Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/9408
USPB ANNUAL MEETING NEW CHAIR When Cheryl Koompin of American Falls, Idaho, found out she was being nominated as the newest USPB chairperson, to succeed Tom Qualey, she was “a little skeptical, a lot nervous but very honored” that she would have the privilege of being Idaho’s first female USPB chairperson. Koompin is a homemaker and farm wife with Koompin Farms in American Falls, Idaho. She has two grown sons, and they farm close to 3,500 acres of nine different varieties—reds, Yukon Golds, chip varieties and some russets. They also grow about 200 acres of their own seed. Koompin is currently in her sixth To emphasize The need for The UspB To remain focUsed on The conTinUed developmenT of long-Term demand, UspB ceo Tim o’connor gave The resUlTs UspB programs delivered dUring fiscal Years 2005–2009, for The fUll Board, and The indUsTrY parTners in aTTendance To consider: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING u U.S. potato exports have exceeded $1 billion the past two years, supported by the USPB’s market access and development program initiatives. u 444 new products were developed, 108 of which have been commercially launched u 572 new menu items have been introduced. u 100 customers have switched their purchasing to U.S. potato products. u 124 retailers now carry U.S. potatoes in their chains. u 41 samples of U.S. potatoes have been sent to interested buyers. u U.S. potatoes are being sold in 64 new channels. DOMESTIC MARKETING u 10 percent improvement in consumers’ attitudes about the nutritional value of potatoes. u 10 percent increase in potato volume and 4.8 percent increase in dollar sales, on average, have been attained by retailers who have successfully implemented USPB’s Best-In-Class programs. u 52 chefs, representing 48 restaurant chains, with a total of 85,000 units and $72 billion in sales, have attended the USPB’s Foodservice Seminars. Forty percent of those attending these custom seminars are developing, or have already added, new potato items to their menus. u 4 nutrition research studies completed in the areas of potassium, antioxidants, glycemic index and satiety and one weight management study currently under way to reinforce the positive nutrition profile of the potato. u 84 healthy potato recipes added to consumer recipe database. u 7,066 news stories about potato nutrition have been published or broadcast in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and online media. u 5.25 percent increase in potato menu mentions on Top 200 restaurant chain menus between second half of 2005 and first half of 2008. 12 Potato Grower | MAY 2010 POTATO NEWSIES. Mike Pink and Rob Davis await their next cue to run out and announce the next bullet point in the International Marketing Committee presentation, newsie style. year on the board, though she served an active part in the International Food Aid Initiative before she started serving as a board member. Since beginning her service, she was on the Administrative Committee, International Marketing Committee and has served three years as co-chairman of International Marketing. Koompin is excited to be the chair and says she can add a female perspective on how potatoes should be promoted. She points out that she still knows plenty about “Linda”—the consumer market the USPB focuses the most on—because she’s still a part of that demographic. PG