Letter to all IAFP Members

Fellow IAFP Members:

As we prepare for a new year, I want to encourage you to become involved in the International Association for Food Protection’s (IAFP) Committees and Professional Development Groups (PDGs). Committees and PDGs are a vital part of the life of the Association. They are intended to be a forum whereby professionals with common interests in specific aspects of food safety come together to discuss, inform one another, and serve IAFP in the organization of symposia, preparation of white papers, and other scientific endeavors. The Committees and PDGs meet during the Annual Meeting and also share information throughout the year via conference calls or e-mail. Therefore, even if you are unable to attend IAFP 2009 in Grapevine, Texas, your involvement is still possible and your insight important. Please review the list of Committees and PDGs and their respective mission statements found on the following pages. If you find one that sounds interesting or relevant to you, simply contact the IAFP office to let us know which group you want to join. Getting started is really that simple.

On a more personal note, I have found participation in IAFP’s Committees and PDGs to be a truly rewarding experience. Committee and PDG involvement allows you to serve the greater good in so many ways. Firstly, it provides a forum for exchange of ideas with other professionals having similar food safety interests and expertise. It also allows you to serve our Association and your peers by providing your own unique talents and time in the promotion of food safety. And, while you are helping the Association and others, you’ll also be networking with leading experts in the field, learning from their experiences, and developing valued relationships. So, it’s a professional win-win. And that’s not even to mention the many friends that you’ll find in your IAFP colleagues!

For those of you who have participated in our Committees or PDGs in the past, I want to thank you for your service. We could not be the Association we are today without your valued participation. I encourage you to stay involved; your continued participation remains critical to the success and growth of IAFP.

As usual, your comments, questions, and suggestions are welcomed, and do not hesitate to contact the IAFP office or myself if we can be of help. And please join me in making 2008-2009 an active and vital year for the IAFP Committees and PDGs. We need the efforts of everyone as we seek to Advance Food Safety Worldwide.

Best Regards,
Lee-Ann Jaykus
Vice President, IAFP