GIG National Conference 2012

GIG Conference Is Changing   The 2012 GIG Conference is coming home to the Seattle area. The economy is not good and these factors require us to bring the conference closer to our headquarters to control costs and make it an excellent experience for those who attend.   The "conference" is growing from a traditional program to a Gluten-Free Health & Wellness Expo--a unique event promoting health and wellness, providing health screenings and opportunities to learn practical tips for living gluten-free.   More details will be available in the next few weeks. As you know, the economy has changed the way we all do business and this decision is one that will be in the best interest to our members, as well as gluten-intolerant individuals and families who will want to attend this event. Seattle is the headquarters for the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG) and an active health conscience community. These resources will make this one of the finest gluten-free event in 2012.   The greater Puget Sound area is home to thousands of gluten-free consumers, and many fabulous food companies, as well as an active medical community.   Thanks for your continued support and watch for more information in the coming weeks.   Sincerely, Cynthia Kupper GIG Executive Director

Cynthia Kupper, ED of GIG of North America in Salem

Cynthia Kupper, the Executive Director of GIG of North American is coming to speak in Salem to the Mid-Willamette Valley GIG group on Saturday, Feb 19th 12:30-3:30pm at Marco Polo's.

There is still time to make a reservation for the gluten-free luncheon with Cynthia Kupper. Reservations must be made in advance. Payment must be received by February 16 to confirm your name on the reservation list.

Cynthia Kupper, Registered Dietitian and Executive Director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, will speak at a special luncheon meeting of the Mid-Willamette Valley GIG on Saturday February 19. The meeting will take place at Marco Polo Global Restaurant from 12:30 to 3:30 and includes a gluten-free buffet luncheon. The restaurant is located at 300 Liberty Street in downtown Salem (Pringle Park Plaza). Marco Polo restaurant specializes in gluten-free food.

This event is open to the public, but reservations and pre-payment of $17 are required since space is limited. To make your reservation contact Becky Crooke at (503) 949-3779or beckycrooke@gmail.com, or contact Debra Olsen at 503-884-3402. Send checks to Mid-Willamette Valley GIG, P.O. Box 13886, Salem, OR 97309.

Cynthia will speak on the many aspects and activities of the national GIG organization and how those make a difference to the many gluten intolerant people in this country. She will also speak about U.S. labeling laws and the needs of the elderly.

A gluten-free, buffet-style luncheon will be served, followed by Cynthia Kupper’s presentation. The food will include Almond Chicken, Kung Pao Beef, Green Beans with Mushroom, Lemon Chicken, Rice, Rice Noodles, Tea and Dessert. Let us know of any other dietary needs.

Cynthia contributed the following introduction:

Cynthia Kupper, RD: I practiced clinical dietetics in large hospitals for 15 years in rehab, renal and as a diabetes educator. During that time, I was diagnosed with classic celiac disease. 13 years ago, I became the director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. My job as the director includes consultations with patients throughout the country via phone, email and personal one-to-one consultations or classes. My job also requires extensive review of research and translating that into patient-friendly education materials. I am an international lecturer on celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle. The NIH, FDA, ACOA, and other regulatory agencies have called upon me to provide expert testimony about gluten-free consumer practices and nutrition. I developed and launched GIG's two industry programs: the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) and the corporate side of the Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP). These programs compliment the social service programs services GIG offers to consumers with all types of gluten intolerances.

REMEMBER - YOU MUST REGISTER AND PAY IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT (whether you plan to eat lunch or not). There is a limit to the number of seats available so be sure to send your payment in early.

Because of this special event, there will be no regular meeting of the Mid-Willamette Valley GIG on its usual meeting day of the third Saturday of February.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Gluten Intolerance Group is a branch of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, www.gluten.net.

Alive! Expo at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

Alive! Expo is "The Natural Products & Green Living" consumer event. Every year Alive! Expo brings together local and national companies that specialize in natural and organic products, natural and organic foods, environmental, Green and Eco products for the home, pets, and the whole family, recyclable products, naturopathic & alternative practitioners, chiropractors, vitamins and supplements, as well as health food retailers and community non-profit organizations. At the expo, companies showcase information about their products and services to thousands of individuals interested in leading a green, clean and healthy lifestyle. Alive Expo is a fun and exciting weekend event for the entire family.

Our mission is to inspire and encourage individuals to embrace a life of health, wellness, fitness, environmental and green living through awareness of natural, organic and alternative products and solutions, advanced medicine research, education, nutrition, exercise and lifelong benefits of living a green, clean and healthy lifestyle.

There will be gluten-free demos on the stage!

The Gluten Intolerance Group will have a booth at the Expo, so be sure to stop by.

It will be held Nov 13 & 14, 2010 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

Please go to www.aliveexpo.com to find out more.

Study for FDA, from GIG National

Seeking Participants

for a Research Study on

Gluten-Free Claims on Food Labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking adults diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance or caregivers to such individuals to participate in a research study on their grocery shopping habits. Participants will be asked to take an Internet survey, which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

This Survey is available at www.synovate.net/forgluten

Please contact Katherine Kosa at kkosa@rti.org or 1-800-334-8571, extension 23091, if you have any questions about the study. To request a paper copy of the survey, please call 1-877-4GLUTN1

GIG Annual Education Conference

Savor the Flavor of a Healthy Gluten-Free Life

June 4 and 5^th, 2010

Register early to get the best rate (the price hasn't increased in 3 years!).

Don't miss this event. It has everything you want - great topics on all aspects of living a gluten-free life, expert speakers on all forms of gluten sensitivities, exhibits, fun and community networking.

This conference is for everyone living gluten-free.

Learn about the important role of Vitamin D in health; the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet in super charging the GF diet; the health risks of metabolic syndrome; and how to make healthy low-cost snacks. Learn how gluten affects behavior and attitude; how to improve your quality of life by conquering the hurdles; the impact of inflammation on health; how to improve your diet with whole grains; and learn about the latest research in celiac disease and gluten intolerances. That's just the first day!

David Harris, comedian, will help us find the fun things in life. Learn about the ADA recommendations for treating celiac disease; how to travel safely; how to make the most of your GF bucks on a budget; learn about the different kinds of gluten sensitivities; making health GF desserts; the trick to having homemade fresh bread everyday; how to dine with confidence; and how to use a holistic approach to owning the GF lifestyle.

Registration includes access to exhibits, GF breakfast and lunch each day, and registration materials. Limited numbers of Scholarships are available.

Exhibitors are one of the most popular aspects of this conference. They offer new and exciting products and services, some authors will be on hand to sign their books, and there are give-aways, raffles and much more.

Saturday includes special lectures for parents and our teen challenge activity.

We will see you in Minneapolis!

Check out the GIG website at www.gluten.net for more information.

Please contact us if you have any questions:

GIG Office Staff

Cynthia Kupper, Exec. Director

Rebecca Powell, Admin Assistant rebecca.powell@gluten.net

Nancy Kloberdanz, Office Manager gig@gluten.net

Gluten Intolerance Group of N. A.®
31214 - 124 Ave SE, Auburn WA 98092
P: 253-833-6655 F: 253-833-6675

Save the Date!

2010 GIG 36th Annual Educational Conference

Savor the Flavor of a Healthy Gluten Free Life

Coming June 4-5, 2010!

Minneapolis Airport Marriott
2020 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, MN 55425
Phone: 1-952-854-7441

Nightly Room Rates: $97 + tax

Leadership Training: June 3rd!
Conference and Exhibits: June 4th and 5th!

GIG is committed to holding prices for this conference at the 2009 rate or less.

The program brochure is now available online! We have a wide range of topics this year--concentrating on the whole body, not just food. This is a conference about living a healthy, balanced, positive, gluten free lifestyle. If you are following a gluten-free diet, or want to know more about it - this conference is for you. We have also attracted several nationally-acclaimed speakers, including Dr. Rodney Ford from New Zealand who will be speaking at the Saturday Night Banquet. As we get more details from our speakers, we will be posting their bios and speech topics online. So, keep checking back!

Watch the website for more details: http://www.gluten.net/events.php#conference. You can also read the final report on the 2009 conference.

35th GIG Annual Education Conference

35th GIG Annual Education Conference

2009 - Marriott Seattle Airport Hotel, SeaTac, Washington
Leadership Training – June 4th
Conference and Exhibits - June 5 and 6, 2009

Register On-line
2009 Conference Program Brochure

Hotel Information:
Marriott Seattle Airport Hotel
3201 South 176 St, Seattle WA 98188
Reservations: 206-241-2000 or 800-228-9290
Conference Room Rate: $115 per night (plus applicable taxes)
Room rate guaranteed if reservations are made before May 6, 2009
A complimentary hotel shuttle to and from airport is available.

FOLLOW UP: Outback Steakhouse Potential Contamination Issue

Cynthia Kupper has asked that I send the following letter. Thanks!
Madelyn Smith
GFRAP Manager

Gluten-Free Diners,

Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP) and Gluten Intolerance Group of NA (GIG) would like to advise you what we have been doing to resolve the issue about bread being used in some brown sugar containers at various Outback Steakhouse locations to prevent hardening of the brown sugar.

This issue came up a few months ago. As soon as we heard about it, we immediately contacted Outback Corporate offices and followed the chain of emails showing the corrective actions taken at that time.

Recently this issue has come up again. I sent the notices posted by Connie Sarros to Outback and again very promptly, they responded (on a Sunday – no less). I have continued to send every post on the subject and am addressing the issue at the top levels of Outback, all the way down to the local restaurant.

Since it has come to Outback’s attention that this was not an isolated case, they are in communication with all restaurants to change this practice at a number of levels, including adding information into their regular communication and training channels. As with all things in large corporations, it takes time to see the change fully implemented – but they are working on it.

It is important that the local restaurants not only understand the potential
dangers of this practice, but also follow the corporate policies set in place.
GFRAP has a strong relationship with Outback regarding their menus and training. We communicate with them on a weekly basis. Rest assured this issue will be resolved.

GFRAP and the GFRAP participating restaurants appreciate feedback about your dining experiences and the program. Please feel free to send comments to: www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/feedback.php.

Cynthia Kupper, RD, Executive Director
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
31214 - 124 Ave SE, Auburn WA 98092
P: 253-833-6655, ext. 104; F: 253-833-6675

www.GLUTEN.net; www.GFCO.org; www.GlutenFreeRestaurants.org