July was an interesting month for SFA President Jim McCarthy and your chairman of the board. It involved a number of activities aimed at strengthening the association and making SNAXPO 2005 one of our best and most educational shows. Watch for details in the coming month.

The highlight of the month was a fun-filled trip to Mexico City that included lost luggage, delayed planes, rained-out airports and ensuing airport diversions, a missed landing approach, baggage searches and other misadventures that tested your Dynamic Duo’s commitment to the cause. Rest assured we got through it, a bit worse for the wear but with our dedication to SFA stronger than ever.

There was, in the middle of this “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” remake, a delightful and productive encounter with snack professionals in Mexico City. The reason for our trip was to meet with officials of the snack-foods committee of Canacintra, Mexico, which is like our U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These people were wonderful hosts and very enthusiastic about fostering cross-border cooperation.

The committee produces a snack-food trade show in Mexico City in the fall that facilitates cooperation among participants in the

snack industry and provides valuable educational opportunities for attendees.

This year, the show will be held Nov. 4-5. It is the Fifth Encuentro Nacional De Fabricantes De Botanas. In addition to the exposition, programs will be offered on the Mexican economy, HACCP programs, snack-market trends and other topics.

SFA officials will attend the show to sign an agreement of cooperation with Canacintra to bring our organizations closer together.

If you have an interest in learning about the snack industry and opportunities for your business with our neighbors to the south, this would be an excellent way to learn and, at the same time, enjoy one of the most fascinating cities in the world.