Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Food Distribution Research Society. I have never considered myself much of a salesman, but given the opportunity, I can talk at length about why FDRS is important to me. Seventeen years ago I attended my first FDRS conference and discovered a place where academia, industry, and government come together in a lively forum discussing the most current challenges to food marketing and distribution. What's more, I found an organization built on relationships. FDRS provides a forum for novice and experienced alike -- a place where the sharing of knowledge is cherished. Attending an FDRS event is a great opportunity to network in a friendly atmosphere conducive to professional growth.

The officers and directors of FDRS are very concerned with providing value to our members in a sustainable organizational structure. We are striving to maintain the FDRS tradition of great conferences, a unique Journal, and support of education through the Applebaum Memorial Fund. I encourage you to get involved in FDRS by simply dropping me a line.

Come join us in Portland, OR, October 15-19 for the 2011 Annual Meeting. Our program theme, "Trade, Traceability, and Taste" will explore food quality issues from multiple angles and feature the Food Innovation Center at Oregon State University. Many thanks to Cathy Durham and colleagues who are creating what is shaping up to be another fantastic program. See you there!

Regards,

John Park, President

Dr. John Park

Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Department of Agricultural Economics

Texas A&M University

2124 TAMU

College Station, TX 77843-2124

jlpark@tamu.edu