Notice to the Trade: 2016 Annual Industry Meeting for USDA Foods Contractors and Suppliers Wednesday, October 26 – Thursday, October 27

Date
July 20, 2016

The Commodity Procurement Staff of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites you, our industry stakeholders, to join us for our 2016 Annual Industry Meeting to discuss commodity purchase programs and USDA Foods.

We look forward to seeing many familiar faces again this year. Last year’s Industry Meeting was the first time we welcomed contractors and suppliers of dairy, grains, and oils, and we had a great turnout. The collaboration with our supplier and contractor stakeholders stemming from these meetings has already brought improvements to our purchase programs, and we want to continue to build on that progress through this event.

As in years past, the meeting will include two half-day official sessions. The first half-day session will be dedicated to industry break-out groups (i.e., Fruits/ Vegetables, Dairy, Grain, Livestock/Poultry, Seafood/Fish, etc.) providing the opportunity to meet with Managers, Contracting Officers, Specialists, and Technical Staff to discuss commodity-specific topics and concerns related to each industry.  For the second half-day session, all commodity areas will be together to discuss general program topics, such as the Business Management Improvement (BMI) initiative, which is paving the way forward by  developing substantive changes to the USDA Foods Program; organizational changes in the Commodity Procurement Staff; and overarching contracting issues.  The agenda will include such items as processing, labeling, and inspection.

The informal networking session held on the morning of Day One has proven to be very beneficial for stakeholders and USDA representatives.  Commodity Procurement Staff will be available to visit with you, so we encourage you to reach out to your specialist(s) in advance to schedule a time to meet with them individually.  There will be a room dedicated for these informal meetings that morning.  Lastly, we will once again be offering Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) training with a sign-up sheet available when you arrive for the meeting.

The dates and location of the meeting are:

When:                        

Wednesday, October 26

  • Networking Session:  10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Break-Out Sessions:  1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thursday, October 27

  • General Session:  8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where:           

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC-Crystal City
300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia  22202

 

A block of rooms has been reserved at the rate of $222 (single) and $242 (double) per room under the event name: AMS Annual Industry Meeting – Fall 2016.  Please note, should the per diem rate change for Fiscal Year 2017 (beginning October 1st), the prevailing per diem will apply. Participants must make their own lodging arrangements using the link provided below or by calling the DoubleTree Hotel (1-800-222-TREE) using the group code AAI, with reservations available on a first come–first served basis.  This hotel rate will be available only until October 6, 2016, or until the group block is sold out.

Please see the attachment (pdf) for registration details and instructions.

We highly value your participation and look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

David Tuckwiller
Director
Commodity Procurement Staff
 
Together We’re Making a Difference: American Agriculture for the American People.