In the newsletter below you will find details on our activities this fall and an announcement of our new Executive Director as Dr. Al Wagner retires this spring.
We invite you to mark your calendars for our Annual Conference May 14-16, 2025 in Fredericksburg, TX.
We are excited to announce that Tammy Pack will be our keynote speaker. As the author of the book Stop Waiting to Die: A Guide to Mastering the Art of the Restart, she will be a charming and inspiring speaker. Details for registration will come out in March.
Keep checking our website for updates and see you in May!
…
Janet Adams
President, TFPA 2025
469.271.7313
TFPA Updates
Upcoming Events
2024 Annual Conference Recap
We had an incredible time at the annual supplier night event! The evening was filled with insightful conversations, meaningful connections, and exciting opportunities, making it a truly successful experience. This year, we had 16 exhibitors--an all-time record for our yearly meeting!
The room was full of enthusiasm and collaboration from our suppliers and processors. We are excited about the potential these partnerships hold. Thanks to everyone who contributed to such a productive and rewarding experience!
Table Top Exhibitors
ABC Polymer Industries
Arkansas Glass • Berlin Packaging
Boiler Management of Texas
CKS Packaging • Fulton
Industrial Fumigation
J.W. Winco Inc. • LifeSpice Ingredients
Mizkan America • OLAM
Plex, a Rockwell Automation Co.
ProXES Inc. • Res-Tek Inc.
Spectrum Industrial Flooring
Supply One • Versacor
Legislative
Upcoming Changes
The Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology is thrilled to welcome Dr. Shannon Schmidt-Combest as the new Assistant Professor and Extension Food Specialist starting January 2025. Dr. Schmidt will also serve as the Executive Director of the Texas Food Processors Association, transitioning from Dr. Al Wagner at the annual conference in May 2025.
Academic and Industry Background
Dr. Schmidt holds a master’s degree in food science and technology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Her research has focused on food safety, product development, and chronic disease prevention. She has extensive experience in both academia and industry, including her role as a Food Technologist at Pecan Deluxe Candy Company in Dallas, Texas, where she developed innovative food and beverage inclusions.
Role and Responsibilities
In her new role, Dr. Schmidt will develop educational and training programs in food processing, safety, and quality. She will provide expert advice to food companies on safety regulations and processing practices, collaborate with faculty, county Extension Agents, and stakeholders, and foster the growth of future food scientists through hands-on educational and professional development programs.
Dr. Schmidt’s expertise and passion for community outreach will greatly benefit the Texas food industry. Welcome to the Texas Food Processors Association, Dr. Schmidt-Combest!
Board of Directors
A new board was voted on and placed in order during the 2024 Annual Conference. Please see the new board below.
Executive Director
President Vice President
Treasurer Secretary
Directors
Scholarships
Texas Tech University Scholarships
Written by: Branndon Frail
After careful consideration of need, merit and career focus the TFPA Scholarship Committee has agreed upon 3 scholarship recipients. The difficulty in deciding these recipients is the highlight of the TFPA mission. The difficulty proves that these applicants all embody the attributes that are most desirable during our interview process. The following students are the this year’s 2025 recipients:
Jessica Riley- $4000:
Jessica is a Senior at TTU that finds the intersection of science and technology to be her passion. Jessica aspires to be oversee a BioSafety Level 3 lab. In this she will achieve her goals of making our food supply safer. Jessica is a first generation college student that holds a full time job and securing this scholarship expedites her ambition to make an immediate impact on the industry.
Genesis Flores-$4000:
Genesis is a Senior at TTU with extensive experience in the dairy industry through internship with Dairy Farmers of America. Genesis has aspirations in a diverse range of career ambitions, ranging from a plant manager, FDA inspector or flavor chemist. She hails from the Rio Grande Valley and found her purpose in witnessing sincere food insecurity. With her scholarship she will continue to advance as a graduate who perseveres as the sole source of her tuition funding.
Laura Suffoletta-$2000:
Laura is a Junior at TTU that yearns for a career in R&D with a focus on sustainability. Laura’s education evolved from a Culinary Master Chef Program to Food Science in a natural progression that granted insight into waste, environmental impact and food alternatives. By being awarded this scholarship she can further immerse herself in Food Science extracurriculars and secure her 3rd consecutive President’s Honors Award.
Congratulations to all the students that applied and also secured scholarship’s this year. It is such a rewarding process of interviews that reassures us that the future of the food industry is in capable hands.
Texas A & M University Scholarships
Texas A&M University scholarships will be highlighted in the next newsletter.
The Scholarship Committee congratulated the 2025 recipients of the TFPA scholarships.
We're thrilled to share another year of highlights for our recent Annual Combat Marine Outdoor Dove Hunt and Skeet Shoot that took place on October 5th in the heart of Jourdanton, TX! This year's event drew in a fantastic crowd of 200+ Service Members and their families. This was our largest turnout and has become such a special family friendly event.
The skeet shooting echoed through the air, and our skilled hunters reveled in a successful day with birds aplenty in the fields. Nature played its part with perfect weather, adding an extra layer of joy to the festivities. As the day unfolded, the excitement continued with a mouthwatering feast featuring succulent Brisket, savory Sausage, and mouthwatering Ribs, accompanied by delightful sides all prepared by
J-Town Grillers.
A big thanks to those who volunteered their time to make sure our Heroes were well fed! The festivities continued with live music, creating the perfect backdrop for friends and family to unwind and share in the joy of the day's achievements.
A massive thank you to the TFPA Board and our incredible organization members who went above and beyond to support this event, ensuring everyone stayed refreshed with coolers brimming with cold water, sodas, and delicious snacks throughout the afternoon.
Your dedication and warmth truly made this event special!
The Internship Committee
ATTN: Food manufactures - Are you needing temporary interns for special projects this upcoming year? Audit support, QA Responsibilities, Product Development assistance.
ATTN: Students - Are you seeking an internship this year? Potential employer vetting, exercise Food Science & Technology Skills, gain experience, earn a paycheck all the while building your resume. TFPA is here to assist in connecting companies with qualified interns seeking internships. If so please contact:
Associative Members
Attached is a flyer to help promote TFPA to potential processor members. Please share with processors as you see fit.
We have also added a recruiting video to the website.Click here to watch. If you think you know of associates who would be interested in joining The TFPA
