Nelson-Jameson is proud to be recognized by Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) Women’s Alliance Network in this year’s Red Circle Honors in the category of Achievement in Developing & Promoting Women. Nelson-Jameson received a runner-up position in the highly competitive category – a notable honor given the number and caliber of individuals and companies nominated.
The nomination and evaluation process included a detailed application in which Nelson-Jameson shared the specific ways it fosters opportunities for women. As a company that carries forward the values of honesty, integrity, and kindness, the team would like to share some highlights from the application process:
Female-owned business:
Nelson-Jameson is a privately-held family business that is majority women-owned – a distinction that less than half of businesses in the U.S. (42%) can claim, according to the latest U.S. Data Statistics for Women in Business. However, only 2% of food supply or manufacturing companies are women-owned (source: Industry Select 2023), making Nelson-Jameson’s women-owned status even more unique in the industry.
Career advancement, mentorship & training:
Nelson-Jameson has a top-down commitment to walking the walk when it comes to career opportunities. Formal training programs and HR-monitored mentorship help employees develop their skills on site, and leadership seeks tangible ways for women to be recognized, including awards and promotion tracks. Nelson-Jameson is proud to foster, promote, and support the advancement of women in the company. In fact, 50% of our Vice Presidents are women.
Industry Networking Events:
Nelson-Jameson actively encourages employees to participate in industry associations, conferences, and networking events, including the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IFDA) “Women in Dairy.” The company also supports the next generation of dairy leaders by offering leadership experiences to its employees.
Work-life programs:
Nelson-Jameson is a people-first company that has valued and supported its employees’ personal lives as much as their work lives. This includes policies that promote, protect, and enhance the workplace for women. The headquarters location is equipped with a lactation room with sink, fridge, and comfortable seating and the company provides fully paid parental leave for two weeks to give parents time and space to bond with both natural-born and adopted children. Additionally, Nelson-Jameson’s short-term disability starts on the first of the month following the date of hire. It kicks in on the eighth day of disability and pays 60% of the wage or salary--this would apply to the mother who gave birth.
Community engagement:
Nelson-Jameson also supports Working Women's Wednesday, which provides both networking, educational, and personal growth opportunities for women in the local community of Marshfield, Wisconsin, near company headquarters.
Nelson-Jameson’s dedication to developing and promoting women is one piece of a larger whole. The company’s retention rate for employees is significantly higher than industry peers, and it’s proud to have so many employees who have stayed here for decades. The focus on providing a supportive and productive workplace for all employees, and the commitment to operating in an ethical manner with respect for people, the community, and the environment, continues to set Nelson-Jameson apart.
