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Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation

Commentary From The Executive Director
February, 1999

"The time is right for a new name for IAMFES"
By David W. Tharp, IAMFES Executive Director

We enter into February with another column to report progress on changing our Association name to the "International Association for Food Protection." The Executive Board is dedicated to keeping you informed about the process and is openly soliciting your input and support. As promised in the January 1999 issue of Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation, the survey results are in and tabulated.

During November and December, IAMFES surveyed Members to gain their thoughts and insight. We were happy to see an excellent return rate of more than 30 percent from the sample sent out. About 1 out of 3 respondents provided their names, which was optional. This, combined with the return rate, is a sign of an active, involved membership.

A few general points about respondents are:
1. 70% were male and 30% female.

2. Age range:
20-29 3.5%
30-39 20.0%
40-49 39.0%
50-59 24.2%
60+ 13.7%

3. Years an IAMFES Member:
Less than 1 year 11.63%
1-5 years 26.74%
6-10 years 30.23%
11-15 years 10.47%
16-20 years 13.95%
21-25 years 3.48%
Over 25 years 6.98%

The key finding in the survey was the answer to a question about how well our current name,
"The International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians" fits the mission of
our Association. Only 8 percent answered "perfectly" and about 20 percent said "fairly well," while more than 53 percent said "not very well" or "not at all." This echoes the recommendation to update IAMFES' name to more accurately reflect the activities and responsibilities our Membership represents today.

An even stronger vote of confidence for the name "International Association for Food Protection" was evident in the answers to the following question: "How does the alternative name fit or reflect the Association's mission of providing food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply?" When the answers were tallied, nearly 75 percent answered "perfectly" or "fairly well" while only 14 percent answered "not very well" or "not at all." More than 65 percent of the respondents said the proposed name was an "excellent" or a "good" choice.

We are certainly happy to see such strong support for the name, "International Association for Food Protection." Most Members recognize that this has been a long process. The Executive Board and many other Members have discussed this issue for many years and a plan of action was developed more than two years ago to allow for plenty of Member discussion and input. The survey Members participated in helped confirm this is worth the effort. We can continue to move ahead knowing full well that the time is right for a new name for IAMFES.

The new name in no way closes the door on the past. We will continue to have interest in all current areas and provide educational programs to address our Members' needs. The new name allows us additional opportunities to expand our Membership. Our name may change, but our mission will remain the same. With your support, we will become the "International Association for Food Protection," and our mission will remain "to provide food safety professionals with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply."

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