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Rep. Martha Roby Visits ABA
 "I didn't come to Congress to pick winners and losers. I came to get things done."
ABA was pleased to host Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL) for an industry meet and greet on Dec. 14. Rep. Roby was elected to Congress in 2010 and serves on the Agriculture, Education & Workforce and Armed Services Committees in the House.
Attendees representing different sectors of the food industry discussed their legislative priorities with Rep. Roby. Those priorities included the next Farm Bill, food advertising restrictions to children, sugar reform and Congressional oversight of "activist" agencies.
Rep. Roby represents the second district of Alabama which holds a large ABA member presence including Flowers Foods, Earthgrains, Krispy Kreme and Red Star Yeast.
Former Baker Goes to Washington
After participating in the ABA Meet and Greet, held Nov. 16, Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) agreed to cosponsor the Free Market Sugar Act – key legislation on which ABA is working diligently to get passed.
A former production manager at Stroehmann’s Bakeries gives Rep. Marino a valuable and unique knowledge of the baking industry that most others in Congress do not have. Rep. Marino left the baking industry to pursue his law degree, but spoke fondly of Harold Stroehmann and the relationship they had during his time at the company.
In addition to sugar reform, attendees discussed the upcoming Farm Bill, deficit reduction and the need for increased Congressional oversight of regulatory agencies.
Rep. Marino was elected to Congress in 2010, after defeating two-term Democrat Chris Carney. Prior to running for Congress, he was a U.S. Attorney who decided to enter public life after becoming frustrated at the direction the nation was taking. He serves on the Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees in the House.
Attendees of the ABA Meet and Greet included representatives from General Mills, the American Beverage Association, Food Marketing Institute, Hershey Co. and other food industry organizations.
Senator Mark Kirk Seeks Guidance from ABA on Sugar Reform Strategy
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From left: Frank Kuchuris, East Balt; Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL); and ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie.
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Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) met with members of the American Bakers Association at the East Balt baking facility in Chicago last week to discuss his efforts to reform the current U.S. sugar program and help save bakers and consumers over $4 billion each year in higher sugar prices. ABA members represented at the roundtable included Gonnella Baking Co., Turano Baking Co., Pepperidge Farm Inc., Cloverhill Bakery, and Alpha Baking Co.
Senator Kirk has been a tireless champion of reforming the sugar program since he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. While serving in the House, he sponsored numerous bills aimed at eliminating the sugar program and worked diligently with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase sugar imports. Now in the Senate, Senator Kirk has cosponsored S.25, the Stop Unfair Giveaways and Restrictions Act of 2011, a bill that seeks to increase the flow of sugar into the U.S. to satisfy demand. To send a letter in support of S. 25 to your Member of Congress click here.
“I am eager to work with the baking industry to address federal price supports and protection for sugar producers that continue to drive up costs for American consumers and send U.S. jobs abroad,” said Senator Kirk. “Such practice is outdated and ripe for reform.”
Increasing sugar imports is critical not only to mediating high sugar prices, but to job creation. According to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, for every one job saved for sugar producers, three are lost in food manufacturing. With more than 600,000 baking industry jobs in the U.S., removing the sugar program could potentially open the door to thousands of additional jobs and help grow the economy.
For more information on the U.S. sugar program, click here
Continuing the House Freshman Meet and Greet series, ABA hosted Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) on Oct. 11 for an informal discussion on food industry issues.
 Rep. Ellmers never saw herself as a politician, nor dreamed that she would be elected to federal office, but felt the call to action as she saw her industry and life’s work coming under attack. In 2009, she and her husband attended a town hall meeting on President Obama’s health care plan and came away distraught over the government’s impending takeover of patients’ rights and punishment of small businesses.
Since being elected to Congress in 2010, Ellmers has been appointed to the House Committees on Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, and Small Business – where she chairs the Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology.
Attendees at the meet and greet included representatives from the Food Marketing Institute, the American Frozen Food Institute and the American Beverage Association.
The next ABA Meet and Greet will be held Nov. 16 with Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA).
House Freshman Rick Crawford Visits ABA
 ABA’s Congressional Meet and Greet series continued on Wednesday, Sept. 14 with a visit from Rep. Rick Crawford, a Republican who represents the first district of Arkansas.
Rep. Crawford was elected to Congress in 2010 to the seat formerly held by Senator John Boozman (R-AR). Crawford serves on the House Agriculture and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees. Members of the food industry from the American Beverage Association, Food Marketing Institute, McDonald’s Corp. and others were in attendance.
To learn more about ABA’s Meet and Greet series, contact ABA Political Director Kelly Knowles at 202-789-0300 or kknowles@americanbakers.org
House Freshman Lou Barletta (R-PA) Visits ABA
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| ABA SVP, Government Relations & Public Affairs, Rep. Barletta (R-PA), and ABA President & CEO Robb Mackie |
ABA’s Congressional Meet and Greet series continued on July 14 with a visit from Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA).
Attendees discussed a wide range of issues with Rep. Barletta including Hours of Service, proposed food advertising and marketing restrictions to children, the school lunch program and environmental regulations. “I am very concerned about the direction in which our country is going,” said Rep. Barletta. “We must force government to live within its means and put more resources in the hands of the American people – not Washington.”
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| Rep. Barletta (R-PA) with ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie (right) |
Rep. Barletta was elected to Congress in 2010 and serves on the House Education & Workforce and Transportation Committees. Members of the business community including International Paper, Printing Industries of America, Kraft Foods, and the North American Millers Association were in attendance.
To learn more about ABA’s Meet and Greet series, contact ABA Political Director Kelly Knowles at 202-789-0300 or kknowles@americanbakers.org
House Freshman Marlin Stutzman Visits ABA
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| Rep. Stutzman (R-IN-3) with ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie (right). |
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| Rep. Stutzman |
ABA’s Congressional Meet and Greet series continued on July 6 with a visit from Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN). Rep. Stutzman discussed various topics of interest to the food industry including federal regulations that inhibit job growth, the food stamp program and a critical bakery proof box issue in his home state of Indiana.
“We had a terrific conversation with Rep. Stutzman,” said ABA President Robb MacKie. “He is a very direct and principled member of Congress and ABA looks forward to building a close relationship with him and his staff during his time in Washington.”
Rep. Stutzman was elected to Congress in 2010 and serves on the House Agriculture and Budget Committees. Members of the food industry from the American Beverage Association, Food Marketing Institute, North American Millers Association, USA Rice Federation and others were in attendance.
To learn more about ABA’s Meet and Greet series, contact ABA Political Director Kelly Knowles at 202-789-0300 or kknowles@americanbakers.org.
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| ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie (right) asks Rep. Noem a question during the session. |
“ABA was honored to kick off the 2011 Meet and Greet schedule with Rep. Kristi Noem,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “Rep. Noem brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Congress and is doing terrific job as a leading member of the GOP Freshmen class.”
Food industry executives and others representing the broader business community gathered at ABA on May 25 to exchange ideas with Rep. Noem (R-SD-1) on commodity market volatility, proposed regulations on food companies marketing to children, budget and labor issues and school meal standards proposals.
“Meet and Greet events are an important component of ABA’s political outreach efforts,” said ABA Political Director Kelly Knowles. “It is critical for new Members of Congress to learn about the baking industry and the issues, legislation and regulation that affect ABA baker and allied member companies.”
To learn more about ABA’s Meet and Greet events contact ABA Political Director Kelly Knowles at 202-789-0300 x 109 or kknowles@americanbakers.org
June 23, 2010: Meet Rep. Travis Childers, a Blue Dog Democrat from Northern Mississippi
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| HIS TOP PRIORITIES: |
Jobs and the economy. |
| HEALTH CARE: |
Childers did not support the bill, but he is going to “try to work on the bad and make it good,” since his experience tells him that efforts to repeal the bill will not be successful. “This town doesn’t repeal anything. This town doesn’t shrink anything.”
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| MID-TERM ELECTIONS: |
Historically speaking in American politics, the president’s party is virtually guaranteed to lose seats in the mid-term election. Childers believes this year’s mid-term will not be an exception to the trend. “No question [the Democrats] will lose seats. The question is ‘how many?’” He added, “If you’re a Democrat, you just hope you aren’t one of them.”
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| ENERGY: |
Childers asked the group: “Which administration passed the last energy bill?” ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie responded with the correct answer, “Carter.” Childers continued, “For thirty years we haven’t had an energy bill.” He applauded the Obama Administration's effort to have an energy bill, however, in the current Congressional session, he said “I don’t think anything will pass.”
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| MICHELLE OBAMA'S OBESITY INITIATIVE: |
“She’s trying to bring attention to [obesity] and that’s a start,” adding that he does not believe the initiative has any underlying intent to demonize or harm food companies.
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| CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES |
Agriculture; Financial Services
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VOTING RECORD ON ABA KEY VOTES:
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| BACKGROUND: |
Rep. Childers is a small business owner, and a realtor by trade. He took office in May 2008, and he is up for re-election this November. Learn more about him and his positions at http://childers.house.gov/ |
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Heath care reform dominated discussion of the ABA Meet and Greet in honor of Freshmen House Member Glenn Thompson (R-PA-12) held on May 20. Rep. Thompson believes that while repeal is not realistic he hopes we can surgically repair the damage done to the system after the 2010 mid-term elections.
Rep. Thompson criticized the White House for its lack of attention to job creation and discussed his bi-partisan legislation introduced with Democrat Bobby Bright (D-AL-2) to provide for tax-deferred savings accounts for businesses toward capital purchases.
Additionally, Rep. Thompson commended the business community, and ABA’s leadership role, in bringing awareness, educating the American people and Members of Congress about the importance of defeating card check legislation, also known as The Employee Free Choice Act. Rep. Thompson strongly opposes the legislation in any form – and no compromises are possible.
Currently, Rep. Thompson is running unopposed this November.
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Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
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Rep. Lummis Discusses Healthcare, Nutrition Issues
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ABA Government Relations Team Members Lee
Sanders and Cory Martin with Rep. Lummis (center)
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Rep. Lummis with Meet & Greet Cohost Heather Doucet, International Foodservice Distributors Association
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March 25, 2010 — Rep. Lummis discussed the health care vote, believing that members of Congress who voted for reform will face a tough re-election come November. The Representative also discussed nutrition issues, citing the need for the baking industry to help educate members of Congress regarding the benefits of a diet rich in nutritious grain products.
“Representative Lummis's strong experience in Wyoming's legislature has prepared her well for her service on three key committee assignments in her first term in the House,” said ABA Senior Vice President Government Relations & Public Affairs Lee Sanders. “Her common sense perspectives on nutrition, trade and critical business issues, including health care, will serve her well as she tackles these priorities moving forward. ABA especially looks forward to working with Rep. Lummis on nutrition and obesity initiatives as policy in this area moves into the spotlight this spring."
To learn more about ABA’s Meet & Greet Series, or to suggest the next freshman member of Congress for ABA to host, please contact ABA Director of Political Affairs Kelly Knowles at (202) 789-0300 or kknowles@americanbakers.org. |
Rep. Duncan Hunter, Jr. (R-CA)
Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL)*
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Jim Anderson, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors;
Rep. Duncan Hunter; and ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie
Jill Davidsaver, National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association with Rep. Griffith (D-AL)
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ABA Rounds Out 2009 Meet and Greet Series
ABA’s Political Involvement Department hosted the final two Meet and Greets of 2009 featuring freshmen members of the U.S. House of Representatives – Rep. Duncan Hunter, Jr. (R-CA) and Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL).*
Rep. Hunter serves on the House Education & Labor Committee. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, immigration reform, mandatory paid leave and child nutrition were topics of discussion at the Dec. 9 breakfast with the Congressman and members of his staff.
Rep. Hunter identified himself as a strong conservative who is committed to strengthening national security, creating opportunities for American workers and protecting the interests of taxpayers. He serves on the House Education & Labor Committee.
On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Rep. Parker Griffith, a member of the House Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, visited ABA headquarters to meet with ABA staff and members of the business community to discuss health care reform, cap and trade legislation and the Congressional agenda for 2010.
"I voted against Leader Pelosi’s health care bill in the House because I am against the inclusion of any public option," said Rep. Griffith. "I support an incentive-based plan to encourage young people to enter the medial profession and I also believe Congress should pass legislation that would allow businesses to band together across state lines to purchase health insurance."
Rep. Griffith is a physician, former member of the state legislature and restaurant franchise owner. He sits on the House Transportation and Small Business Committees.
"This year ABA hosted an outstanding line-up of freshmen House members in one of the most aggressive ‘meet and greet’ schedules in the association’s history," said ABA Director of Political Affairs Kelly Knowles. "Forming key relationships with new members of Congress is a critically important step toward achieving the industry’s public policy goals and raising the association’s visibility on Capitol Hill," said Knowles.
*A few days following the ABA meet and greet, Rep. Griffith changed his party affiliation to Republican.
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Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL)
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Rep. Schock (left) meets with a participant at the ABA office. |
ABA hosted Freshman Member of Congress Aaron Schock on Oct. 30, with a record turnout of Washington representatives from the food industry and broader business community.
“Representative Schock is a terrific new member of Congress,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “His command of the issues, pro-business agenda and position on key legislation makes him a valuable ally to the baking industry,” said MacKie.
Congressman Schock, 28, is currently the youngest member of Congress and serves on the House Transportation, Government & Oversight Reform and Small Business Committees. He was also chosen by GOP Leadership to serve as a Deputy Republican Whip. Prior to his election in 2008, Schock served in the Illinois State Legislature and is a former member of the Peoria School Board – one of the largest school districts in Illinois. You may visit Rep. Schock’s Web site at: www.house.gov/schock.
To learn more about ABA’s Meet & Greet Series, or to suggest the next freshman member of Congress for ABA to host, please contact ABA Director of Political Affairs Kelly Knowles at
(202) 789-0300 or kknowles@americanbakers.org. |
Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
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Amber Landis, Retail Industry Leaders Association;ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie; Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) |
ABA hosted Freshman Member of Congress Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on Sept. 18 at a meeting with other members of the food industry and broader business community.
“Representative Guthrie is a dynamic new member of Congress,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “With a seat on the important House Education & Labor Committee, Rep. Guthrie is closely involved in legislative issues that are extremely important to the baking industry including health care reform and the so-called Employee Free Choice Act,” said MacKie.
Congressman Guthrie graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in 1987 with a degree in economics. Guthrie later earned a Master’s Degree from Yale University in public and private management. Following his military service, Congressman Guthrie joined Trace Die Cast, the Bowling Green, Ky.-based manufacturing business that was started by his father. The company began with only five employees and has grown to employ more than 500 workers.
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- Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS-1)
- Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA-5)
- Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY-1)
- Rep. Bobby Bright (D-AL-2)
- Rep. John Fleming (R-LA-4)
- Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL-5)
- Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2)
- Rep. Duncan Hunter, Jr. (R-CA-52)
- Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-5)
- Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX-22)
- Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL-18)
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