The U.S. Grains Council’s 7th International Marketing Conference and 50th Annual Membership Meeting, themed, “50 Years of Leadership: Acting on Opportunities,â€� will be held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Feb. 13-17, 2010. “This meeting is essential for the Council as it provides a chance for stakeholders to gather with the USGC international staff and plan the best direction for Council programs and focus in the coming years,â€� said USGC President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr. “Information gathered at this meeting helps USGC Advisory Team members shape the 2011 Unified Export Strategy (UES). Given that U.S. corn production is expected to be a record 13.2 billion bushels, it is important to look beyond the borders of the United States for market opportunities for U.S. feed ingredients.â€� The UES serves as the Council’s marketing plan blueprint and is submitted to USDA to secure federal matching funds. In addition to presentations from the USGC international staff, meeting attendees will also have the opportunity to hear presentations from Carole Brookins, managing director of Public Capital Advisors LLC, and Christopher Langholz, vice president of Cargill Inc. USGC Chairman Rick Fruth said, “International market development continues to be a critical piece of the coarse grains supply and demand picture as well as the U.S. economy. The Council’s work in Developing Markets, Enabling Trade and Improving Lives is the foundation of opening new markets and defending those we have.â€�