Leah Clark, Class 26, has recently been named to the Ada County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as a representative of the Women's Committee. Leah is employed full time in the Idaho Preferred program at ISDA.
 
A Celebration of Life service for Dr. Samantha Ramsay, Class 35, will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at 11:00 AM, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church (1036 W. A St., Moscow, ID).  Everyone is welcome to attend and share memories of Samantha. 
 
In early September, Jeremey Varley, Class 35, will begin a new position as the Ag Section Manager for Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds at the ISDA in Boise. Jeremey has been serving as the Lemhi County Weed Superintendent.
 
Due to low enrollment, the 2017 Fall Washington, D.C., Experience has been cancelled. Once the Congressional schedule is known for the spring, dates will be set for the 2018 D.C. Experience. 
 
The phone rang on August 9 with great news from Jim Hudson, Class 34! He was reporting that he had undergone a successful kidney transplant on Monday, August 7. Jim and his daughter - who is his caregiver during this time - will be staying in the Seattle area for the next few weeks to be sure there are no signs of rejection. Jim is still serving as President of Idaho Water Users Association.
 
Greg Curtis, Class 31, recently walked his daughter down the aisle for her wedding. Congratulations to Greg and Joann, the proud parents! Greg is the manager of Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District.
 
Go Lead Idaho, a professional women's organization, recently hired Kyra Gibson, Class 35, as their first Executive Director. Kyra owns a consulting business that does association management.
 
Selection of LIA Class 38 will take place on Friday, September 8. We have an excellent pool of candidates. Thanks to all alumni who have helped to recruit for the class. It will be a challenge to select the top 30!
 
Dan Goicoechea, Class 16, has recently been hired by Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra as her Deputy for Governmental Affairs. Dan has been serving as chief deputy for the Idaho State Controller's office, a position he has held with the previous two state controllers.
 
Congratulations to Lynn Bachman, Class 31, on his recent election as President of the Owyhee Cattlemen's Association. Lynn ranches in the Bruneau area.
 
Dr. Chris McIntosh, Class 17, was recently named interim Department Chairman for the U of I CALS Department of Economics and Rural Sociology in Moscow. Chris has been a professor in the department for a number of years. He has worked closely with students and Food Producers of Idaho for the annual U of I Ag Econ Public Policy tour held each year during the legislature.

Attention Treasure Valley LIA Alumni!
Remember to call the office (208-888-0988) to RSVP for the BBQ Potluck at the Waitley home on Tuesday, August 29, at 6:30 PM. Families are welcome to attend! More information will be coming to you electronically.

​The decision to move the LIA DC Experience from spring to fall was prompted by LIA alumni who indicated that they would be more likely to attend in the fall than in the spring - especially this year after such a severe winter. We have often been asked why we do not go to D.C. in the summer. First, summer is packed with visitors, bringing a massive influx of people. Another reason is that part of our goal is to be able to visit with Congressmen and government leaders, but they leave town frequently in the summer for their own vacations. And for those from the arid dry climate of Idaho, the extreme humidity and temperatures during the summer are not comfortable.
 
The dates selected for this year were September 24-29. At this time we have three people, and a potential fourth, to make the trip. We receive a $10,000 grant from CHS Foundation to assist with the expenses of this trip. However, the LIA Trustees have set the fee of $1,000 per person attending, plus the cost of their flight. Anyone who has gone has said the trip is well worth the investment of time and money.
 
At this point, we are to a critical decision about going forward or cancelling the trip. We must hear from you by Monday, August 14, if you are going to commit to this experience. Our goal is to have 10-12 in the group to make the experience worthwhile. (This does not count spouses that may decide to join us.) Please do not respond with "promises" or, "I might be able to go." We need you to check with employers, spouses, family members, and consider other obligations for that time frame, and give Rick a definite answer by this Monday. You can call him at 208-888-0988 or email to rick@amgidaho.com.
 
If we are not able to make the trip, we might have to return money to CHS per their agreement and will have to cancel appointments that we have set. We also hope to be able to get out of the contract with the hotel if we cancel the trip.
 
If you have specific questions, please give me a call. This will be the last and final call! The decision as to the fate of the trip will be made on Monday. Those that have signed up will be notified as to the outcome of the response.
 
Thank you!