TopofPageMidwest Food Products Association News Bulletin  - January 18, 2017   
In This Issue
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Federal Focus On Friday's Inauguration, No Word Yet On USDA Secretary
Lawmakers will have a shortened, but busy week, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday.

Congress will be moving into its second week of hearings on Trump's Cabinet nominees to run the EPA and other departments important to agriculture. A spokesman for President-elect Donald Trump said a nominee to head the USDA would be named "some time soon." A steady stream of candidates have met with the Trump transition team with no word on who will lead the agency.

The House is out this week.
 
MWFPA Applauds NAS Recommendation On Fruits & Vegetables
MWFPA applauded the recent decision by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to recommend the inclusion of frozen, canned, or dried fruit and vegetables in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food program packages. Previously, states were required to offer only fresh produce.

Read MWFPA's news release.
 

"Healthy" Food Labeling Comment Period Extended by FDA
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) deadline for public comments on the topic of "healthy" food labels has been extended from Jan. 26 to April 26, 2017.

FDA regulations currently provide for use of the term "healthy" or related terms as an implied nutrient content claim on the label or in labeling of food. The food must meet specific criteria for nutrients to limit in the diet, such as total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, as well as nutrients to encourage in the diet, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, and fiber. These criteria can vary for different food categories (e.g., fruits and vegetables, seafood and game meat, etc.).

FDA has now launched a process to redefine the "healthy" claim and is providing an additional three months for public input in response to requests for more time. The FDA also intends to hold a public meeting to facilitate further dialogue on this topic.
 
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Rural MN Lawmakers Express Concern Over Commercial Truck Weights
Highway Rural lawmakers on the MN House Transportation Finance Committee raised concerns to Department of Public Safety officials recently over limits on commercial truck weights they say are hurting some agricultural producers in their areas.

State law sets limits on how much weight per axle commercial transport vehicles can carry on the state's roadways. The rules, state officials say, are intended to preserve road quality and safety.

Read more here

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WI Gov. Walker Makes Workforce Development A Priority in State of State Address
WI Capitol
WI Gov. Scott Walker delivered his seventh annual State of the State address
saying his top priority moving forward will be workforce development.

Walker said that since the end of the recession, wages are up and more than 50,000 new businesses were created in the state, so it's not so much creating new jobs, but filling those that exist.

The Gov. also renewed his stance to maintain roads without a gas tax increase or an increase in vehicle registration fees. 

In his address, Governor Walker highlighted steps his administration has taken in developing Wisconsin's workforce, tax relief, K-12 education, college affordability, technical college investment, and Wisconsin infrastructure.
 
The two-year session of the WI Legislature is scheduled to adjourn in May of 2018.

To read more about the Governor's State of the State Address, please click here.
 
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IL "Grand Bargain" Still Needs Work
Language finally emerged on the Senate's grand-bargain proposal during the final few days of the 99th General Assembly.  This was the product of ongoing negotiations between Senate Democrats and Republicans that could potentially provide a framework to end the current budget impasse.  
 
The Senate Democrat and Republican caucuses decided to not call the package of legislation during the lame duck session.  
The package of bills (SB 1 - 13) were refiled once the new session was underway and assigned to their respective committees. 

The package includes several measures including education funding reform, an increase in the minimum wage, local government consolidation, $7 billion in borrowed money to help pay back the state's bill backlog, Chicago teacher pension relief, gaming expansion, procurement reform, increased revenues, pension reform, workers' compensation reform, a property tax freeze, and appropriations for the remaining FY 17 budget.  
 
While many are encouraged by the newfound bi-partisanship coming out of the Senate, several key components included in the Senate's package are troubling.  Most notably  SB 9 (Hutchinson).

The bill does contain some positive measures such as restoring the research and development credit and the elimination of the corporate franchise tax.  However, SB 9 would impose a $.01 per ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, increase the individual and corporate income tax rate, eliminate the foreign and domestic dividend subtraction, decouple from the federal Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD), and eliminate the unitary business non-combination rule.  MWFPA and the IL Chamber are opposed to the current version of SB 9 and will continue to express our concerns.  
 
MWFPA is glad to see help for employers in the workers' compensation proposal (SB 12 - Connelly), however several provisions need additional work.  MWFPA will keep you updated. 

MWFPA Leadership Seminar Set for February 14 - Register Now!
For the fourth consecutive year MWFPA is offering its Achieve Results Through Leadership seminar, which has been highly successful and highly reviewed by MWFPA members and industry peers.  It will be held February 14, 2017 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Today's great leaders are going to retire and take with them the skills and knowledge they have gained over 30 plus years in the workplace.  Companies that aren't taking a critical look at their leadership needs are missing an opportunity to prepare now.  Great leaders drive others to be better, make tough decisions and can see solutions when others see problems.  A great leader can bring positive and lasting changes to your organization.

This workshop is intended for managers and supervisors who are responsible for the performance and productivity of employees and coworkers.

Cost:  $495
Cost covers course materials, continental breakfast and lunch.  Cost of lodging is not included in this fee. MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Kalahari.  Please contact the resort at 877.525.2427 or 608.254.5466 to get our rate of $112 per night.

For more information, see the seminar flyer.

Download a copy of the registration form.

For more information, contact Brian Deschane at:  brian.deschane@mwfpa.org or telephone 608.255.9946.

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MWFPA Conflict Resolution Seminar Set for March 1 - Register Now!
Due to the high level of demand, MWFPA is again offering Resolve Employee Conflict, March 1, 2017 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Conflict is common among all people.  It can become particularly problematic in the workplace if not managed correctly.  With the right ideas, attitude and procedures, you can resolve conflict at your business and create a positive atmosphere for your employees and customers alike. This workshop is intended for managers and supervisors who are responsible for the performance and productivity of employees and coworkers.

Cost:  $495
Cost covers course materials, continental breakfast and lunch.  Cost of lodging is not included in this fee. MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Kalahari.  Please contact the resort at 877.525.2427 or 608.254.5466 to get our rate of $112 per night.

For more information, see the seminar flyer.

Download a copy of the registration form.

For more information, contact Brian Deschane at:  brian.deschane@mwfpa.org or telephone 608.255.9946.

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Better Process Control School Set For April
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is set to present the 2017 Better Process Control School, April 24-27, 2017 in Madison, WI.

The Better Process Control School provides the canning industry with qualified personnel to meet FDA and USDA regulations.

All processing of thermally processed low-acid or acidified foods which are packaged in hermetically-sealed containers must have certain critical operations supervised by a qualified person. The FDA Better Process Control School trains individuals to supervise these critical operations.

The early registration deadline for the school is Monday, April 3rd. The cost of the training includes the updated (2016) course manual from FDA.  Links to online registration, a course schedule, and other information can be found here: www.foodsafety.wisc.edu Questions? Contact the conference registration services at 608-262-2451 or Dr. Barbara Ingham (University of Wisconsin) 608-263-7383.

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Food Industry Expectations For 2017
2016 was certainly a busy year in food manufacturing and production, and 2017 promises to continue the tide of change as we contend with new regulatory requirements. Although the regulatory emphasis we've seen over the past decade or so may shift, food companies must keep food safety at the forefront of their priorities, because after all, food safety is about a whole lot more than just regulatory compliance.  Read more from Alchemy Systems
Apply Now for MWFPA, Carleton Friday & Kenneth Weckel Scholarships
scholarship Applications for the MWFPA and Friday/Weckel Scholarships are now available.

The MWFPA Scholarship may award up to $2,000 (depending on availability of funds) in scholarship money to deserving children of parents or guardians who are employees of MWFPA member companies. They must also be a high school senior or post-secondary student accepted into, or attending, any post-secondary school in the United States.

Last year eighteen $1,000 scholarships were awarded under the program. MWFPA Scholarship applications will be accepted until March 3, 2017. The scholarships will be awarded in April, 2016.

Undergraduate students attending, or planning to attend, UW Madison, Platteville or River Falls are eligible for Friday/Weckel scholarships. Applications are due by April 28, 2017. Last year six scholarships were awarded totaling $9,000.

Information and applications can be downloaded from the MWFPA website, or by contacting Brian Elliott at: brian.elliott@mwfpa.org, or by calling 608-255-9946. 

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MWFPA Offers Exclusive Property & Casualty Insurance Program For Members
The Midwest Food Processors Association is pleased to announce that MWFPA members now have access to an exclusive insurance program that is written specifically for our industry.  With assistance from the risk management firm Hays Companies, this program offers a customized Property and Casualty insurance program.

The program offers a complete insurance program for all business types, from processor to manufacturers, logistics to wholesaler and anything in between.  No market segment is excluded, and no organization is too large or too small.  

Learn more about what the MWFPA Insurance Program can do for you by visiting the program's website:
  https://mwfpa.haysprograms.com/.

For more information about the program, contact: Brad Van Swol at:Email: bvanswol@hayscompanies.com;  Phone: (414) 290-3581 

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MWFPA Events You Won't Want To Miss
February 1, 2017: Integrated Anaerobic Digester System Seminar.  UW-Oshkosh Alumni Welcome & Conference Center,
625 Pearl Avenue,Oshkosh, WI 54901. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The seminar is an opportunity to learn more about a program to improve water quality and nutrient management, and to better utilize Wisconsin-based renewable energy.  If you have not yet registered for this event and would like to attend, please follow the link on the RFP website. The link for registration is preceded by a short, 3-question survey. If you have any questions about registration for the seminar, please contact OEI@Wisconsin.gov. The deadline for registration and questions is 5:00pm on Friday, January 20th.  

February 14, 2017Achieve Results Through Leadership, Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI .

February 21, 2017
MWFPA Food Science and Technology Committee.  The committee will meet on February 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the MWFPA Offices, 4600 American Parkway, Suite 210, Madison, WI 53718. 

March 1, 2017
Resolve Employee Conflict. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI .

May 31 - June 1, 2017
MWFPA Spring Summit & Scramble.Trappers Turn Golf Course, Wisconsin Dells, WI

October 5, 2017MWFPA Sporting Clay Challenge. Milford Hills Hunt Club, Johnson Creek, WI.

November 28 - 30, 2017MWFPA 113th Annual Convention and 90th Processing Crops Conference.  Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN.

Other Educational Opportunities
February 13-17, 2017Industrial Refrigeration Workshop. Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. This one-week course is intended for those who make decisions such as the purchase of new components, and the enlargement or modification of the plant. Manufacturers of components learn how their products fit into the entire system. For more information, click here.

February 28, 2017Market Opportunities for Natural Chemicals From Vegetable Production and Processing.  Heartland Farms Operations, Technology and Training Center Hancock, Wisconsin 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology provides an opportunity to explore challenges and
opportunities in extracting, purifying and commercializing residual vegetable material as a source for high-value, natural chemicals. Registration deadline is February 20, 2017. For more information, click here. 

March 1-3, 2017Introduction to Ammonia Refrigeration Systems. Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street, Madison, WI. This course is designed to establish a foundational understanding of ammonia refrigeration systems, components, and best practices that you can use immediately.
  For more inforamation, click here
Midwest Food Products Assoc. | | brian.elliott@mwfpa.org | http://www.mwfpa.org
4600 American Pkwy.
Suite 210
Madison, WI 53718