MN FFA Alumni Report
September 15, 2011
As I write this article, weather predictions are for an early frost with potential record lows. It was only a few days ago that we hit a near record high of 94 degrees. Such is a summer of extremes, where some have had it too dry, some too wet, and of course some just right, which all combined makes for average. Some would say that average is not all bad, but we should always strive to be above average.
At a recent FFA chapter meeting I attended, there were members that wanted to sign up for nearly everything, some who just wanted to sit in the corner and do nothing, and some who actually signed up for a proper amount. Combined that makes for average. But certainly we want to provide above average opportunities for the kids, and want to help them in achieving above average results. We as alumni can assist the local advisors with those goals with our time, resources, and talents to make a difference in one or more of those members’ lives.
Your state association had a successful summer. With membership up over 1,100+ members (from 900+ last year) and seven new affiliates, we continue to want to reach out to the membership and advisors and assist wherever we can.
We have hired an intern, Blaire Hoven, to assist the executive council in many of our weekly tasks, web site maintenance, and working with correspondence. Please take time to get to know her.
Several members attended the Alumni Development Conference in Arkansas this summer and brought back many ideas to strengthen our state and local associations. We also funded our National Officer Candidate, Jason Troendle, to attend this conference to help him network and prepare for National Convention.
Your FFA Alumni was well represented at the MN State Fair. Many members assisted in the All-You-Can-Drink Milk booth, Marv Ziner was presented with the Day-Frederick award, and several Hall of Fame recipients rode in the parade on FFA Day, the Saturday afternoon of Labor Day weekend.
We funded dozens of FFA members for SLCCL, SGLC, and WLC camps this summer. Interests in scholarships to these leadership events are always strong and we are always encouraged to see the student development that occurs.
With George Peichel, Judy Barka, Nancy Dahlman, and Marv Ziner, we are implementing a new finance reporting system to update the technology presenting our budgets and finances.
Fall brings us to the new school year. We have several schools that have shown interest in starting a new FFA Alumni affiliate. Please look on the website for helpful tips and contact an executive council member for assistance. There are many benefits to being a chartered affiliate versus just being a “booster group.” We would love to tell you.
National Convention will bring multiple opportunities. Steve Olson from Minnesota will be running for National President. At the business session, we will be voting on several bylaw changes concerning membership, along with normal business items and speakers. Judging opportunities, a silent auction fundraiser, and general sessions always make this an exciting place to go.
Looking ahead, the Metro FFA Alumni along with AFSA will hold our state annual meeting on February 18, 2012. Please mark your calendars to attend.
Your state association wishes you a great fall and successful year. Please feel free to contact us in any way to help your local affiliate, share ideas, and make this 2011-2012 year the best ever.
Kevin Dahlman