Milling Journal - Q2 2008 - (Page 6) Millers Gather in Orlando, FL New condensed format works well at 112th IAOM Conference and Expo Millers from 26 countries gathered in Orlando, FL, May 13-16 for the 112th International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Conference and Expo. Staged at the massive Orange County Convention Center near some of Orlando’s major tourist attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, the annual conference and expo was enjoyed by many milling and associate members and their families. “Overall, I feel the conference was a great success,” said IAOM President Keith Horton. “We knew going into it that there would need to be some adjustments made before next year’s meeting—and there will be some—but the feedback we’ve received so far shows that the condensed format (two days instead of three) was well received.” “We had about the same number of registrants as last year’s event in Overland Park, KS,” said IAOM Executive Vice President Melinda Farris. “It was great to see that the expo continues to grow, with 90 suppliers of equipment and services exhibiting at more than 150 booths,” Farris said. This year’s conference featured a new format—a mid-week schedule, with a twoday, instead of three-day, trade show. The educational program was reformatted to effectively feature 32 educational sessions over a two-day period. The educational sessions were held in classrooms set up and curtained off at each of the four corners of the trade show floor. Each corner classroom was dedicated to one of four subject areas: facility management, employee management, quality control, and technical operations. According to Farris, every session was well attended by millers and allied industry professionals eager to hear the latest information from the milling industry’s experts. Keynote speaker at the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) opening breakfast May 14 was Jim Bair, vice president, North American Millers’ Association, who gave a presentation on the history of milling in North America and the changing face of agriculture. Incoming President’s Remarks Incoming IAOM President Royal Denning, assistant vice president, Cereal Food Processors, Inc., said during the annual banquet May 15 that “Don’t Forget the Basics” would be the theme during his term. “We must remember that the critical need that produced our profession generations ago continues to this day,” Denning said. In his inaugural remarks, Denning said the retention of trained employees is a critical issue for the association. He also encouraged millers to become more involved with the IAOM by actively participating in their local districts.. “I challenge you, no matter what your responsibility is where you work, to do what you can, when you are able, to serve your district as a committeeperson, officer or director,” Denning said. “Volunteer to serve on a standing committee. You will be amazed at what it can do for you,” he added. “It is my goal that in my administration, all types of members will become confident that they can improve their situation by participating in the IAOM,” Denning said. Business Meeting During the annual business meeting and luncheon May 15, Bart Hahlweg, ConAgra Foods, Oakland, CA, was elected IAOM treasurer, replacing Ivo Klaric, Seaboard Corporation, Guayaquil, Ecuador, who was elected to the position of vice president. Klaric reported to the association that IAOM had a current net operating profit of $74,000 in 2007, the third year in a row that IAOM has operated with a net profit. 2009 Conference and Expo The 113th IAOM Conference and Expo will be held April 27-May 1 in Grand Rapids, MI. Frank Zaworski, editor Some 90 suppliers filled 150 booths at the IAOM Milling Expo in Orlando. 6 Second Quarter 2008 MILLING JOURNAL
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