WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA, US — Advocacy, engagement and collaboration have been established as “foundational pillars” for the North American Millers’ Association for the next three years in a newly approved strategic plan.

The culmination of a year-long process, the strategic plan received the green light from the NAMA board Oct. 6 during the organization’s annual meeting held Oct. 5-7 at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs.

In addition to the strategic pillars, NAMA adopted a new purpose statement together with a series of values. The pillars are embedded in the group’s purpose statement:

“To advance and strengthen the milling industry through meaningful advocacy, collaboration and engagement by leveraging the value of our collective voice.”

NAMA’s values incorporated into the strategic plan include:

• Commitment to excellence — Provide relevant, responsible and solution-focused service
• Authenticity — Foster meaningful connections for leaders in an environment that values everyone’s perspectives
• Industry leadership — Advocate for a strong grain value chain with a focus on science-based practical results
• Stewardship — Preserve the rich tradition of the milling industry and innovate for a sustainable future

The comprehensive strategic planning process undertaken by NAMA since just after the group’s founding 25 years ago, the effort was launched a year ago with the engagement of Roots & Legacies Consulting, Inc., of Manhattan, Kansas, US, as a professional facilitator. Emily Lehning, a co-founder of Roots and Legacies, sought input for the plan from a broad group of flour-based foods stakeholders, beyond members of the NAMA board and the strategic planning task force.