QCS Purchasing

Thank you for making the 2025 Annual Conference a huge success!

The 2025 QCS Annual Conference, held October 19-21 at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza, brought together members, supply partners, and industry leaders from across the country to celebrate collaboration and shared growth under the theme “Rising Tides.” Over the three-days, attendees participated in engaging educational sessions, dynamic networking events, and award presentations recognizing excellence within the cooperative community.

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“When members and supply partners share ideas, innovate, and support one another, we create value that lifts the entire cooperative community,” said Ken Klug, President and CEO of QCS Purchasing Cooperative. “That’s what ‘Rising Tides’ is all about — when one member succeeds, we all do.”

What Made This Year So Special

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Collaborative Energy – Building Stronger Connections

Receptions & Social Events
Breakout Sessions & Workshops
Supply Partner Showcase
One-on-one meetings

Discovering New Resources – Fresh Ideas & Solutions

New products, services, and technologies
Tools for quality & plant safety, operational efficiencies
New collaborations between members & supply partners
Strategic conversations

Educational sessions – Fueling Growth Through Learning

Market Clarity
Building Stronger Teams
Negotiation Skills Workshop
Quality & Food Safety Compliance
Market Intelligence
Smart Procurement Strategies
Consumer Trends
Product Innovations

Value Creator Awards – Recognizing Leadership & Collaboration within the Cooperative Community

Awards & Special Recognition – Celebrating Excellence within the Cooperative Community

Bill Meier – Honored for service as Board Chairman (2022–2025)
Innovation Award – Cargill
Irving B. Weber Award – Umpqua Dairy
Program Promotion Award – Innovation Energy Group & WEX Shell
Collaboration Award – Prairie Farms, Hiland Dairy & Rocket Products
Supply Partner Leadership Award – Innovation Energy Group
Member Leadership Award – California Dairies
Member Leadership Awards – Multi-Flow Industries

Value Creator Awards – Recognizing Leadership & Collaboration within the Cooperative Community

Bryan Arneson – Tillamook County Creamery Association
Brian Weinzierl – Galliker’s Dairy
Tim Griglack – United Dairy (Lifetime Value Creator)
Mike Bevers – QCS Purchasing Cooperative Category Leader (Lifetime Value Creator)
Tom Atkins – ORBIS Corporation (retired) (Lifetime Value Creator)

Community Impact – Giving Back

Contribution to Cal Poly’s Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Team
Donation to the Freedom Trail Foundation to support historical and cultural preservation