Congratulations to Elli Brown, Class 32 who was recently presented a 2019 Tribute to Women and Industry award by the Women's and Children's Alliance. Elli is employed with INL in the area of Government Affairs where she works in the area of State Policy and Outreach for the National Laboratory.
 
Congratulations to Art McIntosh, Class 31 who was recently appointed by Governor Little to the Idaho Travel Council representing Region 2. The appointment is for three years. Art and his brother Doug McIntosh, Class 19 operate Lindsay Creek Vineyards in the Lewiston area.
 
Congratulations to Bill Lickley, Class 25 who announced his retirement from Northwest Farm Credit Services later this spring after 28 years of service. Bill has been serving as Branch Manager in the Twin Falls NWFCS office.
 
Congratulations to Phil Kaufman, Class 36 and his wife Jeanene on the birth of a son, Matthew Joseph, on April 16. Matthew joins older brother James and will be a big help to Dad on the farm outside of Lewiston.
 
In the most recent edition of Here We Have Idaho Magazine a special article highlighted a number of wine producers in Idaho. Featured in the article was Ron Bitner, Class 3, Bitner Vineyards in Caldwell; Doug McIntosh, Class 19 and Art McIntosh, Class 31, Lindsay Creek Vineyards in Lewiston and Doug Jones, Class 15 Crossings Winery in Glenns Ferry.
 
Thanks to several LIA Alumni who stepped forth and supported judging activities at the Idaho FFA Leadership Conference in Twin Falls the first of April. LIA was also a sponsor for the Conference. At the conference six new state FFA officers were elected. The officers came to Meridian the following week for kick-off leadership training conducted by Rick Waitley, Class 8; Kyra Gibson, Class 35 and Benjamin Kelly, Class 29.
 
Easter was a special time for two LIA alumni families when Cole Lickley, son of Bill Lickley, Class 25 and Laurie Lickley, LIA Affiliate Member and Anna Pratt, daughter of Mark Pratt, Class 11 and Wendy Pratt, Class 35 announced their engagement. Anna graduates with her Masters in May and Cole will join her graduating with his BS. Cole has landed a job in the Midwest with a trading company. A fall wedding is planned for the couple. We have always said that LIA is great for networking.
 
Leadership Idaho Agriculture joined with other Ag commodity and farm organizations in the creation of an agriculture mural in the tunnel of the Idaho State Capitol. The project was coordinated through Idaho Ag in the Classroom. The tunnel is used by hundreds of state employees and visitors for travel underground in the capitol complex. A special dedication is planned for the mural during the 2020 Idaho Ag Summit.
 
Mark your calendars for June 7 for the LIA alumni and friends Golf Scramble. The Scramble starts at 9:00 with a shotgun start. Breakfast will be served prior to the start of the event and lunch will follow. This year's Golf Scramble will be held at Canyon Springs Golf Course.
 
Applications for LIA Class 40 are being received now. Applications can be found online. Applicants have the option to either submit the essay as to what they would gain by participating in LIA or they can submit a short personal video. Instructions for submitting a video is online with the application.
 
Important Upcoming Dates
 
May 12-17       Washington, D.C., Experience '19 (sign up now)
 
June 7              Annual LIA Golf Scramble - Canyon Springs Golf Course, Twin Falls
 
June 30           Final day for 2018-2019 payment of LIA annual dues
 
Aug. 1              Deadline for applications for LIA Class 40
 
Sept. 6             Selection of Class 40 participants
 
Nov. 4-7           Moscow Session
 
Dec. 2-5           Pocatello Session
 
Jan. 6-9           Twin Falls Session
 
Feb. 23-28       Boise Session
 
Feb. 27            Gala Dinner and Auction 

Dear LIA alumni,
 
We have been busy corresponding with several LIA alumni in regard to the plans for the 2019 Washington, D.C., Experience to be held May 11-17. We have a confirmation date deadline for hotel rooms and we need to know if we have any other LIA alumni joining us.
 
We do have some financial assistance available if that helps to prompt anyone to pursue this opportunity. You will need to call before Friday of this week. Here is how the money breaks down:
 

1. You are responsible for your own plane ticket - Kendra can assist you in booking your flight if you desire.
2. You have a responsibility for $1500, which includes your hotel room, most meals, transportation in D.C., and admissions. (That is where we have some financial assistance.)
3. You may have $200 in out-of-pocket expenses (based upon what past participants have said - not including souvenirs).

 
Give me a call today if you want more information at 208-888-0988 or shoot me an email at [email protected].
 
This is the experience of a lifetime.
 
Rick Waitley
Executive Director