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Sanderson Farms CEO, Joe Sanderson, Jr., Honored
Say the name “Sanderson Farms” and two things immediately come to mind—chicken and success. Because of the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to core values, the University of Southern Mississippi College of Business and its Advisory Council has chosen to honor Sanderson Farms and the company’s CEO, Joe Sanderson, Jr., as the 2015 Boardman Entrepreneur of the Year.
The annual Boardman Entrepreneur of the Year is part of the Boardman Forum, which was established by Joseph Boardman of Gulfport, Miss. Those who receive the distinguished award display an innovative spirit, success in business and the integrity of the operation.
“As a business person, it is an honor to receive an award recognizing entrepreneurs within the area,” said Sanderson. “Sanderson Farms’ focus on the values on which this company was founded has contributed to our success. This award is a reflection of the daily diligence and devotion of our employees and it is their work that is recognized by the university in choosing Sanderson Farms as the 2015 recipient.”
Sanderson Farms’ roots trace back to 1947, when the company founders, D.R. Sanderson and his two sons, started a farm supply business to serve the local and surrounding communities. Today, Sanderson Farms is one of the nation’s leading food corporations, with annual sales of more than $2.77 billion and a weekly processing capacity of 10.625 million chickens.
The company’s headquarters are located in Laurel, Miss., making it the only Fortune 1000 company headquartered within the state. In 2014, Forbes named Sanderson Farms as one of the 100 most trustworthy companies in America.
“Sanderson Farms defines a clear exemplar for others in the quality of its values and people,” said Dr. Faye Gilbert, dean of the College of Business at Southern Miss. “Sanderson Farms has been entrepreneurial in its growth since the 1950s and the company has fostered numerous independent contractors who supply the company as they meet its standards for quality.”
With the support of more than 800 independently contracted growers, 11 processing plants, nine hatcheries, eight feed mills and one prepared foods division, the company supplies poultry products to food retailers, distributors, restaurants and food service operators all across the United States and in more than 40 countries.
“This entrepreneurial spirit feeds other entrepreneurs who benefit from this connection, and it is truly an honor to be able to recognize Joe Sanderson, Jr. and the people of Sanderson Farms,” added Dr. Gilbert.
Prior recipients of the Boardman Entrepreneur of the Year Award include: Joseph Best, H&F Bread Company; Nancy Duarte, Duarte, Inc.; Sheldon Wolf, Spellex Corporation; Richard “Dick” Farmer, Cintas Corporation; Lucy Buffett, Lulu’s at Homeland Marina; Kathy Freeland, RGIl Technologies, Inc.; Hartly D. and Mary Peavey, Peavey Electronics; Leeland R. Speed, EastGroup Properties, Inc; Ross Perot, Perot Systems Corporation; Ronald “Buddy” McClain, McLain Sonic; Max Draughn, Cypress Pharmaceuticals; Bruce Rossmeyer, Daytona Harley-Davidson; Bill Hudson, Hudson Salvage, Inc.; and David Oreck, Oreck Corporation.
