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Signing two new Farm Bureau members by May 1 is the ticket to prizes, food and entertainment.

In an effort to increase excitement about OFBF's membership drive, the organization is holding a volunteer recognition celebration June 24 at the Ohio State Expo Center in Columbus. Anyone who signs two or more new members is eligible to attend the event and bring along a guest.

"The goal is to motivate more people to sign members and create a lot of excitement with this celebration. In 1999 we had a similar event and there was a lot of interest in doing it again," said Mike Fearon, OFBF's director of membership activities. He said the statewide celebration replaces the membership chairman trip that was held last year.

The more new members you sign, the more chances you have to win prizes. And the higher the level you achieve, the better the prizes. Those who reach ambassador status automatically receive a prize, Fearon said. Volunteers must be present to win their prizes.

The prize levels are:

• Leader – Sign two to five new members.

• Champion – Sign six to nine new members.

• Ambassador – Sign 10 or more new members.

Everyone who attends the event is included in a special grand prize drawing. Details are still being worked out on what the prize will be as well as what type of entertainment the event will feature, Fearon said. The celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Fearon said he hopes to have 1,500 to 2,000 volunteers eligible for the event.

"It'll be a time of fellowship, food and fun," he said.

Details about the statewide celebration were released just in time for Membership College, which was held Oct. 6 to 7. Attending the event were all OFBF organization directors, regional supervisors and state staff members.

The featured speaker at the event was Mark Levin, a "membership guru" who has written books about how to attract and maintain members.

"He forced us to think outside the box. He talked about membership organizations, where they are going and how to be successful in attaining membership growth," Fearon said.

The next step is for organization directors to work with their membership chairs over the next couple of months on organizing their campaigns. Farm Bureau counties will officially kick off their campaigns in January.