LIA BRIEFS

May 20 elections are just a few weeks away and several LIA alumni are currently running for public office. Two members we are aware of are running for County Commissioner: Sid Freeman, Class 19, is running for County Commissioner in Canyon County, and Terry Kramer, Class 19, is a candidate for re-election to his 4th term as a County Commissioner in Twin Falls County. Of course, there are others running for political offices around the state. Let us know if you are a candidate.

Congratulations to LIA Trustee Jim Miller, Class 29, who was named to a new position April 1 at CHS Primeland as Director of Sales and Marketing. Jim will relocate his office to Lewiston (CHS Primeland headquarters) and will be working with salesmen across the company to strategically grow CHS Primeland business.

A new little man, Henry Leopold, joined the Tiege Ulschmid, Class 32, family on April 22. Tiege reports that he and Carrie are adjusting well to having a second one in the house.

Christi Falen, Class 33, departed the U of I Extension position in Lincoln County and on March 24th started with JR Simplot Company in Boise as a Research Agronomist. 

At a recent meeting of the Larry Branen Idaho Ag Summit board, Benjamin Kelly, Class 29, was elected co-chairman for the 2016 Ag Summit.  Benjamin joins the Ag Summit leadership team along with fellow LIA grad, Jim Lowe, Class 31, co-chairman for the 2015 Ag Summit.

We received word this week that The Farmhouse Collection, Twin Falls - a business visited by several LIA class tours over the past few years - will be closing their operation in 6-7 weeks. Jon Conder, CEO, reported that the failure of the economy to return to normal is the main reason. Conder hopes to remain in the Twin Falls area and is currently seeking employment. Jon was named Friend of LIA in 2007 by the Foundation. 

Update from the world of Brenda Waters, Class 20: “I am on a temporary assignment for 120 days in the Midwest Regional office (Omaha, NE) as the acting Deputy Associate Regional Director for Natural Resources, Stewardship and Science.”  Brenda is wrapping up the Bevinetto Fellowship she served while in DC the past couple of years. Brenda was the former Noxious Weed Director at ISDA before joining the National Park Service system.

Congratulations to Galen Lee, Class 10, who is currently serving as Vice President of the American Sugarbeet Association and will be moving into the role of President within the next couple of years.  During our recent visit to Washington DC, we visited the American Sugarbeet Association and let those folks brag about Galen and his excellent leadership in their association. It made us proud!

Keep your eyes open for a farm style windmill. We have an LIA Alumni looking for one. It does not have to be operable at this time. If you know of one looking for a new home, let us know and we will pass the word along.

The LIA Advisory Committee recently named new chairmen and vice chairmen for the following committees:                      

Alumni Activities:
CHAIR: Jim Lowe, Class 31
V.CHAIR: Leah Clark, Class 26

Finance:
CHAIR: Rob Troxel, Class 14
V.CHAIR: Valentin Celaya, Class 29

Fund Development:
CHAIR: Pat Purdy, Class 30
V.CHAIR: Julie Pipal, Class 18

Marketing/Recruitment:
CHAIR: Julie Pipal, Class 18
V.CHAIR: Jim Miller, Class 29

Nominations:
CHAIR: Travis Jones, Class 28
V.CHAIR: Debra Ausman, Class 19

Program/Curriculum:
CHAIR: Pattie Jo Courtney, Class 29
V.CHAIR: Doug McIntosh, Class 19