Gary Vanic soars with the eagles at Dairy Forum awards ceremony
Gary Vanic, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese Co., received a Soaring Eagle award from the International Dairy Foods Association for his service to the industry. The Soaring Eagle award recognizes the extraordinary service of leaders in the dairy industry and those who have provided exemplary leadership to IDFA, the International Ice Cream Association, the Milk Industry Foundation and the National Cheese Institute. Vanic received the award at a special ceremony during IDFA’s 2012 Dairy Forum at La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, Calif.
Vanic (pictured with wife Anne) took over the reins at Great Lakes Cheese Co. in Hiram, Ohio, in 2000 and became increasingly active in NCI and IDFA, holding several leadership positions just a few years later. He served as IDFA chairman from 2009 to 2011 and IDFA vice chairman from 2008 to 2009. He also served as NCI chairman from 2008 to 2009, NCI vice chairman from 2006 to 2008 and NCI treasurer from 2004 to 2006.