Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network upcoming events

Reshaping the Manufacturing Industry Through AI and Cybersecurity (14 May 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

AI is already on the manufacturing floor. Cybersecurity threats are imminent. What does this mean for your business?

Join us for this two-part symposium as we explore how AI is transforming operations and workforce strategy, and how to shape your decision-making around cybersecurity risk. You’ll also gain insights on navigating cybersecurity challenges, protecting your systems and data, and ensuring your business is prepared for the evolving risks that come with new technology.

AGENDA

1:00PM Doors Open

1:30PM Welcome Remarks by CFBN, CPA and Frain

1:35PM CPA and the state of the Contract Packaging Industry

1:40PM CFBN and the Regional Network Success

1:45PM Tech on the Table - AI reality driven today

2:30PM Break

2:45PM Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity - The Pros and Cons

3:45PM Networking Session

4:00PM Tour of Frain's OEM showroom

5:00PM Networking

6:00PM Event Ends

FEATURED SPEAKERS

David Adams

Vice President of Information Systems and Technology

MSI Express

David Adams brings more than three decades of IT leadership experience, having led departments since 1996. He has built his career around driving efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering innovative solutions within the manufacturing industry.

David has been with MSI Express for the past four years and currently serves as Vice President of Information Systems and Technology. In this role, he has partnered with a range of security vendors to conduct internal, external, and social testing.

George Forrester, CIC,

Partner

The Baldwin Group

George Forrester specializes in cybersecurity risk, machinery manufacturing, machinery safety, and packaging and processing equipment. He works closely with organizations across the manufacturing, contract packaging, and food and beverage sectors to address complex operational and risk-management challenges.

George helps companies strengthen operational resilience, reduce machinery-related and cyber-driven exposures, and align their insurance and risk strategies with rapidly evolving safety, equipment, and regulatory standards. His consultative approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical risk-transfer solutions to support long-term business continuity and growth.

Rod Kahl

Director of Cybersecurity

Tusker

As Director of Cybersecurity at Tusker, Rod Kahl leads the work that helps customers reduce risk and protect their most important systems. He focuses on clear assessments, effective controls, and solutions that fit smoothly into day-to-day operations. With experience across areas like endpoint protection, cloud security, and vulnerability management, Rod brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to safeguarding each environment. A CISSP-certified leader, he works closely with teams and partners to ensure customers have the confidence and protection they need in a fast-changing threat landscape.

Pedrom Rejai

Founder

Elevate Growth Partners

Pedrom Rejai is the founder of Elevate Growth Partners. He was raised in the Midwest, and earned a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska. Pedrom began his career in manufacturing with Cargill and Unilever, working on products such as cornstarch, Dove Bar Soap, and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. After completing is MBA at the University of North Carolina, he led sourcing strategy and capital projects for Unilever North America’s $1.2B portfolio, and later oversaw the end-to-end supply chain for Unilever International across the Americas, a $400M business.

In 2025, Pedrom founded Elevate Growth Partners, where they create self driving operations through process setting and automation for food companies to relieve the headaches of supply chain and operations

EVENT HOSTS:

(Moderator)

Ron Puvak

Executive Director

Contract Packaging Association (CPA)

Ron Puvak has been in the packaging industry for over 48 years. In 1976 he began his career as a Research Technician managing projects in Material Strength studies, Fracture Analyses and Technology Training. Later he was promoted to Technical Sales Representative with responsibilities for the development and promotion of inspection systems to the packaging industry. Next, he assumed the roles of Regional Manager – Europe, New Product Marketing Director and finally New Business Development Director.

An active member of the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT). In 2014 Ron was elected to be the President of ISBT. In addition, he has been a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers Blow Molding.

Mariam Parker

Executive Director

Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network l Bigger Table

Mariam Parker has devoted her career to the food and beverage industry as a culinary expert, integrated marketer, and business builder. At the core of her work is a deep commitment to fostering relationships that elevate brands, people, and communities. Her work and insights have been featured in SXSW, Food Network, Rolling Stone, Forbes, and Thrillist. In 2026, she joined the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network as Executive Director, where she focuses on broadening and growing the network, providing more value to members, and launching exciting, new programs and events.

This event is presented in collaboration with:

We thank the following companies for their participation:

Fueling Growth: How to Leverage SBA Loans in the Food Industry (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This short educational webinar is designed for food manufacturers, distributors, grocers, and logistics providers seeking a clearer understanding of SBA-backed financing. Our FWB lending expert, Gabe Beukinga, will walk through how SBA loans are commonly used in the food industry and how these programs work. The session is designed to help operators not only understand their financing options, but also learn how to grow, expand, and free up cash flow by leveraging longer-term SBA loans with favorable rates and flexible structures—positioning their business for stronger, more sustainable long-term success.

SPEAKER

Gabe Beukinga

President Government Guaranteed Lending

First Women's Bank

Gabe Beukinga is a financial services executive and economic development expert who is dedicated to shaping an environment where small business owners and the community he serves can find opportunity and growth. In his professional life, Gabe is a dynamic, solutions-driven market leader in SBA lending. Gabe has been recognized as a top SBA lender in the country for the last decade. Gabe is currently the President Government Guaranteed Lending at First Women's Bank. He’s helped over 700 small businesses achieve growth and economic development through his tireless advocacy. Through his advocacy, he has helped provide over $1bn in capital to small business owners.

This event is in partnership with:

The Ripple Effect: Geopolitics and the F&B Supply Chain (3 Jun 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

From ingredient availability to packaging materials and energy costs, geopolitics are reshaping every step of the global supply chain. Join CFBN and Fifth Third Bank for a panel discussion on how today’s geopolitical climate is affecting the food & beverage industry. Hear diverse perspectives from CPG, supply chain, commodities, and restaurant experts on one of the biggest challenges facing F&B today.

Agenda

5:00 PM Doors Open

5:30 PM Panel Discussion and Q&A

6:45 PM Networking

8:00 PM Event Ends

Speakers

David R. Brown

Partner

Nixon Peabody

David is a lawyer and partner in Nixon Peabody LLP’s corporate practice group in Chicago. He focuses on M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance and general corporate legal counseling. Many of his clients are active in the food and beverage supply chain, ranging from producers of food and beverage products, to suppliers of key inputs and packaging.

Shayna Harris
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Supply Change Capital

Shayna is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Supply Change Capital, investing in early-stage food system technologies, with over two decades of operating experience across 20+ countries in C-Suite and leadership roles at companies including Farmer's Fridge and Mars. A multilingual Fulbright Scholar, she holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and has been recognized as a Chicago Business Journal Woman of Influence, Inc Female Founders 500, and Top Emerging VC by Venture Forward. She serves on several boards including Celleste Bio and Helios AI, and is also a published author and Forbes contributor.

Jake Marwil

Principal

Fifth Third Bank

Jake is a principal at Fifth Third Bank specializing in commodity risk management. He began his career at a physical commodity trading firm focused on the steel and broader manufacturing sector, where he developed a deep understanding of supply chains and price dynamics.

At Fifth Third, Jake works with clients across the agricultural, metals, and energy markets to help them better understand commodity price risk and develop effective hedging strategies. He focuses on aligning financial solutions with clients’ underlying physical exposures, designing tailored strategies that support procurement, pricing, and margin stability.

Robert (Rob) Mueller
President
RIM logistics, ltd.

Rob is the President of RIM logistics, a leading global freight forwarding and logistics provider with a rich family legacy. A graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing, Robert brings a global leadership perspective shaped by living and working in the USA, Asia, and the United Kingdom. His career spans strategic roles in operations, sales, and strategic planning, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the logistics industry and a strong lens on global inclusion.

Under his leadership, RIM logistics, ltd. has modernized operations, expanded international reach, and strengthened customer relationships while preserving the company’s commitment to service, innovation, and integrity.

Craig Albert, CFA
Founder & Managing Partner
Saphineia Manufacturing Partners

Craig Albert is the Founder & Managing Partner of Saphineia Manufacturing Partners, a team of 30 manufacturing, procurement and supply chain specialists exclusively serving the middle market Food & Beverage manufacturing industry. Our team brings 600+ years of hands-on, cross-functional expertise from leading Food & Beverage manufacturers such as Unilever, P&G, Wrigley, Mars, Hearthside, Kraft, Conagra, Treehouse, Kellogg’s and Kerry Foods.

Before entering the food manufacturing industry, Craig was co-owner and Portfolio Manager of Sheffield Asset Management, a $1.3bn long/short equity hedge fund. Earlier in his career, Craig was the Sr. Packaged Food Analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., a sell-side equity research firm.

This event is presented in partnership with:

We thank the following companies for their participation: