From the February/March, 2007 issue:

Farm Bureau county leaders meet

County leaders learn how to establish effective legislative programs.
About 325 county presidents and county leaders from 145 counties attended the annual Georgia Farm Bureau County Presidents’ Conference, Feb. 13, in Macon.

 County leaders attending the conference heard about ways GFB is working to improve communication with county Farm Bureaus, learned how to effectively represent agriculture by fostering relationships with their elected officials and discussed what constitutes a healthy county Farm Bureau. The conference also included an overview of the financial status of the GFB Insurance Company and plans to ensure its future success.

“This organization belongs to you and your county leaders. You’re here today to make a difference in the future of this organization, ” GFB President Zippy Duvall told the county leaders. “It’s going to take a team effort to have the best farm organization and the best insurance company we can have. I’m asking each of you to be part of the team and help achieve this goal.”

During the workshop on Farm Bureau communications, GFB staff explained the new web site, The Source, which has been designed to allow county leaders to get Farm Bureau information using their home computers. County Farm Bureau presidents can currently access the site. Office managers will receive their passwords and training in district meetings Feb. 20-March 15. Other county leaders will receive access as the site develops. The Source is intended to provide time sensitive information and other materials that will help county leaders in their leadership roles. County presidents were encouraged to visit the site and complete a survey to provide feedback.

County leaders were also encouraged to establish a system of communication for their county outlining how information sent from the home office is to be distributed by their office manager to county leaders, whether by U.S. mail, e-mail or phone.

During the workshop on effective legislative programs, county leaders were reminded of the impact contacting elected officials can make.

“Anytime one of our legislators sees one of the GFB legislative staff in Atlanta they need to picture one of you,” GFB Legislative Director Jon Huffmaster said. He encouraged county leaders to call their legislators to voice their opinion on legislation that affects them. “If you can’t talk to the legislator, leave a message. They will read those messages,” Huffmaster said.

GFB staff also explained how they are using an e-mail system called the Farm Bureau Web to get timely information to county leaders. Each district field representative has been asked to collect active e-mail addresses from county leaders who want to receive e-mail updates on information that needs a timely response.