Fresh Produce Discussion Blog

Created by The Packer's National Editor Tom Karst

Monday, August 29, 2011

ALG: Is Obama's Justice Department Targeting Right-to-Work Companies?

ALG: Is Obama's Justice Department Targeting Right-to-Work Companies?

August 29th, 2011, Fairfax, VA—Gibson Guitar was raided by the U.S. Department of Justice recently for an alleged violation of environmental laws including the Lacey Act.  Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson today called on Tennessee Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander to investigate whether the Department is selectively targeting companies for criminal investigations that do business in right-to-work states:

"Tennessee Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander should immediately demand a full explanation from the Obama Administration for their apparent targeting of Gibson Guitar — which makes all of their guitars in the U.S.  Based upon facts available, the only thing that distinguishes Gibson's import of wood and that of its competitors is that Gibson is located in Tennessee, a right-to-work state, and its main competitors are located in non-right-to-work California and Pennsylvania.

"In the wake of Obama's National Labor Relations Board's attempt to prevent Boeing from expanding into right-to-work South Carolina, it is reasonable to question whether the Justice Department raid of Gibson is a gross abuse of power to appease their politically important Big Labor allies.  It is up to Senators Corker and Alexander to get to the truth, no matter how ugly it might be."   

Press release: Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere

Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere announces an unmissable 2011 programme.

The Southern Hemisphere’s leading fresh produce conference event takes place in Lima, Peru, on 9-11 November and promises to be another premier event following on from last year’s edition, which saw over 220 delegates from 21 countries convene in Uruguay.

This year’s conference programme will feature a supplier spotlight on host nation Peru, with speakers set to discuss what the country's rapidly developing fresh produce industry has to offer the Northern Hemisphere market. Leading the discussion will be Fernando Cillóniz from Inform@cción, the Lima-based research and consultancy agency, which provides information on Peru’s agricultural sector.

A delegation of senior-level, international speakers will also offer tips on how to stay ahead in the highly competitive retail sourcing and marketing arena, plus an insight into what the major markets are demanding from growers and exporters when it comes to sustainability, logistics and packaging.

Other hot topics up for discussion will include a look at the opportunities for new growth in certain product categories and market sectors within traditional export destinations like North America and Europe, as well as the potential to supply alternative markets in Asia, Eastern Europe and Russia.

Staying ahead of the game with the most up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge is vital in today’s competitive global market. Long-term business success also comes down to the ability to make the right kind of relationships with the right kind of people.

Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere offers ample networking opportunities to ensure you make lasting contacts with the best fresh produce business professionals in the region and beyond.

Register online before 1 October 2011 and benefit from an exclusive 20 per cent saving on the standard delegate fee.

Keep up to date with speaker, programme and market news at www.eurofruitcongress.com/sh

For all delegate, marketing and press queries, contact:

Hannah Gorvin, Commercial Manager
Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere, 9-11 November 2011
Tel: +44 20 7501 3707, Fax: +44 20 7498 6472
Email: info@eurofruitcongress.com