LIA BRIEFS

Dave Paul, Class 16, has recently joined the consulting firm of Watts and Associates in Spokane – a firm specializing in risk management innovation. The group is active nationally in farm legislation, risk management, production development and a host of other ag related initiatives. Visit their website to learn more - www.wattsandassociates.com. Dave retired this summer from his role as Director of USDA Risk Management in Spokane.

Congratulations to Adam Dirks, Class 30, and his wife, Sara, who welcomed daughter Shaye Marie into their home on Friday, October 10. Shaye entered the world weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21” long. Everyone in the Dirk household is reportedly doing great in Ritzville, WA.

Serving as co-chairmen for LIA Class 35 will be Aaron Greenwell, Class 33, and Mark Zirschky, Class 32. While Aaron is away from the class for a few days due to a prior commitment, co-chairman Alan Martinson, Class 27, will step in to cover for him.

Speaking of Aaron Greenwell, Class 33 - Aaron is recovering from back surgery that he had on October 20 in Pocatello. We wish Aaron good days ahead without pain.

Congratulations to Mark Pratt, Class 11, and his wife, Wendy Pratt, Class 35, who are the proud parents of Seth Pratt, U of I senior named 2014 Homecoming King. Seth is a former State FFA President and National FFA Officer and has attended and spoken at prior LIA sessions.

Kendra Dustin, Class 32, serves as Fund Development Director for LIA and recently announced that Northwest Farm Credit Services will be the Presenting Sponsor for the Moscow session of LIA Class 35. The concept of having session sponsors is new, and Kendra hopes to have a sponsor in place for each location.

LIA partnered with Idaho Ag in the Classroom and Idaho FFA Foundation to sponsor the Seed Survivor Education Trailer that traveled to elementary schools in eastern Idaho and as far west as Burley. The trailer, funded by Agrium, has been travelling during the months of September and October, and will be finishing up in early November.  Several LIA graduates have assisted in the educational display as instructors. Thanks to Bill Bohl, Class 14, Lisa Shively, Class 15, Robert Crawley, Class 2, and B.J. O’Doherty, Class 32, for helping students learn valuable lessons about agriculture.

Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 4! Several LIA alumni are running for local and state offices. The polls are open from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. It is your right and your opportunity to be involved in public policy!

Teri Murrison, affiliate member from the California Leadership Program, was recently appointed by Ada County Commissioners to serve on the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission. Murrison currently serves as Administrator of the Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission, the position that brought her to Idaho from California.

Washington, DC Experience is scheduled for April 12 – 17. Now is the time to call Joanne at 888-0988 or send her an email ([email protected]) and put your name on the list if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity. We have scholarship funds available to assist with expenses. Spouses can join you for the week in DC, but the size of the group is limited. Priority will be given to those in the order in which they have notified the office.