American Agri-Women Concludes 40th Anniversary Celebration

American Agri-Women concludes 40^th anniversary celebration, elects national officers at 2015 annual convention
 

Portland, Maine (AgPR) Dec. 1, 2015 — American Agri-Women (AAW) concluded its year-long celebration of its 40^thanniversary and its Drive Across America at its annual convention held recently in Portland, Maine. The organization also elected its national officers and recognized outstanding advocates for agriculture.

AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women representing more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliates. The 40^th annual convention’s theme was “Harvesting the Future” and was hosted by Maine Agri Women who started the celebration for the “Next 40 Years.” As part of the Anniversary Celebration, the Past Presidents Council unveiled a new history book “1995-2015 A Look Back at the Last 20 Years.”

The new American Agri-Women national officers for 2015-2016 are:

•       President Doris Mold, St. Paul, Minn., and Cumberland, Wis.

•       First Vice President of Resolutions & Vital Issues Heather Hampton+Knodle, Fillmore, Ill.

•       Vice President of Communications Jane Marshall, Eaton, Ohio. 

•       Vice President of Education Donnell Scott, Manhattan, Kan.

•       Secretary Arlene Kovash, Monmouth, Ore.

•       Treasurer Denise Gentsch, Austin, Texas.

•       Past-President Sue McCrum, Mars Hill, Maine

Outgoing officers were President Sue McCrum of Mars Hill, Maine, Vice President of Communications Lynn Woolf of Milton, Kan., Treasurer Peggy Clark of Dayton, Ohio and Karen Yost of Billings, Mont.
 

Outstanding contributors recognized
 

At the Convention, AAW presented its 2015 VERITAS award to Dr Michael Coffman of Bangor, Maine. Dr Coffman has continuously led in the direction of investigating federal encroachments and over-regulation. He has continuously written and spoken to the public to increase the awareness of the decreasing influence of property owners and the increased government mandates that reduce and hamper the management decisions by landowners. The VERITAS award is given annually to a person who has given public witness to “the pursuit of truth.” It is the highest honor given to a non-member. 

Four American Agri-Women members were honored with LEAVEN awards, the organization’s highest honor for members:

•       Sue McCrum, Mars Hill, Maine.

•       Lynn Woolf, Milton Kan.

•       Karen Yost, Billings Mont.

•       Karolyn Zurn, Callaway Minn.

President Sue McCrum presented President's Awards to Karen Yost of Billings, Mont.; Doris Mold of Cumberland, Wis.; Diane Hemphill, Presque Isle, Maine; and Pam Townsend, Blaine, Maine.

As part of the Anniversary Celebration, the Past Presidents Council unveiled a new history book “1995-2015 A Look Back at the Last 20 Years.” There was one done about the first 20 years prior to this.
 

About American Agri-Women
American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through a safe and reliable food, fiber and mineral supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers; advocate for agriculture; and offer networking and professional development opportunities.

For more information, or to join, visit AmericanAgriWomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: facebook.com/AgriWomen and twitter.com/Women4Ag.