In 2009 the BC Dairy Foundation (BCDF) and the BC Milk Producers Association (BCMPA) worked together to develop a common mission and vision for the BC dairy industry.  Following this work the boards of directors made the decision to reorganize the two associations into one.  Since 2004 BCDF has contracted with the BCMPA to provide management, administration and staff services.   Both organizations operate from the same office under the management of the same Executive Director.

In 2010 the consulting firm of KPMG was retained to assist the boards of BCDF and BCMPA to develop a plan for amalgamation.  This plan was accepted by both boards in January 2011.  During the spring of 2011 the President of BCMPA, Dick Klein Geltink and the Executive Director, Robin Smith visited each of the regions to explain the planned changes.  The target date for completing the changes is November 30, 2011.

A Transition Team drawn from the boards of the two organizations was established to address aspects of the reorganization.  Team members from BCMPA are: Dick Klein Geltink, Tom Hoogendoorn, Joe Taylor and Wally Smith and from BCDF are: Bouwe Meidema, Paul Davidson and Stan Van Keulen.

Various reorganization options were considered.  The final decision was for the BCDF to change its name, constitution and by-laws to reflect the new entity and for the BCMPA to merge its operations into this entity.  The name for the new organization is the BC Dairy Association (BCDA).

All registered dairy producers in BC will be members of the BCDA.  The board of directors will consist of up to eleven members, of whom seven will be appointed from the regional associations, three will be elected at large by all producers and one may be appointed by the board.  Regional representation will be:

The transition to this new structure is underway.  Regional associations are currently selecting their director representatives to be appointed to the new board.  For any one of the three elected positions any registered producer can submit their name.  The procedure for nomination is explained in detail on the BCMPA website www.bcmilkproducers.ca and should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance.   Each nomination requires the signature of five registered producers and a brief biography outlining the candidate’s skills and experience and reasons why they want to be elected to the board.  Nominations will close at 4:00 pm on Thursday September 15, 2011 with the election to be held electronically by mid October.  To learn more about the process contact Robin Smith at the BCDF/BCMPA office .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  

There will be three standing committees as follows, each chaired by a board member.  Nominations for these committees are open now, and anyone who is interested should submit their name to Robin Smith.   All committee appointments will be made by the board.

Marketing and Nutrition Committee will consist of four producers and two processors.   The purpose of this committee will be: to promote the consumption of milk and dairy products through advertising, promotion, public relations and nutrition education.

Finance and Audit Committee will consist of three to five producers.  The purpose of this committee will be: to assist the Board to meet its responsibilities by making sure the financial reporting, internal controls, management information systems and risk management functions of BCDA are adequate and effective.

Board Development Committee will consist of three to five producers.  The purpose of this committee will be: to assist the Board in identifying the right mix of skills and experience to meet its duties to membership

The newly named organization with its new by-laws will come into effect on December 1, 2011 at the BC Dairy Industry Conference.  This is your chance to contribute to the BC dairy industry and be part of the team leading the industry into the future.

Included in the attached package is a BC Dairy Association Board Nomination Form & Biography. Please print off the Board Nomination Form and return it to:

3236 Beta Ave

Burnaby BC V5G 4K4