LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Mark Klompien, Class 16, who was named CEO of United Potato Growers of America. Mark has spent most of his career in potato processing related positions and for the past 4.5 years has been president of Idaho Grower Shippers.
 
Congratulations to Jim Patrick, Class 15, who was presented with a U of I CALS Distinguished Alumni Award at the Alumni and Friends Association Banquet the first weekend of December.
 
Congratulations to Darrell Bolz, Class 7, who was presented the Distinguished Retiree Award at the same event. Darrell has served as a County Extension Educator and as a State Representative.
 
Congratulations to Alex Reed, Class 35, and his wife, Leah, who welcomed Adele into their family on October 27. Adele weighed in at 7 lbs., 8 oz., and will be well cared for by three older siblings!
 
LIA Trustee Blake Matthews, Class 36, and wife, Valerie, celebrated the arrival of little Mason on November 7. Blake farms in the Oakley area.
 
Congratulations to Phil Kaufman, Class 36, and his wife, Jeanene, on the arrival of James Philip on November 30. Everyone is doing well, and now Phil will sleep better knowing there is a Kaufman to take over the farming operation in Lewiston!
 
Sympathy is extended to Jim Whittaker, Class 24, in the recent passing of his wife, Paula. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his family. Jim ranches in the Leadore area.
 
Sympathy is extended to Ron Bitner, Class 3, in the passing of his younger brother, Dale Bitner. Ron is still very engaged in his winery business near Caldwell.
 
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers:  

• Brian Dixon, candidate selected for Class 37, but unable to participate as he was diagnosed with a reoccurrence of leukemia the Sunday before the Moscow Session. Brian will be in Salt Lake City for several months of treatments. His wife has moved there with him.
• Ray Gross, Class 15, who is receiving treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Family members have also joined him there.
• Julie Kerner, Class 1, as she fights a tough battle against cancer. Julie and her husband ranch in Weiser.

 
The 2017 Legislature met in Boise in early December to reorganize the legislative leadership. Congratulations to Senator Jim Patrick, Class 15, elected Chairman of the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee; and to Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14, elected Chairman of Local Government and Taxation Committee. The 2017 Idaho legislature begins on Monday, January 9.
 
Coinciding with our new President-elect, a new State FSA Board will be put in place. If you are a producer and would like to have your name considered for a position on the State Board, contact your local FSA office and find out the details of the application process.

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Upcoming Events

Monday, December 12, 2016
LIA Board of Trustees Meeting, 10 AM (AMG)
LIA Auction Committee Meeting, 2 PM (AMG)
 
Monday-Tuesday, February 20-21, 2017
Idaho Ag Summit - Boise Red Lion
More info at: www.idahoagsummit.org
 
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
LIA Annual Alumni Gala and Auction - Boise Centre
​More info HERE