The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), McLean, Va., said it created an entirely new structure of substantive membership groups, called Networks, that create opportunities to network with professionals in similar disciplines and tackle critical issues spanning across the breadth of food and beverage industry segments in which FPSA members operate. The new Networks include the Packaging Network, the Food Safety Network and the Technology Network. These Networks join the already existing Women’s Network (formerly Women’s Council) and Young Professionals Group (YPG). 

“The Networks not only create new avenues of participation for FPSA members,” said Jarrod McCarroll, chairman of FPSA and president of Weber Inc. “They provide substantive content development in critical areas across the entire food industry spectrum.

“While our industry Councils have a vertical focus, the Networks have a horizontal span across all segments that enables solutions that cross pollinate from one industry to another,” he noted. “Frankly, we look forward to the not-too-distant future; the content developed from these Networks will have a significant impact on all FPSA programs.”

FPSA members are eligible for a seat on any of the five Networks, the association said.

“Establishment of the new Network structure addresses an issue that our leadership has discussed for some time now, that of cross-industry collaboration,” said David Seckman, president and CEO of FPSA. “The Networks will give members another platform for substantive work on prominent issues, regardless of the industry segment they belong to. Additionally, the Networks will include relevant subject matter experts, academics and government officials to participate and in so doing, greatly enhance the knowledge base of each group.”

Anyone interested in joining or obtaining more information should contact Dolores Alonso, FPSA vice president of membership and business development, at dalonso@fpsa.org or 703-663-1226.