Welcome to the September 2023 MSNA Minute newsletter! Be introduced to our new board members, hear important updates from members, recap the annual conference, check out past and future events, & more.
|
Registration is Open!
School Nutrition & Industry Partner (SNIP) Conference
|
The School Nutrition and Industry Partner ("SNIP") Conference is on November 8-10, 2023! This is an annual convening 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 2023-24 Executive Board Installed
|
The 2023-2024 Executive Board was installed during the final day of the Annual Conference, August 9. Past President Vickie Speltz led the installation ceremony. President Michele Hawkinson, Tracy Area Schools, will represent MSNA members as MSNA President, and serving under her leadership is:
Emily Malone, Prior Lake-Savage Public Schools; Glen Ritter, St. Michael Albertville Schools; Julie Kronabetter, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools, Darcy Stueber, Mankato Area Public Schools; Ross Larson, Bloomington Public Schools; Lori Landowski, Foley Public Schools; Kathy Faust, Crosslake Community School; John Jurichko, ATSR Architects; and Nicole Barron, Minnesota Department of Education.
|
|
MSNA Annual Conference Recap
|
Thank you for attending MSNA’s 66th Annual Conference last month on August 6-9 at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud! On Monday, August 7, we welcomed over 650 attendees, including 150 first-timers. Throughout the conference, attendees enjoyed a large variety of activities, including revamped breakout sessions, “amazing adventure" relays, food demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and more!
On Tuesday, we were thrilled to welcome 130 companies to the exhibit show, over 60% of these companies MSNA members. We hope you enjoyed the samples and conversations with vendors. On Wednesday, nine individuals were installed into the 2023-24 MSNA Executive Board. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you for helping us surpass our 2022 scholarship fund amount, raising $2,404 for the 2023 MSNA scholarship fund. As we reflect on the conference, here is what our attendees thought of their experience.
- 93% of survey-takers said the conference met or exceeded their expectations.
- 81% ranked workshops as good or excellent in terms of usefulness, relevancy, variety, knowledge and effectiveness of presenters, and opportunity for Q&A.
- 89% ranked the product, equipment, and services represented at the exhibit show as good or excellent.
Thank you for helping make this conference a special one! Save the date for next year – August 4-7, 2024, back at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. View the 2023 conference photos on the MSNA Facebook page here.
|
Do you know who's been in the news? Have you been in the news lately?! On the home page of the MSNA website, simply scroll down until you see "MSNA Members in the News!"
Here you will find a section just for our stellar members who have been featured in the media this year, their stories linked for your viewing and listening!
|
2023 was a year for review of the MSNA bylaws. The bylaw amendment process happens every two years and involves the MSNA board, a quorum of delegates, and discussion of proposed resolutions to MSNA's amendments on the Sunday of the Annual Conference. Check out MSNA's revised amendments:
|
Welcome your 2023-24 MSNA President
|
Congratulations to Michele Hawkinson, Tracy Area Schools, for stepping into her role as MSNA President. Michele would like to shout-out her fellow MSNA members, recap the past year, and give you insights on where MSNA is headed into 2024.
|
With an MSNA Presidency under her belt, Cheryl Pick knows the needs of the association and the leadership required to help MSNA thrive! This includes finding new individuals to step into leadership roles (could this be you?), as well as the creation of new programs, such as the director mentor/mentee program.
|
With the Annual Conference behind us and the SNIP conference just over a month away, conferences are on our mind! Reflect with our Industry Chair, John, on the Annual Conference, and hear from our SNIP Co-chairs, Angel and Bekah, on what's to come at SNIP 2023.
|
Executive Director Update
|
MSNA's Executive Director, Margaret Winchell, continues to navigate a busy last few months. It's been almost two years since she took over the role as Executive Director. Margaret and her colleague, Noelle Hulshizer, continue the work of the association.
|
Minnesota School Nutrition Association
2000 County Road B2 W, #131447
St. Paul MN 55113
Phone: 320-251-2344
[email protected]
|
|
|
