Dues increase yielding return on investment Delegates at the 2003 OFBF annual meeting passed a dues increase, and new dues started being collected in October 2004. Several areas of new programming, as well as enhanced programming, were proposed to members as part of the dues increase plan. Here is an update on members’ return on their dues investment: Emerging Leaders Trip – This new program took place Feb. 2 to 4. It was designed to educate 21 local agricultural leaders about the impact national legislation and regulations have on their operations and how farmers can make a positive impact through their political participation. Director of National Affairs – Adam Sharp filled this position in December 2004. His duties include member representation with congressional staff members in Washington, D.C. and district offices within Ohio. He led the Emerging Leaders Trip as well as the annual presidents’ trip to Washington, D.C. Ohio Agriculture Votes – For the 2004 elections, additional candidate screenings, targeted local voter registration efforts, an expanded voters’ guide and additional meet and greet candidate receptions were held. In a total of 118 races where Farm Bureau identified a "Friend of Agriculture," 113 friends won. Our Ohio brand – Our Ohio magazine is the launching point for other enhanced communications efforts in TV and via the Internet. These enhanced communications will be used to help consumers understand and appreciate agriculture, food and Ohio’s rural heritage. In addition to the magazine, this message will be communicated through a new half-hour television program and new Web site. The site is set to launch this spring, and the television show will debut in late summer/early fall 2005. The pilot for the 30-minute, weekly show is complete and has been shown at all winter regional cabinet meetings. COSI on Wheels – Now in its fifth year, "Agriculture Adventures" has reached more than 205,000 participants since September 2000. For the 2004-2005 school year, the program has 116 reservations in 40 Ohio counties and two surrounding states with a projected attendance of 53,763. Promotional Exhibits – Ohio Farm Bureau will continue to build a larger presence at the Ohio State Fair. The organization also is reaching out to potential members at events such as Vintage Ohio, a wine festival in northeast Ohio, and Equine Affaire, a large horse show taking place in April. A new exhibit opportunity was taken this winter when OFBF participated in the Great Big Food Show in Cleveland. Ignite – In response to the popularity of Quest, OFBF added a second junior high conference focused on students ages 12 to 14. "Ignite" is designed to focus on two life-skill tracks: family and relationships and life and leadership. The conference also will introduce students to Farm Bureau, inform them regarding the importance of member leadership roles and emphasize the significance and value of Advisory Councils. Ag Ecology – Chris Henney was hired as the new director of Agricultural Ecology Programs to assist county leaders. Equine and environmental assurance programs have been developed to assist members with protecting and conserving natural resources. OFBF and the Mid American Ag and Hort Association continue to partner in labor compliance and food safety issues. Technology Improvements – A new membership database will be used beginning in September. Database upgrades include tools to better target member needs with relevant and timely information regarding meetings, workshops, mailings and seminars. Also, field staff members have been trained on new computer programs and how to combine those programs to better meet county objectives. OFBF organization goals The OFBF board of trustees has approved the following goals for 2005:
Caption: New OFBF Director of National Affairs Adam Sharp leads a panel discussion with OFBF members during the Emerging Leaders Trip in February. This new position was one new area promised and created with the increased dues. | |