Nearly 300 Meat Institute members and guests gathered in San Diego, California last week for the annual Meat Industry Summit. The inaugural Summit replaced and combined programming from the Institute's Meat Industry Management and Outlook conferences. The Summit featured education sessions covering an array of topics, including food safety, government regulations, economics, communications and workforce issues.
John Schaus, fellow in the International Security Program at The Center for Strategic and International Studies, provided the keynote address with a multi-media presentation that detailed perspectives and insights about emerging trends and issues in seven major areas driving global change. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Administrator Al Almanza spoke to a standing room only session about FSIS priorities and the regulatory impact of agency policies, and David Klurfeld, Ph.D., national program leader for human nutrition at the Agricultural Research Service, presented the scientific case for including meat in a balanced diet.
In addition, attendees participated in numerous networking opportunities and social events offered, including the NAMI Ambassadors Reception; the Issues, Answers, Actions Breakfast; and a Political Action Committee Reception. Meanwhile, Eric Guftason, Coastal Packing; Ole Hovde, Lockton Companies; Mark Dopp, NAMI; and John Linker, Alaniz Schraeder Linker Farris Mayes LLP won the annual John Duyn Memorial Golf Tournament. Furthermore, NAMI committee and Board of Directors meetings were held.
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