SAN ANTONIO – In accepting his election to serve as the National Turkey Federation’s chairman Yubert Envia, encouraged the industry to promote a diverse range of products to ensure continued growth. Mr. Envia, who is vice president of turkey and prepared foods for Foster Farms, Livingston, Calif., said the industry “should be looking more at capturing a larger share of the consumer’s interest by offering them the widest possible variety of turkey products in the marketplace.”

In 2009, the U.S. turkey industry survived one of the toughest years thanks to coordination and collaboration, he added. Although optimistic, he also spoke of the numerous regulatory and legislative issues that continue to confront the turkey industry, including: environmental regulations, antibiotic use and changes to the food-safety inspection system. He encouraged N.T.F. members to play an important part in the public-affairs process.

“It is this powerful membership base that is willing to help each other fight through common legislative, regulatory and food-safety challenges, share innovative ideas, discuss new technologies and open their doors, that ensures the strength and viability of this outstanding trade association,” he said.

N.T.F.’s board of directors also elected Richard Huisinga, president and c.o.o., Willmar Poultry Company, as vice chairman; and Steve Willardsen, president, Cargill Value Added Meats, as secretary-treasurer during Saturday’s meeting at N.T.F.’s Annual Convention. Walter “Gator” Pelletier, corporate secretary, Butterball, LLC, assumes the position of immediate past-chairman.

The N.T.F. Board also reelected John Burkel, Northern Pride Inc.; Gary Cooper, Cooper Farms; Jihad Douglas, Aviagen Turkeys; Paul Hill, West Liberty Foods; Ted Seger, Farbest Foods Inc.; and Carl Wittenburg, Protein Alliance Inc., to the Executive Committee (E.C.). Elected to the E.C. were John Reicks, Sara Lee Food and Beverage, and Ron Prestage, Prestage Farms. Jim Leighton, Perdue Farms Inc., and Petri Papinaho, Jennie-O Turkey Store, were also appointed to the E.C.