Nearly 240 U.S. Grains Council (USGC) delegates and members are departing Montreal, Canada, the site of the Council’s 55th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held this week, committed to a year celebrating the theme Excellence in Exports and focused on the work the Council needs to do to build demand, remove trade barriers and provide customer service to overseas buyers.

The meeting agenda and speakers focused on emerging opportunities, competitive challenges and the Council’s work to increase U.S. market share. USGC Advisory Teams (A-Teams) met to review new developments that affect the organization’s work around the world, and the Council conducted its annual business meeting at which delegates elected new leaders and approved a FY2016 budget.

Service awards to dedicated volunteers and staff were also presented at the meeting. The balance of this newsletter includes tributes to the award recipients.

Highlights from the meeting are available the Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Also, please visit the Council’s Flickr page to view photos from the meeting.

The regular edition of Global Update will return next week!