Greetings on behalf of your State FFA Alumni Association.
Writing for the 40 affiliates and nearly 1000 members across our state, we are pleased to report a successful annual Alumni convention held in February, a retreat in March with Alumni leadership, and a very successful FFA convention held in April.
Our annual FFA Alumni conference was held in Randolph with their alumni serving as hosts. With almost 100 people in attendance, reports were heard, speakers and workshops held, our annual business meeting conducted, and an excellent meal enjoyed. Greg Gosen was honored as out-going President. Kevin Dahlman, Judy Barka, and Laura Carlson-Humphrey were installed as new officers. We introduced 5 new affiliates and outlined our vision for the coming year.
March brought us to a cabin near Battle Lake, MN, compliments of Chuck Erickson, for our leadership retreat. Over the two days we mapped out a strategic vision of where we want to take the Minnesota FFA Alumni and set goals to accomplish them.
April is state FFA convention time. Marv Ziner coordinated the courtesy corps. We had a very successful Stop’n’Shop with record sales and participation. We had several new items which sold out, and continue to encourage ideas for the future years. We thank Ed and Shirley Fredrick, Marv Ziner, Judy Barka, and Nancy Dahlman, for its continued success. We also thank the students and advisors for participating. Hats off to the Wabasso FFA chapter for their winning T-shirt “You don’t need a license to drive a tractor.” Monday morning of convention at our alumni gathering, we hosted the 25th anniversary state officer team. We heard their reflections, memories of their term, and what they are doing now. They were also challenged to a game of “Are you smarter than a Greenhand?” by several participants of the Best Informed Greenhand contest. (They were NOT smarter than the Greenhands.) Greg Gosen conducted a workshop Tuesday afternoon on FFA Alumni Affiliate development that was attended by 26 members representing 11 chapters. Our Outstanding Alumni award went to Don Ackman of Shoreview. Don is employed by Land O’ Lakes and was honored for his work with AFSA, Science Fair, Creed Speaking contest, Youth Coop Leadership Conference, and FFA Day at the Dome. In addition, at convention, the alumni assisted with workshops, judging, chaperoning, and coordinating events for the nearly 3200 students that attended on the University campuses.
May brings our membership drive to a close. We welcome 3 new affiliates from Glenville-Emmons, Zumbrota-Mazeppa, and Kenyon-Wanamingo. We also have visited with several potential groups that are interested in forming new affiliates. If anyone is interested in membership, please find information on this site or from any alumni officer for further information.
Our National Ag Leadership Conference (formerly State Leaders Conference) will be held July 14-18, 2010 at the Quad Cities in IL. Here is a great opportunity for a large Minnesota delegation to attend. Encourage any alumni member from your affiliate to consider attending. We will also be sponsoring Minnesota’s national officer candidate to attend and network with the FFA alumni.
We look forward to meeting many of the Ag teachers at the MAAE summer conference in July. Your input and advice can only strengthen the programs throughout our state.
We thank you for a successful spring, hope you have a relaxing summer, and fall will be here before you know it.
Kevin Dahlman, MN FFA Alumni President
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Dear Minnesota FFA Alumni Affiliate Contacts,
Please note that the all non-profits (which includes FFA Alumni Affiliates) must complete an IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) by May 15, 2010 or lose tax exempt status. An article in the Star Tribune yesterday highlighted the issue:
Charities face 'doomsday': Loss of tax-exempt status
Up to one in four Minnesota nonprofits could lose their tax breaks under tax laws kicking in May 15.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/92926779.html?elr=KArksUUUU
The MN Council of Nonprofits website (http://www.mncn.org/) has a list organizations in Minnesota (there are several FFA alumni affiliates listed) that have not yet filed. The site provides resource info including FAQ with more information on how to file either the 990-N or to file an extension. Below is a summary from the site:
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The process is very simple:
To complete your Form 990-N (e-Postcard) you will need the following information:
* tax identification number (EIN),
* the name and address of the organization,
* the name and address of a key officer, and
* your organization’s accounting period.
* You can also provide the address of your organization’s website (if it has one).
* You will also need to answer two yes/no questions about the organization:
o If the organization has less than $25,000 in gross receipts, and
o if the organization terminated.
Once this information is entered, you can click the "Submit Filing to IRS" button and your IRS Form 990-N filing is finished!
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Here's a link with information on how to retrieve your EIN if you have misplaced or forgotten the number.
I am new to this process myself, but will do whatever I can to help support you if you should have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at mnffaalumni@gmail.com or my cell at 612.760.4370.
Best wishes,
Mary Buschette
Membership Coordinator
Minnesota FFA Alumni Association