President's Message
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: 2005 FSA CONFERENCEFifty years ago our predecessors recognized the need to organize and meet with the nations railroads on a regular basis to address the movement of canned products from the west coast to the Midwest and East Coast markets. This was the start of the "Canned Goods Shippers" association. The change in name to Food Shippers of America came about in the late 80's and was created to recognize the more global distribution partnerships of distributing food and related products but, the mission has not changed: we continue to meet annually to focus on professional education , to share ideas, improve service, resolve industry issues and create new opportunities. This years meeting, our 50th, will be held on February 27 –March 1, 2005. Our host resort is the newly opened Starr Pass, J W Marriott Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ. Located less than 20 minutes from the Tucson International Airport, the resort features the spectacular Tucson Mountains as a backdrop and is the largest resort in Southern Arizona. The theme for this conference is "Capacity-Driving Common Needs". The program planning committee has put together another powerful agenda featuring nationally known speakers dealing with the nation's energy problems, panels with industry experts on the subject of carrier capacity and presentations on RFID; an important industry challenge. The always informative Washington Update (Bob Costello) has been confirmed. Other agenda features dealing with industry concerns are being finalized by the committee to round out a program worth attending. Also confirmed is a unique "wine tasting" segment to close out the Monday general session and will be sponsored by the Robert Mondavi and E J Gallo companies. The association golf tournament will be held on Sunday, (Feb 27) at the adjacent Starr Pass Golf Club (27 holes dedicated). This course was the original home to the PGA Tucson Open and has spectacular views from desert to mountains. Entertainment will be provided following the association receptions and dinners on Sunday and Monday's program. Don't miss the 50th planned recognition event on Sunday evening as part of the group entertainment. There will be a spouse/significant other continental breakfast and tour of area attractions on Monday with luncheon at an upscale restaurant as part of the conference activities. For those that may wish to make early reservations, the Marriott's toll free number is 1-800-228-9290. (The Food Shippers contracted rate is $189 per night). Continue to check our website; foodshippersofamerica.org for registration information updates including direct resort numbers and the reservation form link. Conference updates will be communicated as the agenda is finalized and also continue to check our website (above) for conference updates. Mark your calendar for the conference dates (2/27-3/1) and hope to see you at this conference that marks an important milestone for this association and it's partners in distribution and logistics of food and related products.
Gary Petersen |
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