News Archives

Canadian Agri-Food Marketers Alliance (CAMA) Announces New National Structure and Introduces New Board of Directors

Posted on November 6, 2024

The Canadian Agri-Food Marketers Alliance (CAMA) is pleased to announce an organizational restructuring. This change reflects CAMA’s continued commitment to connecting and supporting agri-food marketers and communicators from across the country and positions the organization for future growth.

The restructuring will establish a cohesive national board representing members from across Canada. This transformation aims to strengthen CAMA’s long-term sustainability and ability to deliver enhanced support to members through shared resources, knowledge exchange, and a unified strategic vision.
“Our transition to a national structure ensures that CAMA remains the leading organization uniting agri-food marketers across Canada,” said Robert Mensies, Chairperson. “This change not only strengthens our ability to support our members but also enables us to continue hosting the local events and connections our members value while offering the added benefits of a national framework.”

With this restructuring, CAMA is proud to announce the appointment of its new national board members:

Mary Thornley, Mary Thornley Management, Executive Director
Robert Mensies, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Chairperson
Bryce McKenzie, AdFarm, Vice Chairperson
Derek Kent, iNet Media, Director
Michelle Young, Balloonfish, Director
Amanda Meyer, Independent, Director
Megan Wright, Gay Lea Foods, Director
Rhett Hawkins, Kahntact, Industry Leader
David Lazarenko, Think Shift, Cambassador

Despite this organizational shift, CAMA’s core vision and values remain unchanged as they have been for the last 58 years. The organization continues to strive to be the dynamic national alliance connecting Canada’s agri-food marketers and communicators, fostering professional growth, industry knowledge sharing, and community engagement. The spirit that has driven CAMA’s success at the provincial level will continue to guide the national body.

CAMA looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence while embracing this new chapter of growth and national collaboration.

Announcing the 2024/25 National Sustaining Partners of the Canadian Agri-Food Marketers Alliance

Posted on September 25, 2024

The Canadian Agri-Food Marketers Alliance (CAMA) is proud to announce the renewal of Bayer, AdFarm, McCann, and RealAgriculture as National Sustaining Partners for 2024/25. These distinguished organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting CAMA’s mission of fostering professional growth, thought leadership, and collaboration within the agri-food marketing community.

A Continued Commitment to Supporting Growth

CAMA’s National Sustaining Partner program plays a crucial role in driving the organization’s core objectives—networking, professional development, thought leadership, and knowledge sharing.

Bayer, AdFarm, McCann, and RealAgriculture were all National Sustaining Partners during the 2023/24 year, and their decision to continue their support for 2024/25 is a testament to their shared vision of advancing the Canadian agri-food sector.

National Sustaining Partners for 2024/25

Bayer

A global leader in agriculture, Bayer is committed to shaping the future of farming through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. In addition to being a leader in agricultural innovation, Bayer is also deeply committed to sustainability, reinforcing its position as a driving force for positive global change in agriculture.

AdFarm

As a leading agri-marketing agency with deep roots in Canadian agriculture, AdFarm continues to champion the connection between marketers and farmers. With a unique understanding of the agri-food landscape, AdFarm plays an integral role in delivering impactful campaigns that bridge the gap between farm and consumer.

McCann

McCann is a world-renowned advertising and marketing agency that has long been at the forefront of developing creative solutions for its clients. Their extensive experience in agriculture marketing, has allowed them to build a robust portfolio. They work closely with companies involved in everything from crop production, agronomy services, and animal health to agricultural machinery and innovation.

RealAgriculture

RealAgriculture is focused on the issues that are impacting agriculture. As a cross-platform ag media company, RealAgriculture is dedicated to providing timely and relevant news, analysis, and insights into the Canadian agricultural industry.

Looking Ahead to 2024/25

As we embark on the 2024/25 year, CAMA remains committed to supporting its members by providing access to networking events, educational workshops, and thought leadership content. The backing of these sustaining partners enhances CAMA’s ability to deliver on its promise of supporting member growth and fostering innovation within the industry.

CAMA extends its heartfelt thanks to Bayer, AdFarm, McCann, and RealAgriculture for their continued partnership and dedication to advancing agri-food marketing in Canada.

CAMA Mentorship Program Returns for 2024-2025 with Support from Kahntact

Posted on September 6, 2024

CAMA is excited to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 CAMA Mentorship Program, proudly sponsored by Kahntact. This year’s program offers an enhanced experience for professionals in the agri-food marketing industry to connect, learn, and grow through one-on-one mentorships, running from October 2024 to April 2025.

The CAMA Mentorship Program has been a cornerstone of the industry for the past three years, fostering personal and professional development by matching mentors and mentees based on shared interests and skill sets. This year, participants will benefit from the program’s new partnership with Pollinate Networks, which will provide additional resources, training, and support through an innovative online platform.

“We are thrilled to have Kahntact as sponsor of this year’s mentorship program,” said Mary Thornley, CAMA Executive Director. “Their commitment to supporting the next generation of agri-food marketing professionals is invaluable, and their sponsorship enables us to provide a richer, more impactful mentorship experience for all participants.”

Kahntact, a leading communications and marketing agency specializing in the agri-food sector, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for nurturing talent. Their involvement underscores the importance of mentorship in driving innovation and leadership within the agri-food marketing community.

“Mentorship plays a critical role in developing the skills and connections necessary for success in our industry,” said Rhett Hawkins, Kahntact President. “We are proud to support the CAMA Mentorship Program and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on participants and the broader agri-food marketing sector.”

The CAMA Mentorship Program is open to CAMA members at all career levels. Applications are now being accepted for both mentors and mentees, with the program set to kick off in October 2024. Participants will have the opportunity to build valuable connections, enhance their skills, and contribute to the future of the agri-food marketing sector.