AAMP - American Association of Meat Processors

14/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 15/08/2024 03:00

AAMP Honors Rick & Carolyn Leiding with Achievement Award

AAMP Honors Rick & Carolyn Leiding with Achievement Award

The award was presented during the closing banquet of the AAMP Convention on August 3 in Omaha.
If there is one award that symbolizes the highest appreciation members of the American Association of Meat Processors can bestow on an individual or individuals who have accomplished so much and have done truly special things throughout the years, it is the AAMP Annual Achievement Award. This year's recipients are Rick and Carolyn Leiding of Leiding's Meats and Catering, in Danville, IL. The award was presented during the closing banquet of the AAMP Convention on August 3 in Omaha.

In the early 1970s while serving in the army, Rick was stationed in Germany where he had the opportunity to immerse himself in the culinary traditions of the region. Upon returning to the United States, Rick wasted no time in pursuing his dream. Rick worked tirelessly at a meat processing plant, absorbing every ounce of knowledge he could until eventually he and his wife Carolyn purchased their own facility. Rick and Carolyn displayed great determination as they worked through many challenges until in 1997, they opened the doors to Leiding's Meats and Catering in Danville.

Leiding Meats and Catering has set itself apart with its unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. Rick and Carolyn are constantly pushing the boundaries, experimenting with new flavors and techniques to create products that are truly exceptional. Rick's dedication to research of development has been a hallmark of his career. Rick and Carolyn work tirelessly to collaborate with other businesses, by testing and experimenting with new products and flavors. Ricks's efforts have been rewarded by the numerous cured meats awards he has won at the IAMP product show, Illinois State Fair and AAMP cured meats championships. Rick was inducted into the American Cured Meats Hall of Fame in 2014.

Rick has served the industry by being on the board of directors of both the Illinois Association of Meat Processors and the American Association of Meat Processors, as well as sharing his knowledge by teaching multiple seminars for both associations. Rick and Carolyn are also committed to their community and have shown this by supporting their Church, the FFA and local food banks, ensuring that people in their community have good wholesome protein to eat. Their commitment to giving back underscores their personal loyalty to their community and blessing others with what they have been blessed with.

"The people we are honoring tonight have always been willing to share their knowledge, and personal time on behalf of the small meat processing industry for many years," said AAMP Executive Director Chris Young during the award presentation. "It is because of the accomplishments and contributions listed above that it is my honor on behalf of the board of directors and the members of the American Association of Meat Processors to award the 2024 AAMP Achievement Award to Rick and Carolyn Leiding."