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October 31, 2014

31/10/2014: US country elevator managers to hear how politics impacts their sector

Congressman Todd Young to Address
Country Elevator Conference & Trade Show
Early Bird Registration Deadline Ends Nov. 7
The National Grain and Feed Association's (NGFA's) 43rd annual Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show (CEC) kicks off December 7-9, 2014 in Indianapolis. US Rep. Todd Young, R-Ind., will open the "meeting of the year" for country elevator managers and their key employees on December 8 with a look at what the elections mean for Congress in 2015.

While results of midterm elections will be known once CEC begins, as it stands today the congressional make up could change dramatically - which could affect pending legislation of interest to NGFA members. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 20 percent of Americans said they approve of Congress' performance, which often is reflected in a high seat turnover during mid-term elections. Young's valuable insights will help attendees see how 2015 congressional changes could impact business operations.
 

Young, who represents the 9th district of Indiana, currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxes, international trade, health care, Social Security, Medicare and welfare. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, he serves on both the Select Revenue Measures and Human Resources Subcommittees.  Previously, he served on the House Armed Services Committee and House Budget Committee.

Registration for the conference, which is open to NGFA members only, is available online. NGFA's annual CEC is the single largest gathering of country elevator operators. Each year, more than 500 industry members and another 175 trade show personnel attend the day-and-a-half conference and trade show.


Highlights from this year's conference agenda include:
Biotechnology: Matt Rekeweg, industry relations leader, Dow AgroSciences, and Chris Novak, new chief executive officer of the National Corn Growers Association, will address the compatibility of biotech innovation and access to markets.

Ag Transportation: Tom Brugman, immediate past deputy director of the Surface Transportation Board's Office of Public Assistance, and Jon Samson, executive director of the American Trucking Associations agricultural conference, will provide their views on addressing the challenges presented by rail service disruptions, capacity constraints and issues constraining efficient truck movements.

Ag Technology: Cory Reed, senior vice president, Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere & Co.; Dr. Richard Baker, Center for Unmanned Systems & Human Capital Development, Indiana State University; and Dr. Johnny Park, research professor, Purdue University, will address technology-based advances in efficiency and productivity that will impact conference registrants and their farmer-customers.

Loss Prevention: Simon (Chip) Buckner, counsel, Bartlett Grain Co., and Jonathan Sandoz, counsel, CGB Enterprises, will relate their strategies for loss-prevention to real-world situations. 

Overview of World Grain: Dr Parry Dixon, director of economic research, Archer Daniels Midland Co., will examine trends affecting U.S. and global demand for grains and oilseeds, and distill facts in ways attendees can take home and put to use.

Enhancing Communication: Carey Bennett, director of business development, RCI Safety, will deliver practical tips that managers can use to get the most out of employees and make them feel good about it in the process.

Talent Acquisition:  Greg Duerksen, president of Kincannon & Reed, will provide a common-sense and humorous look at how companies can put their best foot forward when competing for talent.


In addition to the sessions, at no additional cost, registrants are invited to attend a Dec. 7 workshop, "New Kid on the Block - FDA Inspections of Grain Elevators," focusing on the Food and Drug Administration's expanding visits to grain handling and processing facilities. Dave Fairfield, NGFA vice president of feed services, will give an overview of the different types of FDA inspections, and provide guidance on what can be done before and during an inspection to achieve the best outcome.

Read more HERE.
 

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine GFMT
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.


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