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<< back to the 1999 archive listing << Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation Commentary From The Executive Director Help spread the news to other contacts that you know are already aware of
IAMFES. Initiate conversation about the new name. This month, I want to report on the IAMFES 86th Annual Meeting and give an update on changing the Association name. First, let's start with the Annual Meeting. In this issue of Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation, the Annual Meeting is recapped beginning on page 769. If you missed this year's Meeting, the summary will fill you in on what you missed; if you were able to attend, you'll enjoy reliving the Meeting through the narrative! Once again, it is my pleasure to report on the Annual Meeting, completed last August in Dearborn, Michigan. We had 1,131 attendees, which was just short of last year's record attendance. It was very rewarding to see so many familiar faces along with a great number of new attendees. There were more than 160 new Members joining as a result of the Annual Meeting; that was also just short of our record set in 1998. A new Member reception was held on Saturday afternoon to inform attendees about IAMFES, the Annual Meeting, and committee meetings that were held the following day. First-time attendees were also welcome to attend the reception and learn about the Association and our Annual Meeting. For 1999, we had a record level of sponsorship received from many fine companies and organ-izations, for which we are truly thankful. Major supporters included Qualicon, Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., SC Johnson Professional, NSF International, Eaton Hall Expositions, Warren Analytical Laboratory, Meijer, Inc., Michigan Department of Agriculture, The Pillsbury Company, Gerber Products Company, NESTLÉ USA, Inc., and Rhodia, Inc. In addition to cash sponsorship, 3M Microbiology Products, St. Julian Winery, The Kroger Co., Country Fresh, Dean Foods, and Michigan State University contributed a variety of products or materials for the Meeting. Many other organizations and employers supported speakers' travel to the IAMFES Annual Meeting. Thank you! Thank you to everyone listed above and to all organizations and individuals who helped the 86th Annual Meeting to be a resounding success! The Michigan Environmental Health Association (MEHA), led by their co-chairpersons Terry Anderson and Chuck Lichon, were well prepared and provided excellent hospitality throughout the Meeting. It was a pleasure to work with Terry, Chuck, and all the Michigan volunteers. What a group of enthusiastic professionals! Another group that gives willingly of their time is the Program Committee. This year, Jeff Farber chaired the Committee and directed their activities. After many hours of dedicated work, the Committee fine-tuned the program to include up-to-date information for presentation to attendees. Thanks to MEHA and the IAMFES Program Committee for contributing to the success of this year's Meeting. Thanks are extended again this year to the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) for their continued support of sponsoring three symposia in Dearborn. We are fortunate to have established an ongoing relationship with ILSI's Technical Committee on Food Microbiology back in 1993, and we look forward to nurturing the relationship for many, many more years. As reported earlier, a positive vote was received from Members present at the Annual Business Meeting when presented with a restated and amended Constitution and Bylaws. This prompted a ballot mailing to all Members to register their vote on approving the Constitutional changes. The vote results are reported on page 739 and in President Jack Guzewich's column this month. By approving the Constitution and Bylaws, Members also approved changing the Association name to the International Association for Food Protection. The passage of this vote and acceptance of the restated and amended Constitution and Bylaws are the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year process of discussing, receiving feedback, promoting, and voting on the proposed name change. Now begins the notification of our Members, vendors, and suppliers and the many organizations that we share information with on a daily basis. You might ask, "How can I help?" Let me suggest just three ways: (1) Keep an eye out for your Membership renewal invoice and pay your dues promptly. Note that after the first of the new year, our invoices will say "International Association for Food Protection" and your check should be made payable accordingly. You may have to notify your accounting department of our former name even though it will be on the invoice. (2) Help spread the news to other contacts who are already aware of IAMFES. Initiate conversation about the new name. Make others aware of the positive change. (3) Commit yourself to recruiting a minimum of two new Members to join the new International Association for Food Protection during the next year. Just look at the potential growth we can achieve if each Member were to share with one or two individuals their enthusiasm for the Association and serve as a mentor for new Members. To summarize for this month, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of IAMFES and the Annual Meeting in Dearborn, and your overwhelming support in accepting the new name "International Association for Food Protection!" Our staff and the Executive Board are looking forward to the year 2000 and the opportunities for growth with our new name. With your continued support, we will continue to grow and become stronger and we will continue to "Advance Food Safety Worldwide." |