The just completed ABA Convention was a smashing success by all measurement criteria - quality speakers, valuable takeaways, incredible networking and another jump in turnout. Oh, and a winner of the Harley Davidson hole-in-one contest as the icing on the cake.

One attendee even went so far as to as to say, "I really appreciate the opportunity for me to be a part of ABA. The benefits are truly unparalleled and the wealth of information is essential to staying on top of the many, and constantly changing issues in our industry. The seminars, meeting sessions, presentations, speakers, and social events all play an important role in education and awareness not only for the executives and top management that attend, but also for the younger guys who are still learning." 

While it is hard to pick out one or two highlights, the interview with former Walmart CEO Lee Scott definitely stands out. His candid and at times extremely frank answers to David Orgel's, Supermarket News, insightful questions were extraordinarily valuable. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich's thoughtful and inspiring remarks at the record-shattering American Bakers PAC dinner mesmerized attendees.

Read the full letter

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Bakers Association strongly endorses the Free Sugar Act, a bill introduced by Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) that repeals the current U.S. Sugar Program. "Senator Lugar has been a long time proponent of eliminating this costly program and the baking industry is energized to support these efforts," said Robb MacKie, ABA president and CEO. "Under the current program, bakers and consumers are paying high prices because the government deliberately keeps sugar supplies tight. Senator Lugar's bill will allow supplies to meet demand and will help to address recent record food inflation."

Read the press release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to repeal the costly newForm 1099 reporting requirement that was passed as part of the health care reform package lastyear (87-12). "The new 1099 reporting requirement would have dramatically increased costs forbakers and all businesses," said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. "ABA is pleased thatboth the House and Senate took action to repeal a provision that would have cost bakersthousands of dollars each year in new administrative costs."

Read the full press release 

NAMA, ABA and NAWG sent a joint letter of support to the U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves supporting continued funding of the Census Bureau's Current Industrial Reports (CIR) program. NAMA currently funds the "Flour Milling Report" that provides useful data to measure flour consumption in the U.S., which is the only report of its kind in the flour milling industry. All CIR reports are currently slated for elimination.

See full joint letter 

Dedicated to preserving America's pie heritage and promoting America's love affair with pies, the American Pie Council® (APC) will be hosting the National Pie Championships® and the Great American Pie Festival® this weekend, April 8-10, 2011. The APC is expecting great crowds and great weather, so if you're in Orlando this weekend or you just love pie, don't miss it!

www.piecouncil.org

Register Now for the Energy & Environment Committee Meeting

The Energy & Environment Committee will meet May 10-11, 2011 at the ABA office in Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, May 10
Committee Meeting (1:00-5:00pm)
Group Dinner (6:00pm)
Wednesday, May 11
Committee Meeting (8:30am - 3:30 pm)
Program details coming soon!

• NEW! Register Online (Login/Passwords were sent to all EEC members March 9 by Kelly Kotche.)
• Register with the traditional PDF form

Please note: we are transitioning from paper to online registration. We appreciate your patience as we work through the challenges. If you experience technical difficulties or have comments, please e-mail info@americanbakers.org  or call the ABA office at (202) 789-0300.