A Message from your President, Robert Luther – reprinted from the 2011 Winter print newsletter*
I hope this newsletter finds you staying warm and enjoying this time of year.
We have had a great year with programming and I thank all those that helped make sure Summit County Farm Bureau stands above the rest.
We have had lots of changes in the month since the November elections. We have a new Governor and State Senator, along with new faces in the state and local government.
I would ask you to take some time to get to know these new faces. They are going to be leading us in a new direction and without your input they may not move the way you want them to.
We are making the efforts to create new relationships with them and will take your concerns to them, but it also helps when you take the time to write a letter, make a phone call or stop in to introduce yourself.
We have a few new issues to deal with in the coming year, as well.
By now you are starting to experience the smoking ban or gearing up for the minimum wage increase that will take effect soon. If you are a business owner, these two amendments are going to affect you in various ways.
Make sure to get to know all the facts so that you can adjust accordingly. Whether you agree with these new rules or not, we have to deal with them, so take a proactive approach.
It is also membership renewal time and if you have not already renewed with us, we hope that you will soon! (You can do so here).
We strive to make your membership worth more than just a discount on insurance with Nationwide. (Check out our full list of member benefits here).
We are fighting for the farmers to keep food cheap and farmland available. Summit County has seen major growth over the years. We are losing farms left and right, and we need these farms not only for pretty scenery, but for production.
In a time where oil prices are high, we must look at alternative ways to make gasoline. Agriculture can be a good source to help lower those gas prices.
We also are giving out scholarships to Farm Bureau members children who go to college.
You will see in this newsletter the other ways that your membership helps. Please consider renewing by the end of the year to keep up all this great programming.
*The Summit County Farm Bureau mails out a print newletter to each of its more than 1,000 members each year. To become a member, apply online here.