(STILLWATER, Okla. - Aug. 25, 2006) – The Industry Advisory Committee of the Food & Agricultural Products Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University met recently at the FAPC to discuss food and agricultural issues and elect new officers.

“The Industry Advisory Committee offers counsel, makes decisions and takes leadership action to ensure the FAPC makes sound short- and long-term plans to accomplish its mission and objectives,” said J. Roy Escoubas, FAPC director.

Committee members elected John Bailey, Bill Wiley and John Griffin to serve as chair, vice chair and secretary/treasurer of the committee, respectively.

Bailey is the director of manufacturing for the Schwan’s Bakery Inc. facility in Stilwell, Okla., where he is responsible for all plant functions and oversees between 500 and 800 employees.

Wiley, a graduate of Stanford University with a bachelor’s and a master's degree in engineering, is a logistics professional with 30 years of industry experience and currently operates Oklahoma Refrigerated Services, LLC in Oklahoma City.

Griffin serves as the president and chief executive officer at Griffin Food Co. in Muskogee, Okla. The company produces two well-known products, Griffin Waffle Syrup and Griffin Strawberry Preserves, as well as mustards, salad dressings, coconut, vanilla and peanut butter.

The FAPC has the privilege of oversight by this committee of Oklahoma agricultural and business leaders, appointed by the highest positions of Oklahoma state government, Escoubas said.

"Through the visionary leadership of certain state representatives and senators, such as Sens. Bruce Price, Paul Muegge and Bob Kerr and Rep. M.C. Leist, State Statute 2-5-60 was established in 1997 to provide an advisory committee for the FAPC," Escoubas said.

The governor, the speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate each appoint four members to the FAPC Industry Advisory Committee. The dean and director of OSU's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources serves as a non-voting member and also appoints three members to the committee.

The positions that are required by state statute include national food processors operating in Oklahoma, Oklahoma food processors, Made-In-Oklahoma representatives, economic development representatives and representatives from the food and agribusiness marketing and transportation sectors.  Also, included are a representative for the fiber and textile industry, representatives for the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors and representatives of production agriculture.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating.  The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.