Who We Are

PHIL PLOURD combines curiosity, understanding of economics and love of the written word to produce a wealth of materials for Blimling and Associates. He also works extensively with clients to help develop and execute risk management strategies. Phil has led numerous outlook sessions and hedging workshops from coast-to-coast and around the world. He is Chairman and President of the Blimling companies and a graduate of Fordham University.

BILL CURLEY has long been a devoted student of dairy economics. Clients have come to rely on his deep knowledge base, keen intellect and relentless pursuits for better understanding of complex systems -- milk components, policy provisions, purchasing practices and more. Bill also develops and maintains a variety of forecast models. Prior to joining our team, he held roles with the International Dairy Foods Association, National All-Jersey and Dean Foods. A co-owner of the Blimling companies and graduate of Penn State University (BS Dairy Science, MS Agricultural Economics), Bill lives and works in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania.

DUANE BANDEROB draws on a variety of experiences to help clients develop, implement and maintain procurement and risk management strategies. He has been on both the buy and sell sides of the market with an employment history that includes roles at Leprino Foods, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Hilmar Cheese Company and, most recently, ConAgra Foods. A tireless analyst, Duane is a valuable asset to clients seeking to launch internal cost-savings or productivity initiatives. He holds degrees from CalPoly and Michigan State University; he resides in and works from Omaha, Nebraska.

DALLAS SIPES CHAPMAN has been with Blimling and Associates since 2003. Prior to joining the team, she spent seven years working in the seed industry as an agronomist and in quality assurance. Chapman holds a BS in Agronomy from the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL. Dallas responds to customer inquiries, manages data, and prepares publications to keep Blimling and Associates' clients current.

TIFFANY LAMENDOLA brings extensive knowledge of the dairy industry to the Blimling team - particularly from a producer and Western perspective.  Her real-world insights and analytical skills are key to development of producer risk management programs and preparation of research publications.  Prior to joining Blimling and Associates, Tiffany spent nine years with Western United Dairymen in Modesto, California as the Director of Economic Analysis.  She holds BS and MS degrees from the University of California, Davis.  Tiffany operates the firm's California branch office.

MARK MORNINGSTAR not only coordinates customer service and manages operations at our Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, headquarters; he also extends an experienced hand to clients, drawing on years working as a grain merchandiser and dairy market participant. Mark understands the risk management process from farm to finished product and calmly provides insight day after day. He is a shareholder in the Blimling companies. Mark holds a Masters Degree in Agriculture from the UW-Platteville.

LORI STRONG has been with Blimling and Associates since 2002. She holds an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lori primarily works with forward contracting and risk management with producers as well as lending a hand to research projects.

THERESA RUTZ joined the Blimling and Associates team in April of 2004. She graduated with a BA from Southern Connecticut State University in 2000. Theresa collaborates with the rest of the Blimling team to meet customers' needs by providing information about current market conditions, expectations, and historical data.