Dear Fellow Members,

It is already more than half way through the summer. Time is flying by very fast. I would like to thank those members attending the Annual Meeting in May for electing me President. It has truly been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors.

Our new board has already made some new changes. We welcome Alissa Ressel as the Society's new Administrator. This enthusiastic individual will be replacing the services of The Glenn Roberts Group. Increasing difficulties and higher costs for the SFC led us to implement this change.

We have planned an exciting year of speakers. Ed Albaugh, our Program Committee chair has put together both educational and interesting program speakers for the upcoming year, starting with the next September meeting. Mr. Tom Gittelman from the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company will speak to us on the taste of our most basic ingredient, water. We will also have Ms. Mary Raukko, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Flavors at Firmenich discuss the Organic Foods labeling regulations which the USDA just finalized. And for dinner, Dr. John Lord, Professor of Food Marketing, St. Joseph's University (Phil.) will speak on "Hot Buttons" that drive new product development with an emphasis on flavor.

This will be a busy year. We will continue to build on many of the programs of the past. We will also focus on some new ideas and changes. I encourage all the members to offer their input on what is good and not good in the organization. I thank those who have volunteered for committee work. I encourage all of our members to step forward and discuss with any board members how they can contribute. I ask our senior members to encourage your young staff members to attend our meetings. Our programs are both a great source of learning and career inspiration.

Have a fun and safe summer. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Princeton Marriott in September.

Sincerely,

Bob Vogt
SFC President

Dolf de Rovira passing the gavel to Robert Vogt