October 30th, 2024 - 9am - 3pm
We are excited to invite you to the CIFT Member Appreciation Event, our exclusive gathering that celebrates you, our valued members with a world-class meal and fascinating discussions. Join fellow members from across Ohio to share market insights, predictions, successes, and stories. This unique event is set in beautiful surroundings making it a memorable experience every year.
Only open to members of CIFT Consortium
We are excited to announce that this year’s CIFT Member Appreciation Event will feature not one but two exceptional keynote speakers! In addition to Douglass E Pace, President and CEO of Stonehill Innovation, who will share his valuable insights and expertise, we are thrilled to welcome Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services and IFT Board Member, as our second speaker.
This year, each member company will receive two tickets to this exclusive event. Due to limited seating, we are offering this on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once we reach capacity, no additional spaces will be available. Registration is required and limited to two guests per member.
Douglass E Pace
President and CEO, Stonehill Innovation
About Stonehill: Stonehill is a team of artists, storytellers, engineers, and craftsmen who combine the meticulous attention of a Swiss watchmaker with the passion of a Formula 1 racing team. Acting as an R&D, design, engineering, training, marketing, and change management team for clients, Stonehill bridges the gap between creative agencies and business consultants. They specialize in reducing customer friction, increasing revenue, and delivering unforgettable customer experiences through creativity, design thinking, and data science. Their expertise spans various industries, including finance, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and education.
Presentation Overview: Join Doug Pace as he guides you through a 5-step problem-solving framework used by some of the world’s most successful organizations. This engaging session will blend real-world case studies with interactive exercises, introducing you to the basics of design thinking and practical strategies for managing innovative ideas and ensuring agile execution. Attendees will gain access to easy-to-use templates that facilitate solution-building and communication within their organizations.
About Doug: Doug Pace is a transformative leader renowned for developing innovative solutions to complex problems across both private and public sectors. As CEO of Stonehill, he directs the firm’s vision and works closely with its clients. Doug’s leadership has earned Stonehill numerous accolades, including recognition from the United States Chamber of Commerce and CIO Review Magazine. His career highlights include high-profile successes in entrepreneurial and large company settings, leveraging design thinking, game theory, and agile methodologies to create impactful solutions. Doug is also actively involved in various boards and holds a degree in economics from the University of Florida.
Jamie Valenti-Jordan
CEO, Catapult Commercialization Services
About Catapult:
Catapult Commercialization Services is a consulting powerhouse dedicated to accelerating food innovation, driving client growth, and overcoming technical challenges in the food and beverage sector. From research and development to scaling brands and troubleshooting production, Catapult supports clients at every stage of the commercialization journey. Whether guiding first-time entrepreneurs or assisting established businesses, Catapult provides tailored solutions for launching and growing successful food products.
Presentation Overview:
Join Jamie Valenti-Jordan as he explores the multifaceted world of contract manufacturing in the food industry. In this session, Jamie will break down real-world use cases—ranging from the typical to the unconventional—highlighting commercialization strategies, cost implications, and timeline considerations for each. Attendees will gain insight into key drivers, potential pitfalls, and the tactical decisions that influence success or failure in each scenario. With years of hands-on experience, Jamie offers a candid look into the patterns that shape the food industry’s success stories.
About Jamie:
Jamie Valenti-Jordan is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in food and beverage commercialization, process R&D, and operations. As CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services, he has spearheaded the growth of the firm into an 80-person team, solving complex technical and operational challenges for clients across the food and beverage industry. Prior to founding Catapult, Jamie held key roles at Campbell Soup, Del Monte Foods, and JUST, where he installed over $100M in capital equipment and commercialized more than 2,000 products. Jamie holds a patent in tomato peeling and has taught Food Engineering and Food Processing at Mount Mary University. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jamie serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and remains a passionate advocate for emerging food brands. In his free time, he enjoys leading his son’s Cub Scout Den and being the Dungeon Master for a weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaign.