Guelph, Ontario-- The Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC) is seeking a new President and C.E.O., as Terry Maurice, GFTC’s President since 1997, has announced his plans to retire in 2005.
“The time is right for me to hand over the reins,” says Mr. Maurice. “GFTC has grown to more than double its business volume, and has matured in the services it provides to its diverse client base. This is a good time for me to change my focus from the food industry to musical pursuits.”

GFTC has grown considerably under Terry Maurice’s leadership. Since taking over the reins from the GFTC’s first President, Dr. Don Murray, Mr. Maurice has led GFTC from a $1.9 million a year business to $3.8 million projected for year-end 2004, and to being the acknowledged leader in food safety and quality systems, audits, technical training and integrated technical services. “Terry has brought to GFTC an unusual blend of technical depth, business sense, and people skills,” says Don Bartlett, President of Barwell Foods and Chair of GFTC’s Board. “He has been an effective bridge between Board members and staff members, and has successfully navigated through some difficult times.”

Kathryn Cooper, GFTC’s Vice President of Market Development and Client Services, agrees. “We’ll all miss Terry when his retirement takes effect this summer, but under his management, we’ve built a strong business, one which will thrive in the coming years.”

About GFTC: GFTC is Canada’s only not-for-profit, non-subsidized food technology centre. GFTC provides creative, confidential technical solutions, training, consulting and auditing to the Canadian agri-food industry in the areas of R&D, product development, packaging, shelf-life, food safety, quality, and productivity improvement. Each year, GFTC assists over 500 companies and organizations, and provides training to more than 3600 people.