The Independent Bakers Association (IBA) held its 36th annual convention in June, which featured an array of experts speaking on issues currently affecting the baking industry.

Labor was a hot topic, with Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, discussing the contentious Employee Free Choice Act and attorney Mark Dreux pointing out the new labor-leaning leadership of OSHA.

Ingredient issues also were addressed, with announcements that domestic production of sugar will be short this year, but the supply of wheat will meet the demand. Lori Roman, president of the Salt Institute, asked bakers to fight back against the new sodium limits that emerged as part of the preliminary food guidelines earlier in June.

Other subjects included the new health care legislation, environmental policy and Republican prospects for the upcoming midterm elections.