WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) announced on Jan. 14 that NAMA vice-chairman Jim Meyer is taking over as NAMA’s chairman. 
The announcement was made as the immediate past chairman, Greg Schlafer, moves to a position in the potato business with ConAgra Foods and departs the milling business. Meyer was elected NAMA vice-chairman and to a three-year term on the executive committee in October 2012. He has been on the NAMA board since 2005, served on numerous NAMA committees, and is currently the Finance/Budget Committee chairman. He will serve as chairman for a two-year term, 2013-14.
“By providing the milling industry a voice in Washington, acting as an information conduit, and building collaborations, NAMA provides a valuable service to the milling industry. I am looking forward to working with the leadership and staff of NAMA on continuing to build our alliances and information resources for the benefit of the industry,” said Meyer.
Meyer is the president of Italgrani USA, a family-owned company and one of the country’s largest durum millers. He graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. 
Following college, Meyer worked for nine years at Arthur Andersen in the accounting and audit area before joining Italgrani USA in 1988 as chief financial officer. He became president in 2006. In addition to the milling operations, Italgrani also trades various commodities, domestically and internationally, and has grain-elevator operations in North Dakota and a major grain-handling operation in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.