News

The Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley (MCCV), the collective voice of manufacturing interests in the San Joaquin Valley, has elected John Schneider as President for the 2024-2025 term.

Schneider has served on MCCV's executive committee since 2022. His company, Stanislaus Food Products, a founding member of MCCV, has participated in the organization for 32 years. Schneider and his colleagues from Stanislaus Food Products have previously served in various capacities on the MCCV board and executive committee.

"The manufacturing sector in the Central Valley faces critical challenges in air quality compliance, water resource management, and workforce development," said Schneider. "MCCV's collaborative platform is more valuable than ever as we navigate these issues. Our united efforts strengthen our advocacy voice, allowing us to effectively engage with policymakers on environmental regulations and economic initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures that the interests of Central Valley manufacturers are well-represented, helping to shape policies that support both industry growth and responsible resource management."

Schneider is enthusiastic about partnering with MCCV's new Executive Director, Stacey Kollmeyer Johnson, to lead the organization's efforts in strengthening advocacy at local, state, and federal levels. He also aims to enhance resources, such as updating the website to improve access to information gathered and utilized on behalf of members.

"In today's hybrid work environment, we're committed to modernizing our approach. By enhancing our digital platforms and making our resources more accessible, we'll ensure that MCCV remains a valuable asset to our members, whether they're engaging in person or virtually. This adaptability is key to our continued success and relevance in the manufacturing sector," Schneider emphasized.

Schneider, who currently serves as Vice President of Administration at Stanislaus Food Products, is also deeply involved in community service. His current roles include board memberships at Doctors Medical Center and Valley First Credit Union. His community leadership extends to his past presidency of the Modesto Rotary Club (2022-2023) and Stanislaus Partners in Education. He has also previously served on the board of Del Rio Country Club.

MCCV's 2024-2025 Executive Committee members include:

John Schneider, President, Stanislaus Food Products

Darin Miller, Vice President, The Wine Group

Lindsay Moorhead, Secretary, Delicato Family Wines

Dillon Olvera, Treasurer, Beard Land Development and Modesto & Empire Traction Company

Chris Lehikainen, Stanislaus Food Products

Chris Savage, E&J Gallo Winery

Jimi Netniss, Modesto Irrigation District

Josh Weimer, Turlock Irrigation District

 About the Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley

The MCCV represents manufacturers' interests across the region on issues like air, water, workforce development and retention, and energy and sustainability. Members range from small businesses to multinational corporations in food processing, packaging, plastics, petroleum and more. MCCV works toward a successful manufacturing sector that is well-supported, staffed, operating responsibly, and free from constraints to profitable growth.

Download the flyer: CUPA Workshop Agenda 2024 chemco.pdf

Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley recently submitted public comment to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of approving an attainment date extension for the San Joaquin Valley's 1997 Annual PM2.5 Fine Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area.

In our letter, we outlined the significant strides made by the Valley Air District in implementing emissions control measures and operating effective incentive programs. We noted that recent monitoring data from 2023 shows PM2.5 concentrations below the standard across all air monitoring sites in the Valley.

MCCV believes this extension is warranted given the substantial progress and ongoing efforts to improve air quality in our region. We will continue to represent the interests of our members in these important regulatory discussions.

The Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley (MCCV) has appointed Stacey Kollmeyer Johnson as its new Executive Director. Johnson brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the agriculture and food production industries.

As Executive Director, Johnson will lead the Council's efforts to represent manufacturers in the Central Valley on critical issues like air and water policies, workforce matters, energy and sustainability, and more. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Stacey as our new Executive Director," said Kyle Schmidt, President of MCCV. "Her proven leadership experience, strategic mindset, and deep roots in the Central Valley make her exceptionally qualified to further the Council's mission."

Previously, Johnson was a partner at Roberts Ferry Gourmet, helping to revitalize the Stanislaus County food manufacturer and retailer. Prior to that, she spent 20 years at the Almond Board of California in progressively senior marketing and communications roles from 1994-2016, providing strategic leadership that helped drive substantial industry growth over her tenure, which included serving as Vice President of Global Marketing & Communications from 2014-2016.

"I am honored and excited to join and help steer the important work of the Manufacturers Council and its members," said Johnson. "Ensuring the vitality of our region's manufacturing sector has never been more important. I look forward to collaborating with members on our most pressing challenges and opportunities."

Johnson succeeds Maryn Pitt, who has served as Executive Director since 2021. Pitt will transition to a part-time role as Policy Director.

"Maryn's contributions have been invaluable," added Schmidt. "With Stacey's leadership and Maryn's ongoing involvement, MCCV is extremely well-positioned for continued success.