2007 Q2 Newsletters

June Member E-newsletter (sent June 27, 2007)

Dear Whole Grains Council members,

The documented health benefits of whole grains grow daily, as demonstrated by two new studies published in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In one, WGC scientific advisor David Jacobs showed lowered mortality from inflammatory diseases among those who consume more whole grains. In the second, whole grain lovers had healthier carotid arteries. You can see these studies and others on the WGC website at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/research.htm.

ADOPT A SCHOOL, FOR WHOLE GRAINS MONTH IN SEPTEMBER
Many of you responded with enthusiasm to our ADOPT-A-SCHOOL idea outlined in last month's member email. Now it's time to give us the details of what you're planning to do.

As you may recall, we're encouraging all WGC members to to adopt a local school or school district – to form a partnership that might include options like some of the following:
** donate products directly to the Foodservice Director for use in the kitchen
** sponsor a healthy whole grain lunch, a week of lunches, or a month -- featuring your products
** offer free whole grain product samples for a school health fair
** present a school assembly on whole grains and health
** provide coupons for distribution through PTA

We'll be sending out a press release the week of July 23rd, targeting newspapers with a pitch about Whole Grains Month and WGC members' Adopt-A-School plans. If your plans are finalized in time, we'll include your efforts in this next PR. Email us by Friday July 20 with a brief paragraph about your Adopt-A-School plan e.g., which school(s), how you'll be helping them.

We know -- with schools not in full session -- your plans may not be final by July 20. ANY TIME is a good time to adopt a school, and we'll have other PR opportunities later.

WHOLE GRAIN PROMOTION MATERIALS AVAILABLE
Speaking of schools, the WGC prepared a handout on whole grains for members exhibiting at the School Nutrition Association show in July. This handout could prove useful to other members who are educating schools about the benefits of whole grains, so we've posted it on the Support Materials page under Member Resources at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/pdf/SchoolHandoutJuly07.pdf

We also have "Just Ask for Whole Grains" buttons and stickers, as well as 6x9" postcards and 8x10" table signs about the Whole Grain Stamp. You can see images of these materials at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/MSSupport.htm. As always, we will supply these materials free to members in reasonable quantities, and at cost if you want a very large amount. Email Erica Calegari (ecalegari@oldwayspt.org) with your request.

HELP YOUR FOODSERVICE CUSTOMERS WIN NATIONAL AWARD
The Whole Grains Challenge, an awards program for foodservice operations serving at least one whole grain option every day, is running from May 1-July 31, 2007. Your customers could be eligible to win – simply by serving your products more often.

Learn about the Challenge at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/RestaurantChallenge.html, then tell your customers all about it. You win, as they increase their whole grain sales; your customer may win national recognition and a lifetime restaurant/foodservice membership in the WGC – and consumers win, as more whole grains are available everywhere America eats. Tell your customers about the WG Challenge today, while there's still time to enter. Deadline for entries is July 31, 2007.

WGC DISCOUNT ON WHOLE GRAIN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COURSE
Our November 5-7 "Just Ask for Whole Grains" conference in Kansas City will offer fascinating insights on the marketing and consumer behavior side of whole grains. For those who also need a look at hands-on product development issues, the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, ND is offering a 3-day course on processing, sourcing and functionality of whole grain ingredients. As a membership benefit, the WGC has arranged a 10% discount only for WGC members. Make sure to identiry yourself as a WGC member when you register. Details, and a link to the PDF registration form, are on our website at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/MSDeadlinesDeals.htm

"STAMP POWER TOWER" TO BE MEDIA FOCUS AT CONFERENCE
Over 1200 products now bear the Whole Grain Stamp, and we'll feature ALL of them -- or as many as humanly possible -- in a special display at our November 5-7 conference in Kansas City. This "Stamp Power Tower" will be a great photo opportunity for the many high-level media representatives attending the conference.

Top-caliber journalists including editors from Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Health magazine, Milling & Baking News, Gourmet Retailer, the Food Network, Foodservice Monthly, Parade, Gourmet News, and Shape attended our previous conferences, and we're inviting a similar roster this time around.

All members using the Stamp can be included in the Stamp Power Tower (more details on logistics later!). In addition, members who step forward as sponsors of the conference will get extra attention from these very influential media representatives. Many thanks to King Arthur Flour, Barilla USA, ConAgra, Snyder's of Hanover, Uncle Ben's, Bob's Red Mill, FritoLay, General Mills, Schwan Foods, Nature's Path and Harvest Time Bread for their support.

There are still a few sponsorship slots left, starting at $5,000, for companies who would like extra visibility in front of some of the country's top journalists and key influencers. Sponsors are able to feature their products in displays, in attendee gift bags, and in the delicious meals served at the conference. Contact Cynthia Harriman (617-896-4820 or cynthia@oldwayspt.org) to learn more about the benefits of sponsorship.

Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,

Best regards,
Cindy
------------------------
Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office

May Member E-Newsletter (sent May 29, 2007)

Dear Whole Grains Council members,

As you know, September will be Whole Grains Month, and now is the time for all of us to make promotional plans. Our goal is to surround consumers with healthy whole grain choices, everywhere they turn, during Whole Grains Month. Together, we can create a powerful message, if all 160+ WGC members carry out special whole grain promotions at the same time.

We invite you to add the ideas below to the creative inspirations you're no doubt developing inhouse -- and then tell us your plans. We'll be creating a new page on the WGC website to highlight Whole Grains Month, and we want to include your projects and promotions. We're carrying out major, ongoing media outreach around Whole Grains Month -- but we can't put your name in lights until we know about your plans!

IDEA #1: ADOPT A SCHOOL FOODSERVICE PROGRAM
Whole Grains Month coincides with back to school. One great way to show you care is to adopt a local school (or school district) and support their whole grain efforts.

Including healthy whole grain products is a challenge for many school foodservice programs for several reasons, including cost, product availability and awareness, and preparation limitations. However, we know that foodservice directors are working hard to change all of this, and they are asking loud and clear for more whole grain products.

You can help. As part of Whole Grains Month, we are urging our members to adopt a school – to form a partnership that might include options like some of the following:
** donate products directly to the Foodservice Director for use in the kitchen
** sponsor a healthy whole grain lunch, a week of lunches, or a month -- featuring your products
** offer free whole grain product samples for a school health fair
** present a school assembly on whole grains and health
** provide coupons for distribution through PTA

The best part about adopting a school foodservice program is that everyone wins. Foodservice professionals will get the whole grain products that they are asking for; kids will enjoy healthy and delicious whole grains; and your company will benefit from positive media coverage and brand exposure. A great combination! We'll post your plan on the WGC website, to inspire your fellow members.

IDEA #2: COUPON BLITZ
As many as 40% of Americans never eat whole grains. We know if they just try today's whole grain foods, they'll change their habits. Whole Grains Month is an excellent time for you to schedule FSI's and other coupon offers, in print or online, to nudge Americans into trying new whole grain foods. If you already have promotions scheduled, tweak the copy to highlight Whole Grains Month!

IDEA #3: USE WGC SUPPORT MATERIALS TO SPREAD THE WORD
WGC materials can help you spread the whole grain message. We can supply you with the following:

1. "Just Ask for Whole Grains" buttons. One of our members passes these out to deli-counter workers when he sells to a supermarket chain. Several more have booth staff wear them at trade shows. Just Ask us... for "Just Ask" buttons.

2. "Just Ask" stickers. Starting in late June, we will also have rolls of stickers that match the Just Ask buttons. Put these on your products during September, to draw extra attention to the whole grain goodness of each SKU.

3. Whole Grain Stamp postcards. These oversize 6" x 9" postcards educate your customers and / or consumers about the WG Stamp's guarantee of a half serving or more of whole grain.

All these support materials are free to members in reasonable quanitites, or can be provided at cost if you are doing a major promotion and would like very large quantities. Graphics for all of these materials can be viewed at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/MSSupport.htm

IDEA #4: USE EVERY "BULLY PULPIT" AT YOUR DISPOSAL
The possibilities for Whole Grains Month are endless. You could...
** Feature information on your company's website...
** An article about Whole Grains Month in your company newsletter
** Send out a press release tying your products to Whole Grains Month
** Time a new product release to coincide with Whole Grains Month
** Schedule a special supermarket whole grains event during September
** Supply a recipe handout to grocery stores and schools

Remember -- we'll be carrying out a media blitz that will support and multiply your efforts. What will YOU do for Whole Grains Month?

--------------------------------------OTHER NEWS FOR MEMBERS--------------------------------------

GET INVOLVED IN OUR NOVEMBER CONFERENCE
Plans continue for our November 5-7 conference in Kansas City. Now is the time to get involved, to make sure that you and your company benefit as much as possible from this marketing and learning opportunity.

Become a Sponsor. Thanks to our latest conference sponsors, King Arthur Flour, Barilla USA, ConAgra, Snyder's of Hanover, and Uncle Ben's . They join earlier sponsors Bob's Red Mill, FritoLay, General Mills, Schwan Foods and Harvest Time Bread in supporting the "Just Ask for Whole Grains" conference November 5-7 in Kansas City. There are still a few sponsorship slots left, starting at $5,000, for companies who would like extra visibility in front of some of the country's top journalists and key influencers. Sponsors are able to feature their products in displays, in attendee gift bags, and in the delicious meals served at the conference. Contact Cynthia Harriman (617-896-4820 or cynthia@oldwayspt.org) to learn more about the benefits of sponsorship.

Sign up to Attend. We've chosen a great location at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kansas City. It's spacious and elegant -- but every location is ultimately finite in size. Due to the growth of the WGC since our last conference, we expect a banner crowd at this event. Sign up now, to hold your place. Every WGC member is entitled to one complimentary registration, as you'll see on the registration form located at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/conference07.html.

RESTAURANTS TAKE ON THE WHOLE GRAINS CHALLENGE
The WGC wants to make sure Americans have at least one whole grain choice everywhere they eat. Our newest WGC promotion, the Whole Grains Challenge, launched May 1, carries this campaign deep into foodservice territory. Any restaurant or foodservice operation that serves at least one whole grain choice every day for an entire month, can enter this national awards program. In September -- as part of our Whole Grains Month celebration -- we'll announce awards in 10 categories. To excite additional interest in this program, we recently traveled to the NRA (National Restaurant Assn) show in Chicago, to speak about the Challenge. As the first month ends, entries are piling up at our website door, from schools, restaurants, hospitals and more, showing that smart foodservice operations are getting the message that food can be both delicious and nutritious. Check out the details at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/RestaurantChallenge.html.

In related efforts, the WGC also provided content on whole grains and health for www.healthydiningfinder.com, a new website supported by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Restaurant Association, which aims to help Americans find restaurants offering healthy options. (To see the information on whole grains, click on Get More, then Healthy Lifestyles, then Whole Grains.) Our persuasive arguments for whole grains also prompted healthydiningfinder.com to make whole grains one of three core criteria for considering a dining choice as healthy.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR SUPPORTS WHOLE GRAINS
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has long been a visible and vocal supporter of health and physical activity. Now, as California works toward its own state universal health insurance program, he and his health advisors have been working on the strong preventive-health measures that will make such a program affordable. At the invitation of the governor's health advisors, the WGC provided support information on the health benefits of whole grains, resulting in $8.5 million in the governor's final budget proposal, for "integrating fresh produce, whole grains and other healthy choices into school meals." Thanks to founding WGC chair Mike Orlando for getting the WGC involved in this opportunity to encourage increased whole grain consumption for kids.

Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,
Cindy
------------------------
Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office

Minutes of Annual Member Meeting (sent May 11, 2007)

Dear Whole Grains Council Members,

The Annual Member Meeting of the Whole Grains Council was held Monday, May 7 in Chicago. About 60 members attended, to enjoy light refreshments, to network with other members, and to hear an update of WGC programs and accomplishments.

We're sending this Meeting Report to all of our members -- both those who were able to join us in Chicago and those present only in spirit. We want the latter group to get all the latest information, whole those who attended may appreciate having a summary and handouts in electronic form, to share with their colleagues.

Minutes of the Annual Member Meeting
After a brief period of networking, the meeting was called to order at 5:15pm by WGC Chair Jeff Dahlberg.

Introductions. Jeff Dahlberg introduced the WGC Board of Directors and staff present: Vice Chair Mike Bittel (of King Arthur Flour); Immediate Past Chair Mike Orlando (of Sunnyland Mills); Secretary-Treasurer K. Dun Gifford (of Oldways); Director Sara Baer-Sinnott (of Oldways); and Cynthia Harriman (of Oldways). Then members were invited to introduce themselves.

Changes in the Board of Directors. According to the Bylaws of the WGC, a copy of which each member receives on joining, the Chair of the WGC serves for two years and then is replaced by the Senior Vice Chair. At this meeting, the following slate of Officers and Directors assumed office (asterisks represent changes):
** Chair: Bob Brown (Frito-Lay)
** Senior Vice Chair: Mike Bittel (King Arthur Flour)
** Immediate Past Chair: Jeff Dahlberg (National Sorghum Producers)
Secretary-Treasurer: K. Dun Gifford (Oldways)
Director: Karen Wilder (Schwan Foods)
Director: Linh Bui (Uncle Ben's / Masterfoods USA)
Director: Sara Baer-Sinnott (Oldways)
** Director: Mike Holleman (Indian Harvest Specialtifoods)

The Board expressed its sympathy to Bob Brown, incoming Chair, who was unable to be present because of the sudden death of his father. The Board also thanked Mike Orlando, who is leaving the Board, for his passionate and unstinting service as Founding Chair and then Immediate Past Chair of the WGC; and recognized outgoing Chair Jeff Dahlberg for a very successful two years at the WGC helm.

Updating the Whole Grains Challenge. Dun Gifford gave an inspiring address on how far we have come in five years, since the WGC was first dreamed of in 2002 -- and what we might accomplish in the next five years to advance the cause of whole grains. He spoke of the importance of identifying and breaking down the remaining barriers that stand in the way of widespread enjoyment of whole grains.

WGC Accomplishments of the Past Year. Sara Baer-Sinnott shared some of the major accomplishments of the past year, including 59 new WGC members, over 200 media articles, and use of the Whole Grain Stamp on nearly 1,200 products across the nation. A PDF detailing these accomplishments, along with a summary media list, is attached to this email (WGC_accomplishments.pdf).

Current Programs. Cynthia Harriman reviewed programs already in progress and planned for the current year. As members have learned in the WGC's monthly email newsletters, two new programs are being targeted toward increasing whole grain availability and consumption in restaurants and foodservice outlets.

** The "Just Ask" grassroots consumer campaign has given the WGC a fascinating window on the whole grain efforts of both consumers and health professionals. Consumers are reporting their experiences in finding whole grains on the WGC website, while Registered Dietitians and teachers are telling us about their whole grain promotion programs while requesting educational materials and "Just Ask" buttons.

** The "Whole Grains Challenge" started May 1. It encourages every restaurant and foodservice operation to offer at least one whole grain option every day for a month, in order to be eligible for awards to be given later this year during Whole Grains Month.

Other major programs in progress for this year include:

** A major update of the WGC website to make the wealth of information on the site more accessible to users, while offering more resources to members.

** A coordinated effort of all WGC members to offer special promotions and deals during September for Whole Grains Month. There will be a special page on the WGC website where consumers can review all the special promotions in one place. Our goal is to have Americans encounter whole grains everywhere they turn during September! Members are urged to think NOW about their plans for September, and to tell us about those plans.

** Supermarket marketing resource kit. The WGC is assembling a kit of graphics and information that will be made available to supermarkets free of charge, to make it easy for them to include whole grains information in their circulars and flyers. This will also be part of our Whole Grains Month promotions.

The attached PDF titled "WGC_programs.pdf" outlines these programs and the ways that members can benefit from them. It also includes samples of emails the WGC has received from consumers and RDs through the "Just Ask" campaign.

November 2007 "Just Ask for Whole Grains" conference. Cynthia Harriman shared details on our final program for this year: the November 5-7, 2007 conference in Kansas City. Speakers will include Eric Hentges, Director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, speaking on government whole grain policies; Kate Perringer of the Hartman Group, speaking on food trends; Lori Tubbs, of the US Navy, detailing the leadership position our military is taking in whole grains promotion; and Len Marquart of the University of Minnesota, reporting on new research about kids' taste preferences and whole grains.

The WGC thanks early sponsors of this major international conference, including Barilla, Bob's Red Mill, ConAgra Mills, FritoLay, General Mills, Harvest Time Bread, King Arthur Flour, The Schwan Food Company, and Snyder's of Hanover. Sponsors receive extra media attention for their companies and their products, through signage, product samples in attendee gift bags, and table-top exhibits. (Any members who would also like to be included as sponsors are asked to contact Cynthia Harriman at 617-896-4820.)

We will update you in June with exciting details about the conference program, particularly as they relate to action programs and activities intended to motivate consumers to increase their whole grain consumption, and to help them overcome what many continue to see as obstacles. And remember: every WGC member gets one free conference registration.

A PDF titled "WGC_conference07.pdf" that details conference opportunities and includes a current conference schedule, is attached to this email.

WG Stamp in Canada. Members were invited throughout the meeting to ask questions about any of the WGC's programs and procedures, and to share comments and ideas for future programs. One question that may be of interest to members at large focused on whether the WGC was making efforts to get the WG Stamp approved for use in Canada. Since many of our members also sell to Canada (and seven Canadian companies are members of the WGC), we have in fact been working on this issue with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for over six months. While the timing or outcome of any government action is hard to predict, we are making positive progress with CFIA. The WGC will notify all members when this question is resolved.

The business segment of the meeting was adjourned at 6:15, after which members continued to enjoy refreshments and conversation with other members.

Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,

Cindy
------------------------
Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office

April Member E-Newsletter (sent Apr. 20. 2007)

Dear Whole Grains Council members,

Even though much of the country has yet to see balmy spring weather, May is right around the corner, so it's time to think about the Annual Member Meeting of the Whole Grains Council.

PLEASE RSVP TODAY FOR MAY 7th MEETING, 5pm in Chicago
We will be holding the Annual Meeting of the WGC on Monday May 7, from 5-6:30pm, in room "Regency AB" of the Hyatt McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago. This hotel connects to the McCormick convention halls, so it's very convenient for any of you attending FMI, All Things Organic, or the Fancy Food shows during this period. Just head out of the convention center following signs toward the Hyatt. Regency AB is at the top of the escalator on the 2nd floor of the hotel.

Please email by Wednesday May 1 with the name(s) of everyone attending from your company. We need a count for refreshments, and names for name tags. Our Annual Meeting is a great place to meet other WGC members, enjoy light refreshments, and learn more about the many benefits of your WGC membership. Our agenda for this meeting will be:
a. Welcome and introductions
b. Announcement of new WGC directors and officers
c. "Updating the Whole Grains Challenge, Five Years Later"
d. WGC accomplishments of the past year
e. Programs and plans currently underway for 2007, including "Just Ask for Whole Grains" conference
f. Outline of 2008 programs

We welcome your input on any agenda item during the meeting. Come prepared especially with your ideas for additional programs to consider for next year. As always, we will make a summary of the meeting and any handouts available to all members, after the meeting.

A final note. Our "Just Ask" campaign is clearly working: the Hyatt has offered to serve whole grain breads and crackers this year. In the past, as some of you veteran members may recall, this event has been BYO-WG. This year, when we "just asked" the hotel said yes! So there's no need for you to bring that supplemental box of crackers this time.

ANOTHER DESIGN AWARD FOR THE STAMP
Every year Metropolitan Home magazine chooses its "Design 100" – the clothes, furniture, accessories, people and projects that best epitomize clean design, well-suited to its purpose. #64 this year (see the May 2007 issue) is our own Whole Grain Stamp. "Grocery shopping has become an obstacle course for consumers determined to make healthy choices, but this label makes smart selections simpler," says the magazine. Last year, the Whole Grain Stamp was selected as "Packaging Innovation of the Year" by Baking Management magazine.

TIME AND NEWSWEEK SEND 7 MILLION CONSUMERS OUR WAY
Just as Metropolitan Home hit the newsstands, both Time and Newsweek also featured the WGC's work. Newsweek, in its April 7 issue, included a great article on fiber, referring readers to usda.gov or wholegrainscouncil.org for more information. Time included a paragraph on the WGC as one of five resources in an article titled "The Whole Grain Truth" in a special advertising section in its April 23 issue. These two magazines between them carried the whole grain message to over 7 million people, inviting them to visit our website and learn more about your products.

WHOLE GRAINS CHALLENGE STARTS MAY 1
Our goal for 2007 is to make sure Americans have at least one whole grain choice everywhere they go. During the months of May, June and July we're encouraging foodservice outlets around the country to step up to the plate (as in dishware, not baseball!) and take the Whole Grains Challenge. Any eatery that keeps at least one whole grain choice on the menu every day for a month is eligible to be considered for one of our Whole Grains Challenge awards. Winners, to be announced during Whole Grains Month in September, will be chosen in each of ten categories, including Fine Dining, Quick-Serve, Schools, Workplace, and six others. Details are on the WGC website at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/RestaurantChallenge.html . Tell all your foodservice customers to enter, for the great publicity they'll get!

Meanwhile, the "Just Ask" campaign continues to sweep across the nation – and beyond. A US Navy lieutenant commander in Sicily is running a "Just Ask" whole grains event in his commissary. The Omaha Public Schools will focus on whole grains the entire year, with all their staff wearing "Just Ask for Whole Grains" buttons. An RD in Chicago is talking about whole grain snacks with HeadStart parents. Every day, we hear new stories about how our allies from coast to coast are encouraging everyone to "Just Ask for Whole Grains."

Our monthly consumer "Just Ask" winners receive whole grain products from our members as samples, and are noted on our website at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/JustAsk.php . If you're not yet listed as a prize donor and would like to take advantage of this marketing opportunity, please email cynthia@oldwayspt.org.

NEW MEMBERS IN RECENT MONTHS
The Whole Grains Council now numbers 160 members with the addition, in the last two months, of the following companies: The Organic Chef, Shiloh Farms, Ozery's Pita Break, Toufayan Bakeries, TH Foods, NatureBake / Dave's Killer Bread, Biscotti Brothers, Nature's Hand, Schwebel Bakery, Glutino, Summer Fresh Salads, Vitalicious and Ambrosial Granola. We welcome this great group of new members.

Don't forget to RSVP for the Member Meeting. We hope to see you there.

Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,

Best regards,
Cindy
------------------------
Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office