|
|
<< back to the 1999 archive listing << Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation Commentary From The Executive Director IAMFES wants to be your source for up-to-date information The IAMFES 86th Annual Meeting will be held August 1st through the 4th in Dearborn, Michigan where over 1,300 food safety professionals are expected to gather with the purpose of sharing the latest scientific information on protecting the food supply. Advances are made daily in food science and food safety; IAMFES wants to be your source for up-to-date information and we are committed to continue providing THE forum for food safety professionals worldwide to exchange information on protecting the food supply. We strive to achieve this goal through our monthly publications, Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation and the Journal of Food Protection, by providing audiovisual training media for Member use, and investigation manuals for rodent-borne, waterborne and foodborne disease and, of course, though presentations and networking opportunities at the Annual Meeting. I want to further discuss the Annual Meeting and bring to your attention the vital link between the IAMFES Foundation and our Annual Meeting. This year at our Annual Meeting, we will see more than 240 presentations over the course of the three-day meeting. It is certainly rewarding to see what the combined efforts of so many people can produce. The coordination of scheduling for these presentations is mind boggling, but communication among our office, the Program Committee, the session convenors and the presenters begins literally a year in advance of the meeting. I want to commend everyone who has a part in this important process. Because of what you do, others benefit immensely. This will be my 7th IAMFES Annual Meeting and each year it continues to amaze me how many people come together to make our meeting the ONE meeting that food safety professionals MUST attend! We are fortunate to have many great financial supporters for the Annual Meeting that help us in many ways. Companies and organizations come forth to support awards, events, and refreshments along with travel support for presenters at our Annual Meeting. One sponsor that deserves special mention is the IAMFES Foundation. The Foundation provides assistance for educational services year-round to IAMFES. Your contribution to the IAMFES Foundation will help support the Audiovisual Library of training videotapes, co-sponsorship of the Crumbine Award, and shipment of surplus journals to developing countries. At the Annual Meeting, the IAMFES Foundation supports the Developing Scientist Competition, the Ivan Parkin Lecture, and travel support for presenters of pertinent, timely, scientific information. This year, the Foundation will sponsor its Second Annual Silent Auction during the Annual Meeting. We have already received commitments from many IAMFES Affiliate Associations and companies willing to donate wonderful items to the Foundation's Auction. Please see page 315 for additional information or call Lisa Hovey at the IAMFES office. The California Association of Dairy & Milk Sanitarians (CADMS) donated a case of California wine and challenged other Affiliates to match or exceed their donation. A little "friendly competition" is always welcome! In addition to the wine, the California Affiliate will present a check to the Foundation in the amount of $1,000 to help the Foundation achieve its goal of reaching $100,000 in 2000! With this commitment, CADMS also challenged other Affiliates of IAMFES and supporting organizations to match their pledge. Wouldn't it be outstanding if multiple entities came forward with contributions to allow the work of the Foundation to continue? The Foundation has accumulated over $80,000 towards its goal. Many Members have contributed $5, $10, $20, $50 on up to $500. These amounts have been received from individual Members. Just think what may be possible from companies and organizations! Any and all contributions are welcome, so please consider supporting the IAMFES Foundation with your contribution and by attending the Silent Auction at this year's Annual Meeting! We are looking forward to building the financial health of the IAMFES Foundation with your help. We also look forward to seeing you in Dearborn this August! |