JANUARY 30, 2009

72^nd Annual Chamber of Commerce “Walk to Washington”

NJFC was on hand to participate in the NJ Chamber of Commerce Annual “Walk to Washington” train trip this week and saw a much more subdued crowd than in years’ past. The annual trip, which features opportunities for business leaders to network with NJ state legislators, administration officials and candidates for public office, saw its attendance drop due to the current economic crisis facing our State and nation.

NJFC found many opportunities to network and speak directly to officials on the 15 car train ride. The NJ Chamber of Commerce concluded the evening with a Congressional Dinner which featured speeches by Governor Corzine, newly confirmed EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Congressman Frank Pallone.

NJFC President Linda Doherty and Vice President Scott Ross were invited to a private Reception for EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and presented her with best wishes on behalf of the membership in her new cabinet role in the Obama Administration.

PEANUT BUTTER RECALL EXPANDS

On January 28, the Peanut Corporation of America announced an expanded recall, which is expected to cover all products produced at the Blakely, GA facility as far back as January 1, 2007. The recall included (in addition to peanut butter and peanut paste) such products as roasted nuts (including honey, dry, and oil-roasted), peanut granules, peanut meal, and similar products.

The PCA assured FMI that none of the products went directly to consumer sales, but many other products used these as ingredients.

Since there are so many products with varying lot codes being recalled, and the likelihood that this list will be updated frequently, it is recommended that members visit FDA’s webpage of recalled peanut butter products at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm.

BILL TO MANDATE REMOVAL OF SNOW AND ICE ADVANCES

All motor vehicle drivers, including truck drivers, would have to clean snow and ice from their vehicle before hitting the road under a bill released by the Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday.

The committee unanimously released an amended bill over concerns raised by trucking industry representatives that the proposed requirement is unsafe for truck drivers and relies on technology that does not exist here.

NJFC will continue to monitor this legislation and will provide updates as necessary.

HOUSE PASSES PRESIDENT OBAMA’S STIMULUS PACKAGE

On Wednesday, without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval for an $819 billion economic recovery plan. The two-year package is among the largest in history.

The size and substance of the stimulus package remains in dispute as House Republicans argued that it tilted heavily toward new spending instead of tax cuts.

As Senate Democrats prepare to bring their version of the package to the Senate floor on Monday, they would ultimately accept a provision in the emerging Senate package that would adjust the alternative minimum tax to hold down many middle-class Americans’ income taxes for 2009.

NEW JERSEY FOOD COUNCIL’S NIGHT OF DISTINCTION QUICKLY APPROACHING

The New Jersey Food Council will be honoring Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. of Inserra ShopRites, Bill Donahoe of Foodtown, and Lawrence Rothwell of Pennington Quality Market with Industry Achievement Awards during its 2009 Night of Distinction event which will be held on March 19, 2009 at the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford.

Each year, NJFC honors a distinguished class of food industry leaders who have made a meaningful contribution to advance the mission of the Food Council, have achieved a significant food business success and have a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community. NJFC is proud to pay tribute to these industry leaders who have helped NJFC to become one of the finest food trade associations in New Jersey and throughout the country.

The event will also serve as a celebration for the 40^th Anniversary of NJFC. Please join us in celebrating these fine industry leaders and 40 years of progress on behalf of the food industry. Call NJFC at 609-392-8899 for ticket information.