WASHINGTON, D.C. The American Bakers Association is pleased to announce that USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack will join the ABA Board of Directors as its special guest during the next board meeting on June 9, 2011.
“We are extremely pleased to have Secretary Vilsack joining the ABA Board of Directors to discuss a number of pressing issues for bakers, including commodity volatility, nutrition issues and food safety compliance,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “I anticipate a productive working session that will allow for a frank and open dialogue on these and other important issues.”
Secretary Vilsack was appointed USDA Secretary by President Obama in January 2009. He previously served two terms as Iowa’s Governor. The USDA oversees many critical issues for bakers, including: commodities; sugar supply management; biotechnology and ethanol initiatives; school meal programs; front of package labeling; the Agriculture Research Service; Dietary Guidelines; and the Food Guide Pyramid.
“I look forward to the ABA Board, as representatives of the entire industry’s interests, asking the right questions and engaging Secretary Vilsack on these critically important issues,” MacKie continued. “With food inflation due to commodity volatility threatening to exceed 2008 levels, it is my hope that this exchange will lead to results that help bakers and ultimately consumers.”
The ABA Board of Directors is comprised of top leaders from all segments of the baking industry who help develop consensus policies that improve the government environment and overall health of the baking industry. Allen Shiver, president of Flowers Foods, is serving as the board’s chairman through March 2012.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $70 billion in economic activity annually and employs close to half a million highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association
