The Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturer’s Association

105th Annual Convention
April 13 – 15, 2008
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa
Savannah, Georgia

It is our pleasure this year to host the B&CMA Annual Convention at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa in Savannah, GA from April 13 – 15, 2008.  Join us for some genuine Southern charm that features riverfront rooms, a PGA championship golf course, and the cultural treasures of historic Savannah. The city boasts the largest historic landmark district of any city in America, covering 2.5 miles of squares and buildings. Savannah is sure to be an enjoyable Convention destination full of civil war history, great food, great golf, shopping, water excursions, and the romanticism of the South. 

There will be two Monday General Session keynotes: agronomist Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics of New Mexico State University presenting Tomorrow’s Agriculture: Six Trends You Can’t Afford to Miss; and branding and marketing expert Ira Blumenthal, president of CO-OPPORTUNITES, Inc. presenting Change Is Inevitable – Growth Is Optional. Tuesday will feature a panel session.

The Convention will continue with our traditional events – a Golf Outing; the Monday Night Dine-Around; a Tennis Tournament; and an architectural Guest Tour of Savannah including a late buffet lunch at Paula Deen’s The Lady & Sons Restaurant.  Last year’s golf clinic was so popular that we will repeat it this year, and we will be offering a new tennis clinic as well. We encourage our beginner players to give either a try. For independent activities, there are plenty of local opportunities for fun, touring, and relaxation. Guests can even drive 45 minutes to the Westin Hilton Head Island for complimentary private access to the beach. Please take a moment to check out the enclosed information and register early to attend the 105th Annual Convention. 

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM/EVENTS

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

MONDAY, APRIL 14

GENERAL SESSION            8:30 – 11:30 am

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Lowell Catlett

Dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics

Dr. Lowell Catlett, is a Regent’s Professor at New Mexico State University and was appointed Dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics in January 2006.  He is an exciting futurist whose knowledge of technologies and their implications on the way we will live and work is addressed in his varied and upbeat presentations.  His vast knowledge astounds corporate and association audiences both nationally and internationally.  His presentations are thought- provoking and highly-entertaining.

Dr. Catlett received his doctorate in Economics from Iowa State University, and has twice received the Don C. Roush Award for Excellence in Teaching.  He is also a recipient of the prestigious Burlington Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Outstanding University Teaching.  In 1994 he was one of two Western Regional recipients of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges “Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences Award.”

In February, 2007 he received the Carl F. Hertz Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers for his service to agriculture.

In addition to his selection in 2002 as a member of the original class of six New Mexico State University Regents Professors, Dr. Catlett has received every teaching award the university offers, including the Westhafer Award for Teaching in 1990, New Mexico State University’s top honor. The professor of agricultural economics and agricultural business is internationally known as an expert in commodities futures markets and is in demand as a speaker and consultant on predicting and planning for near- and long-term futures.

Lowell recently received the College of Agriculture and Home Economics Advisor of the Year as well as Teacher of the Year at New Mexico State University.

He is a consultant to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, Defense and Labor.  He has also been a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ira Blumenthal
Business Consultant and Executive-In-Residence
Georgia State University College of Business

Considered a business “Renaissance Man,” Ira Blumenthal is a consultant to world class clients such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Exxon, Wal-Mart, United Artists and others. He is a celebrated writer and is the recipient of the coveted “George Washington Honor Medal” for literary excellence. His book “Ready, Blame, Fire!” focuses on the “myths” and “misses” in marketing. Ira is a high-content public speaker who annually delivers over 100 keynotes around the world on topics related to business development such as Strategic Alliances, Branding, and Capitalizing On Change. He is a former visiting instructor at Michigan State University and the University of Notre Dame.

Ira Blumenthal serves as the Executive-In-Residence at Georgia State University's College of Business. He has been featured and interviewed in a wide range of media sources, such as The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, BrandWeek, Entrepreneur, USA Today, CNN and others. Consultant, writer, university instructor, public speaker, author, community activist and energetic visionary business expert - Ira Blumenthal is truly a modern-day business Renaissance Man.

GOLF TOURNAMENT             12:00 pm, Golf Staging Area, 1:00 pm, Tee Time ($275/person)
The outing will be played on an 18-Hole Robert Cupp/Sam Snead Championship Golf Course. This spectacular course will be hosting a PGA tournament the following week so greens will be in top-notch condition. Tee times at this course are always in high demand.

GOLF CLINIC                         2:00 pm, Driving Range ($50/person)
Not ready for the tournament but ready to try golf? Spend an hour of group instruction with a pro learning the basics of clubs, posture, grip and more. You will have plenty of time to try out your newly acquired knowledge on the driving range. Group will meet in the Pro Shop and proceed to the driving range.

DINE AROUND                  7:00 - 11:00 pm
Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing featuring the high-energy music of the band The Fabulous Classics. Resort casual attire is fine: khaki pants and collared shirts for men, slacks or skirts and blouses for women. Of course, you may dress up if you choose and dance the night away.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

MYTHBUSTERS: 10 REASONS WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS BAD BUSINESS

Sustainability issues affect all aspects of our businesses, not just the environmental challenges that come to mind whenever we hear this buzzword.  Commodity prices and human resource issues are also spoken of in sustainability terms. 

This panel of experts will be reviewing the various aspects of the sustainability issue and will answer your tough questions – farmers are now farming for the ethanol industry and our food commodity supplies are dwindling, can we do anything about rising commodity prices?  With the constant influx of new immigrants do we really have to be concerned about employee turnover?  The environment is fine; do we really have to reduce our footprint?

We hope you join us in this lively discussion on “if’s” and “how to’s” of sustainability.  Come prepared with your questions and leave with some real insight on a subject that is here to stay.

SAVANNAH TOUR                   12:15 – 4:00 pm, Bryan Square (right outside hotel near Ferry Dock)
($85/person, the architectural tour includes a late buffet 2pm lunch at Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons Restaurant. A snack will be provided before-hand to hold you over!  The staging time is 12:00 pm.)

 TENNIS CLINIC                 11:30 am, Tennis Courts
($40/person, Intimidated by tennis? Join us for a one hour tennis clinic with a tennis pro with includes rackets. We hope you will feel confident enough  afterwards to continue with the tennis tournament.)

TENNIS TOURNAMENT12:30 pm, Tennis Courts
Refreshments provided  ($40/person)

CLOSING RECEPTION        6:30 – 7:30 pm
Enjoy drinks and light hors d’oeuvres

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION

Baker and International Members: $795        Allied Members: $895

Three Ways to Register:
1) Register online at the B&CMA web site: www.thebcma.org

2) Mail the enclosed form to:      
        Kerry Kurowski, B&CMA
        6325 Woodside Court
        Suite 125
        Columbia, Maryland 21046

3) Fax this form to:  Kerry Kurowski at (410) 290-8585.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Golf Tournament: $275/person - Monday, April 14, 12:00 pm - Staging, 1:00 pm - Tee Time

Tennis Tournament: $40/person - Tuesday, April 15, 12:30 pm 

• Take an Open Air Trolley Ride through the largest restored National Historic Landmark District in the nation showing over 270 years of history, ancient cobblestones, and 18th and 19th century buildings. This tour includes a light snack to start, admission to the Owens-Thomas House, the Isaiah Davenport House Museum, and a late lunch at Paula Deen’s The Lady & Sons Restaurant offering Southern Cuisine and hospitality. Space is limited. The tour stages at 12:00 pm in Bryan Square located right outside between the Westin Savannah (just out the door on the upper level by the signs for the Ferry Dock) and International Trade Center.
  
  

REGISTRATION CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations postmarked or faxed by March 28, 2008 are entitled to a full refund.  Cancellations received after this date will be subject to a 25% penalty fee off the total of the registration and event fees. Members sharing a single registration is prohibited but complete substitutions may be made without penalty. Individuals who do not attend and fail to cancel are not eligible for a refund.
  
  

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa is located on exclusive Hutchinson Island and overlooks the Savannah River. Get away from the city and relax on the island, or take a 90-second water ferry ride from outside the hotel’s door to downtown Savannah to explore the historic restaurants, shops, and museums. The resort is 30 minutes from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).

HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND CUT-OFF DATE
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa
One Resort Drive
Savannah, GA 31421
Toll Free: (800) 937-8461
Direct Line: (912) 201-2000
Fax: (912) 201-2001
http://www.westinsavannah.com/

To receive the special B&CMA rate of $245 Single/Double occupancy reservations must be made by March 14, 2008 by calling (800) 937-8461 and referencing B&CMA.  Reservations received after this date are subject to rate and space availability. 

Reservations can be made on-line at The 2008 BCMA SPRING CONVENTION

TRAVEL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

GOLF
The Westin Savannah Golf Resort is the proud home of the PGA TOUR's Champions Tour Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. Guests of The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa have exclusive reservation priority at the resort's impeccable Troon-managed golf course. This 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Cupp and Sam Snead offers excitement for both novice and experienced players—even golf champions.

SHOPPING
Savannah boasts the largest historic landmark district of any city in America covering 2.5 miles and 22 squares. Surrounding the historic squares, you’ll find trendy shops featured in fashionable magazines, funky old stores full of fun and gallery after gallery, each different from the last. Places such as City Market offer souvenirs, scrumptious treats, antiques, boutiques, and much more. Remember your walking shoes.

SPA ACTIVITIES
Greenbrier Spa is the sister spa of the original Greenbrier Spa of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. In a setting of understated elegance, you can enjoy an array of hydrotherapy-centered treatments reflecting the original Greenbrier, or even the Savannah inspired Live Oak massage. Swiss Showers and Scotch Sprays completely refresh, as do the pure, organic products incorporated into treatments for the face, skin and body.

WEATHER
April temperatures are usually in the high-70s (Fahrenheit), and cool off in the evening to the mid-50s.

WHAT TO PACK
All sessions and social events are resort casual: slacks and golf shirts for men, slacks or skirts and blouses for women. In the evening, temperatures can cool to the mid 50s, so please pack a jacket or sweater.  For the Monday Dine Around, resort casual attire is fine; of course, you may dress up if you choose. Savannah is often described as a walking city; a pair of comfortable shoes is essential.

QUESTIONS
Contact Kerry Kurowski - Ph: (443) 545-1645; F: (410) 290-8585;
E: kkurowski@thebcma.org

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