SEMA_________________________________

SOUTHEASTERN MEAT ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 620777; Oviedo, FL 32762 Phone: 407-365-5661

DECEMBER 2004

VOLUME 19, No. 12

GOOD NEWS FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY

On November 23rd the following announcement was made after the test, known as the “gold standard” for BSE testing, demonstrated conclusively that the animal did not have BSE, or “mad cow” disease.

John Clifford Deputy Administrator Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) made the following statement, “The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, has determined that the inconclusive screening test sample reported on November 18th has tested negative for BSE upon confirmatory testing.”

On November 23rd NVSL reported the second test was negative. Clifford went on to say, “APHIS began an enhanced surveillance program on June and to date has tested over 121,000 samples for BSE. APHIS has reported three inconclusive including the November 18th sample and all have tested negative on confirmatory testing.”

ANN VENEMAN RESIGNS

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman resigned November 19th. From 1986 to 1993 Secretary Veneman served in other posts at the Department of Agriculture in the Reagan and first Bush Administrations. She will be remembered for her contributions to food safety, including improving safeguards against bioterrorism.

DR. MURANO LEAVING WASHINGTON

Dr. Murano submitted her resignation to President Bush, effective December 3rd. USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Murano has accepted a multi-titled position at Texas A&M.

<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>
14% o U.S. workers are 55 or older. By 2012, 19% will be 55 or older.
<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>

WEB SITE FOR GOVERNMENT RECALLS

A new feature on the Web site called “Recent Recalls” allows everyone to view recall announcements made by different US Agencies. Consumers can now go to www.recalls.gov to find breaking news about product recalls.

THE OTHER WHITE MEAT

Improved taste and quality seem to be the driving factor in the surge in pork sales and consumption. Keith Collin, chief economist at USDA, predicts sales of U.S. pork products will exceed $15 billion this year.

‘TIS THE SEASON

Holiday perks are an important business practice. Choosing the right way to reward employees can influence positive behavior, boost morale and generate renewed motivation. It is an important part of maintaining positive and healthy relationships with your employees. While some years may not be as profitable, a reward is more symbolic than substantive. Consider cost effective ways to show your appreciation. A few ideas may be food (hams, cheeses, chocolates, baked goods), tickets to an event, events/parties, bonuses.

Remember bonuses are wages and subject to taxes like other wages. Gifts under $25 are exempt from these taxes. To find out about taxable gifts, visit www.irs.gov.

More than three-quarters of U.S. adults celebrate the holidays at their workplace, either with parties, gift giving or both.

Orlando Sentinel/FL Employers Solution, Inc.

<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>
Gratitude……. is a great attitude
<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>

SEMA WEB SITE WORKING FOR YOU

In October, the SEMA Web site had over 1,000 unique visitors. Most visitors come directly to the site rather than being referred by another site. Most traffic (83.6%) was during the week, which shows a majority of our traffic is from business people. It is a great networking opportunity.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Joe Miller has left the position of Executive Vice President (EVP) of NAMP. We wish Joe well in his endeavors. Deven Scott will be serving as the Interim Executive Vice President (Deven retired from NAMP in 2000 after serving 10 years a NAMP’s EVP).

A search committee will be conducting a search for a qualified candidate to fill the EVP position.

WELCOME
NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

M & Q Packaging Corp.
P.O. Box 180
Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania 17972
Contact Person: Bob Cullen
P: 214.912.1465 F:570.385.4954

BK Giulini Corp.
3695 Alamo Street, Suite 203
Simi Valley, California 93063
Contact Person: Marty Brouillette
P: 805.501.2728 F: 225.222.6510

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Basic Meat & Poultry HACCP Workshop	UGA Campus in Athens, GA	Feb 1-2 & April 5-6
SEMA Convention	The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, FL	June 10-12

<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>

THINGS TO PONDER………………
Ever notice how people who tell you to calm down . . . .
are the ones who got you mad in the first place.