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 The MWFPA Bulletin is underwritten in part by Focus on Energy | | |
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| Federal Government Shutdown Looms | |
With much of the country's attention focused on Wisconsin's and other state conflicts over public unions, getting less attention is the potential for a federal government shutdown on Friday.
Washington may get more of the spotlight in the next few days as the Republican-controlled House tries to work with the Democratic Senate and White House to pass another stop-gap budget measure to keep the federal government functioning a few more weeks.
A new budget was supposed to be in place by Oct. 1 of last year, but Congress could not agree on a full budget and has passed temporary spending measures to keep the government operating. The current temporary spending plan ends Friday.
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| The MWFPA Bulletin is underwritten in part by Bug Blocker Doors & Screens | | |
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| WI Wind Siting Rule Blocked | |
The WI State Legislature's Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules has blocked implementation of statewide standards for siting wind power projects.
Today was supposed to be the day that the new rules went into effect. The 5-2 partisan committee vote comes after legislative leaders failed to schedule a vote earlier this year on more restrictive legislation proposed by Gov. Walker.
The Committee vote suspends the rule for 30 days. The panel must now draft a bill supporting the suspension and has crafted a measure that would require the WI Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop new rules within six months.
During development of the rule, MWFPA sought changes due to its potential impact on the aerial application of crop protection products. The PSC later modified the rule to compensate farmers for lost crop production within a half mile of turbines if aerial spraying could not be done because of them.
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| MN Tort Reform Bill Advances | |
A tort reform bill prohibiting lawsuits against food makers and sellers by people who gain weight passed through the Minnesota House Civil Law Committee last week.
The Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act would suppress actions against certain persons for weight gain as a result of consuming certain foods. HF264 passed the committee on a voice vote and is supported by MWFPA.
It has been referred to the House Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance Committee. Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), sponsor of the legislation, said he expects the bill to be wrapped into an overall agriculture bill. Top of Page |
| MN Legislature Sends Regulatory Reform To Governor | |
A bill that would streamline the environmental permit process within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) passed the House 89-42. It now goes to Gov. Dayton for consideration.
HF1 would require the DNR and the PCA to issue or deny environmental and resource management permits within 150 days of a submitted application. The Senate amended the provision so that the 150-day clock does not start until the proposer's application is deemed complete. The DNR and PCA would have 30 days to make that determination.
The Senate also amended the bill so that statements of need and reasonableness for rulemaking would include an assessment of the difference between the proposed rule and existing federal standards for air and water quality, as well as standards in bordering states. The bill also would enable the review process to bypass district court and go directly to the Court of Appeals.
MWFPA, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council supported the bill as a means to encourage businesses to create jobs.
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| WI Budget Repair Bill Passes State Assembly, Governor Delivers Budget Message Today | |
After a contentious 60-hour floor session during which over 100 amendments were offered, the controversial budget repair bill passed the WI State Assembly last week, but the standoff at the Capitol continues.
The State Senate remains at an impasse after 14 Democrats fled to Illinois on Feb. 17 to avoid voting on the bill. At least one Democrat needs to return to give the Senate a quorum to hold a vote on the legislation. The measure is meant to address a $137 million shortfall in the current state budget, and a $3.6 billion deficit in the upcoming two-year budget.
Gov. Walker will deliver his biennial Budget Message to a joint session of the Legislature today at 4 p.m. He is expected to call
for large cuts in state aids to schools, local governments and the University of Wisconsin System and a tight cap on property taxes as part of his plan to balance the budget. He is not expected to propose any tax increases, fee hikes or fund transfers.
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| MN Budget Forecast Shows Slight Improvement | |
A new budget forecast released yesterday showed a slight improvement in the state's budget picture. The deficit dipped by about $1.2 billion, from $6.2 billion to $5 billion, due in part to a slowly improving economy and the extension of federal tax cuts, particularly on capital gains.
In order to address the deficit, Gov. Dayton has called for $4 billion in tax increases, mostly from income tax hikes on high earners. Responding to the reduction in the budget shortfall, the Governor announced that he's dropping a proposed three percent surcharge on the state's top income tax brackets, as well as eliminating $200 million in proposed cuts to health and human services.
Republicans have pledged to solve the state's fiscal problems without any additional revenues and are expected to present their budget plan next week.
Despite the improved forecast, Minnesota is projected to face a $4.4 billion deficit in the 2014-15 biennium.
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| Focus On Energy Training Courses | |
For those seeking ways to save energy and reduce operating costs at their business, Focus on Energy is providing training events to fit your needs! New training courses for 2011 are available! View these new training opportunities here.
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Play It Safe! Register Now For MWFPA Safety Seminar! | |
How can you prevent incidents that cause personal injury or worse? What can you do to foster a safety culture?
On March 23, 2011, these and other questions will be answered at a MWFPA seminar for managers and front-line supervisors to be held at the Holiday Inn in Tomah, WI. MWFPA's "Creating A World Class Safety Culture" will educate participants on the importance of creating a mindset in your organization that all incidents are preventable, all employees must continuously work toward injury prevention, and, most importantly, that everyone is accountable for safety.
MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn at a special rate of $64.99. Registration is limited to 30 people, so don't delay. Please use block code MXX when reserving your room. View seminar brochure and registration materials here! Registration is also available on our website: www.mwfpa.org.
The seminar will be presented by Jim Lehrke, President and CEO of Safety Connections, Inc., who has over 35 years of experience in industrial safety and health including work as a corporate safety specialist with a Fortune 200 company. He is afforded affiliations with several safety councils including the Wisconsin Safety Council, is a frequent conference speaker, and has been president of the Sheboygan Area Safety Council.
Put this one on your calendar and register now!
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Wilderness Resort Hosts MWFPA Team Building Seminar April 20th! | |
Behind successful organizations are efficient management and the formation of a quality team. On April 20, 2011, MWFPA's four-hour seminar, to be held at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI,"Team Building -- Creating the Want" will create an exciting team-building learning experience that will raise your level of interest in and commitment to teamwork in your organization. It will aid participants in developing the practical skills for maximizing team performance, and the tools and resources that can strengthen your team and build buy-in among your employees.
MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Wilderness Resort at a special rate of $115. Please use block code #257654 when reserving your room. Registration for the seminar is available on our website: www.mwfpa.org. Click here to see the seminar brochure.
This seminar will also be presented by Jim Lehrke, President and CEO of Safety Connections, Inc
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| Employment Opportunities -- Food Processing Industry | |
Seminis seeks a Vegetable Seed Sales Representative to join the Northeast US Commercial team. This position will be based in Michigan, mainly covering Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. The primary responsibilities are managing sales of pickling cucumber, bean and pea seeds to processors and their raw product suppliers as well as managing sales to Home Garden dealers located in the territory. Ideal candidate will have ag-related degree, at least three years of experience in ag-business; seed, produce, processing or related field. Aptitude for business and ag, coupled with strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work hard is the winning combination. Some air travel is required. Extensive driving is required. Clean driving record. Zero tolerance for drug use.
To apply, please visit monsanto.com/careers and complete an on-line application as soon as possible. To search for the position, use requisition number 003K2.
Red Gold currently has a position open for a human resource manager. The position is responsible for all HR responsibilities pertaining to a non-union food processing facility with 300 full-time employees. It is also responsible for recruitment of 300 seasonal workers for pack. The reporting structure to this position is two to three assistants. Ideal candidate is bilingual in Spanish. Degree required with 5 to 7 years experience. Position located 35 miles north of Indianapolis. Please send resume to Elizabeth Swadener, eswadener@redgold.com.
Lakeside Foods' Plainview, MN facility has an opening for a general manager. The position is responsible for all operational systems in canned and frozen operations. This consists of acquisition of raw materials, agricultural planning, product processing , warehousing, quality assurance, safety, human relations and shipping of quality finished products.
Please send a resume, including salary history, to:
Dave Greenwood
Director of Human Resources
Lakeside Foods, Inc.
P.O. Box 1327
Manitowoc, WI 54221-1327
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| Welcome New Association Members! | |
Join us in welcoming our newest member to the Association! Please visit their website by clicking on the company name to learn more about them.
Air Products & Chemicals
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| 2011 Membership Dues Reminder | |
Membership dues for 2011 were mailed and emailed in December to all current MWFPA members. Second dues reminders were sent out on Friday, February 25, 2011. If you received this reminder and are not the correct contact person please let Robin know who should receive the reminder.
Thanks to all of you who have already responded. Those who have not are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. If you need a copy of your invoice or would like to discuss your membership, please contact Robin Fanshaw at 608.255.9946 or robin.fanshaw@mwfpa.org.
Mail your payments to:
4600 American Pkwy., Suite 110
Madison, WI 53718-8334
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| MWFPA Calendar of Events | |
March 23, 2011: Creating A World Class Safety Culture. Holiday Inn, Tomah, WI. This seminar is designed to allow participants to create a safety culture in their company and understand the substantial cost of a minor injury and its impact on the bottom line. The seminar is limited to 30 participants and each attendee will receive a certification document upon course completion.
MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn at a special rate of $64.99. Please use block code MXX when reserving your room. View seminar brochure and registration materials here! Registration is also available on our website: www.mwfpa.org.
April 20, 2011: Team Building -- Creating The Want. Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI. This four-hour seminar will create an exciting team-building learning experience that will raise your level of interest in and commitment to teamwork in your organization. It will help participants develop the practical skills for maximizing team performance, and the tools and resources that can strengthen your team and build buy-in among your employees.
MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Wilderness Resort at a special rate of $115. Please use block code #257654 when reserving your room. View seminar brochure and registration materials here! Registration is also available on our website: www.mwfpa.org. May 4-6, 2011: GMA Consumer Complaints Management Conference. Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, Chicago, IL. This conference provides consumer affairs and complaint management specialists with the roadmap for effective complaint management. Conference attendees will gain crisis management insights and enhanced knowledge of today's consumer and their expectations of customer service. Consumer affairs professionals working in food manufacturing, retail and foodservice cannot afford to miss this valuable training event. For more information, click here.
June 1-2, 2011: MWFPA Golf Outing. Evening reception on June 1st is planned for the Hilton Garden Inn. On June 2nd, a day of golf (scramble format), lunch and cash prizes at Trapper's Turn in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Details to follow. November 28-Dec. 1, 2011: MWFPA 107th Annual Convention and 84th Annual Processing Crops Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center. Mark your calendars now! Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to gain exclusive insights from some of the industry's most innovative and knowledgeable representatives and to make meaningful contacts with clients, prospects and referral sources.
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| MWFPA Educational Opportunities | |
March 7-11, 2011: University of Wisconsin Better Process Control School. Crowne Plaza Hotel in Madison, WI. This course will help employees of food companies meet the safety requirements set by the Code of Federal Regulations for safe canning of foods. This USDA- and FDA-approved training is required for supervisors of thermal processing operations in the canning and retortable flexible container industries. Detailed information, including a brochure, enrollment form, and a link to online registration is available through the University of Wisconsin-Madison CALS Conference Services: http://www.cals.wisc.edu/ccs/Current%20Programs.html. A draft schedule of the week's events is available at http://www.foodsafety.wisc.edu/better_process.html.
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The MWFPA News Bulletin is published twice monthly or as developments warrant, and is intended for a general audience of manufacturers and suppliers of food and agricultural products. |
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