WCMA Member Impact Awards
Recognizing excellence across the dairy processing industry.
The WCMA Member Impact Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of WCMA members who go above and beyond in leadership, sustainability, innovation, advocacy, and workplace culture. These annual awards honor the individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in the dairy processing industry.
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Congratulations to Our 2026 Award Recipients!
Advocate of the Year
Kerry is being honored with the WCMA Advocate of the Year Award for its outstanding leadership in and sustained commitment to influencing public policy. Over the past year, Kerry was a highly engaged participant in both WCMA’s Federal Advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C., and State Advocacy Day in Madison. At the federal level, Kerry was integral to WCMA’s opposition to the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act, expressing concerns that its broad definition of ultra-processed foods could result in warning labels on milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and other dairy products. At the state level, Kerry actively engaged policymakers in opposition to Wisconsin Assembly Bill 550, pushing back against misleading dairy labeling proposals. Through these efforts, Kerry has demonstrated that effective advocacy means taking initiative, building relationships, bringing others along, and standing up for the dairy industry.
Employer of the Year
Sigma Foods - Darlington Plant will receive the WCMA Employer of the Year Award, which recognizes organizations that excel in human resources and workplace safety. The company has a comprehensive workforce strategy centered on developing, retaining, and supporting employees. Over the past year, their first-year employee retention increased from 59 percent to 82 percent, and their long-term retention is 94 percent among employees with five or more years of experience. They offer extensive employee training and leadership development programs for employees, bilingual communication and resources, a strong internal promotion and career advancement philosophy, and employee recognition and safety initiatives.
Sustainable Stewardship Award
Nelson-Jameson, Inc., is the winner of this year’s WCMA Sustainable Stewardship Award. Celebrated for years of leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainability, Nelson-Jameson continues to keep the environment at the forefront of its business strategy. Committed to Scope 1 & 2 carbon neutrality by 2035, they are launching their first-ever solar power project at their Jerome, Idaho, distribution center, which is projected to offset 3,115.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. Additionally, over the course of 2025, they recovered hundreds of tons of waste and greatly reduced their paper and lighting energy usage. Nelson-Jameson is also a participant in the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Alliance and has aligned its work with the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals.
Culture of Excellence Award
Lifeway Foods will receive the WCMA Culture of Excellence Award in 2026 for its dedication to social responsibility, community engagement, and a mission-driven corporate culture. When the January 2025 California wildfires devastated Los Angeles, Lifeway donated $10,000 to relief organizations. The Lifeway team also held food drives and delivered product donations to first responders, local food banks, and shelters on the ground in LA. Beyond disaster relief, Lifeway donated more than 230,000 servings of kefir and farmer cheese to organizations addressing food insecurity. Lifeway values inclusion and diverse backgrounds. The company is women-led, and the leadership team includes three female Vice Presidents and a board reflecting a diverse background: a bilateral amputee, a military veteran, and immigrants from multiple heritages.
🥇Award Categories
WCMA Advocate of the Year
Recognizes a member organization that has significantly contributed to advancing the dairy industry through legislative advocacy, education, or public influence.
- Demonstrates leadership in advocating for industry policies and regulations.
- Educates stakeholders and the public on dairy industry issues.
- Promotes a positive image of the industry through outreach and engagement.
WCMA Employer of the Year
Honors a member organization that excels in human resources and/or workplace safety.
- Implements best practices in employee welfare and workplace culture.
- Demonstrates commitment to workplace safety and compliance.
- Creates an inclusive, supportive work environment.
WCMA Sustainable Stewardship Award
Celebrates a member organization’s outstanding efforts in environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Implements innovative sustainability initiatives.
- Demonstrates measurable reductions in environmental impact.
- Leads industry efforts in waste reduction and sustainable practices.
WCMA Culture of Excellence Award
Acknowledges a member organization dedicated to social responsibility and community engagement.
- Demonstrates leadership in DEI, volunteerism, cultural initiatives, or philanthropy.
- Makes meaningful contributions to the community beyond business operations.
- Creates programs or partnerships that drive positive change.
✅ Eligibility & Selection
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All current WCMA members in good standing are eligible for consideration.
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Applications will be reviewed and scored by a closed committee of WCMA members.
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Awardees will be selected by the WCMA Board of Directors based on the strength of their submission and alignment with award criteria.
📥Application Timeline
Applications for the 2026 Member Impact Awards are now closed. Details on the 2027 nomination process will be announced in spring 2027.
👉 Have questions? Reach out to WCMA Membership Director Sara Schmidt at sschmidt@wischeesemakers.org or 608-673-5269.
📣Spread the Word!
Know someone doing incredible work? Encourage them to apply—or submit a nomination on their behalf!