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Volunteer Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity’s “Frame Up on the Square”

Madison’s Capitol Square is usually a bustling place, filled with cars, suits, cyclists, and farm stands with fresh produce. On a rainy day in late June, however, the square was filled with something else entirely: stacks of lumber, ringing hammers, and nearly a dozen Dairyland employees ready to get to work. 

 

Habitat for Humanity, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing homeownership, closed down a portion of the square for their “Frame Up on the Square” event. These volunteer-supported events bring community members together to build houses for families who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Dairyland has partnered with Habitat for many years and was honored to work alongside the Habitat crews once again to “frame up” walls for Habitat homes in the Madison area.  

This experience showed me how much we can achieve when we work together. I feel blessed to have made a direct difference in someone’s life today, and I am so thankful my company supports and sponsors such a life-changing mission. — Govind

Despite many of us not having any construction experience, we donned hard hats and safety glasses and got to work. The Habitat crews helped us learn the basic skills so that even the most unwieldy hammer found its nails in the end, and ensured that all finished frames were safe and sturdy for final construction. As a parting gift, we each signed our names on the frames and wrote good-luck messages to the families who would one day make these houses their homes. 

Habitat’s work creates ripples of impact far beyond building houses. They help create stability, opportunity, and a stronger foundation for families across our community. We’re grateful for the chance to join Habitat, along with many other dedicated community partners, in supporting this important mission. — Amy

 

The walls we helped build are destined for the Owl Creek neighborhood, where the city of Madison has set aside space for Habitat’s affordable housing. Dairyland’s “Business as a Force for Good” inspires us daily to make a positive change in the lives of others, and it’s events like these that drive home the importance of caring for our community members—one nail at a time. 

Dairyland Family Picnic 2026:
Growing The Tradition

On an unseasonably cold day at the end of June, Dairyland employees from across the country gathered for our annual Dairyland Family Picnic, a day spent in community and celebration. This year, the event featured a catered barbecue lunch, lawn games, family activities, and time to deepen connections with coworkers and friends outside of the office. 

I really enjoyed my first company picnic. The event gave me (and my family) a chance to experience the positive and inclusive culture of the company, which made me even more excited to be part of the team. — Mallory Blazer

 

With over 100 people in attendance, this year’s Picnic ended up being the largest in our 43-year history. This increase in size meant that the yard outside of our Stoughton office was simply too small to host everyone—the best kind of problem to have! Instead, we gathered at Nordic Ridge Park in Stoughton, a nearby park where Dairyland could take advantage of the open green space, splash pad, and covered structure.  

The picnic provides a place for everyone, from all areas and ages, to gather, to laugh, to share a meal, and remember the joy of doing life together. — Cheyanne Tachick

The weather may have been cold, but it certainly didn’t bring Dairyland down! The kids lost no time in getting to the splash pad and the bouncy house while adults pulled jackets, hats, and even blankets from their cars to ensure everyone was properly bundled up against the surprisingly frigid June wind. We also learned it’s never too cold for ice cream, as the ice cream truck that stopped by had no shortage of visitors. 

 

Dairyland also took this opportunity to host a donation drive for START, a Stoughton-based organization that provides “case management, financial assistance, and basic needs support to help individuals and families navigate challenges and build stability.” Dairyland employees collected household essentials for folks in need of community support and brought them to the picnic for delivery to START. 

 

We wrapped up the day with crafts and cornhole before sending folks on their way with bags of leftovers and kids ready for naptime. It was the perfect way to celebrate a season of growth, and a reminder that Living Engaged is about more than just intentionality in the workplace—it’s also about slowing down, having fun, and spending time where it matters most. 

Improving For Over 40 Years

From the company’s beginnings in a dairy barn over 40 years ago, attention to detail and excellence were part of how things were done. When you’re solving people’s problems with stray voltage and cathodic protection, quality must be done—it cannot simply be a slogan on the wall.

Dairyland’s original manufacturing facility

The converted manufacturing space

As the company grew and began to manage quality through the eyes of trusted third parties, such as UL and IECEx, and later ISO 9001, “the way it has always been done” started to get more complicated.

Regulations require documentation and structure, which can be hard on a small, family-minded company. Navigating the changes wasn’t always easy but, “We trusted Henry (Tachick) and the others to make good decisions because they had proven themselves; if they said we needed to do something new, we trusted them”, says Sherry Ann Kostreva, who started with Dairyland in 1995, “And if things changed and then had to change again, it was ok; we didn’t rest in things because they were new, we rested in what was good.”

Change took on a new meaning when our new manufacturing facility—The Shop—opened in 2016, after thirty-three years of operating in a converted milking barn. Under guidance from the subject matter experts at Wisconsin Manufacturers’ Extension Program (WMEP), the phrase “continuous improvement” entered the company’s lexicon. The company began shifting its production model away from decades of batch production toward single-piece flow, designing work cells, and training the manufacturing team in a whole new way of doing things—and in a whole new environment.

Outside The Shop

Inside The Shop

The Lean Years

Shortly after 2020, the idea of a “Lean Team” was born, thanks to the on-going relationship with WMEP.

Lean improves value by removing anything that doesn’t transform a raw good into a finished product (“waste”). Wastes include defects, inventory, motion, transportation, over-production, over-processing, and waiting. For example, laser-cut plastic templates replaced t-squares for applying decals to the front of an enclosure, reducing defects, motion, and over-processing. Cleaning up computer files helps to find what is needed faster, with fewer mouse clicks or waiting for a search to finish.

Utilizing a laser-cut template for nameplate application

Identifying a waste is one thing; dealing with it is another. The Lean Team, per its charter, “acts as a conduit to achieving our company strategies by building the framework, setting the direction, and fostering a culture of continual improvement at Dairyland.” As such, one of the first priorities of the team was to develop a system to get feedback from the people doing the work across the organization.

The Lean Team developed an electronic form for employees to submit improvement needs and solutions; QR codes were placed within The Shop’s work cells to make it easy for the Assembly and Supply Chain teams to share their ideas while they worked—a quick link to the form was also placed on the company’s Sharepoint home page for the people who are more desk-based. To date, more than 155 submissions have been made; improvements include a shelf to get heavy parts up off the floor, software process changes, bathroom door handles that indicate occupied status, and working with vendors to modify their packaging to reduce handling demands on the production team.

During the company’s quarterly meetings, The Lean Team showcases a submitted  improvement or a problem-solving/improvement topic; recently, Joe Mutchler, Manufacturing and Quality Manager, presented on Eli Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints.

In 2024, The Shop deployed iPads with assembly instructions to ensure consistency and quality; getting a new Assembler up to speed became easier and quicker since they could review the standard work, rather than try to remember what they had seen or done the week before. “It’s easy to use and you don’t feel out of place when you go and grab one, because we all use it as a reference, even the people who have been here for years”, says Leo Meeks, an assembler who started in November of 2025.

When a submission involves one of Dairyland’s products, the request is handed over to the Engineering Change Order/Change Request (CRCO) process; assembly instructions, packaging, customer-facing documents, and the like need to be evaluated to ensure product functionality and quality aren’t changed. Changes to products that are Ex-rated for Class 1, Division/Zone 1 and 2 hazardous locations are also reviewed by Dairyland’s Ex Authorized Person to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

 

Valuing the Person

At Dairyland, we believe everyone contributes to the success of the company and its vision to live engaged and make a safer world. New employee on-boarding is intentional and connects them with leaders across the company to help the new hire understand that we have a constancy of purpose, regardless of our job title or department.

In 2026, we began a series of company-wide training sessions to develop problem-solving and innovation skills.  We are normalizing asking “Why?” and challenging assumptions to uncover root causes of issues and non-value-added steps in our processes, while learning to see systems and interconnected processes.

Though the company has outgrown its humble beginnings, the creativity and willingness to help others remains central to what we do. Whether it’s submitting an improvement suggestion or helping a co-worker figure out why something happened, Dairyland’s strength is in its ability to innovate with purpose and excellence. You could say it helps us to be Rugged and Reliable for you!

Dairyland Volunteer Week — April 20-24, 2026

Dairyland strives to use Business as a Force for Good every day, and in keeping with this spirit of intentionality, we choose one week per year to carve time out of our schedules and mobilize in service to our communities.  

2026 marks the 6th installment of Volunteer Week, and it was the best year yet! Thank you to all the employees, partners, friends, and families who organized and attended events to address issues of housing insecurity, hunger, inaccessibility, and more.  

Below are some of the highlights from Volunteer Week, and the Dairyland “Spirit Week” that brings unique joy and enthusiasm to each day.  

Volunteer Event 1: Camp Daniel  

Dairyland continued its partnership with Camp Daniel this year by helping with construction and infrastructure, landscaping, and cabin deep-cleaning. Camp Daniel offers summer camp experiences and year-round community support to people with disabilities and their families. Dairyland has partnered with Camp Daniel for the last 6 years and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside this organization.

I really enjoy volunteering at Camp Daniel. There [are] a wide variety of things they give us to do, anything from cleaning to maintenance and repairs… My favorite is Carnival Days when campers are present, [and] seeing the joy and enthusiasm on their faces. It is a remarkably well run camp that makes a positive lasting impact on their campers lives and it has been a nice opportunity to be part of something so special. — Sherry A Kostreva  

 

Monday’s Spirit Week Theme: “Dairyland Spirit Day”

 

Volunteer Event 2: Second Harvest 

Several groups from the Stoughton office, alongside Dairyland partners The20, The Employer Group, and Alliant Energy, volunteered at Second Harvest to sort and process donations for food pantries in Dane County. As the largest food bank in Southern Wisconsin, Second Harvest provides thousands of households with much-needed relief to alleviate the impacts of food insecurity.

It was most meaningful to become aware of the realities of our community. Never would I have thought the local counties in Wisconsin would require 1000s of bags of food. Though the actual work felt meaningful, it was the mentality shift for gratitude for what we have and the desire to make a change that resonated with me personally. — Mason Spang 

 

Tuesday’s Spirit Week Theme: “Twin Day” 

 

Volunteer Event 3: Highway Cleanup 

The fearless Pound crew, some Stoughton friends, and several Dairyland partners spent the morning cleaning trash off Dairyland’s sponsored stretch of highway.  Note that highway cleanup coincided with Wig Day, and Dairyland employees showed out in neon blue and white wigs!

Cleaning our highways is more than just picking up garbage — it’s about showing pride in our community and respect for the people who live here. Small acts of service can make a big difference, and when we work together to keep our roads clean, we help create a safer, more beautiful place for everyone. Every piece of litter removed is a reminder that positive change starts with people willing to step up and help. — Brandon Baeten 

 

Wednesday’s Spirit Day Theme: “Wig Day” 

 

Volunteer Event 4: Heartland Farm Sanctuary 

A small but mighty Inside Sales team returned to the Heartland Farm Sanctuary in Stoughton to lay pavers for an accessible pathway and help with spring beautification projects. The Heartland Farm Sanctuary offers rescue and rehabilitation for farm animals on their way to being rehomed. 

I love how Dairyland truly encourages each employee to get out of the workplace and go volunteer to serve people and communities well. It’s yet another reminder that Dairyland is more than just a business, but one that cares about what’s going on in the world and people as a whole. — Megan Aasby 

 

Thursday’s Spirit Week Theme: “Dress Like Mike Day” 

 

Volunteer Events 5 and 6: Phil Eggen and Ben Jacobs 

Volunteer week goes nationwide! Employees Phil Eggen and Ben Jacobs organized volunteer events in Chicagoland and Pittsburgh to serve their local communities. Phil brought Dairyland partners Lukas Enterprises, VCP Sales, Nicor Gas, Pembina Pipeline, and Kinder Morgan to the Northern Illinois Food Bank—together, they packaged enough food for 8,698 meals! Ben worked with partners from DT Midstream and local community members to clean up about 12 cityscape blocks and a stairwell in the Southside of Pittsburgh.

I was very proud to lead this event as Dairyland and AMPP Chicago came together to support our local communities through volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank.  We plan to continue this partnership and complete more volunteer events in the near future.   — Phil Eggen 

 

Friday’s Spirit Day Theme: “Work from Home Day” 

 

Volunteer Event 7: Habitat for Humanity 

Members of Dairyland’s leadership and business development teams, as well as partner Tracie Duellman Search, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to complete interior and exterior projects on new housing for low-income individuals. Habitat for Humanity provides sustainable housing across the country and Dairyland has partnered closely with them since 2018, even sponsoring a build in 2021. 

[I] really enjoy serving with others and doing the “small” things that add up. [It’s] amazing what can be accomplished when many people give/serve just a little. — Ken Schuh  

 

Conclusion: 

This is the heart of Business as a Force for Good: giving of our time and resources to support our communities in tangible, meaningful ways. We carry this spirit with us throughout the year and invite you to do the same. 

If you participated in Volunteer Week and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.    

Thank you for your support, and for partnering with us to use Business as a Force for Good! Keep an eye out for Volunteer Week 2027—we can’t wait to serve with you again next year.  

At Dairyland, we are dedicated to solving problems. We take pride in our resourcefulness and ability to connect with customers to develop innovative solutions for the toughest industry problems. That is why, in 2025, Dairyland created new Market Segment Manager roles within the company to build upon our relationships in the pipeline and electric utility industries. These positions are designed to create a tighter connection to the inner workings of each industry, bringing deeper knowledge of the challenges our customers face and ensuring Dairyland remains a trusted, informed partner in solving them.

Here, Phil Eggen, Market Segment Manager of Pipelines, and Mason Spang, Market Segment Manager of Electric Utilities, discuss their roles and explain how they deliver to customers the expertise needed to help solve their complex industry problems.

What exactly is a Market Segment Manager?

Mason: A Market Segment Manager (MSM) is a dedicated resource to Dairyland and the customers of a specific market. MSMs are able to take a step back from individual accounts and find what larger changes need to occur to best serve the entire market. Understanding what problems matter most to customers is the foundation. From there, MSMs work internally at Dairyland to build solutions.

Phil: Simply put, a Market Segment Manager represents the voice of the customer for a specific market. When an MSM is truly in tune with this voice, Dairyland will be able to deliver solutions for the right problems that customers are most concerned about.

How does this differ from the role of Dairyland’s Business Development team?

Phil: The Business Development (BD) team will coordinate and deliver solutions to our partners in the industry that our products can solve. BD builds meaningful relationships with distributors and individual accounts to ensure their needs are being met. They are connected to the industry through various conferences, in-person visits, and personalized training—and they keep tabs on larger projects that may need some direction of product selection or design support.

Market Segment Managers look at the market holistically to understand what common problems are shared between customers. We then work with internal teams to find a solution for that problem. This solution can range from something as significant as a new product launch or can be simpler in nature—but still impactful—such as clearer communication materials. MSMs also ensure that Dairyland products remain well positioned within each market and review feedback to determine if improvements are needed.

Why is Dairyland committed to better understanding the pipeline and electric utility industries?

Mason: In the electric utility market, Dairyland’s origins trace back to the relationships built within the industry — stemming from early work solving stray voltage issues on agricultural facilities. Fast forward to the present, where we’ve realized that now more than ever, electric utilities could benefit from our expertise in isolation and electrical interference solutions. As inverter-based resources continue to grow, right-of-way corridors become more congested, and demand for power increases, the company recognized that we are uniquely positioned to help.

Phil:  In the pipeline market, Dairyland has always strived to understand what problems our customers are facing and how we can help. It’s in our mission to be a trusted leader in specialized electrical solutions, and the pipeline industry is a large focus of our attention to be innovative for this market. Summed up in a few words we like to say: “We are here to help”.

How does Dairyland make sure the customer’s voice gets heard?

Mason:  Dairyland is very intentional about making sure the feedback from our customers and partners is heard. We attend dozens of tradeshows and conferences around the world to make it easy for customers to talk with us on their most pressing issues. At Dairyland, we strive to be great listeners and ask the right questions that get to the root of our customers’ problems.

Phil:  Dairyland is committed to working with our customers to find out their problems and then determine if our team of experts can provide a solution. We have recently rolled out a new internal process called Core Technology Innovation Development (CTID). This process starts from any idea that comes into Dairyland; evaluating it to see if it fits with our core design philosophy of providing specialized electrical solutions, and if it does, we work to develop the product. This is a joint effort, led by the MSM department, with input from business development and engineering departments. While Dairyland has been successful with developing solutions for our customers’ problems in the past, this new process puts more up-front emphasis on listening closely to truly understand the root of the issue. Once confirmed, we then work to provide a solution that meets their needs.

What is your background as it pertains to the market you oversee?

Phil:  I have been at Dairyland for almost six years, working with customers in numerous industries to apply our products for their various applications. In this time, I have come to appreciate the complexities that come from the variety of situations where decouplers can be used to help solve CP system issues.

Prior to joining Dairyland, I held a variety of roles within the pipeline industry. For nearly 15 years, I worked for a major gas utility company, where I gained an understanding of how transmission and distribution piping systems are operated and maintained. At the gas utility company, I was introduced to cathodic protection and have now been in the CP industry for over 17 years. Before joining Dairyland, I worked as a consultant in the CP industry, helping customers with AC mitigation and CP designs and surveys.

Mason:  I joined Dairyland in 2025 with a technical background in Engineering Physics and experience in asset management. Prior to Dairyland, I helped develop solutions alongside utilities to predict failures of circuit breakers, transformers, and back-up batteries. I am active in a variety of IEEE Power and Energy Society Committees related to electrical interference challenges. These include the IEEE 1695 Stray and Contact Voltage, IEEE 2746 AC Interference on Linear Facilities, and AMPP SC11 on Electric Power.

What do you do to keep a pulse and maintain credibility within your market?

Phil:  I try to be active in a variety of ways to stay in front of issues related to the pipeline market. The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) offers numerous options to keep in touch with issues and allows input from operators, consultants, construction groups, and product manufacturers. I am active with my local AMPP chapter in Chicago, and also attend several AMPP conferences across the country. In addition, I keep apprised of the standards that AMPP maintains and I offer my opinion and expertise where necessary.

Mason:  People who are in the industry can attest that continuous education and awareness of emerging technologies is critical for success. I maintain credibility by attending conferences, participating in committees, and engaging in educational webinars to gather a variety of information and perspectives on our industries’ challenges. Most importantly, I maintain a pulse on the market by visiting with partners and customers to talk in real time about the challenges they face.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Mason:  Meeting customers where they are is at the core of what Dairyland does. Whether that means getting boots on the ground in your substation or simply picking up the phone, we are always ready to show up. Beyond solving problems, we are happy to bring value to your team by provided educational training sessions on topics such as DC electrical interference or AC mitigation. If this is of interest to you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Phil:  I can’t emphasize enough the saying “We are here to help”. If you have something that has you scratching your head or a problem others can’t figure out, give us a call or reach out through our online portal and we’ll look into it.

If you’re wrestling with a problem, and would like to consult with Dairyland’s Market Segment Managers, please contact us here.

Contact Phil (Pipeline Market) Contact Mason (Electric Utility Market)

The AMPP Annual Conference & Expo brings together operators, engineers, and solution providers from around the world to one central location. For Dairyland Electrical Industries, it has always been more than a venue to showcase products, it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate what it means to Dairyland to use business as a force for good.

At AMPP in Houston, TX, that opportunity took the form of the 2026 Dairyland Lounge: a Scottish Highlands-themed mini-golf experience that invited attendees to step away from the expo floor, connect with colleagues, and contribute to something meaningful.

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Connecting Community to the Expo Floor

Dairyland’s Live Engaged initiative is built on the belief that business can be used as a force for good. The initiative encourages employees and the organization alike to donate time, energy, and resources to support local and global organizations that meet critical needs and promote safety and stability in our communities and around the world.

Each year the Dairyland Lounge at AMPP is a direct expression of that belief. In our 2026 mini-golf lounge, attendees were invited to direct a $3 donation to one of three organizations:

The decision was left entirely to the player, a small but deliberate act of participation in something larger.

Donation Results

By the close of the expo, the collective choices of AMPP attendees had resulted in $850 directed to the three organizations:

United Way of Greater Houston – 97 | $300 donation
Samaritan’s Purse Clean Water – 89 | $300 donation
Greater Houston Disaster Alliance – 71 | $250 donation

The response reflects the genuine engagement of lounge attendees who paused, considered their choice, and made a deliberate decision about where their round would count. Many took a moment to consider which organization might be receiving the least amount of votes, then directed their vote there.

Why It Matters

Dairyland’s vision is to make a safer world. That vision extends beyond the products we build and the industries we serve. The organizations represented in this year’s giving do exactly that, from local disaster response in the Houston community to global access to clean water.

The Dairyland Lounge was designed to create space for meaningful connection in the context of a busy industry event. We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by and participated in this expression of business for good. And we’re proud to direct these funds to the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, United Way of Greater Houston, and Samaritan’s Purse in recognition of the essential work each organization does.

To learn more about how we use business as a force for good, visit dairyland.com/bfg.

Stoughton, WI – Dairyland Electrical Industries is honored to be the winner of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Manufacturing award, presented by Best Companies Group.

Best Places to Work in Manufacturing is a research-driven program administered by Best Companies Group that evaluates workplace excellence through a comprehensive review of company practices, programs, and benefits, paired with direct employee feedback. Evaluation criteria focus on leadership, corporate culture, role satisfaction, work environment, training and development, compensation and benefits, and overall employee engagement.

 

Team members at the Dairyland Pound location dress as their favorite Dairyland Cow during spirit week 2025

In 2024, Dairyland was named Wisconsin Best Place to Work in Manufacturing by Insight Publications after entering the program as part of its Operation Great Place (OGP) initiative. OGP was launched to build on Dairyland’s strong workplace reputation by fostering a culture that supports employee attraction, engagement, retention, and a shared sense of purpose. Participation in the Wisconsin program provided an opportunity to benchmark progress and performance.

To continue measuring progress and employee satisfaction, Dairyland entered the national Best Places to Work in Manufacturing program after the Wisconsin-specific award paused for 2025.

On Tuesday, February 3, Dairyland team members gathered in person to watch the virtual awards ceremony together and celebrate the moment. Competing on a nationwide stage, Dairyland was honored to be ranked #1 among manufacturing organizations across the country.

We invest deeply in culture because people matter. When people feel valued, supported, and connected to purpose, they do their best work, and that creates meaningful benefits for our customers and communities. This recognition affirms what we believe to be true: strong culture and strong results are not an either/or choice, they are a powerful both/and. I’m grateful for everyone at Dairyland who lives out our values daily and makes our culture real. —Amy Wedell, Programs & Systems Senior Manager

About Dairyland Electrical Industries

At Dairyland, we cultivate innovation to deliver rugged and reliable solutions. Addressing a wide range of complex electrical problems, we engineer our highly specialized products to provide safety protection for assets and personnel across numerous industries. Backed by third-party certifications to standards around the world, Dairyland manufactures products to the highest quality, ensuring unmatched performance. We are dedicated to understanding our customers’ needs and providing reliable products and service. If a solution to your problem does not yet exist, we’ll work to find one. Our experienced team excels at finding innovative solutions for your toughest problems.

Beyond our products, we use business as a force for good to support our vision to make a safer world. We do this by volunteering locally in our communities and working with non-profit organizations that provide safety and stability for people around the world. We believe that by working together, we can expand our reach and create more opportunities to enhance the quality of life for others.

Ripple Effects: A Year of Purpose, Service, and Shared Impact

If this year showed us anything, it’s that our community continues to creatively and passionately demonstrate what it looks like to use business as a force for good. Across departments, locations, and roles, our team and our partners consistently chose to show up with generosity, curiosity, and compassion. Together, we created ripple effects of impact that reached far beyond our walls and into neighborhoods, nonprofits, and communities across the country.

Our story is one of movement, of a culture taking deeper root, of people modeling service in a way that inspires others, and of the ways we are becoming more connected through purposeful action.

Bright Spots From a Year of Service

The spirit of Business as a Force for Good (BFG) comes alive in the stories of our collective action. Each partnership and volunteer moment illuminated a different side of what it means to care deeply for our community and for one another.

Partner Spotlights

Our partnership with Camp Daniel supported a community centered on joy, empowerment, and belonging for individuals with disabilities. Connecting with the Camp Daniel team and campers challenged us to see things from different viewpoints, deepening our understanding and empathy.

My niece has been a camper at Camp Daniel for most of her life; it is special to be able to be part of her experience in these behind-the-scenes kinds of ways.  Dairyland could choose to give only money to various groups to be a “force for good” but it chooses to also send its people, on the clock, to do the tangible work the organization needs to accomplish its mission; it helps to connect us to our community in a deeper way. -Jon Kavanagh

 

Our ongoing relationship with Habitat for Humanity brought similar meaning. From hands-on work at the build site to supporting the Habitat ReStore, employees experienced firsthand what it looks like to equip people to flourish. Habitat for Humanity Dane County CEO, Hillary Parker reaffirmed that every hour we contribute helps make that future possible for a family:

 Habitat’s work creates a powerful ripple effect. When people have a safe, stable home, they gain the strength and stability to flourish in other parts of their lives. For example, we know that children of homeowners are 25% more likely to graduate high school and 116% more likely to graduate college. That growth doesn’t stop at the front door; it extends into schools, workplaces, and communities, inspiring the kind of lasting change that transforms generations.

Volunteer Week: Showing Up Together

Volunteer Week remains one of our most energizing traditions. This year, Dairyland employees joined with industry peers, family, and friends to mobilize in service within our communities. In addition to spending time volunteering together, we incorporated a “Spirit Week” to foster some extra fun and camaraderie.

Dairyland Volunteer Week 2025 Recap

I genuinely look forward to volunteer week each year—especially since Dairyland incorporated spirit week into the mix. Spirit week brings out the competitive side of Dairyland employees, and it’s always so much fun getting to see the creative ways that everybody has participated. This week not only serves as a week to give back to the community around us, but fosters even more connection in the office (which is one of the things I love most about working for Dairyland). I already can’t wait for next year’s! -Megan Aasby

Individual Stories That Inspired Us

Some of the most meaningful moments this year came from employees who found personal ways to serve, aligned with their passions and community needs. Whether by mentoring local youth, supporting community safety efforts, delivering meals and connection, or advocating for animals in need—these stories remind us that service isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal.

Upward Intuition represents what I believe real community impact looks like. It’s local, relational, and rooted in creating opportunity rather than charity. It’s about investing in people and places with intention, and trusting that when you do that well, the impact carries far beyond what you can measure. -Jarret Brelsford

Celebrating Our Collective Impact

This year, our industry came together to show how small, intentional actions can create meaningful change. By dedicating hundreds of hours to volunteer service during volunteer week and beyond, and supporting both local and national nonprofits through generous financial contributions, we amplified our collective impact. Notably, our collaboration at the Camp-themed AMPP lounge during the Annual Conference + Expo 2025 in Nashville resulted in a $1,100 donation to Camp Daniel, reflecting the power of partnership and shared purpose among all Camp Dairyland participants.

Finding the Feeling

Throughout the year, one theme kept surfacing: when we serve, not only are we a part of meaningful changes for others, but something in us also changes.

Working together reminded us that generosity is energizing and deeply satisfying. It draws us into the lives of others, strengthening connection, empathy, and joy. Listening to our partner organizations reinforced that our efforts truly matter, while personal stories reminded us that we are surrounded by people doing quiet extraordinary things every day.

This is how generosity can change us: one action at a time, multiplied across people who care. What an encouragement to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, in service to others, and for the sake of human safety and flourishing.

Generosity is both an others-focused practice and a self-enriching experience. When we give, we always hope that the person on the other end flourishes. But what we often underestimate until we give is the joy and fulfillment that floods us during and afterward. It isn’t uncommon for me to experience or hear from our team about how much fun they had on a Habitat build or meal distribution. Generosity is a gift that multiplies, bringing abundance in our lives and the lives of others. -Kailey Tachick

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look towards 2026 and beyond our goal is simple: keep the momentum going.

There is no finish line to this kind of work. Just the next opportunity to step forward, take action, and practice generosity.

Thank You

To everyone who volunteered, donated, shared a story, helped shape this path, or offered encouragement – thank you. Your actions matter. They ripple outward in ways you may never fully see, shaping a culture of compassion, purpose, and impact.

More than a Break: Dairyland Introduces Quarterly “Recess”

In 2024, Dairyland launched Operation Great Place (OGP)—an initiative designed to build on our strong culture and take it a step further. The goal of OGP is not simply to make Dairyland a nice place to work, but a truly great place to work. The initiative invited OGP project team members to think creatively about how to make our workplace more enjoyable, engaging, and connected for everyone. One outcome of this effort was the introduction of a quarterly 30-minute recess at both our Stoughton main office and Pound manufacturing facility.

Recess is structured as an optional 30-minute activity held once each quarter. Ideally, recess gives employees a chance to step away from their desks and connect with colleagues in ways that feel refreshing and meaningful.

 

Why Recess?

Recess offers a deliberate pause in the workday and presents an opportunity to shift focus from numbers, spreadsheets, and project deadlines to laughter, teamwork, and fun. Much like the breaks we enjoyed in elementary school, recess provides time to reset and recharge. Depending on the activity, employees may participate individually or in teams, encouraging collaboration, lighthearted competition, and creativity.

By spending time together in this way, employees can strengthen cross-departmental connections, support their mental and physical well-being, and return to work with renewed energy and focus.

I like having a break from work to be silly with my coworkers and have fun. I enjoyed playing board games and doing a race outside, as well as more creative activities that I wouldn’t have thought of trying on my own. A dedicated time also helps me get closer to my coworkers that I don’t have a lot of day to day contact with.
-Buket Allı, Accounting

To date, recess activities have included playing a rousing few rounds of “That Sound Game.”

      

A competitive obstacle course relay that saw the “finals” play out at our summer picnic.

            

And, a tie-dye workshop.

         

 

Other Engaging Activities at Dairyland

Recess is one component of a broader strategy called the “Fun & Togetherness” plan, intended to build on connection and engagement at Dairyland. Other pieces of this plan include:

Together, these programs reflect our ongoing commitment to cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated. While Recess lasts only 30 minutes, its positive effects extend beyond the activity itself—strengthening individuals and relationships, and reinforcing Dairyland as a great place to work.

I love that Recess is a great reminder that stepping away from our daily routine can help us return more energized and engaged. We always do something creative and fun, which allows us to connect with different departments and colleagues beyond the usual workday. It’s a tradition I really look forward to each quarter!
– Sara Stern, Inside Sales 

 

Ensuring Lasting Impact

The introduction of recess has so far yielded positive outcomes for both employees and the organization. As important as it may seem to get out and be active with team mates, however, it is equally as important to us to ensure recess and other initiatives remain relevant and meaningful for our team. We will continue to measure the effectiveness of new activities through short follow-up surveys and our annual engagement survey.

Our employee engagement is at an all-time high, 4.45 out of 5 this year, and that’s no accident. Recess is a clear example of how we live our people-first culture, creating space for fun, connection, and joy that carry into the way we work together and succeed as a company. Employees consistently point to our relational culture and investment in people as top drivers of engagement, and recess is one way we bring that to life.
– Amy Wedell, Programs and Systems

When a visitor told us, ‘Wow, you know this is rare, right? This is a special place,’ it captured what we see every day. Recess reflects our belief that joy and connection aren’t just nice extras – they are key to both employee engagement and business results.

Stoughton, WI – Dairyland is proud to announce successful recertification to ISO 9001:2015 after meeting all the requirements of our new ISO audit partner, Amtivo. Over the next few years, we will continue to have annual surveillance audits to ensure we maintain this high standard of excellence in our pursuit of quality across the company.

What is ISO 9001? ISO 9001 is a global Quality Management System standard. Certification confirms an organization’s commitment to improving quality, delivering more efficient operations, and improving customer satisfaction.

Who is Amtivo? Amtivo provides ISO certification services focused on the areas of quality management, health and safety, and information security. Their standards provide organizations with the framework to implement change and improve products, processes, and people.

“This accomplishment is no small feat! It reflects the hard work, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication each of our employees show every day to our customers and to quality. Every process followed, every improvement made, and every effort to do things the right way contributed to this success.” —Joe Mutchler, Manufacturing & Quality Manager

Dairyland Family Picnic 2025:
A Practice in “Fun and Togetherness”

A hot day and blue skies greeted Dairyland staff and their families at this year’s annual Dairyland family picnic. Held at our manufacturing facility in Pound (a small town in Northeast Wisconsin), the day was spent enjoying our colleagues, family, and what’s left of the summer.

At Dairyland, “Fun and Togetherness” is how we describe our efforts to build relationships, foster community, and create a workplace people can enjoy and feel welcome in. The picnic is a perfect example of this in action — a day away from screens and schedules to spend time together outdoors, share a meal, play games, and even enjoy a little friendly competition.

 

 

“I personally love picnic day and look forward to it each year! I really value relationships, and it’s great getting to work for a company like Dairyland that makes gathering together to build those relationships outside of the office a priority. Even in the 90-degree heat like this year, it’s still the best time!”
— Megan Aasby, Inside Sales

 

 

 

 

This year’s festivities took place on the lawn, complete with a large white tent to shield picnic-goers from the hot August sun. There were plenty of cold refreshments on hand, and at noon we enjoyed a classic picnic feast: burgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings.

“Our Company picnic is more than just a great time, It is a reflection of the Culture we work so hard to create and protect.  Providing space to be intentional about relationship building, fun and togetherness and care for ourselves but also the community around us.  This year, we all brought donations in and were able to donate non-perishables to a local Pantry right here in Pound.”
— Joe Mutchler, Manufacturing

The office and shop both had teams represent them in an obstacle-course relay race designed by our EVP of Operations, Robert, to see who would reign supreme. The office team was declared the winner, however the victory remains under review due to alleged rule-breaking. Stay tuned.

     

A dedicated group of Dairyland team members and summer helpers organized activities for all ages, including a tote bag decorating station stocked with leftover items designed and produced for the AMPP Annual Conference 2025 (read more here). Bounce house, bubble blowers, and the ice cream truck were the icing on the cake for a fun-filled afternoon, even with the 92°F heat.

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Another successful Dairyland picnic is in the books, and another great opportunity to put “Fun and Togetherness” in action.

Dairyland Volunteer Week—April 20-26, 2025

Each year, Dairyland designates a week to mobilize the industry in service to our local communities. While Dairyland employees volunteer year-round—both individually and in small groups—Dairyland Volunteer Week offers a dedicated opportunity to join with our industry peers and coordinate efforts to give back to our individual communities.

We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who participated – customers, vendor partners, family, and friends! Together, we are using business as a force for good to make a safer world for ourselves, our families, neighbors, customers, and people around the world.   

In addition to spending time volunteering together, each year we incorporate a “Spirit Week” into the mix to foster some extra excitement and camaraderie, and this year was the best one yet! Below you will find a variety of photos from Volunteer Week / Spirit Week 2025.

Many from our Manufacturing, Shipping, and Receiving facility in Pound volunteered at Camp Daniel.

Every company has a culture; when the culture is rooted in a strong identity, a strong reason for existing, it’s a beautiful thing.  My first volunteer week affirmed that Dairyland truly does care about Business as a Force for Good.  It would be easy to simply put out a signup sheet and get whomever we get for a community-based project, but for there to be such a welcoming encouragement to leave the work behind for a day or two because it’s the better thing to do, was wonderful.  To work together to accomplish good for someone else, to create ripples of influence and improvement, to truly live engaged, not disconnected from the people and processes around us… It’s a beautiful thing. – Jon Kavanagh

 

Monday’s Spirit Week Theme: Favorite Sports Team or Funky Socks

A small group from our offices in Stoughton spent time at the Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Tuesday’s Spirit Week Theme: Dairyland Cow Day

 

Another large group from our facility in Pound cleaned a stretch of highway that was adopted by Dairyland.

 

Volunteering offers great benefits both to those who serve and those who are served. It fosters a sense of purpose and builds connections. We were lucky enough to have one of our suppliers, JET Industrial Inc., join us this year to do road cleanup. The impact is magnified, creating a more unified community. Their participation not only strengthened our bond, but also underscored the power of collaboration in making a substantial difference. – Kiley Dura

 

Wednesday’s Spirit Week Theme: Twin Day

 

A formidable female building crew spent time working at a local Habitat For Humanity job site.

This was my first experience working at a Habitat build site, and it was amazing how quickly you go from knowing nothing about construction to doing hands-on, sweat inducing labor. It’s extremely rewarding and a privilege to be capable enough to contribute to the availability of affordable housing in our community. – Cassie Bohn

 

Thursday’s Spirit Week Theme: Dairyland Spirit Day

 

Dairyland’s inside sales team (and Mike) offered their services to Heartland Farm Sanctuary.

I genuinely had such a good time volunteering at Heartland. The crew at Heartland were so welcoming and fun to work with. You can tell they’re all truly passionate about what they do. We spent the afternoon loading up and stacking multiple dozens of straw and hay from one barn to another. I loved my time there, and will actually be going back to volunteer again in a couple weeks! – Megan Aasby

 

Friday’s Spirit Week Theme: Comfy Clothes / P.J. Day

 

Phil and his son worked at their local church rummage sale, while Jens circled the business park around our offices collecting trash.

 

No act of service is too small or insignificant. You too can make a difference in your community.

If you participated in Dairyland Volunteer Day 2025, and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.   

Be on the lookout for information regarding Volunteer Day 2026. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.