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<< back to the 2004 archive listing << Food Protection Trends A View from Wisconsin “I anticipate an exciting and productive year ahead” Although I am writing this column two weeks in advance of the 2004 International Association for Food Protection Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, I am confident that this year’s meeting has once again demonstrated that IAFP is a world-class food safety organization. I feel secure making this prediction based on early registration numbers being on pace for a record-setting attendance, the number of reserved exhibits reaching maximum capacity for our allotted space, an educational program which is packed with quality presentations covering a wide-variety of food protection issues, and a list of special speakers that reads like a “Who’s Who of Food Safety Professionals.” The organized social functions, the opportunities to gather with old friends and make new ones, and the location of the conference in a 5-Star JW Marriott Resort are bonuses. What more can you ask? (Ok, temperatures less than 100°F might be nice; but, considering the quality of the program, who has time to go outside anyway?) Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Our successful annual conference is clearly a reflection of the enthusiasm and contributions of our staff and many volunteer members. First of all, the talented IAFP Staff, led by our Executive Director David Tharp and Assistant Director Lisa Hovey, skillfully negotiate for the best possible meeting site, and work with great attention to detail to ensure the program and other functions are well organized and promoted. Certainly, our educational program and special speakers are integral to the success of our conference. The Program Committee, chaired in 2004 by Gary Acuff, has the unenviable task of determining which of the many worthy submitted symposia, workshops, and technical abstracts will be given a coveted slot in a packed agenda. The Committee’s responsibility is to ensure that the program is not only of the highest quality, but is well-balanced so that every attendee will find valuable programming that addresses his or her needs during each session of the day. While the Program Committee acts as referee, the essence of the program depends on our active IAFP volunteers. Many of our Professional Development Groups, as well as individuals and their colleagues, brainstorm and collaborate to develop proposals for symposia that discuss current food protection issues and solutions. In addition, students and research staff from universities, government research agencies, and the private sector present their scientific findings via poster and oral technical sessions to fill out the program. The collective responsibility of the Executive Board is “to look at the big picture.” If we recognize omissions in the program, we suggest “filling in holes” but rely on a host of gifted, enthusiastic members for the ultimate success of the meeting. The charge of the Executive Board is not to micro-manage but to oversee that our volunteers and staff work in partnership and stay focused on the mission of our Association, which is “to provide food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply.” Undoubtedly, both our successful annual meeting and our journals are vital to our mission. However, we realize that we must also meet our members’ needs through a variety of other avenues. In last month’s President’s Perspective column, Paul Hall briefly described the April 2004 planning session during which the IAFP Executive Board and Staff reviewed our Mission and defined specific elements in which we need to advance. This exercise examined the evolution of our Association during the past century and further identified five prominent opportunities to meet our members’ needs for the future including: (1) Outreach and Education, (2) Publications, (3) Foundation Fund, (4) Affiliates, and (5) International Issues. During the upcoming months, the Board will work toward fine-tuning goals for each component and identify practical means by which we can attain the goals by 2010. As we move forward, I will update you on our progress. I anticipate an exciting and productive year ahead. In addition to our Past-President Paul Hall, I will have the privilege to serve with President-Elect Jeff Farber, Vice President Frank Yiannas, Secretary Gary Acuff and Affiliate Council Chairperson Stephanie Olmstead. These individuals are committed to promoting the mission of our organization and will focus on developing a plan to take IAFP through our journey into the future. Lastly, I want to thank Steve Murphy, who has completed his one-year term representing
the Affiliate Council on the Board. We will miss Steve’s thoughtfulness
and humor in our meetings and E-mail discussions. I also want to recognize two
special colleagues and friends: Anna Lammerding, as she leaves her tenure on
the IAFP Executive Board, and Past President Paul Hall, who will continue to
provide a strong perspective during the next year. Their service, enthusiasm,
and dedication, as well as those of our many other previous presidents and leaders,
have left a positive impact on our Association. I am truly honored to follow
in their footsteps and to be able to serve the IAFP membership for the next
year as President of your Association. I welcome your ideas and look forward
to working with you. Please feel free to E-mail me at kglass@wisc.edu and let
me know your view. |