Cook’s is excited to have participated in the Missouri Corrections Association & Missouri Probation & Parole Officers Association 2021 Joint Fall Conference in Lake Ozark, MO this week. This is our first year at this conference and we had a great experience.
Cook’s has been honored to be on state contract with Missouri for several years. A highlight of the trip was being able to meet representatives from several large MO State Correctional Facilities that utilize our State Contracts including Moberly Correctional, Ozark Correctional, MO Eastern Correctional, MO Western Correctional, Chillicothe Correctional, Maryville Correctional and Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center to name just a few. We also spoke briefly with the President and Vice President of the Missouri Correctional Association and Cyndi Prudden, the show organizer.
Many representatives recognized our products, and it was great to have these items on display for them to see and touch the samples. We heard stories of inmates breaking the standard plastic utensils and trays in circulation, so our silicone flex line was popular, especially the sporks, trays, and tumblers and also the Eco-Security Utensil. We had the new MyGo Containers™ with us at the conference and several people were really interested in the application of the MyGo and the cost savings vs. using disposables. They appreciated the overall look with the clear plastic for visibility. Several samples went out with customers to take back to their facilities.
Cook’s also sponsored a square on the attendee Bingo Card. This was a terrific draw to our table, and we were able to talk to some folks in the Parole and Probation field and also some students from Central MO University studying criminal justice.
Tony Parker, President of the ACA presented the opening speech on Thursday and spoke on topics including the importance of risk assessment, addiction treatment, work programs and reentry into society for inmates. 95% of inmates reenter society at some point and this is where improvement is really needed to prepare them to find sustainable housing, jobs and transportation after being released. If they are more prepared to enter, this in turn keeps our communities safer. They also had speakers during lunch speak on sex trafficking and signs to look out for in victims. Information was provided on how to help and who to contact on the local and national level.
Between the two days of the exhibitor show we were able to speak with most of the attendees and had the chance to get to see many people that we know for the first time in person. We also learned a good deal more about our customers. Learning from our customers is the best way for us to service correctional professionals across the country. Thank you, Missouri!
