Scott to Join Farm Bureau Members in Florida

Willard Scott

PARK RIDGE, Ill., October 30, 2002 – Members attending the American Farm Bureau Federation's 84th annual meeting in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 19-22, 2003, will be entertained and motivated by television weatherman, author and public service advocate Willard Scott at the Monday afternoon General Session.

Probably best-known as NBC's Today Show weatherman, Scott has brightened the nation's mornings for more than two decades. Along with his extensive travel for the Today Show, Scott has anchored coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1987 and traditionally appears as Santa Claus at several White House events for children. For more than 30 years, he has lighted the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.

Scott is the author of four books. In addition, he has distinguished himself with his public-service efforts and has been named both Distinguished Virginian by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (1990) and Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian magazine (1979). In 1995, he was recognized by President Ronald Reagan with the Private Sector Award for Public Service.

Since Farm Bureau has an ongoing partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities in conjunction with the organization's annual Food Check-Out Day commemoration, members will be interested to note that Scott served as the world's first Ronald McDonald.

During his presentation at the Monday afternoon General Session, Scott will use his first-hand knowledge of small-town communities to offer an inspiring perspective on the nation that he loves so much. In addition to Scott's presentation, a variety of special conferences will be featured during Sunday afternoon and Monday morning seminars. Seminar topics include new uses of technology to improve food safety, new consumer products being offered by the beef industry, personal and professional development, and top agricultural issues affecting the industry.

"Our members come to the convention seeking information on the issues important to them, their businesses and agriculture," said Rolland Hayenga, AFBF annual meeting coordinator. "They certainly will not be disappointed in our seminar and conference schedule this year."

Returning to this year's convention is the Cyber Café, sponsored by fbcountry.com. Other convention highlights include the Farm Bureau Showcase, Young Farmer & Rancher competitive events, Farm Bureau Women's business session and the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture ice cream fund raiser sponsored by Dairy Management Inc. The Sunday evening awards program, sponsored by John Deere, will feature annual Farm Bureau awards as well as the annual president's address by AFBF President Bob Stallman. The convention concludes with the annual meeting of state Farm Bureau delegates discussing and voting on the policies that will guide the organization in 2003.

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Contacts:

Mace Thornton (847) 685-8755 macet@fb.org

Amy Bakker 847-685-8751 amyb@fb.org