“An Evening Under the Stars with the Indiana State Poultry Association” was the theme for the association’s 2023 annual banquet, where the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a display highlighting the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). The event was held Tuesday, February 7 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis and attracted a record turnout. Attendees represented poultry producers, allied industry, Indiana’s Congressional delegation, the Indiana General Assembly, and the State of Indiana executive branch and agencies, as well as the USDA and Purdue University.
As attendees mingled at the event they were able to visit the ADDL booth which provided promotional items and information about ADDL services. On-hand to represent the ADDL were Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, director; Dr. Craig Bowen, assistant director; Farren Osborn, molecular laboratory technician; Mary Ruzicka, ADDL administrative assistant; Amy Smeltzer, accessioning supervisor; Dr. Geoff Lossie, clinical assistant professor of pathology and avian diagnostician; Dr. Grant Burcham, veterinary pathologist at the southern Indiana branch of the ADDL (Heeke ADDL); Margaret Gehlhausen, laboratory technician at the southern Indiana branch; Dr. Nick Newsome, avian diagnostic resident; and Kelly Dold, marketing and communications manager for the ADDL.
Throughout the evening, attendees were able to make new contacts and renew connections with longtime friends, as well as share with the representatives of Indiana’s Congressional delegation and the General Assembly how Indiana’s poultry industry strengthens individual communities and the state as whole. The banquet menu was, of course, all about poultry recipes, beginning with duck wontons and duck quesadillas as appetizers. The main course featured several gourmet stations with such poultry laced dishes as made-to-order omelets, noodles, salads, kabobs, and street tacos. Additionally, the “Classic Tastes Station” consisted of a mashed potato bar with delectable toppings that included herb roasted chicken and turkey bacon. A dessert station rounded-out the menu.
“The ISPA banquet provided an important opportunity to share about new testing available at the ADDL,” Kelly said. The event also served as a means of thanking the many dedicated elected officials and public servants whose ongoing support is essential to nurturing Indiana’s poultry producers and helping the industry thrive and grow.