The Rural Voice, 1980-03, Page 421
1
NEWSLETTER
Huron County Federation
of Agriculture
Area Office: Vanastra, Box 429, Clinton
Seminar stresses
communica tion
A director's seminar and dinner was held on Valentine's
Day at the White Carnation for all County OFA Directors and
Committee members. This seminar was held to acquaint
everyone with the operation of OFA, its structure, history, its
resources and member services and the responsibility to its
members. Merle Gunby, County President ;chaired the meeting,
and welcomed the 65 delegates attending. Mr. Gunby outlined
the importance of the directors having a good working
knowledge of their organization. Bill Crawford, OFA Area
Co-ordinator for Huron County,assisted in the organization of
the program and worked with Chairman Merle in leading a
workshop on icammunicating within the organization.
Glen Agnew, Director of Public Relations for OFA, told how
public support is necessary for the lobbying process to be
successful, and that lobbying is an essential building block of
democracy. There are hundreds of lobbying groups influencing
members of parliament in various ways and agriculture must
make sure its voice is heard too.
Discussion groups were held to find ways of better
communication between ISM members and OFA and whether
the benefits of being a Federation Member are understood.
Grant Wallace, Director of Insurance for OFA,explained the
advantages of the new OFA Health Care Plan and Farm Family
Group Life Insurance. Both are recent services available to all
OFA members. He also outlined the resources and personnel of
OFA -the Research Dept., Properties Dept., Insurance, Field
Staff and Public Relations Dept.
Gerry Fortune, a member of the OFA Membership Committee
gave a talk on the importance of membership to the organization.
Her committee has set a goal of a 5% increase in membership for
1980. Bob Boyle, the new director of Field Services staff,stressed
the importance of being a member of OFA.
Doug Fortune, a Past President of Huron County Federation of
Agriculture; spoke on the responsibilities of being a director.
Doug outlined the responsibilities of being a director, which
could apply to any organization.
Stanley twp. collects for fund
The Stanley Townshisp Federation of Agriculture in a canvass
of the township collected almost ($2,000 1) two thousand dollars
for the Oxford County and Area Tornado Relief Fund.
The Federation wishes to thank the following men for their
time in conducting the canvass; Harvey Hayter, Gordon Porter,
Jim Grainger, Jack Eckel, Harry Pennings, Hugh Hendrick, Ivan
McClymont,Jack Coleman, Harold Peck, Al Hill, Bill Dowson.
PG. 40 THE RURAL VOICE/ MARCH 1980
Calendar of Events
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 6, 1980
8:30 p.m.
Exeter High School, Exeter
Farming with High Interest Rates.
-Panel Discussion with John Murphy, Royal
Bank, Alec McLeod, Bank of Commerce, Bill
McEachren, Accountant.
Hay and Stanley Townships
Annual Meeting,
Dinner & Dance
Pineridge Chalet
Friday, March 31, 1980
7 P.M.
Guest Speaker: Ron McNeil Parliamentary Assistant to
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
Melody Makers. -Tickets $6.00
Howick Twp. Annual Meeting
Gorrie United Church
Wed., March 5, 1980
12:00 Noon
Guest Speaker: James Murray OFA Lawyer
Farm Drainage Regulations
The West Wawanosh Federation of
Agriculture will be holding a discussion
meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. in
the St. Helens Hall. Representatives from the
Ministry of Natural Resources will present
the current regulations on farm water
systems, and questions from the audience
will follow. Everyone is welcome.