The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has named four industry leaders as winners of the 2026 Member Impact Awards. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in advocacy, workplace culture, sustainability, and community engagement. WCMA will honor these businesses at its Annual Member Meeting and Awards Ceremony on September 23 in Madison, Wisconsin.
“This year’s honorees demonstrate the many ways WCMA members are making a meaningful impact through advocacy, investment in their employees, environmental stewardship, and service to their communities,” said Sara Schmidt, WCMA Membership Director. “We’re grateful to everyone who submitted a nomination and to our Membership Committee for their thoughtful consideration. We look forward to celebrating these outstanding organizations in September.”
Advocate of the Year: Kerry
WCMA named Kerry its Advocate of the Year for outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to public policy. Kerry actively participated in WCMA’s Federal Advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C., and State Advocacy Day in Madison. Federally, the company helped lead WCMA’s opposition to the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act. Kerry warned the bill’s broad definition of ultra-processed foods could place warning labels on milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. At the state level, Kerry aggressively opposed Wisconsin Assembly Bill 550 to stop misleading dairy labeling proposals. These efforts proved Kerry takes initiative, builds relationships, and strongly defends the dairy industry.
Employer of the Year: Sigma Foods – Darlington Plant
Sigma Foods – Darlington Plant earned the Employer of the Year Award for excelling in human resources and workplace safety. The plant executes a comprehensive strategy to develop, retain, and support its workforce. Over the past year, first-year employee retention jumped from 59 percent to 82 percent. Long-term retention hit 94 percent for employees with five or more years of experience. The company provides extensive training, leadership development, and bilingual resources. It also drives internal promotion, career advancement, and strong safety initiatives.
Sustainable Stewardship Award: Nelson-Jameson, Inc.
Nelson-Jameson, Inc. secured the Sustainable Stewardship Award. The company consistently prioritizes the environment within its business strategy and committed to Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality by 2035. It is currently launching a solar power project at its Jerome, Idaho, distribution center. This installation will offset 3,115.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. During 2025, Nelson-Jameson recovered hundreds of tons of waste and significantly slashed paper and lighting energy usage. The company also participates in the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Alliance and aligns with the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals.
Culture of Excellence Award: Lifeway Foods
Lifeway Foods won the Culture of Excellence Award for its dedication to social responsibility, community engagement, and a mission-driven culture. Following the devastating January 2025 California wildfires, Lifeway donated $10,000 to relief organizations. The team organized food drives and delivered products directly to first responders, food banks, and shelters in Los Angeles. Beyond disaster relief, the company donated over 230,000 servings of kefir and farmer cheese to fight food insecurity. Lifeway also champions inclusion. Women lead the company, including three female Vice Presidents. Its board reflects diverse backgrounds, featuring a bilateral amputee, a military veteran, and immigrants from multiple heritages.
“We’re proud to celebrate the positive impact of these winners,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “They truly demonstrate the spirit of these awards, and their commitment to engaging their values and improving the lives of those around them helps to foster a stronger and more resilient dairy industry.”
WCMA will formally celebrate all awardees at its Annual Member Meeting on September 23 in Madison, Wisconsin. Event registration and sponsorships remain open through September 8 at WisCheeseMakers.org/Events.
