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We are nearing the end of another year. It hasn’t been as chaotic as the past few years, but there have been challenges.
Let’s put them aside for a moment so that the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Commission and staff can wish you all a happy holiday. Please remember that there are many products.
This year’s new year’s holiday will be less staff. Her two of our auditors, Shaquaanna Reddick and Chris Bediako-Anim, both left us in another state. We will miss them and the smiles they always shared in front of us.
However, strong work continues with members willing and ready to help Pennsylvania dairy farmers.
Chairman Robert Barley brings us guidance and wisdom from his long experience in the dairy industry. He came to the Milk Marketing Board office around the same time as me in his early 2018 and has been working with dedication and enthusiasm.
As a leader, he operates with an open door policy and is always ready to listen and understand what his staff needs to operate efficiently. provided beef to staff as a holiday gift.
Member Jim Van Blarcom is from the North and brings a unique perspective to board deliberations. A lifelong dairy farmer, Jim understands that his neighbors are struggling with their own geographically restricted market.
Jim usually brings cheese to his staff as a holiday gift when he attends our celebratory gatherings. And we always count on him to have a few bottles of milk for the board. He and his wife Darlene are important members of our office family.
Did I mention I’m playing Dirty Santa at the holiday party? Please don’t think I did. It’s very fun. Last year’s least popular gift was a blood pressure monitor kit. I think the most popular was the tree containing lottery tickets and restaurant gift certificates.
Kristi Kassimer is our new board member and welcomes staff. Now that she’s getting used to how we do our holidays, she’s looking forward to spending the second holiday season with her and her family.
Last year’s gift of sweets was very pleased. I am pleased to have her on the board. We look forward to her special guidance as our consumer member.
This year we have a new staff attorney, David Kuznia. He fits in well with the rest of the staff and quickly understands how complex the dairy industry can be. Welcome David. We know that our legal guru and lead attorney, Doug Eberle, would be delighted to have you join us.
Our statutory responsibilities include ensuring that Pennsylvania farmers are accurately paid for their milk and paid on time. Steven Zalman is Director of Enforcement and Accounting, working with the audit staff to make this happen.
Stephen is also working with Special Investigator John Daddigan, who follows up on minimum pricing violations at the retail level. In addition, John oversees the filing of the required monthly reports so he can do what the law requires.
Our auditors are key to our operations in that what they do every month allows Steven, our legal team, and I to know when a problem exists. I’m here.
Milk Marketing Board auditors have experience and knowledge of dairy pricing. The team includes Brian Brandt, Tom Latsko (team he leader), Forrest Carlough (who is also an investigator), and Joe Wilson (accountant).
Overseen by dairy pricing expert Gary Gojsovich, the audit group works hard to ensure farmers are paid accurately and timely.
Two other people are working to keep things running smoothly. Keith Hay is responsible for the Board’s budget, most of the Human Resources functions, and bill payments. He also conducts monthly audits as needed and works with me when requests and other financial functions arise.
We wouldn’t be functioning without Fatima Roberge, Executive Director of the Board. I usually refer to her as “the glue that holds us all together”. And she is.
Then there’s me Without these people, my work would not have been possible. I am the luckiest secretary in the Commonwealth.
We are a small group, but we accomplish a lot. We care about the dairy industry and we are all involved.
As a group, we wish you the happiest, most joyful, and most peaceful holidays.Like you, we are all looking forward to interacting with family and friends and preparing for next year’s challenges. I am enjoying the opportunities that this season brings to me to rejuvenate myself.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from PMMB and staff.
PMMB is always available for questions and concerns. The contact number is 717-210-8244 and the phone is chardBarge@pa.gov.
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