2009 Q1 Newsletters
March 2009 Member Email (Sent March 19, 2009)
Dear Whole Grains Council members,
What a good way to start the day! As I flipped through the giveaway Metro newspaper on the Boston subway I saw a full-page article on whole grains, featuring WGC Culinary Advisor Lorna Sass. It's nice to see this kind of mainstream coverage and reflect on how far whole grains have come in the past three or four years, thanks to the efforts of all of us working together.
And speaking of working together, read on to learn what the WGC is up to next!
LAST MINUTE CONFERENCE NEWS
Our Alexandria, VA conference, Make (at least!) Half Your Grains Whole, on April 20-22, is just a month away now so we have some last-minute updates to share with all of you:
Great Media Coverage
An impressive line-up of media plan to attend and cover the conference, including key editors from Everyday with Rachel Ray, Cooking Light, Health, Milling & Baking News, Today's Dietitian, Diabetic Living, Baking & Snacks magazine, National Restaurant Association, Foodservice Monthly, and Parents magazine. More are registering daily, offering our members and their products invaluable exposure - but only if you're there!
School Lunch for Everyone
Ever wonder what sorts of whole grains kids get at school lunches? The Chartwells school foods division of Compass Group will be serving our conference lunch on Wednesday, April 22 - including only dishes that appear on real school menus across the country. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the improvement that's occurred at many schools since you ate mystery meat as a kid.
One Door Prize Sponsorship Left
One cost-effective way to get your products in front of our conference journalists is to sponsor a door prize. The cost is only $750 (plus your donated prize) - but we're only doing four door prizes, and three are already spoken for. A basket of your products could be the fourth! Or you can be a Program Book supporter, helping to fund our information binder and earning yourself a small ad in the program book, for $500. Call Cynthia Harriman at 603-436-1608 if you'd like to come onboard as a last-minute supporter. Click here to see a list of all our generous conference sponsors.
Hotel Group Price ends March 24
We can only guarantee the Group Discount on hotel rooms at the Westin Alexandria until March 24, so now's the time to make your plans. Good news - we convinced the hotel to include free internet access to everyone in our room block, to give you an additional discount. Click here to go directly to the Westin's WGC-Conference-specific reservations.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
Not only are hotel rooms going fast, but so are seats in the "ballroom" where this event will take place. There are only 32 spaces left at our conference, so register today.
Yes, the first registration is free for each WGC member (and additional ones discounted to $385), so you may think you can just sit back and decide to come at the last minute. But we'd hate to have you miss out, as we approach the limits on our space. Register today.
Online registration takes just a few minutes, so do it now, by clicking here then choosing REGISTER [link is no longer active]. Registration includes meals, making this conference the best possible deal for today's limited travel budgets.
SCHOOLS SURVEY ON WHOLE GRAINS
Even with the conference on the horizon, the WGC is still involved in other projects.
A lot of what we do at the WGC is aimed at helping different groups talk to each other. One of our latest projects is designed to help schools communicate with manufacturers of whole grain foods - to help our members understand what kinds of whole grain foods schools are eager to buy, what price they can pay, and so forth. We designed a survey to gather this data.
We just launched the survey a few days ago, but responses are already coming in. We'll share the results with you in a future newsletter. If you're selling to schools, feel free to send your favorite schools the URL for our survey and invite them to put in their two cents! Here's the link.
RESEARCH PROJECT ON ANTIOXIDANTS
As you know, the Whole Grains Council works with an advisory board of distinguished scientists who are known for their expertise in cereal chemistry, nutrition, and other related fields. We turn to them regularly for advice, and appreciate their volunteer efforts for the WGC.
This time one of our WGC Scientific Advisors turned to us for advice. Dr. Rui Hai Liu, a professor of Food Science at Cornell, contacted us asking for donations of grains, for a new project he's undertaking to better document the antioxidant properties of whole grains. Our thanks go out to Bob's Red Mill, National Sorghum Producers, Horizon Milling, and Montana Flour & Grains, all of whom offered advice or samples for the many different grains needed for this project. Another example of great WGC co-operation! We will of course share the outcome of the research with all of our members when it's available.
WGC AT NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST
Kara Berrini enjoyed seeing many of you at Natural Products Expo West earlier this month. A full 70 of our WGC members were there as exhibitors, so it was a good opportunity to check in with many members of "the family."
You can see Kara's light-hearted reports on the event, on the WGC blog!
Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,
Cindy
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Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office
February 2009 Member Email (Sent February 26, 2009)
Dear Whole Grains Council members,Most of this month's member email is about our upcoming conference on April 20-22, 2009, in Alexandria, VA. Why are we focusing so much on this one event? Because these three days have the potential to:
generate positive media coverage for whole grains for many months
create new content for our website, giving the conference worldwide impact
provide new awareness and understanding of whole grains to key government policymakers
encourage productive and profitable business-to-business links among WGC members
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
Two-thirds of the 150 slots at this conference are already spoken for - and Early Bird discounts end on February 28. The first registration from each WGC member company is free, with additional registrations from the same company costing only $335 ($385 after February 28).
Online registration takes just a few minutes, so do it now, by clicking here then choosing REGISTER [link is no longer active]. Registration includes meals, making this conference the best possible deal for your limited travel budget.
CHECK OUT THE CONFERENCE AGENDA
This conference will be chock-full of valuable information that you can use the minute you return to work. We've confirmed an exciting roster of speakers for our April conference, including:
- Joseph Derochowski, of NPD Group, with the first post-2005 whole grain consumption data - and food trends for the next decade
- Rob Birgfeld, of SmartBrief, explaining how social media offers new ways to spread your message
- Julie Miller Jones, updating us on important recent research on whole grains and health
- Cathy Schuchart, of the School Nutrition Association, on cost issues in adding whole grains to school meals
- Jon Faubion, of Kansas State, explaining the challenges of switching to whole grain ingredients
- Robert Post, Acting Director of the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on government's role in promoting health
- Lisa Mancino, USDA Economic Research Service, with data on the shrinking price gap between whole and refined grains
- Morten Meyer, of the Danish Cancer Society, inspiring us with tales of Denmark's aggressive whole grain campaign
All of this great content is interspersed with culinary demonstrations, great whole grain foods for sampling, a lively Awards Dinner, our WGC "Annual" Meeting, and lots of useful networking with leading lights from government, industry and health. You can see the full agenda on our website .
SPONSORSHIP: SMALL MONEY, BIG RESULTS
We know your marketing budget has been cut back, along with everyone else's. And yet 21 companies have already committed to sponsoring or supporting the Make (at least!) Half Your Grains Whole conference - more sponsors than any previous conference! While we know these companies enjoy supporting the WGC's work, times are too tough to spend even a single dollar just to be nice. These companies are sponsoring the conference because they expect a strong return on their investment - in visibility before our top national media attendees; in opportunities to positively impact government policy; and in positioning as a leader in whole grains.
Big thanks go to all our sponsors: Bimbo Bakeries USA, Bob's Red Mill, Cargill / Horizon Milling, ConAgra Mills, FritoLay, General Mills, Harvest Time Bread, Indian Harvest Specialtifoods, Kellogg's, King Arthur Flour, Mars Food US, McKee Foods / Sunbelt, Roman Meal, Snyder's of Hanover, and Sunnyland Mills; and to our supporters: Dr. Kracker, Kitchen Resource, Mestemacher Bread / Carl Brandt, Rubschlager Baking and USA Rice Federation. We are really pleased to have such formidable participation!
It's not too late. You have until March 15 to become a sponsor or a supporter of our upcoming conference. Sponsorships range from $5,000 to $17,500, and Supporters pay $250 to $1,500. Click here to see details or contact Cynthia Harriman (603-436-1608 or cynthia@oldwayspt.org) today.
SUGGESTIONS FOR GOVERNMENT INVITATIONS?
When you're holding a party in someone's backyard, it's always polite to make sure they're invited.
Since we're in DC, we're generating an invitation list of Washington VIPs and government policymakers who might have a particular interest in attending all or part of our conference.
If you have suggestions of people who you think should be included, please contact Cynthia Harriman (603-436-1608 or cynthia@oldwayspt.org).
WGC CONTINUES TO GROW
Did you know that the WGC now includes over 225 companies as members, including three that joined in the last week alone. We won't play favorites by listing individual companies here, but you can see the entire list of current members under About Us on our website.
WGC AT NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST
Kara Berrini, Program Manager of the WGC, will be making the rounds at Expo West in Anaheim on Friday March 6 and Saturday March 7. She's looking forward to saying hello to many long-time WGC members, and also to putting a face to those who - up till now - have connected with us only by email and phone.
If you'll be exhibiting at Expo West, email Kara (kberrini@oldwayspt.org) with your booth number, and she'll try to stop by.
Hope we'll see you soon in Anaheim -- or at our conference in April.
Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,
Cindy
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Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office
January 2009 Member Email (Sent January 27, 2009)
Dear Whole Grains Council members,
A new year dawns, and the WGC has a great lineup of programs planned to promote whole grains, educate consumers, and assist manufacturers. In this newsletter we'll fill you in, while looking back at 2008 and updating you on our April conference.
WGC PLANS FOR 2009
In planning for 2009 activities, we've carefully balanced our projects both chronologically and by market segments, as usual, to make sure there's always something happening for all of our members. Here's the overview - but feel free to call or check out the more detailed plans on our website if you'd like to hear more about our 2009 agenda.
Retail. To draw consumer attention to whole grain products in stores we will:
· Promote Whole Grains Store Tour, in Spanish and English, to supermarket chains
· Design and run online "Stamp Collecting" contest to create viral interest in whole grain products
· Encourage members to run special promotions for Whole Grains Month in September (plan now!)
· Carry out research project on whole grain gains in supermarket aisles
· Highlight retail progress and challenges at our April conference
Foodservice. To spread the availability of whole grains in foodservice we will:
· Create a collection of whole grain recipes and tips for schools
· Run our third annual Whole Grains Challenge (in October this year)
· Research and publicize restaurants offering at least one whole grain option at all times
· Highlight foodservice successes and barriers at our April conference
Public Policy.To support strong government recommendations for whole grains we will:
· Submit whole grains research summary to U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
· Submit comments to U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
· Run Standards and Definitions workshop at April conference in DC area
Our April conference, our website, our blog, ongoing PR efforts, and our usual daily consumer hotline work will all play a part in helping the WGC accomplish the goals and programs listed above. But your involvement can play the biggest part of all! We urge all of you to be active members of the Whole Grains Council, as we lay out opportunities to be involved, each month in this newsletter
REGISTER NOW FOR APRIL CONFERENCE
Earlier this month, WGC members received an email inviting you to register for the Make (at least!) Half Your Grains Whole conference, being held April 20-22, 2009, in Alexandria, VA. Response has been great, and about a quarter of the registration spaces are already taken. Reserve your seat now, through our online reservation process (click on REGISTER).
In the short space of 48 hours, this WGC conference will invigorate you with inspiration for new marketing plans, insight into product development possibilities, and connections in industry, media, and government that will pay off in greater understanding and effectiveness. You can see a full schedule of conference sessions on our website.
As always, each WGC member gets one FREE registration. Sponsors get additional registration(s), and all other WGC registrations are at a steep discount over public rates. This is your conference, and we hope all of you will attend.
Do you know other people who are not members of the WGC who might like to attend? Send them a link to the conference page of our website and encourage them to join us in DC. Or post information about the conference on your website or in your company newsletter, with a link.
THERE'S STILL TIME TO SPONSOR!
Our April conference is not only a great chance to learn -- it's also a great opportunity to put your company and your products front and center with top media outlets, government policymakers, and other key influencers. For only a fraction of the cost of a print ad campaign or new website pages, a conference sponsorship brings you great visibility with important "message multipliers" who will spread the word about your company.
The best part is, with our new Hot Topics Sponsors approach, the story is already crafted, with your products starring in the cast. That's why eleven companies have already committed to being sponsors and supporters of the conference. A big thank you to Bob's Red Mill, Cargill/Horizon Milling, ConAgra Mills, Dr. Kracker, Harvest Time Bread, Indian Harvest Specialtifoods, King Arthur Flour, Mars Food US, Roman Meal, Snyder's of Hanover, and Sunnyland Mills.
Be a Hot Topics Sponsor for $5,000 to $17,500, or be a Supporter for $250 to $1,500. Contact Cynthia Harriman (603-436-1608 or cynthia@oldwayspt.org) today.
FORMULATION ISSUES -- SPEAKER SOUGHT
One of our conference sessions will explain -- in lay terms -- the formulation challenges in adding more whole grains to products. We think it's essential that the public, the media, and the government understand the effort involved in creating delicious whole grain products!
If your company has a spokesperson who can explain whole grain formulation challenges so clearly that lightbulbs will go off across the land, please contact Cynthia Harriman (603-436-1608 or cynthia@oldwayspt.org) so we can consider all possible speakers. (We don't want to play favorites by just calling one or two of you and missing a hidden gem!)
HAIL TO THE CHIEF
No, we're not talking about the new U.S. president. We're referring to the new Chairman of the WGC - Michael Bittel (shown above, at left, with Oldways President K. Dun Gifford). Mike is Senior Vice President and General Manager of King Arthur Flour Company, in Norwich, VT, where he has worked since 1999. He succeeds Bob Brown, of FritoLay, who chaired the WGC from May 2007 through December 2008. We thank Bob for his service to the WGC and welcome Mike to his new role.
FINAL RESEARCH REPORT
We've completed our compilation of recent research on whole grains and health. Last month we offered up a draft copy of the report to anyone interested.
Now the report is final. We've submitted it to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, and posted it on our website . We urge all our members to download a copy, as it's a great reference document for anyone who cares about whole grains and health.
RICE WORKSHOP MARCH 12-13
Occasionally our members ask us to pass on information about industry events related to whole grains. Here's one that may interest you. The USDA Agricultural Research Service and USA Rice Federation will hold the seventh Rice Utilization Workshop (RUW) on March 12-13, 2009, at the Chateau Bourbon Hotel in New Orleans, LA. The scientific forum, entitled, "Beneath the Hull: Exploring the Health-Promoting Functions of Rice Starch and Protein" will cover the latest research findings on rice protein and resistant starch, a form of dietary fiber, and explore their role in improving human health.
The Rice Utilization Workshops, co-sponsored by USDA and USA Rice since 1993, provide a forum to explore innovative uses for rice, and set the direction for future research and education efforts. Contact Anne Banville, USA Rice, abanville@usarice.com 703 236 1465 or link to full information at www.usarice.com/processing.
WGC ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2008
As we leave 2008 behind, we look back on a number of major accomplishments. We've posted a more detailed list of the highlights of 2008 on the WGC website, but can't resist mentioning just a few here:
- The WG Stamp went international: to Canada, the UK, Ireland, Poland, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
- We registered our 2,000th product in August.
- Members donated 129.9 tons of whole grains to the needy.
- The WGC provided support for new WIC and Healthier US Schools guidelines.
Your membership in the Whole Grains Council makes accomplishments like these possible, and we thank all of you for your ongoing support.
Best regards from all of us at Oldways and the Whole Grains Council,
Cindy
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Cynthia Harriman
Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies
Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
603-436-1608 direct
617-896-4820 main office