LIA Briefs

​Sympathy is extended to Pete Wittman, Class 26, in the passing of his grandfather, Marvin Wittman, Lapwai. Marv was a former Governor’s Award Winner for Excellence in Agriculture and has left a strong legacy of love for agriculture and involvement in leadership for his family.
 
Congratulations to Kirk Moser, Class 35, for recently being elected chairman of the board of directors for Uniontown Cooperative. Kirk farms in Troy.
 
Congratulations to Blair Wilson, Class 11, who was presented the NW Regional Cooperative Leadership Award at the group’s meeting in Spokane. The award is given by the cooperative councils in OR, WA, and ID, and is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the region.  Blair serves as Idaho president for Northwest Farm Credit Services.
 
Ritchey Toevs, Class 2, has been appointed by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to another term on the Idaho Potato Commission. Ritchey farms in the Aberdeen area.
 
It’s a small world! Kyra Gibson, Class 35, and her husband, Nic Gibson, Class 37, were boarding a ship for a cruise to Mexico for an AMG client. Who should show up for the lifeboat training drill but Robin Lindquist, Class 21, cruising with a group of girlfriends. It could be an LIA reunion! Happy sailing!
 
Congratulations to LIA graduates re-elected to serve in the Idaho Legislature:  Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14; Senator Jim Patrick, Class 15; Rep. Marcus Gibbs, Class 4; Rep. Clark Kauffman, Class 13; Rep. Caroline Troy, Class 15; and Rep. Steve Miller, Class 29. We hope you have a productive legislative session.
 
Ray Gross, Class 15, has been admitted to the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, where he is receiving chemo treatments for cancer. Our thoughts, support, and prayers are with Ray, Diane, and their daughters during this time. Ray farms in the Wilder area.
 
Kim O’Neill, Class 27, has been appointed by the mayor of Moscow to the Moscow Farmers Market Commission. Kim is an assistant to the Dean, U of I College of Ag and Life Sciences, in the area of development. Congratulations, Kim!
 
Terry Helms, Class 19, has been given the additional role of product development for Dow AgroSciences, responsible for development and introduction of new silage corn hybrids in the Intermountain and Pacific Northwest areas. Terry will continue in his role as a commercial agronomist for the commercial silage and grain corn introduction, training, and support in the same region.
 
Class 37 is off and running with their first session of Moscow behind them.  LIA trustee RoLynne Hendricks, Class 33, is serving as co-chairman for the class. RoLynne works for Cooper Norman accounting and is based in Twin Falls. Serving as co-chairman with her in Moscow was fellow trustee Alan Martinson, Class 27. Serving as the second co-chairman in Pocatello and Twin Falls sessions will be Kyle Woods, Class 32. The second co-chairman for the Boise session has yet to be determined.
 
Class 37 enjoyed a great regional event at the Lindsay Creek Winery, owned by Doug McIntosh, Class 19, and his brother, Art McIntosh, Class 31. Over 80 were in attendance, including members from very early classes:  David Galantuomini, Class 1; Steve Johnson, Class 2; and Russ Zenner, Class 3. It was great to have these long-time members there to share their insights and perspectives on the LIA program.
 
Do you enjoy playing golf?  Stay tuned for a big announcement coming at the 2017 LIA Auction on Wednesday, February 22, in Boise. Keep putting!