MADISON, WIS. – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) announced it is accepting nominations for the 2024 WCMA Recognition Awards, which honor leaders throughout the dairy processing industry.

Nominations can be submitted online at the WCMA website and will be accepted through Aug. 18.

Chief executive officers, directors, presidents and vice presidents are the types of candidates the WCMA seeks for its Cheese Industry Champion Award, which honors leaders who drive industry growth.

The Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize suppliers who play critical roles in building up the dairy industry through manufacturing innovations.

The Luminary Award goes to industry leaders who specialize in dairy product sales and marketing. The WCMA said the award shines a spotlight on professionals who innovate and introduce new concepts and/or products.

The best cheesemakers and cheese manufacturing employees in the industry are recognized through the Vanguard Award, which salutes groundbreakers and innovators.

The Babcock Award, meanwhile, celebrates educators who work with cheesemakers to improve the dairy industry.

The WCMA’s recognition committee will consider the nominees in September and the association’s board of directors will make final award decisions in December. Honorees will receive their awards at CheeseExpo, scheduled for April 16-18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

– See WCMA's 2023 award winners: 13 dairy processing contributors honored