In this issue of The Animal Science Monitor, we’re focusing specifically on the industry itself, in the form of our “Connecting You” series, as well as a special “In Focus” feature on the Pet Food Institute.  We’ll also ask you to take a look at your company and determine exactly where it stands right now in terms of the present . . . and the future.  Tough questions deserve tough answers, and that’s what we always strive to provide here at The ASM.  We hope you enjoy this issue, and once again, thank you for your loyal readership.

—Dan 
 
 

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Is Your Company Preparing for the Future . . . or Trying to Stay Alive in the Present?

(By Dan Simmons)

Early in my career, I was carpooling with Bill, who was further up the corporate ladder than I was.  One day as we were driving home, he said, “I gave your name to a headhunter today.  I went to see him because it’s time to get out of here.”  I was surprised.  Then he told me that his expense reimbursement checks, which normally took seven days, were taking two to three weeks and that this was a sign of cash flow troubles.

Bill went on to tell me that one of his previous employers went through cash flow problems about one year before they closed, which was about six months before he left.  He felt he was being prudent.  He was.  Within 45 days, both Bill and I had new employers, and within 18 months, the company started closing locations.  After another few years, the company was simply a memory.

Not every company that has cash flow issues closes.  You shouldn’t jump ship every time an employer faces bad times.  You should look to see if their plan for the future makes sense to you.  With Bill, our employer had recently opened a new location and bought a competitor.  It looked good from the outside at first glance, but they were investing in poor locations and buying inferior competitors with borrowed money.

Take a good look at your employer’s overall plan, resources, and mindset.  If the leadership is enthusiastic and confident, this is a good sign.  If raises are few, hiring is frozen and plans are varied, take a step back and see how your company compares with the competition.

Remember, you are responsible for your career, and if you can make timely moves like Bill did, you can keep from being laid off and find your next opportunity on your own terms.

If you have any questions about this article, feel free to contact me at dan@consearch.com.

Connect to Dan Simmons on LinkedIn. 
 
 
 

Connecting You: American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists

(By Matt Deutsch)

Welcome to the next installment of “Connecting You,” a new series of articles within The Animal Science Monitor newsletter. “Connecting You” will showcase a number of associations within the world of animal science and animal nutrition.

One such organization will be highlighted each month, usually in the second issue of that month. Our goal is to promote the organization, its website, its mission within the industry, and its upcoming events. We believe that giving exposure to these organizations will prove to be beneficial not only for them, but also for you—our readers.

This month’s organization

American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (http://www.arpas.org/)

Its mission

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) provides certification of animal scientists through examination, continuing education, and commitment to a code of ethics, and disseminates applied scientific information through publication of the peer-viewed journal The Professional Animal Scientist.

Membership information

ARPAS is affiliated with five professional societies:

• American Dairy Science Association
• American Meat Science Association
• American Society of Animal Science
• Equine Science Society
• Poultry Science Association

 

In addition, the umbrella and service organization is the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS).

Upcoming events

ARPAS offers exams at a number of different conferences throughout the year.  If you’d like to take an ARPAS exam, send an email to arpas@assochq.org or to the person listed as the ARPAS representative at least a week prior to the conference.

Click here for a list of upcoming exam dates and sites.

Read future issues of The Animal Science Monitor for more information regarding organizations within the animal science and animal nutrition industries. 
 

In Focus: The Pet Food Institute

Next month, the Pet Food Institute and the National Grain and Feed Association will host the Feed and Pet Food Joint Industries Conference (JIC).  This conference will be held on Wednesday, September 22, through Friday, September 24, at the Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile in Chicago.  For more information, visit www.jointindustriesconference.org.  In the meantime, The ASM will be profiling both organizations leading up to their joint conference.  First up is the Pet Food Institute. 
 

The Pet Food Institute (PFI) is the voice of U.S. pet food manufacturers.  PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of all dog and cat food in the U.S. marketplace.  Since it was founded in 1958, PFI has served as the industry’s public education and media relations resource, representative before the U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and educational programs, and liaison with other organizations.  PFI is dedicated to the following:

• Promoting the overall care and well being of pets.
• Supporting initiatives to advance the quality of dog and cat food.
• Supporting research in pet nutrition and the important role of pets in our society.
• Informing and educating the public on proper pet feeding and pet care.
• Representing the pet food industry before federal and state governments.

Industry consensus builder

PFI works closely with the makers of dog and cat food to develop industry-wide consensus on key issues.  From discussing complex technical topics to crafting position statements on challenging public issues, PFI is the place where the U.S. pet food industry comes together to work on matters of mutual interest and concern.

Regulatory affairs

Through a positive working relationship with regulatory officials, PFI represents the pet food industry before international, federal, and state regulatory agencies, including the FDA, USDA, EPA and OSHA, as well as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).  PFI advocates for reasonable policies on important regulatory matters, such as product labeling and processing requirements.

State and local advocacy

PFI represents the pet food industry before state legislatures and municipalities on a wide range of issues affecting pet ownership and the manufacture of pet food.  PFI’s approach of building alliances with state and local organizations has resulted in an enormously successful track record.

Public affairs

Greater public awareness of the importance of nutrition to human health has led to increased attention to pet foods.  PFI is dedicated to promoting awareness of the nutritional soundness of commercially prepared pet foods.  PFI has also created a website for consumer information and answers to frequently asked questions about pet food, The Pet Food Report: A Consumer’s Guide to Pet Food (www.petfoodreport.com).

International trade policy work

PFI works with U.S. government officials to promote access to foreign markets and resolve trade barriers.  PFI maintains regular contact with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that the appropriate government officials are aware of issues as they may arise and to coordinate efforts for resolution.

For more information about the Pet Food Institute, visit http://www.petfoodinstitute.org.

Introducing The ASM ‘Video Link of the Month’Since we’re highlighting the Pet Food Institute in this issue of The Animal Science Monitor, it only makes sense that our “Video Link of the Month” involves pets.  Of course, as you know, our video link feature deals with animals or animal science, and we’re always looking to include links that are humorous in nature.  Well, this month’s link contains all of those elements.

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