The upcoming U.S. Grains Council 9th International Marketing Conference and 52nd Annual Membership Meeting (Feb. 13-15) in Panama will offer Council members and attendees an unparalleled opportunity to share information with all 10 of the Grains Council’s international directors.
“As your ‘boots on the ground,’ they are in a unique position to share the latest developments in their regions,� said Tom Sleight, USGC vice president of operations and membership.
“In Panama, we will devote an entire lunch session to a ‘meet your international director’ opportunity,� Sleight explained. “Instead of giving formal presentations, our directors will rotate from table to table to facilitate individual interchanges.�
Director-member exchanges at Council meetings present a dynamic trade in information, according to Cary Sifferath, USGC senior regional director for the Mediterranean and Africa.
“I know members value the chance to ask questions and get the latest word on developments in our overseas markets, but we as international or country directors also benefit from hearing what’s going on in Texas, Idaho or Indiana.
“It’s all about sharing information to connect the dots. What we learn from Council members puts us in a stronger position to speak on behalf of U.S. exports when we go back to our country offices.�
For more details on the Panama meeting agenda or to register, go to www.grains.org and click on “upcoming meetings.� Or contact Valerie Smiley, USGC manager of membership, at vsmiley@grains.org.