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 | August 2, 2011 | |
| The MWFPA Bulletin is underwritten in part by Focus on Energy | | |
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| Farm Flex Bill Introduced | |
Farm Flex was introduced in both the House and the  Senate last week as the Farm Flexibility Act of 2011. In the House, H.R. 2675 was introduced by Reps. Reid Ribble (R-WI), Tim Walz (DFL-MN), Mike Pence (R-IN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Bobby Schilling (R-IL), Ron Kind (D-WI), Tom Petri (R-WI), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Sean Duffy (R-WI). In the Senate, S. 1427 was introduced by Senator Lugar (R-IN). The House and Senate bills are identical. View a background paper about the Act here.
MWFPA has promoted Farm Flex for many years and wishes to recognize Reps. Pence and Baldwin for their continued leadership in seeking its enactment, while deferring to Reps. Ribble and Walz, who are serving on the House Agriculture Committee.
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| Specialty Crop Hearing Touts Farm Flex | |
On July 28, the Senate Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on Opportunities for Specialty Crops in the Farm Bill. At the request of Senator Lugar, Glenn Abbett, a tomato grower for Red Gold, testified. Glenn did a fine job driving home the point that planting flexibility would save the government money, save American jobs and not hurt the fresh industry. Senators Stabenow (D-MI), Klobuchar (D-MN), Roberts (R-KS), and Lugar (R-IN) all made statements sympathetic to Farm Flex.
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| EPA Requests Input on BPA Toxicity Testing Plan | |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering whether to carry out toxicity testing and environmental sampling for Bisphenol A (BPA). Public comments must be received no later than September 26, 2011.
In March 2010, the EPA issued an action plan itemizing the steps the agency is considering with respect to the alleged risks of BPA. The toxicity testing is part of that list. More information on that plan, and a link to where the public can comment on the proposals, can be accessed on the agency's BPA action plan website.
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| The MWFPA Bulletin is underwritten in part by Bug Blocker Doors & Screens | | |
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IL Committee Begins Tax Reform Hearings | |
The joint House and Senate Revenue Committee has begun a series of summer legislative hearings addressing the Illinois business tax structure and tax incentive programs. Speaker Michael J. Madigan and Senate President John J. Cullerton announced the creation of the joint committee last month to solicit information from businesses and trade associations around the state on ways to make the Illinois business tax climate more favorable and more competitive with other states.
Hearings are scheduled for August 2nd in Rockford, August 23rd in Springfield, and August 30th in Marion.
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MN Budget Contains Water Management Review | |
MN Gov. Mark Dayton has signed the budget bills necessary to restart the state government and formally end the 20-day shutdown. The majority of the budget bills passed largely along party lines during a marathon special session, with members of the Republican majority approving them and Democrats voting against the bills. Among the more notable items included in the budget was a provision requiring state agencies to review water management to streamline and consolidate water programs
among all agencies that regulate water.
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MWFPA Convention Set, Booth Lottery Underway | |
The 2011 Midwest Food Processors Annual Convention and Processing Crops Conference is set for Tuesday, November 29th through Thursday December 1st at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. This year's theme will be "Healthy Food Through Association."
This is our premier event, bringing toge ther key stakeholders in the food processing industry, including industry-related services and equipment professionals. It is a comprehensive two-day program which includes a membership meeting, exhibitors, and luncheon programs featuring high level keynote speakers in addition to presentation of the 2010 Safety Awards.
The exhibitor prospectus is now available and the first-round booth lottery is underway! There's no better time to put your company name and products in front of hundreds of Midwest food industry leaders, owners and operators in one setting. Reserve your space on the convention floor now!
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MWFPA, PMMI Present Trends in Packaging | |
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturing Institute and Midwest Food Processors Association invite you to a free presentation on the trends affecting the food and beverage packaging and processing manufacturers.
The two hour presentation will take place on August 4, 2011, at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55101, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Complementary food and drinks will be served.
The presentation will provide an industry economic outlook, the new Alliance for Innovation and Operational Excellence (AIOE), and possible effects of the recently adopted Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) on the industry. There will also be a presentation on the link between packaging, processing and brand, and a preview of PACK EXPO, Las Vegas 2011.
All processing and packaging professionals from across the supply chain are invited to attend the event and are encouraged to bring a colleague. To register for this free event contact Elliot Schimel at eschimel@abipr.com. If you have any questions, call Nick George or Brian Elliott at 608-255-9946.
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WOW Logistics Gains Supply Chain Recognition | |
Associate member WOW Logistics was recently named in SupplyChainBrain magazine's 100 Great Supply Chain Partners. SupplyChainBrain's 9th annual list of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners is the result of a six-month on-line poll in which supply chain professionals were asked to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company's efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance. Congratulations to WOW!
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Welcome New Association Members! | | |
Join us in welcoming our newest members to the Association! Please visit their websites by clicking on the company name to learn more about them.
Witt Gas Controls LLP
Federation Quebecoise des legumes de transformationÂ
Delkor Systems Inc
Hygiena
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ComEd Program Provides Energy Efficiency Assistance | |
If your industrial plant is in the IL ComEd service territory and your electrical demand is greater than 500 kW, you are eligible to participate in ComEd's new "Smart Ideas for Your Business" energy efficiency program.
The intent of the ComEd program is to encourage energy efficiency by providing financial assistance for an assessment that will identify electricity cost reduction opportunities.The typical assessment is anticipated to cost from $15,000 to $20,000 and last 3 to 5 days on site. The time required by facility staff is expected to be minimal except on the first day.
The primary goal of the ComEd program is not to perform assessments, but to obtain implementation of capital projects. To facilitate this goal, there is additional financial assistance available that can cover up to 50% of the cost for eligible projects. The assessments can target a specific process or can be plant wide.
MWFPA associate member Kinergetics is the only firm selected in the Midwest to provide assessments for ComEd's "Smart Ideas for Your Business Program." They can be reached at (608) 442-5695 or info@kinergetics.net to discuss your situation or for assistance completing an application. Simply type "ComEd Efficiency" in the subject line.
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Red Gold Seeks Maintenance Manager | |
Red Gold, Inc. is seeking a full-time Maintenance Manager at its Geneva, IN facility. The position reports to the Plant Manager.
Duties include daily management and budgeting. Minimum requirements include a 4 year technical degree or equivalent,
certificates in the following areas are valuable: Government Approvals, Electrical, Boiler, Hydraulics, Chemical Handling, Programming, OSHA, Welding, Wastewater Treatment.
Ten years experience in any 3 of the following major areas in a plant environment: Facilities Management, Equipment Maintenance, Engineering, Project Leadership and Preventative Maintenance
Red Gold, Inc. offers canned tomato products and juices in North America. For consideration, email your resume to: hr@redgold.com or apply www.redgold.com/careers.
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SMT Food & Beverage Seeks Process Engineer | |
SMT Food & Beverage Systems is currently seeking an experienced process engineer. The position provides full control over projects - developing bidding information, doing line layouts, specifying and sourcing components, and supervising installation crews.
SMT Food & Beverage Systems provides turn-key processing and packaging equipment solutions. Its customers range from giants like Anheuser-Busch, Campbell's, Gatorade, MillerCoors and Nestle, to family run operations and craft breweries. They are located in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point Triad of North Carolina.
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| MWFPA Calendar of Events | |
August 4, 2011: MWFPA/PMMI - Trends Affecting Food & Beverage Packaging, St. Paul, MN, Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel. See article above.
November 29-Dec. 1, 2011: MWFPA 107th Annual Convention and 84th Annual Processing Crops Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center. 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.
The convention prospectus is now available and the booth lottery is underway! |
| MWFPA Educational Opportunities | |
September 12-14, 2011: GMA-FMI Sustainability Summit
Scottsdale, Ariz. Join other socially and environmentally conscious executives at the FMI-GMA Sustainability Summit - your opportunity to gain the resources needed to accelerate sustainability programs within your company. Programs and activities for the summit are designed specifically for the food and consumer products industry by your industry peers. For more information, click here.
September 13-15, 2011: Process Hazard Analysis (Emphasizing Ammonia Refrigeration Systems)
The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street, Madison, WI. Learn how you can achieve a high-quality process hazard analysis for your ammonia refrigeration systems. To enroll or find additional information about this course, click here.
October 10-12, 2011: GMA-FMI Strategies for Growth Conference The Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute are teaming up to host Strategies for Growth 2011, to be held in Dallas, TX. This conference brings a fresh, forward-looking approach on how today's retailers and manufacturers must innovate to drive tomorrow's business.
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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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