The NCI Laureate Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and growth of the cheese industry. A panel of industry professionals chooses a winner each year based on the person's long-term contributions to the industry.

Brian Perry received the Soaring Eagle award, which recognizes his service to the dairy industry, the IDFA and the International Ice Cream Association.

The dairy industry stands on the verge of a new era filled with enormous opportunity and unlimited potential, said IDFA president Connie Tipton. Saying that future success hinges on all stakeholders taking steps together, Tipton called for industry collaboration on renewed efforts to phase out federal milk pricing regulations and new legislation that would change the federal standards of identity for dairy products.