Microbiology and Analytical Chemistry Section (MAC) Executive Committee Phone Conference
November 18, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Participants: Tom Zierenberg – Chair (Microbac);Jeff Abels (Foreign Trade Service-FTS); Jack Farrell (Analytical Excellence); Martin Mitchell (Certified Laboratories); Milt Bush (The M Companies)& Tony Anderson (Section Executive Officer)
1.0Call to order:
The Chaircalled the conference call to order at 3:06 pm.
2.0Introductions:
Members introduced themselves.
3.0Anti Trust Statement:
Mr. Anderson reminded all those present of everyone’s adherence to the ACIL anti-trust statement.
4.0Review and Approval of the October 26, 2009 Minutes:
The minutes of the October 26, 2009 Section meeting in Nashville, TN minutes were approved unanimously.
An item from the Nashville meeting minutes regarding a name change for the section was further discussed. A consensus was reached that the name should be changed to Food Sciences Section (FSS). Mr. Bush confirmed that the Board agrees with the section as the new name is more forward looking and better represents the current activities of the section.
Action: Notification to the ACIL management and membership after these minutes have been approved at the next meeting.
5.0Discussion of Congressional Activities
5.1Senate legislation:Mr. Bush presented a markup of the Durbin bill with Mr. Mitchell’s comments, which has been provided to John Bode.
Action:Mr. Bush to follow up with John Bode for the latest status.
6.0Discussions of FDA issues:
6.1Outreach,update on Communication FDA: Mr. Mitchell reported that Carl Schiccatano was not responding to our outreach and suggested that we try to engage the FDA by inviting either Mr. Schiccatano or another representative to the ACIL winter meeting in February. There could also be the opportunity to make follow up meetings on the hill at the same time.
Action:Mr. Zierenberg to draft letter to Mr. Schiccatano inviting him to the ACIL winter meeting and attend the FSS section meeting.
6.2Other:
It was suggested that there should be outreach to other organizations such as the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).
Action: Mr. Zierenberg to invite Bob Brackett of GMA to the ACIL winter meeting.
7.0Fund Raising Status Report:
Mr. Bush was pleased to report that another $4000 from Anresco and Eurofin had been received and that the account was in the black. The surplus funds would be carried forward into the 2010 budget. There will be enough funds in the 2010 budget to support John Bode for the whole year.
8.0List of top 10 membership prospects:
At the request of the Board, the section has been asked to identify 10 top prospects as potential new members. The approach should be tailored to specific prospects with a view as to what is in it for them to become ACIL members. One such example is Silliker. Another possible target is Nestlé Purina Analytical Laboratory (NPAL)
Action:Mr. Mitchell to invite Russ Flowers of Silliker to the ACIL winter meeting and explain what the section has been doing recently and in particular its influence on the House Food Safety Bill.
Action: Mr. Zierenberg to contact NPAL.
9.0Identify common vendors from membership:
Mr. Bush explainedthat ACIL vendor’s who sell equipment to non ACIL laboratories, are prospective members. The laboratories all purchase some common equipment. Sponsors are willing to hold infomercial regional meetings and invite prospective ACIL members. Many of these vendors are vendors to the ESS laboratories as well.
10.0Nomination of section representative to participateon a task force regarding dues:
Action: Mr. Zierenberg to ask for a volunteer from all MAC members.
11.0A.O.B.
Mr. Bush asked that a Teleconference be scheduled to discuss the FSS specific message on the Congressional action program for food sciences.
Action:Mr. Bush to arrange a teleconference the week of December 7.
Open Action items:
Action: Mr.Zierenberg to send a letter to Peter Unger at A2LA requesting financial support for the Food Safety initiative, as many of the laboratories affected by the legislation are A2LA accredited laboratories.
Action: Mr. Eisenberg to contact ACLASS for financial support.
12.0Next Conference Call:December 16, 2009; 3:00 p.m. EDT.
13.0Adjournment:Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.EST.
Note: The ACIL Winter Meeting schedule is as follows:
February 21, 2010 – Board Meeting
February 22, 2010 – Plenary Sessions and Section Breakouts
February 23, 2010 – Hill Visits
February 24, 2010 – NACLA Meetings/Training
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