CHICAGO — Key topics that will weigh on the bottom line for baking companies will be addressed at the 2009 Long Company annual conference and shareholders meeting.

The annual gathering will be held Sept. 10-11 at the Peninsula hotel in Chicago.

Robert C. Marshall, a vice-president at McDonald’s will discuss the place McDonald’s has in the baking industry. L. Joshua Sosland, editor of Milling & Baking News, will offer an update on current key issues in baking with a "State of the Industry" report.

A panel discussion, dealing with key topics such as food safety, health care reform and the future of the industry, will feature representatives of the BEMA, the American Bakers Association and the Independent Bakers Association.

A visit to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will be on the program with a luncheon to follow at the Union League Club.

In addition to the program, several bakery suppliers will exhibit displays that the Long Co. said will "feature innovative products and technologies" aimed at benefiting members

Additional information, including a detailed agenda and registration form, may be found at the Long Company web site — www.thelongco.com.