CIFT

Looking to connect with top professionals in Northwest Ohio’s food processing industry? Join us for a networking event on October 10th at Juniper Brewing Company. Engage with experts from CIFT, RGP, and JobsOhio to learn how your business can thrive. Registration is required learn more here - https://lnkd.in/gNkjv4Hi #eventsWednesday #FoodIndustry #NetworkingEvent #OhioBusiness #FoodProcessing #IndustryLeaders #NorthwestOhio #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #CIFT #RGP #JobsOhio #Manufacturing #FoodInnovation #BusinessNetworking #OhioMEP

Our Strategic Marketing Manager, Todd Underwood, had a great time on the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Morning Show with clint corpe. He shared insights about CIFT and how we help manufacturers and food processors grow, scale, and compete. Thank you for having us—it was a fantastic experience! Listen to the interview here: https://lnkd.in/gHEtneg3 #StrategicMarketing #CIFT #FoodProcessing #Manufacturing #BusinessGrowth #BowlingGreen #ChamberOfCommerce #IndustryInsights #OhioBusiness #Innovation

Workforce challenges remain one of the most pressing challenges for manufacturers and food processors in Ohio. Whether it’s finding skilled workers, retaining talent, or maintaining a productive company culture, these challenges can significantly impact your business. At CIFT, we understand these struggles because we’ve worked alongside manufacturers like you for years. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer a variety of resources tailored to your specific needs—from DiSC assessments to innovative VR training programs. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and strategies necessary to build a strong, resilient workforce. If you're looking for practical solutions to enhance your workforce and company culture, please take a few minutes to explore the resources we've compiled. Your challenges are unique, and our team is here to help you navigate them. Visit our Workforce Solutions page to learn more: https://ow.ly/T4yI50T6vrx #manufacturingTuesday #WorkforceSolutions #ManufacturingExcellence #FoodProcessing #OhioManufacturing #EmployeeTraining #CompanyCulture #TalentRetention #OhioMEP #ManufacturingInnovation #VRTraining #DiSC #ContinuousImprovement

It's Monday, and we're happy to highlight Yost Foods, Inc. & Food Basics, a Member of our Consortium providing high-value and custom ingredient solutions for manufacturers of food products. Yost Foods has developed a solid reputation in food product development, distribution, and manufacturing since 1991 through unmatched customer service and innovation. The wide range of services they offer all cater to the uniqueness of their clients: custom solutions for food products, precise duplication, and fresh ideas for processed foods. Their knowledge in global sourcing of ingredients allows them to offer tailor-made solutions to food processors. What really differentiates Yost Foods is that they are in the business of custom manufacturing, not selling a product. Everything they have developed has been to meet a specific customer's need: clean label initiatives to cost reduction. Their 40,000-square-foot facility, designed for just-in-time delivery and with over 25 years of experience, houses dry and refrigerated products. In addition, their global sourcing expertise has them become an extension of their customers' sourcing departments. From its origins as a highly customer service-oriented brokerage, Yost Foods has continued its journey to become a reputable co-developer in the food industry. Quality and safety are at the forefront. We are proud to be associated with Yost Foods, a partner that matches our leadership and innovation mission. Together, we look forward to driving growth in the food industry. #MemberShoutout #FoodIndustry #CustomSolutions #ManufacturingExcellence #CIFT

We usually have our #whatshappeningfriday update today about all the exciting things happening around CIFT. But this week we are going to change it up a bit for a few weeks with a new theme #FarmbotFriday, We'll be sharing updates on our innovative project in collaboration with the Sofia Quintero Arts and Cultural Center (SQACC). This initiative is all about harnessing the power of FarmBot technology to revolutionize urban farming in Toledo, Ohio. We wanted to test and demonstrate how FarmBot can increase crop yields, reduce pesticide use, and make urban farming more efficient and sustainable. By integrating advanced technology with traditional farming practices, we hope to work on potentially showing improving the quality and quantity of produce in a local "food desert" but also providing a hands-on educational opportunity for students and community members. Stay tuned for the next couple Fridays as we share pictures and information on the project!. #FarmbotFriday #UrbanFarming #AgricultureInnovation #FoodTech #SustainableFarming #CommunityImpact #FoodSecurity #TechInAg #UrbanAgriculture #EducationalOutreach #FoodDesertSolutions #FarmBot #CIFTUpdates #InnovationInAgriculture #SmartFarming

Throughout the year, we host a variety of events designed to support and connect the manufacturing and food processing industries. From webinars that provide the latest technical insights to our Agribusiness Forum, industry networking mixers, and our exclusive Members-Only Appreciation Event, there’s something for everyone in our community. Our industry training events offer hands-on learning opportunities, while our premier event, The Ohio Food Industry Summit, brings together leaders and innovators on April 8th, 2025. This year, we're excited to announce that the Summit is open for sponsorship. It’s a prime opportunity for companies and organizations to connect with and support the food industry. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more about our events, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information. #OhioFoodIndustrySummit #EventsWednesday #FoodIndustry #ManufacturingEvents #IndustryNetworking #AgribusinessForum #CIFTSolutions

Are you you a Northwest Ohio manufacturer or food processor looking to optimize your operations, reduce waste, and build a more engaged workforce? Our new Lean Manufacturing Assessment Quiz is here to help. This quiz is designed to give you a high-level recommendation tailored to your unique manufacturing needs, guiding you to the right starting point for your Lean journey. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, enhance competitiveness, or cultivate a thriving team culture, we’ve got you covered. Lean Manufacturing isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We understand the distinct challenges you face and are committed to helping you make informed decisions that lead to impavtful improvements. Take the first step toward a more efficient and competitive operation. Click here - https://ow.ly/vJvk50T1cRC #LeanManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingExcellence #ProductionEfficiency #WorkforceDevelopment #ManufacturingTuesday #OhioManufacturing #ProcessOptimization #CIFTSolutions

It's Monday, so were excited to kick off the week by proudly spotlighting our Member Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, a trailblazer in the coffee industry since 1991. With a commitment to leadership and innovation, Crimson Cup has not only set the standard for quality coffee roasting but has also empowered over 300 independent coffee shops across the country to thrive. Crimson Cup’s philosophy centers around creating positive change through products and relationships that inspire healthy communities, both locally and globally. Their belief in the power of hospitality and their passion for customer-centric experiences have driven their success and made a meaningful impact in every cup of coffee they pour. As members of our Consortium, we are excited to collaborate with Crimson Cup to continue driving the food industry forward, one cup at a time. #MemberShoutoutMonday #LeadershipAndInnovation #FoodIndustryExcellence #CommunityDriven #CoffeeWithPurpose

We were thrilled to participate in The Ohio State University’s Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program this summer, hosting Jaden Law for an exciting and impactful internship. At CIFT, we are passionate about exposing young people to the innovative and essential world of the food industry and manufacturing. This experience not only provided Jaden with valuable hands-on experience but also highlighted the critical role that our industry plays in shaping the future. She worked on and provided real-world analysis for us on potential new audiences and marketing channels. Through working with initiatives like this internship, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders by showing them the importance and potential of our industry. We believe that fostering curiosity and providing a hands-on work environment experience is key to driving innovation and growth in the food and manufacturing sectors. Learn more about the Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program and how it is empowering students to gain practical experience this summer here - https://lnkd.in/g2mx5KVd #InternshipExperience #FutureLeaders #FoodIndustry #ManufacturingInnovation #CIFT #BuckeyePride #OhioState

Did you miss our August CIFT Virtual Agribusiness Forum yesterday? No worries! You can now watch the full program on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe while you're there, so you never miss any of our content, including webinars, success stories, and even documentary-style features. Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gCygv2Gs #Agribusiness #OhioAgriculture #FoodIndustry #Webinars #SuccessStories #Documentaries #WhatsHappeningFriday