The Organization for Competitive Markets invites all members and friends to its annual conference on Friday, August 3, 2007 in Omaha.  OCM members should plan to attend the annual business meeting the next day on August 4.

“OCM’s 2007 Annual Conference will show the strength of OCM’s ideas and influence,” said Keith Mudd, OCM president.  “State senators from across the midwest will speak on state-level agriculture and competition initiatives.  Pat Choate, former vice presidential candidate, will speak about the trade debate in Washington, DC and around the country.  Brian O’Shaunessey, the CEO of Revere Copper, will relate how America’s failed trade policy has harmed manufacturing.”

OCM is working hard to inform political leaders on the proper policies to include in the next Farm Bill.  Larry Mitchell of the American Corn Growers Association and Michael Stumo of OCM will shed light on this process.

Alan Guebert, the well-known syndicated columnist, will share his views and his humor on important trends in agriculture and trade.  Brother David Andrews will illustrate the connection between morality and trade.  Larry Sills of Producers Livestock has insightful information on problems and solutions in the hog market. 

“OCM is especially excited to inform our members and friends about the Coalition for a Prosperous America, in which OCM plays a leading role,”  continued Mudd.  “Rob Dumont of the Tooling, Manufacturing and Technologies Association will show how agricultural producers, manufacturers, workers and citizens have common interests in working together through CPA for a better trade policy.”

Agenda

8:30a               Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

9:00a               Federal Farm Bill Update

                        Larry Mitchell, American Corn Growers Assn.

                        Michael Stumo, OCM

10:00a            State Level Political Representatives

                        Sen. Jack Kibbie – Iowa senate president (IA competition bills)

                        Sen. Carol Hudkins – Nebraska senator (NE competition bills)

                        Sen. Annette Dubas – Nebraska senator (Initiative 300)

                        Sen. Wes Shoemeyer – Missouri senator (MO initiatives)

                        Sen. Tom White – Nebraska senator (federal meat packer litigation)

12:00               Lunch – Brian O'Shaughnessy, CEO Revere Copper (international trade)

2:00p               Hog Marketing and Pricing

                        Larry Sills, Producers Livestock (hog marketing issues and problems)

2:30p               Federal Level Political Representatives

                        Dale Williamson – Senator Ben Nelson’s office

                        Josh Moenning - Jeff Fortenberry’s office

3:30p               Morality and Trade

                        Brother David Andrews

4:15p               Report from Coalition for a Prosperous America

                        Rob Dumont, Tooling Manufacturing and Technologies Assn.

7:00p               Dinner – Pat Choate, former vice presidential candidate (international trade