LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Don and Dianne Gaalswyk, White Harvest Farms who were recently named one of the Featured Farm Families at the Twin Falls County Fair. A total of six families were recognized. The Gaalswyk’s are familiar faces at Magic Valley LIA events as the parents of Debra Easterday Reeves, Class 41. Don has held several leadership positions in Idaho’s dairy industry.

Sympathy is extended to Bill, Class 25, and Laurie Lickley, Affiliate Member, in the recent passing of Bill’s father.
 
Sympathy is extended to Samantha and Stephen Parrott, Class 39, in the passing of Samantha's mother who lived in Eastern Idaho. Samantha is the Executive Director of Idaho Sugarbeet Growers Association. Stephen works as CFO for Fort Boise Produce in Nyssa.
 
Sympathy is extended to Kody Youree, Class 43, in the recent passing of his mother. Kody’s parents lived close to Kody and his wife Monica, Class 42. Kody farms in the Twin Falls area.
 
Sympathy is extended to Abbie Quesnell, Class 38, on the unexpected passing of her mother on September 25. Abbie works in Burley for McCain Foods. 
 
Jana Jones Neiers, Class 23, has just returned to Boise after a year of traveling the world. Jana is currently working for Adler Industrial LLC where she is serving as the companies Chief of Staff. Adler Industrial is a Boise based industrial real estate development company.

If you live in the Treasure Valley and are looking for a great family experience, plan to visit Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna. Lowe Family Farmstead is operated by Jim, Class 31, and Hillary Lowe. You will see other familiar faces at the farm like Nic, Class 37, and Kyra Gibson, Class 35, who are managers within the operation. Check out the admission and activities on their website at www.lowefamilyfarmstead.com.
 
Class 44 has been selected and all thirty individuals have responded that they are in for the journey.  Attached to this brief  you will find the names, occupations, location in the state and a partial list of sponsors. If you know some of these individuals or were part of their recruitment process, please reach out and congratulate them. The four session locations and dates are as follows:

Nov 6-9: Moscow (University Inn)
Dec 4-7: Idaho Falls (Holiday Inn & Suites) 
Jan 1-5: Twin Falls (Marriott TownePlace Suites)
Feb 18-23: Boise (Hilton Garden Inn Boise)
Feb 21: Gala Dinner and Auction (Wednesday) - Boise Centre
Feb 23: Graduation – Hilton Garden Inn

Rick and Dorita will be traveling the state over the next few weeks for orientations with the new class of candidates in preparation for their first week in November. Please watch your mail for future dates of regional events in your area to meet and interact with the class.

STATE EXCHANGE TO LOUISIANA:
November 12-17 is the LIA State Exchange to Louisiana. At this time, the following are signed up to attend:
Rick & Morgan Brune
Drew* & Bruce Cruickshank
Neil & Melissa Durrant
Drew Eggers
Nate & Launa Fowler
Ron & Carol Jones
Kenyon & Julie Miller*
Ryan & Malia Miller*
Clinton & Lindee Pline*
Dave Reynolds* & Tom Fiez
Will* & Aimbree Ricks
Mark Thiel*
Jen Uranga & Steve Elerick
Nic Wittman & Guest
 
Staff:
Rick & Dorita Waitley
Kendra Dustin

Total cost is $1950. Individual scholarships of up to $750 are available for LIA Alumni. If you have specific questions, please reach out to Development Director Kendra Dustin at [email protected] or by phone at 208-859-6780. We still have room for 5-6 more people to join us. Final deadline to sign up is October 6th.
 
SPONSORSHIP FOR CLASS 44
Attached is the sponsorship form for events connected to Class 44 Session. We appreciate support from individuals, farms, organizations and companies who show their support for breaks, meals or individual class members. If you have questions on the sponsorship opportunity please reach out to Rick or Kendra for answers. We would appreciate receiving all sponsorship forms well in advance of each session location to give you full recognition for your support of LIA.
 
DUES AND DIRECTORY UPDATES: Alumni dues are payable as of July 1, 2023. If you have not completed the form you can find a membership application for annual or Lifetime members on line at www.leadershipidahoag.org.
 
Over the past few weeks Sarah has been sending to all alumni the 2023-2024 Alumni Directory update form. We are working to have the new directory out to members prior to November 1. Your cooperation in returning any update contact information, employment and or listing of a current positions of leadership you hold would be appreciated. You can contact Sarah Freeman at [email protected].