Snack World - February 2014 - (Page 13)

LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT PREVIEW Snacking on the Hill SFA tackles key governmental issues at the Legislative Summit and beyond. BY BOB GATTY W ith the annual arrival of the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, comes plenty of heated activity on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers consider a broad range of legislative issues, many of which could significantly affect the snack food industry. The Snack Food Association's 2014 Legislative Summit, April 8-10, couldn't have been better timed as the National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 13. The summit, which opens with committee meetings on April 8, will include about a day and a half of face-to-face meetings with lawmakers and key staff members on Capitol Hill on April 9 and 10. "We want to encourage every SFA member company to be represented at the summit," said Tom Dempsey, SFA president & CEO. "This is your opportunity to discuss directly with your representatives and senators your concerns about specific issues that can affect your business and your employees." While SFA has been known for effective governmental affairs initiatives, the association is also working to further strengthen its impact, Mr. Dempsey said. "We've had some victories," he added, "but there is much more to be done as costly government action - at all levels - is continuing to focus on our industry." THE IMPORTANCE OF COALITIONS A s 2013 came to a close and lawmakers look at the year ahead, one of SFA's primary concerns - restrictions on recipients' use of federal food stamp (SNAP) benefits appears to have quieted down. It is a significant win for SFA, which continues to strongly oppose any federal or state restrictions on SNAP choice. The key worry was that restrictions on consumer food choice within the SNAP program would be included in the massive Farm Bill, which has been inching its way through Congress. There were a number of separate proposals introduced on SNAP choice, but they failed to gain traction - in no small part because of the opposition of SFA and other allied organizations. "One of our strengths," Mr. Dempsey noted, "is that we have done, and continue to do, a good job of working with other groups with similar interests to help maximize our power and our resources when www.sfa.org Representatives from Wise Foods, Herr Foods, Bryce Corp. and Utz Quality Foods discuss policy issues with Sen. Pat Toomey (PA) during the 2013 Legislative Summit. February 2014 Snack World 13 http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - February 2014

Snack World - February 2014
Table of Contents
Letter from SFA
News - Dieticians forecast 2014 nutrition trends
SFA offers salary and benefits survey
SnackWell’s brand is sold
Supplier Insight - Opportunity for Impact
Legislative Summit Preview - Snacking on the Hill
Business Member Profile - Humility, Integrity, Business Success
Associate Member Profile - Tin Shop Turned Industry Leader
Healthy Snacking Trends - Shaking Up Salty Snacks
SNAXPO Speaker - SNAXPO Gets Presidential
New Snacks
Products & Services
Ad Index

Snack World - February 2014