Unveiled at its first Speed Networking Dinner at the newly-reopened Butchers’ Hall in London, the US chapter of the initiative plans to meet for the first time in 2020.
Laura Ryan, chair of Meat Business Women said “the global momentum behind Meat Business Women continues to grow at pace and the initiative is now active in UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand”.
“This is coupled with being recognised by the United Nations (UN) as one of the global solutions to their Sustainable Development Goals. I’m delighted to say the Meat Business Women will be expanding to USA, working in partnership with United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and North American Meat Institute (NAMI). This expansion will further help to deliver the ambition of MBW to inspire, network and grow the pipeline of female talent across the world.”
The event was attended by USMEF director Cheyenne McEndaffer ,who said: “We’ve been speaking with Meat Business Women for some time and see huge opportunity in bringing the concept to the USA. We will be working to develop a committee and sharing best practice with the other global chapters which are all extremely active. We are already planning the first event which will take place in 2020.”
Katie Rose McCullough, director of scientific and regulatory affairs at NAMI added: “So many of the challenges and opportunities that we are experiencing in our industry need a global approach, so working with proactive and likeminded groups like Meat Business Women is a real positive for our organisation and wider industry in the USA.”
The Speed Networking Dinner saw 12 industry leaders dedicate their time to mentor 150 delegates from right across the meat supply chain. Attendees also heard from National Farmers Union president Minette Batters.
The event also saw the presentation of the 2019 ‘One to Watch’ prize to winner Jodie Bolland of Morrisons. She wins a place on the Cranfield Management School’s ‘Women as Leaders’ course, worth over £4,000.
The independent judging panel included Chair of International Meat Trade Association and Vice President of UECBV. – European Livestock and Meat Trading Union Margaret Boanas.
Of the award, Boanas said: “The calibre of entrants was extremely high and having met all six finalists to discuss how they would address some of the current industry challenges it’s clear we have some remarkable talent in our sector. Jodie’s breadth and depth of knowledge coupled with a solution-focused attitude makes her a very worthy winner. However, all our shortlisted candidates acquitted themselves, their businesses and the sector with pride. Thanks to everyone who took part.”
