From Washington, DC; Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Written by Michael Burns, Patrick Maschhoff, and Cyndi Punke
The World Bank
It was a brisk morning! We were out and about a bit earlier as we headed off to the World Bank. Started the day with Mark Cackler, Manager of Agricultural and Environmental Services at The World Bank. The group found Mr. Cackler’s presentation very interesting and had lots of questions. The main subject of Mark’s presentation was Agriculture for Development. The overarching purpose of The World Bank is to reduce poverty. Of the world’s poor, 75% are rural and most involved in farming.
Our next speaker had an unexpected conflict but he was able to have Ryne Miller from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission come in his place. Ryne works for the Chairman of the CFTC. Ryne briefly discussed swaps in regards to the Dodd-Frank legislation and then took questions.
Then we were off for a short cab ride to Subway for a quick bite before making our way to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Jesse and Jeff were kind enough to go ahead of the group and make sure there were sandwiches waiting for us. We had a little picnic along the sidewalk!
Department of Transportation
Our first speaker at the US Department of Transportation was Paul Baumer regarding freight in America. He shared some fascinating maps showing the increase that is expected over the next 10-20 years in the need to move freight. We also heard from Myint Lwin in regards to roads and bridges and from Henrika Buchannan-Smith in regards to Livability in Rural America.
Secretary Ray LaHood took questions from the group about the priorities of the US DOT. The priorities outlined by the Secretary included the continuous research efforts to improve fuel efficient vehicles and President Obama’s vision for a high speed rail system.
Embassy of Canada
We left the US DOT and traveled via Metro to the Canadian Embassy where we heard from Chris Leggett. Chris described the importance of bi-lateral trade relations between U.S. and Canada, with a specific focus on the benefits to Illinois Agriculture.
When we left the Canadian Embassy, some of the class went for a brief visit to the Museum of Art.
Evening Dinner with Case New Holland
Our evening was highlighted by a reception and dinner sponsored by IALP Alumni, Gerry Salzman from Case IH (Class of ’92). Vice President of Case IH North America, Jim Walker, joined us and spoke with individual members of the class while we awaited the arrival of U.S. Representative Aaron Schock. Upon his arrival, Congressman Schock briefly addressed the group and then took questions. We had our picture taken with the Congressman and then sat down to a very nice dinner. Our keynote speaker for the evening was Mr. Walker from Case IH. Jim spoke about the issues facing agriculture and specifically agricultural equipment companies as well as the priorities of Case IH.
It was another great day in Washington, D.C.!
Secretary LaHood takes a few moments to speak to the IALP Class of 2014 and answer questions about the Department of Transportation.
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