Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (http://www.ift.org) is a unique umbrella organization that brings together all the diverse disciplines involved in food technology. It is a scientific and educational society of individual members including:
Food technologists and scientists
Engineers
Research managers
Executives, including sales and marketing
Government regulators
Educators
Individuals in all food-related fields.
The Chicago Section of the IFT is the largest regional section, currently boasting over 1500 active members. Section activities designed to broaden professional skills and to enrich relations in the food industry include:
Regular technical meetings, usually monthly, on a broad spectrum of food technology topics
Local educational courses, career guidance programs, and employment services
Opportunities for personal and professional development through participation in committee work and as officers
Career guidance/student affairs
Annual Golf Outing
Annual Chicago IFT Supplier's Night, the largest regional suppliers’ night in North America
Annual Fred W. Tanner Lectureship Award and Meeting
Food Industry Scholarships and awards
Publication of “Food Bytes”, a monthly newsletter containing information on upcoming activities, meetings and speakers, Executive Committee Minutes, and industry employment information which can be read, printed, or downloaded from the Members section of this website
Publication of the Chicago Section IFT Member Handbook and Membership Directory, updated on a quarterly basis and available in the Members section of this website
The Institute of Food Technologists' employment referral service helps members to research and secure positions within the industry. The services activities include:
Maintenance of a resume bank for inspection by employers and a "Positions Available" listing for members' inspection
Listings of national positions from IFT Headquarters for inspection by members.
