GONNELLA GOES TO WASHINGTON

CHICAGO, IL. – On March 14th, 2008, two top Gonnella Executives joined the American Baker’s Association (ABA) Band of Bakers to “Save Our Wheat.” Nick Marcucci, President, and Ron Lucchesi, Corporate Secretary, made the trek to Washington D.C. to help send a message to Congress and the Administration that action must be taken to alleviate the wheat shortage. Given the current state of the U.S. dollar, high commodity prices, and low wheat supplies, the consumer is feeling the impact. The rising cost of wheat has increased flour expenses for bakeries by over 400%, the end result? Higher prices at the super market.

"Wheat is the foundation of our business", said Marcucci. "The increased expense has greatly affected our business, and ultimately the end-consumer. We are proud to stand with the ABA to make sure action is taken."

The ABA’s Action Plan:
 1) Early release of non-environmentally sensitive Conservative Reserve Program acreage;

 2) Elimination of the ethanol import tariff and temporary waiving of ethanol production limits; and

 3)A USDA review of wheat export policies in light of the new market dynamics.

The ABA is hoping that changes like these will allow farmers to react to market conditions to meet the growing demand and stabilize the cost.

For more information and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.americanbakers.org/MarchonWashington.htm.

Founded in 1886, the Gonnella Baking Company produces over three million pounds of product weekly at three Chicago area facilities. As a high quality supplier for the in-store bakery and food service industries, Gonnella offers several product lines within the fresh baked, fresh baked frozen and frozen dough categories. For more information contact Tom Marcucci, vice president, 2006 West Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612. Telephone (312) 733-2020, Fax (312) 733-7670, Web site: www.gonnella.com.