TopofPageMidwest Food Products Association News Bulletin  - February 2, 2017   
In This Issue
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Purdue Nominated For USDA Secretary
While he was still President-elect, Donald Trump announced that Sonny Perdue was his choice for secretary of agriculture.

Perdue, who was on Trump's agricultural advisory committee during his presidential campaign, has to be confirmed to the post by the Republican-led Senate. He is making the rounds on Capitol Hill this week, working to garner support for his nomination among key senators. Some from the Midwest have raised concerns about having a Southerner head USDA - something that hasn't happened since Mississippi's Mike Espy held the job at the beginning of President Bill Clinton's first term 

Perdue served two terms as Georgia governor from 2003 to 2011. Prior to that, he was a state senator, representing a rural swath of the state about 100 miles south of Atlanta.

He holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and founded a grain and fertilizer business in Georgia.
Regulatory Freeze Could Change, Delay Implementation Of FSMA, Nutrition Facts, GMO Rules
Shortly after he was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump issued an order freezing federal regulations still in the rulemaking process and delaying for 60 days beyond their effective date those that recently took effect.

The freeze could significantly impact how the Nutrition Facts Label final rule and regulations related to the Food Safety Modernization Act are interpreted and enforced.  Read more from Food navigator- usa.com.

Trump signed another executive order that would require all government agencies to eliminate two regulations for every new regulation instituted. While the full impact of the order will be cannot be determined at present, however it is likely that regulations required by the GMO labeling bill passed during the last Congress will be impacted.

The GMO labeling bill instructed USDA to come up with regulations governing disclosure of genetically modified ingredients. The law gives USDA two years to draw up those rules which must bereleased by July 29, 2018, the deadline set by Congress. That task might now be a much heavier lift as USDA will have to eliminate two regulations if it finalizes the rule.
      
MWFPA, Ag Organizations Write President About NAFTA
On the heels of comments from President Trump that his administration was reconsidering the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), MWFPA and 132 food and agricultural organizations have contacted the President to highlight the importance of the trade agreement to the industry and urge him to preserve and build upon that success.

MWFPA and other trade groups representing dairy farmers, pork producers, and corn growers were among the groups signing the letter.
  

Dayton Collapses During Address, Delivers MN Budget Proposal Next Day
MN Gov. Mark Dayton collapsed while giving his State of the State address. He was 45 minutes into the speech before a joint session of the Legislature when he fainted.

He walked out of the Capitol on his own power and returned home where was evaluated by medics. Dayton later revealed that he was suffering from prostate cancer, but would finish out his term of office.

The day after his collapse, Dayton released the details of his $45.8 billion budget proposal that stressed health care, education and transportation. The plan would use almost all of the state's projected $1.4 billion budget surplus. He proposed net tax relief of $54 million. That includes raising business taxes on corporations by more than $100 million, which the Governor achieves by "closing loopholes."

Policymakers now await the state's financial forecast, which will be released in late February. Committee deadlines also were announced - March 10, 17, and 31. 
 
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WI Gov. Walker To Deliver Budget Address Feb. 8
WI Capitol
WI Gov. Scott Walker will deliver his fourth biennial budget address on Wednesday, February 8.

The second-term, Republican Governor will present his version of the more than $70 billion 2017-19 budget to a joint session of the state legislature.
 
During the address the Governor is expected to announce his spending and policy priorities for funding levels for the state's transportation network, University of Wisconsin Systems, K-12 education, corrections and health care along with funding for other programs.
 
After the Governor's speech, his version of the budget will be officially introduced in the legislature and then will be referred to the Joint Committee on Finance.  The legislature will debate the proposal through the rest of the spring and early summer with the Governor expected to sign the bill around July 4th.  The 2017 fiscal
year begins on July 1, 2017.

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IL Budget Compromise Still In Negotiations, AG  Files Motion to Stop State Workers' Pay Until Budget Passed
Gov. Bruce Rauner's delivered his third state of the state address during which called on lawmakers to work with him to resolve IL's budget crisis saying both parties agree something needs to change.
 
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) proposed a significant series of negotiated bills aimed at resolving the ongoing state budget impasse. MWFPA has focused on two of the bills, SB 9 (tax omnibus bill) and SB 12 (workers compensation reform). 

Senate leaders intended to move these bills through the Senate last week to allow the package to be considered in the House.
However, due to substantial opposition and requests for amendments, the legislative package was not advanced, although subject matter hearings were held on the various bills. Neither the House nor Senate are scheduled to convene this week, so potential action involving the budget and reform package will be deferred until the Senate returns on February 7.
  
The fate of the Senate budget and reform package is uncertain, but all signs point to the need for additional negotiations and amendments as a prerequisite for passage. MWFPA and the IL Chamber are opposed to the current version of SB 9 and will continue to express our concerns. Among those are an increase in the corporate income tax rate (5.25 to 7.0 percent) and elimination of the current corporate franchise tax. It would be replaced with a "business opportunity tax," creating a graduated rate of $225 to $15,000 based on a company's payroll. 

Another development could potentially have an impact on the budget impasse. On January 26, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a legal motion in St. Clair County Circuit Court to prohibit state workers from getting paid without a budget appropriation.

The motion requests that the Court dissolve previous orders allowing payments to state employees in light of an IL Supreme Court ruling that salary increases owed under the terms of a bargaining contract cannot be paid without an appropriation. If the court system rules in favor of the AG's motion, then state employees would cease to be paid. It is believed that such a development could effectively shut down state government.
 
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 or register online.

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, or register online.

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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Learn How To Mitigate The Health Consequences Of Prolonged Standing By Your Employees
Standing is estimated to require about 20% more energy than sitting, and research shows that five or more hours of standing causes significant muscle fatigue. Consequently, employees who spend most of the day on their feet-from assembly line workers to machine operators-face a unique set of health risks.

Find out the best way to mitigate the consequences of prolonged standing in this article from MWFPA Associate Member BioKinetix, Inc.

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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 Products Association is pleased to announce that its 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 14, 2017Achieve Results Through Leadership, Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI . Cost:  $495. 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 click here . Register online. For more information, contact Brian Deschane at:  brian.deschane@mwfpa.org or telephone 608.255.9946.

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.

February 23, 2017MWFPA Board of Directors.  The BOD will meet from 10:00 a.m. until Noon, in the conference room at the MWFPA offices, 4600 American Parkway, Suite 210, Madison, WI.  The Executive Committee will meet prior to the board meeting at 9:00 a.m. in the same room. 

March 1, 2017
Resolve Employee Conflict. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI . Cost: $495. 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 click here. Register here. For more information, contact Brian Deschane at:  brian.deschane@mwfpa.org or telephone 608.255.9946.

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
MWFPA IS A PROUD PARTNER IN


 
Midwest Food Products Assoc. | | brian.elliott@mwfpa.org | http://www.mwfpa.org
4600 American Pkwy.
Suite 210
Madison, WI 53718