IAOM - Middle East & Africa District

In response to efforts and sponsorship of the U.S. Wheat Associates Inc. (Cairo Regional office) at the Marriott Hotel in Amman (Jordan), an initial meeting was held in March 6-9, 1989, attended by 15 millers, 5 mill manufacturing company representatives plus 4 guest speakers, including Bob Hare, President of AOM and Frank Lindholm, the Ex-President of AOM. The millers from the region included participants from Bahrain, Syria, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Turkey and UAE to explore interest and benefits of organizing a Millers Association for the region. The meeting included presentations from the major mill manufacturers as well as technical topics. The meeting devoted the bulk of the time to discussion on the benefits of a Miller's Association in general; how AOM functioned as an organization; the typical AOM Conference and Trade Show and what was possible for the millers of the region. It concluded with a vote for officers to lead the group to the first session that was set for Nov 6 - 9, 1989 in Cairo. Khaldoun Talhouni (Jordan) was elected Chairman; Ghazi Al Salimi (Qatar) as Vice-Chairman; Tommys Mitsides (Cyprus) as Secty/Treasurer; and a Meetings Committee consisting of Phineas Miriti (Kenya); Anwar Ghouri (UAE); Nick Tsichlakis (Jordan); Abdel Hamid Al Ghoneimy (Egypt).

At the Amman meeting, the group agreed to organize for expansion to other millers in the region and to invite these millers and allied trade to the meeting that was planned for Cairo in November 1989. The purpose of the Cairo meeting was to explain the benefits of AOM versus an area Miller's Association; to solicit support from all involved, and to formalize the region as an official District of AOM. It was to be the first District outside the Americas for AOM.

The meeting in November was held at the Ramses Hilton Hotel, Cairo (Egypt), and hosted the President of AOM. It was attended by around 70 millers from the region and many were from Turkey. The meeting offered technical presentations; more discussions on the benefits and activities of AOM; a formal application to join AOM as a new District, along with the normal social events of and hosted meals and evening special events. There was no exhibition at this Cairo meeting but it was agreed to be included in the future. Although the Amman meeting was the real formation of the District AOM, Cairo was the first that was attended by a large group that frankly gave the formation its momentum where The AOM District 16 was formed and was named as 'Middle East & East Africa District'.

Since the size and quality of the district's constant string of conference and expo has steadily grown and evolved through the progression of the annual events held throughout the region in Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mauritius, UAE and Yemen. In 2001, the district name changed to 'Mideast & Africa District', reflecting the expansion of its influence and reach.

MEA Leadership Council
The conference in Marrakech (Morocco), 2005, also marked the first meeting of the MEA District Leadership Council - a step taken to formalize the district organization and leadership structure in light of the District's tremendous growth and popularity. The council is responsible for oversight of the District's goals, programs, operations and development, as well as selection of conference locations. It is also committed to elevating the level of service and member benefits offered to its District members.

MEA Education Committee
As one of its first initiatives, the Council founded the MEA Education Committee so that it could develop and provide educational opportunities for the milling industry throughout the region. The new committee will collaborate with IAOM Education Committee members to oversee the adaptation of such programs as the IAOM short courses and the correspondence course for local use. In addition, the MEA Education Committee members will work with the MEA Conference Host Committee each year to develop the educational programming for the annual conference.