I also attended a senate committee hearing entitled “Crisis in the Future: Long Run Deficits and Debt,” where the sole focus was on healthcare costs. Peter Orszag, Ph.D., director, Congressional Budget Office, witness at the hearing, claims 30 percent or about $700 billion per year in healthcare costs do not necessarily improve health outcome or are unnecessary.

Throughout my internship, I learned a great deal about the number of factors that impact the baking industry. Aside from the obvious, such as food safety and commodity-related issues, challenges affecting bakers include healthcare, transportation rules, fuel costs, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the “sin” tax (taxes on snack foods), among others.

“It's important to work with legislators in a constructive way, even if some solutions are not the best,” says Chris Clark, vice president, operations and membership, SFA. “It's still important to have a seat at the table.”

I'm glad I had a chance to sit at the table, even if only for a short time.