Here is an offer you can’t refuse!

Would you like to have direct access to dairy processors in North Carolina and Virginia? What if you could take advantage of that opportunity for the low, low cost of membership in the trade association representing the dairy processing industry in North Carolina and Virginia – the Carolina/Virginia Dairy Products Association (CVDPA)? Join now and take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the upcoming Tri-state Dairy Convention, hosted by CVDPA and the S.C. Dairy Association, scheduled for April 8-11, at The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA.

Membership in CVDPA is the best way of initiating a dialogue with your customers, or potential customers, as well as keeping up-to-date on legislative and regulatory actions affecting the dairy industry.

Why Join?

Here’s just a couple of reasons!

Government relations

Benefit from a strong legislative presence in Raleigh (N.C.) and Richmond ( Va.). In recent years, CVDPA General Counsel Sam Johnson, who has been rated one of North Carolina’s most effective lobbyists, and his staff defeated three bills which would have increased taxes for the dairy industry. As a result of a CVDPA-sponsored bill, milk crate legislation is in effect in both states and has had a positive impact for the dairy industry. Johnson maintains legislative oversight throughout the year, but especially while the General Assembly is in session in North Carolina. While in Virginia, Bill Axselle monitors committees and commissions throughout the year and he is actively engaged in watch dogging the legislature during General Assembly sessions.

Professional development and education

Improve your knowledge and expertise at the annual convention in the spring, which features both motivational and educational speakers, while bringing together the industry’s top leaders, along with regulatory and university partners. CVDPA meets jointly with the S.C. Dairy Association, for the Tri-State Dairy Convention. This meeting is one of the biggest and most successful dairy conventions in the Southeast.

CVDPA surveys members to determine needed programs and training. The association then works with the food science departments of the state universities to coordinate programming. In the past year, CVDPA has hosted two three-day seminars on HTST and HACCP.

CVDPA news bulletins

Stay up-to-date on association programs and member activities through CVDPA news bulletins. You can also notify industry members of your company’s recent activities and promotions.

Membership directory

Maintain high visibility with the region’s key decision-makers with a listing in and your own copy of this publication. In addition, a copy of the membership roster is available at any time for members. Mailing labels for association members may be ordered through the association office.

Resource central

Obtain prompt answers to your questions through the association's offices. The CVDPA staff is as close as your telephone, FAX or e-mail.

Public relations

Enjoy the benefits of offensive and defensive public relations activities focused on positioning the industry as a community partner. CVDPA provides two scholarships annually to students in one of N.C. State University and Virginia Tech’s Food Science Department programs, allowing them to pursue their education, affordably.

Associate Membership is open to individuals or firms that own or operate dairy machinery, supply companies or other suppliers to the dairy industry who operate in North Carolina or Virginia.

Processor Membership is open to individuals, firms and/or corporations that manufacture , process or distribute milk or dairy products in North Carolina or Virginia/

Affiliate Membership is open to processors who are not eligible for and elected to processor membership, and who manufacture and process milk or dairy products distributed from other states into North Carolina or Virginia.

By joining now, your membership will be valid through December 31, 2010!

If you have questions, please call the association offices at 919.459.2076.