MiMfg Magazine December 2017 | Page 10

10 MiMfg Magazine December 2017 Become a Proactive Advocate for Food Manufacturing Food manufacturers and processors hold an important role in driving Michigan’s economic success. These companies are part of the backbone of manufacturing, yet face countless challenges unique to their sector of the industry. MMA has long supported these businesses — Kellogg has been an MMA member since 1918 — and we want to hear from you! About this New Committee The MMA Food Manufacturers Committee provides you the opportunity to connect with fellow leaders of the food manufacturing industry, discuss common challenges, best practices and available resources while developing a short-and-long-term policy strategies. This is your forum to share concerns, discuss policy solutions and provide direction to the MMA Government Affairs team as they pursue legislative and regulatory solutions at the Capitol. Whether your challenges involve food science regulations, unemployment fraud, environmental restrictions on water usage and discharge, tax issues or something else altogether, MMA has the experienced team to work on your behalf. “ The First Committee Meeting MMA President and CEO Chuck Hadden welcomed those companies in attendance and explained the important role food manufacturers have in Michigan and how MMA can serve their interests better with a dedicated committee in place. Attendees discussed the challenges faced by food manufacturers and their most-pressing concerns as MMA worked to plan how its political footprint could pursue necessary policy solutions on behalf of these member companies. The MMA Government Affairs team provided updates on bills that had passed the House and Senate including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children legislation and bills Michigan’s food manufacturers feed a global community while facing some of the world’s most rigid safety and quality standards — they rightly require a stronger voice in the policymaking process. The MMA Food Manufacturers Committee provides a venue to discuss issues impacting their competitiveness and ensures they are heard at the Capitol. ” dealing with work place safety. The GA team also highlighted their support for House Bill 4999 which prevents local government from implementing imposing special taxes on food. The bill was signed into law as Public Act 135 of 2017 within weeks of the Committee’s first meeting. What’s Next? Join MMA and fellow food manu- facturers in Wyoming on Thursday, 1/18/18, for the next meeting of the MMA Food Manufacturers Committee. Register Today! Date & Time Thursday, January 18, 2018 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location City of Wyoming – West Conference Room 1155 28th St. SW, Wyoming Host Koeze Company Pricing This meeting is free to attend for all MMA member companies. Registration Phone: 517-487-8541 E-mail: [email protected] To RSVP or receive more information, contact MMA’s Valerie Boman at [email protected] or 517-487-8541. To get more information on MMA’s efforts to advocate on behalf of Michigan food manufacturers, contact Brianna Mills, MMA director of political and strategic partnerships, at 517-487-8523 or [email protected]. 6