WASHINGTON, DC – This week at the bi-annual board meeting of the Sugar Association, Mark Flegenheimer and David Goodlett were named as the incoming Chairman and Vice Chairman respectfully.

Each will serve a two-year term and preside over the Association that represents American sugar growers and producers. The Association advocates for the consumption of all-natural sugar as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

"We offer our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Chairman Jim Simon, General Manager of the American Sugar Cane League for his commitment to the Sugar Association, and welcome Mark Flegenheimer to the Chairmanship. Mark's service as Vice Chairman was indispensible and we're excited to have him move to the helm," said Andy Briscoe, President and CEO of the Sugar Association.

Flegenheimer is President and CEO of the Michigan Sugar Company. The company generates nearly $400 million in direct economic activity annually in the local communities in which they operate. The company is the third largest beet sugar processor in the United States, annually producing nearly one billion pounds of sugar under the Pioneer and Big Chief brand names.

Goodlett is Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. The Cooperative farms more than 70,000 acres of sugarcane and produces more than 350,000 tons of raw sugar annually, enough sugar to meet the average annual demand of 9 million Americans.

Briscoe said, "The Sugar Association is looking forward to Mark and David's executive experience. Both are strong advocates for all-natural sugar and the industry is fortunate to have their leadership."