunch Week | Thank you to those who participated and to those who submitted photos to CJ PR.

August 7-10: MSNA Annual Conference | St. Cloud River's Edge, St. Cloud, MN


MSNA membership matters for school nutrition professionals and industry partners. Kim Harren from Lakeville Area Schools and John Jurichko from ATSR Planners / Architects / Engineers share their favorite part about attending the School Nutrition Industry Partners (SNIP) Conference next week at Breezy Point Resort. Register here.


 

Minnesota School Nutrition Association

2000 County Road B2 W, #131447

St. Paul MN 55113

Phone: 320-251-2344

 

[email protected]

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