ABA-ATBI Joint Boards Meeting Showcases Industry Impact in ...

Bulletin Serving the Baking Industry Since 1897 ABA-ATBI Joint Boards Meeting Special Edition ABA-ATBI Joint Boards Meeting Showcases Industry Impact in Washington — Over 60 Attendees Promote ABA Agenda with Key Policymakers “From the dialogue with Secretary Johanns and the dinner in the Capitol and the White House Briefing,” said ABA Chairman Ron Turano, Turano Baking Company. “ABA and ATBI made sure that the baking industry’s voice was heard loud and clear.” On September 13 & 14, 2006, the Board of Directors of the American Bakers Association and the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry held a highly successful joint meeting in Washington, D.C. With over 60 baker and allied members in attendance, the meeting and events allowed the baking industry to make a strong impression on policymakers. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns At the joint meeting September 13, both speaking at the ABA/ATBI Joint Boards of Directors meeting. Boards had a productive dialogue with SecreSenator and Senatore - Senator tary of Agriculture Mike Johanns on the key role Talent meeting ABA Chairman and the baking industry needs to play in formation of federal agriculture policy. Specifi- Italian Senator Ron Turano, Turano cally, both the ABA and ATBI Boards discussed the baking industry’s need for serious Baking Company. reform of sugar programs as well as developments in farm policy, wheat quality research and biotechnology. “The sugar program must change with or without the conclusion of the DOHA round,” Sec. Johanns said. “One way or another, the sugar program will cost U.S. taxpayers money,” he concluded. ABA has worked closely with Sec. Johanns to address sugar availability and the need for program reform. (Continued on page 2) Meeting Presentations & Documents Look for the ABA Board meeting PowerPoint presentation and more highlight pictures on the “What’s New” section of the ABA web site: www.americanbakers.org. Secretary Johanns with ABA Chairman Ron Turano. 1300 I Street, NW • Suite 700 West • Washington, DC 20005 • 202-789-0300 • 202-898-1164 FAX • www.americanbakers.org ABA/ATBI Joint Boards of Directors Meeting Successful ABA-ATBI Boards of Directors Meeting (Continued from page 1) “We greatly appreciate the record turnout from the baker and allied members,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. “It was important for the key lawmakers who stopped by the Capitol reception to see the unified industry in Washington. They were extremely impressed.” “On behalf of ATBI, I would like to thank ABA for hosting this extremely valuable and productive meeting. To witness the strength of ABA’s Washington team and the high level of respect with which they are awarded by Capitol Hill and the White House was very impressive.” ABA Chairman Ron Turano and ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie leading the ABA/ATBI Joint Boards of Directors meeting. — ATBI President Mike Gude, Associate Publisher, Milling & Baking News/Sosland Publishing ABA Board Considers Revenue Restructuring, Membership Campaign Initiatives “It has been over 15 years since ABA took a detailed look at its revenue stream,” said ABA Chairman Ron Turano, Turano Baking Company. “ABA has done an excellent job of holding the line on expenses, particularly in the current fiscal year, and it is clear that we need to discuss the ABA dues structure. As well all know, the essential costs of business have gone up in the past 15 years.” The Board reviewed several proposals developed by ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie and the ABA professional staff to restructure the dues schedule and to attract new members to ABA. The ABA Board will review these options and make recommendations for consideration during the 2007 Annual Convention next March. “When we conducted ABA’s short- and long-term cash flow projections earlier this year, it became clear that revenues were not keeping up with inflation,” said Mr. MacKie. “At the direction of the Executive Committee and the Audit and Finance Committee, we have prepared options for strengthening and improving ABA’s financial picture to allow ABA to continue to serve the baking industry at the high level for which it is recognized,” he added. The Board had a thorough discussion of the options and will be reaching out to the rest of the ABA membership to seek its feedback on ABA’s long-term revenue stream. One component of the review was the launch of a major new membership campaign. Under the leadership of Kelly Kotche, ABA Membership and Communications Manager, ABA will be kicking off the membership campaign in the next few weeks. “As we conducted our membership and revenue analysis it became clear that there are a number of potential bakers who are already benefiting from ABA’s legislative, regulatory and networking efforts – they just haven’t joined yet,” said Mr. MacKie. “With the support of the Board and other ABA members we will be reaching out to those companies to encourage them to participate in ABA.” To increase ABA awareness and recognition, it developed a new membership information folder with inserts that lay out the various elements that make ABA beneficial to the baking industry. It very clearly spells out ABA’s role in the industry and the benefits of supporting and participating in ABA activites. 2 ABA Members Meet Policymakers on Capitol Hill Senator Talent of Missouri Gives Keynote Address at Board Dinner Another highlight of the meeting was the Boards dinner in the prestigious Mansfield Room just off the floor of the United States Senate. In his keynote speech, Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) addressed several of the most pressing issues facing the country including national security, immigration and border control, health care and transportation infrastructure. He commended the assembled industry leaders for their dedication to ABA and the policy process. “It’s important that you are involved in the government process. It does make a big difference. We need to hear from you on how these proposals affect your businesses and lives,” said Senator Talent. Senator Talent (R-MO) addresses the ABA/ATBI Boards of Directors dinner. Senator Talent shaking hands with ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. ABA/ATBI Boards Meet Members of Congress at Reception on Capitol Hill Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) speaking with Gary Prince, Weston Foods, Inc., at the Boards Reception. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) speaking with Ken Newsome, AMF Bakery Systems, at the Boards Reception. (Below) Senator Mike Enzi (RWY) speaking with Rich Scalise, Ralcorp Frozen Food Products, and Cal Brink, Schwan's Food Service Group. Senator Enzi (R-WY) speaking with Allen Shiver, Flowers Foods, at the Boards Reception. (Below) BEMA Chairman Dennis Gunnell, Formost Packaging Machines, Inc., with Senator Enzi. (Above) ABA Chairman Turano listening intently to Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) speaking to a group. (Above) Brad Burris, D. Thomas & Associates, with Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC). 3 ABA & ATBI Leaders Visit White House ABA & ATBI Boards Briefed by Policy Staff During White House Visit “This was a great opportunity for the ABA and ATBI Board members to hear first-hand from key advisors to the President about the issues affecting our country and how our political process is working,” said ABA Chairman Ron Turano, President, Turano Baking Company, following the Boards’ visit to the White House. On Thursday, September 14, following ABA’s successful Board meeting and evening on Capitol Hill, the ABA and the ATBI Board of Directors made a special visit to the White House where they were briefed by a panel of key policy staff on timely issues such as the health of the economy, the war in Iraq and a forecast of the upcoming 2006 mid-term elections. Board members and guests heard from Brian McCormack, Head of the Public Liaison Office, who talked about the Administration’s efforts on the “trifecta tax package” that included repeal of the estate tax, minimum wage (to $7.25) and tax credits. Charles Dunn, Director for Iraq at the National Security Council, spoke to the group about security issues and the war in Iraq. He noted that the number one security issue for the President is Iraq, and outlined the various key elements of strategy for success including security; political actions and economics in the process of rebuilding Iraqi leadership. Jeffrey F. Kupfer, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, reported that the economy is strong with unprecedented growth Charles Dunn, Director for Iraq at the National Security Council, speaking to the ABA & ATBI since 2003 making the U.S. the envy of other developed countries. There Boards of Directors. have been 13 straight quarters of business growth. He described the American Competitiveness Initiative which includes research and development credits and education enhancements. He also noted that next year the health care debate will be critical and will include dialogue on flexible spending and long-term care retirement use. Scott Jennings, Deputy White House Political Director and Special Assistant to the President, gave an educational and invigorating talk on the current Washington political scene and explained that the White House is focusing its efforts on what they see as the key House seats in play. He noted that the President is very much in demand during this critical time in the election cycle. Mr. Jennings told the group that historically, incumbent retention was difficult in mid-term elections and only in three administrations (George Bush, Calvin Coolidge and Teddy Roosevelt) have additional seats been picked up. He noted Scott Jennings, Deputy White House that we should expect lower than usual voter Political Director and Special Assistant turnout for the mid-term elections. He also indito the President, discussing the current cated that the 2008 Presidential election would political scene and current election be historically unusual, since a sitting Vice Presicycle. dent would not be running for the Office of President. 4 ABA Goes to the White House American Bakers PAC American Bakers PAC – Major Player in 2006 Elections “Mr. Chairman, the state of our PAC is strong,” said Kelly Knowles, ABA Director of Government & Political Affairs, during her presentation to the ABA Board of Directors. “I am pleased to report that for the 2006 election cycle, American Bakers PAC has raised just over $140,000 – which exceeds our original fundraising goal set in early 2005 by a whopping $20,000 – this is truly great news for the baking industry,” she concluded. In addition to announcing the total funds raised, Ms. Knowles outlined for the Board the funds recently contributed by American Bakers PAC to candidates running in the 2006 mid-term election. Just over $118,000 was distributed to ABA members who will present checks directly to candidates running for office. American Bakers PAC is one of the few federal PACs that sends those hard dollars back home to ABA members to contribute on behalf of the wholesale baking industry. “In addition to the $118,000 that has already been contributed by American Bakers PAC, we have retained an additional $30,000 to hand out in October for the candidates who need our help the most,” said Robb MacKie, ABA President & CEO. “This level of support from the baking industry to candidates who support our efforts is attributable to the leadership of ABA PAC Chairman Steve Avera of Flowers Foods and ABA’s Kelly Knowles, as well as the entire ABA membership. ABA’s voice just got a lot louder,” he stated. Ms. Knowles also reported that American Bakers PAC will be sending out another round of contributions sometime in October, coming out of the $25,000 reserve fund. If you would like to learn more about Steve Wright, Hansaloy Corporation, presenting Candidate American Bakers PAC or have a candidate you would like the PAC to Mike Whalen (R-IA-1) with an American Bakers PAC check. support, please contact Kelly Knowles at 202-789-0300 or kknowles@americanbakers.org ABA Co-sponsors Fundraiser for Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele Kelly Knowles (left), ABA Director of Government & Political Affairs, and Lee Sanders (right), ABA Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs, with Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele (R) who is running for the open Senate seat of retiring Democrat Paul Sarbanes. American Bakers PAC sponsored a fundraising reception for Lt. Governor Steele along with other members of the food industry. The event was held at the American Beverage Association in Washington, D.C. 5 Board Meeting Legislative Presentations Sanders Outlines FTRAC’s Progress on Uniformity, Good Manufacturing Practices and Other Key USDA Activities Lee Sanders, ABA Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs, briefed the ABA Board on a variety of key legislative and technical issues that have been the focus of the Food Technical Regulatory Affairs Committee (FTRAC) over the past six months. Ms. Sanders began by thanking the membership for their participation in ABA’s targeted lobbying and grassroots efforts for the Senate and with the States’ Attorneys General on S. 3128, the National Uniformity for Food bill, which has been active in the Senate including a HELP Committee hearing in July and an effort towards a targeting markup for later this fall. Ms. Sanders also outlined the education and communications efforts she had spearheaded for ABA through dialogue with other trade organizations and in a new partnership with the International Food Information Council (IFIC) on their new consumer research project on consumer perceptions of high fructose corn syrup and development of effective messaging. Ms. Sanders noted that the results of this study will Lee Sanders, ABA Senior Vice be available to the ABA membership by the end of this year. President, Government Relations Additionally, Ms. Sanders outlined the current work of FTRAC to develop policy & Public Affairs positions on FDA’s future revision of current good manufacturing practices, as well as USDA’s Women, Infant and Children’s supplemental feeding program where comments are due in November. Both issues will be the topic of discussion at the upcoming FTRAC meeting. Ms. Sanders also noted that she had added a new, successful element to FTRAC meetings this year with the addition of a value-added day, inviting experts to provide in-depth education on allergen training in May. On October 18, there will be a one-day Interactive Management & Supervisory Food Defense/Security Awareness Training in conjunction with the American Institute of Baking Food Defense Resource Center. ABA Represented at Wheat Summit Sponsored by NAWG & NAMA Ms. Sanders outlined the progress made at the recent Wheat Summit sponsored by National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and North American Millers Association (NAMA) where she represented ABA. Agreement was reached on key competitive challenges facing the U.S. wheat industry where the participating industry groups want further dialogue on issues including: research and technology, domestic competitiveness, farm policy – the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and export policy. Ms. Sanders also noted that the group of 60 participants agreed that ongoing dialogue to further define goals and objectives and to establish a strategic action plan as other commodities had done was critical to future success. She noted that together, as a unified force, the grain-based foods industry could be more effective moving forward. The group also discussed biotechnology but did not develop a consensus position. ABA Revitalizing Internal Marketing & Promotion Committee Lastly, Ms. Sanders outlined the work of the newly revitalized ABA internal Marketing and Promotion Committee which is chaired by Allen Shiver of Flowers Foods. “The purpose of the Committee is to promote and strengthen ABA branding to assist in clarify positioning to perspective new ABA members, enhance communications and increase visibility for ABA on Capitol Hill,” said Ms. Sanders. “As part of the Committee’s efforts, we will identify messaging partners for key issues and will look at ways to strengthen our support of the Grain Foods Foundation and Wheat Food Council,” she concluded. 6 ABA Marketing & Promotions Committee Chairman Allen Shiver, Flowers Foods Board Meeting Legislative Presentations Energy & Environmental Health Committee Co-Chairman Jim McKeown Reports on Energy, Alternative Fuel Options and Waters Costs ABA Energy and Environmental Health Committee Co-Chair James F. McKeown, Director of Environmental Services, Weston Foods, Inc., presented the ABA Board of Directors with the diverse issues facing the Committee, including conservation, energy, alternative fuels and water costs. Mr. McKeown noted the importance of developing effective sustainability strategies adding that it would “be an all out effort” because it was the “right thing to do.” He said that the Committee would work on developing a model sustainability plan for all ABA members. He noted that the Committee had already begun to reach out on solar technology as well. Mr. Mckeown mentioned that the December 2006 joint meeting with the Fleet and Distribution Committee will be useful in encouraging communications between Energy & Environmental Health Committee CoCommittees on issues with overlapping interest, just as the Environmental Chair Jim F. McKeown, Weston Foods, Inc. and FTRAC joint meeting had done in 2005 on the issues of food defense and water usage. In closing, Mr. McKeown thanked the Board for their support and encouraged them to make sure a company representative was present at the table for future meetings. Pension Reform, Workforce Development and 2007 Farm Bill Hot Topics for Industry Kelly Knowles, ABA Director of Government & Political Affairs, briefed the Board on a variety of issues including pension reform legislation, the Veterans Workforce Development Initiative and the 2007 Farm Bill. Ms. Knowles spoke in detail on the Pension Protection Act of 2006 signed into law by President Bush in mid-August. Ms. Knowles noted that this legislation makes sweeping changes to current pension law. In order to assist ABA members with implementation of the new regulations, Ms. Knowles informed the Board that an audio conference would be taking place on Tuesday, September 19, to provide further detailed information and answer questions ABA members may have on how this legislation impacts their companies. Ms. Knowles also spoke on the progress of the Veterans Workforce Development Initiative, a project that is led under the leadership of the ABA Human Kelly Knowles, ABA Director of Resources (HR) Committee which aims to employ honorably discharged Veterans Government & Political Affairs in the baking industry. ABA Human Resources Chairman Dave Conner, Vie de France Yamazaki, Inc., and Don Thriffiley, Flowers Foods, have taken the lead for the industry by participating in meetings with the Department of Labor, the Military Seriously Injured Center, and members of Congress including Representative John Boozman (R-AR-3) who has a particular interest in veterans and the workforce. Ms. Knowles outlined ABA’s strategy for the 2007 Farm Bill which is set to be negotiated over the coming year. With a broad base of issues on the table – including sugar reform, energy, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)and Agriculture Research Service (ARS) funding, the Farm Bill will be an ABA team effort. David Brown with Sara Lee Bakery Group will be serving as Chairman of the Commodity Task Force. 7 Board Meeting Legislative Presentations ABA/ATBI Boards Hear Presentation on State, Safety and Fleet & Distribution Issues The ABA & ATBI Board members were updated on the new improvements to the ABA State Legislative and Regulatory Program by Mike Florio, ABA Federal and State Government Relations Manager. Mr. Florio discussed the active role he has taken in monitoring and tracking state issues impacting the baking industry. ABA members will be informed of the latest state news through notices, the Bulletin, legislative alerts, and by accessing regular updates through the State Issues page on ABA’s website. ABA will also work closely with members, when appropriate, to take action and coordinate responses in the states. As the new new staff liaison to ABA’s Fleet and Distribution Committee, Mr. Florio gave an update on the current Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. The current regulations, which went into effect October 1, 2005, are presently being litigated in the D.C. Circuit Court. ABA has been working with members of Congress to seek flexibility in the rules, especially regarding the sleeper berth and the team driver provision. Representatives from McKee Foods and members of the ABA staff recently met with Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) who agreed to assist ABA in conveying the industry’s concerns and the need for flexibility in the HOS regulations to John Hill, the new head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Furthermore, ABA will be awaiting the proposed rulemaking regarding electronic onboard recorders (EOBR) that FMCSA plans to release this fall. ABA will submit comments to FMCSA if the rulemaking seeks to manMike Florio, ABA Federal & State date EOBR’s as a means to track HOS Government Relations Manager compliance. Mr. Florio announced that there will be a joint meeting of ABA’s Fleet & Distribution and Energy & Environmental Health Committees December 7-8, 2006, in Washington, D.C. to work on the Committees’ overlapping issues such as fuel costs, alternative fuel options, new vehicle technology, energy efficiency and renewable energy, tray loss/theft and sustainability. Boards Updated on OSHA Reform Mr. Florio provided the joint Boards with an update on the work that ABA’s Safety Committee has done regarding Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reform. The ABA Safety Committee has fought hard to make OSHA regulations less burdensome to employers without jeopardizing the health and safety of workers. ABA has worked with Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) to introduce several bills related to OSHA reform. The latest bill, currently being marked up in the House, seeks to restrict the Department of Labor’s ability to adopt standards created by non-governmental organizations. ABA Safety Committee Chairman Liz Marcucci, Gonnella Baking, testified in front of the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections in April. During her testimony, she urged Congress to rein in rogue standard setting organizations that OSHA relies upon as a basis for regulation and enforcement. ABA will continue to work with members of Congress to pass OSHA reform bills in this current legislative session. 8 Grain Foods Foundation Activities Grain Foods Foundation President Updates Board on Public Relations Activities and Progress Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) President Judi Adams reported to the ABA & ATBI Boards of Directors on Wednesday, September 13, that in the second year since its inception, the GFF has made significant progress in increasing awareness for the importance of grain foods among the American public. In year one, a very visible Grains for Life launch in New York and Washington, DC generated almost 204 million media impressions; in year two, the public education campaign surpassed that number with almost 317 million impressions. She noted that in GFF’s first two years, the focus was on “Bread is Back”and “Reaching Consumers at Retail.” The program is now in its third year and the current emphasis is on “Bringing Bread Back to the Table.” Ms. Adams reported that one of the GFF’s major programs GFF President Judi Adams this year is the National Healthy Sandwich Showdown. The purdetailing the latest GFF programs pose of the contest is to bring bread back to the table and lunch to the ABA & ATBI Boards of Directors. boxes, while making bread the nutritional hero. The Foundation has partnered with Meredith magazines to run the contest. The partnership includes a full page advertisement in the September, October and November issues of Parents, Fitness, Ladies Home Journal and Family Circle. The Foundation has also partnered with celebrity chef Dave Lieberman who conducted a satellite media tour (SMT) Aug. 23 and was on the TODAY show Aug. 28. The winner will win a trip to the “Home of the Sandwich”— Sandwich, Kent, England. Ms. Adams described the retail programs with The Kroger Co., one of GFF’s active members, where stanchion signs and floor decals are displayed in all 2500 stores across the nation. She reported that during National Bread Month (November 2005) and National Barbeque Month (May 2006), Kroger outsold the Celebrity Chef Dave competition in unit sales by about 16% using the Grains for Life Lieberman point-of-sale materials.When compared to Wal-Mart, bread and Floor decal used in Kroger stores as part of the GFF public relations buns sales at Kroger were about 8% higher. campaign. Another important program is GFF’s partnership with the March of Dimes for Healthy Baby Month (January) and their WalkAmerica programs. GFF will again participate in 15 major WalkAmericas in 2007 and members are encouraged to participate through the GFF or to host a booth on their own. Ms. Adams urged members to use the “Grains for Life” logo on their products and collateral materials. She noted that there are requirements on the members’ only site at www.gffmembers.org. She also encouraged them to log onto www.grainpower.org which targets the public, nutrition professionals and the media, to see for themselves the great work the GFF is doing on behalf of the industry. ABA Facilitates Meeting with GFF and FMI ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie and Senior Vice President Lee Sanders facilitated a September 14 meeting for the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) with Food Marketing Institute (FMI) President and CEO Tim Hammonds and Senior Vice President Michael Sansolo. The highly productive meeting was focused on increasing awareness of the GFF’s efforts among the baking industry’s retail customers. FMI represents supermarket and grocery chains around the country. In addition to Mr. MacKie and Ms. Sanders, representing GFF were President Judi Adams; Co-Chair Joel Crowder, The Kroger Co.; former Co-Chair Joe Schwebel, Schwebel Baking Company; Marketing Committee Chair Allen Shiver, Flowers Foods; and Kristen Patterson from Mullen, the GFF public relations firm. 9 Highlights of the ABA/ATBI Joint Boards Meeting Top Leaders of the Baking Industry — Bakers and Their Suppliers — Working Together for a Stronger Industry ABA & ATBI Boards of Directors at Their Joint Meeting Held in Washington Bill Nictakis, Sara Lee Food & Beverage, with Joe Schwebel, Schwebel Baking Company. Brad Burris, D. Thomas & Associates, with Doug Wimberly, Butterkrust Baking Lakeland. Greg Stehr representing Bimbo Bakeries USA with Ron Frick, General Mills & Foodservice. Jack Lewis, Lewis Bakeries, and John Paterakis, H&S Bakeries, Inc. John Hellman, McGahee, Lacy & Associates; Mike Cornelis, CM Packaging; and Bruce Criss, ADM Specialty Foods Ingredients. Gary Cain, Cain Foods Industries, and Tim Miller, Cereal Food Processors, Inc. Charlie Stout, Milner Milling Company, and Joe Schwebel, Schwebel Baking Company. Jim Lynch, D. Thomas & Associates, and Richard LaFleur, Bemis Company, Inc. Joe Hickenbottom, Malt Products Corp.; Bill Matthaei, Roman Meal Company; and Bill McCurry, Manildra Group USA. Crockett Cobble, Jennings, Cobble LLC, and David Murphy, Mother Murphy’s Labs, Inc. 10 ABA & ATBI on Capitol Hill ABA & ATBI Meet Members of Congress Jack & Peggy Lewis, Lewis Bakeries, talking with Senator Ben Nelson (R-NE). Rich Scalise, Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, meeting Senator Talent (R-MO). Bill McCurry, Manildra Group USA, meeting Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY). Ron and Louise Ashton, American Ingredients Company, with Joel Crowder, The Kroger Co. (center) Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) (left) with Dave Murphy, Mother Murphy’s Labs, and Eddie Perrou, Danisco USA (right). Pictured from left: Ken Newsome, AFM Bakery Products; Doug Wimberly, Butterkrust Baking Lakeland; and Jerry Degnan, Manildra Group USA. Pictured from left: Richard Scalise, Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products; BEMA Chairman Dennis Gunnell, Formost Packaging Machines; Bradley & Gary Cain, Cain Food Industries, Inc. Dean Modglin (left), Red Star Yeast Company, LLC, and George Marcucci, Gonnella Baking Co. Jim Lynch (left), D. Thomas & Associates, and Tim Harris, Nonni’s Food Company. ABA & ATBI Boards Visit New ABA Office Several ABA & ATBI Board members had the opportunity to visit the new ABA office during an ABA “Open House.” We were very proud for the members to see the new office where the industry and its products are very well represented in the artwork and design. “We want to thank all of our members for their contributions of artwork and baking industry memorabelia. This office truly represents ABA and its valued members,” said Robb MacKie, ABA President & CEO. 11 Upcoming ABA Committee Meetings ELDC’s 2006 Public Policy Forum – Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders “ELDC is one of the main reasons I have succeeded in the baking industry,” ELDC Program Co-Chair Kurt Miller, Burford Corporation, told the ABA & ATBI Boards of Directors at their joint meeting. “The networking opportunities, career development sessions and time spent lobbying on Capitol Hill have all given me invaluable tools to bring back to my organization. I encourage you all to send your best and brightest to the 2006 Public Policy Forum,” added. The ABA Executive Leadership Development Committee’s (ELDC) staff liaison Kelly Knowles spoke to the ABA Board about the upcoming 2006 Public Policy Forum to be held September 25-27 at the Hotel George in Capitol Hill. Ms. Knowles outlined the dynamic agenda and thanked the allied sponsors of the 2006 Forum including: StarPak, D.Thomas & Associates, Burford Corporation, Cereal Food Processors, Mother Murphy Ingredients, Manildra Group USA and Russell T. Bundy & Associates, Inc. The ABA ELDC Committee would like to thank its 2006 Public Policy ForumSponsors FTRAC Committee Meeting October 17-18 The next meeting of the ABA Food Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee (FTRAC) will be held October 1718, 2006, in Washington, D.C. The FTRAC meeting will address many important issues of concern to the baking industry including Avian Flu preparation, sustainability and oganics, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumer messaging, current good manufacturing practices, development of ABA comments on WIC revision proposal, biotechnology, and legislative, regulatory and research updates. In addition, October 18 will be devoted to a one-day seminar on Food Defense Training with AIB’s Rod Wheeler. Please call ABA at (202) 789-0300 with any questions regarding the meeting, hotel or travel accommodations. 2006 ABA Legal Committee Conference October 24-25 The ABA Legal Committee will hold its annual conference October 24-25 in Washington, D.C. at the Offices of Littler Mendelson, P.C. The conference will consist of a labor law update and avian flu readiness presentation by Peter Susser, an immigration policy update, a brief on food marketing and the First Amendment, discussion on attorney client privilege, and a review of the current trends in the baking industry by Dan Malovany, Publisher of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery Magazine. Additionally, political commentator and pollster Tony Fabrizio will provide a forecast of the 2006 mid-term elections and an insider’s look at the 2008 Presidential election. Please call ABA at (202) 789-0300 with any questions regarding the meeting, hotel or travel accommodations. 12