SSGA directors adopt membership structure at April board meeting

On April 17, the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) held its second board meeting following the February merger of the Northern Food Grade Soybean Association (NFGSA) and Midwest Shippers Association (MSA). Board members heard financial and communications updates, as well as an update from Executive Director Eric Wenberg on recent SSGA activities and progress in establishing the new organization as a worldwide food industry leader.

The board considered a recommendation from the governance action team establishing member fees, and voted to adopt a fee structure that will permit the group to grow and succeed financially. Membership renewals from NFGSA and MSA will now shift to SSGA. Members should stay tuned for upcoming membership opportunities to arrive via email and snail mail soon.

SSGA Vice Chair Bob Sinner updated the group on the Natto Summit to be held Sept. 3-5, in Fargo, N.D. SSGA created teams to focus specifically on food grade soy and specialty grains, which will meet soon to discuss other 2019 and 2020 events, along with current and future grant programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and state organizations.

Sheila Sauve from Fargo-based Healthy Food Ingredients was elected to the board. Sauve will replace Aaron Skyberg, who departed the board with gratitude from SSGA for his service.