AFBF Commemorates New Headquarters

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2003 – It was an evening of celebration Tuesday for the American Farm Bureau Federation when the organization, joined by U.S. dignitaries and friends, commemorated its new headquarters in Washington, D.C. The celebration culminated a yearlong process of moving AFBF’s headquarters from suburban Chicago to Washington, D.C.

“By focusing our professional resources and organizational expertise in this newly expanded office, we will be more effective in carrying out our time-honored mission of serving Farm Bureau members by implementing the policies they develop and by providing programs that will improve the financial well-being and quality of life for America’s farm and ranch families,” AFBF President Bob Stallman told a crowd of supporters at Tuesday’s reception.

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman was on hand to help commemorate the occasion. Speaking of the new headquarters, she said it would strengthen even further the relationship between AFBF and USDA.

“We are here to advance the cause of our farmers and ranchers all across the country,” said Veneman.

Also attending the event were Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Charlie Stenholm (D-Texas) and other members of Congress and the administration.

In a formal gesture to join together the Chicago and Washington offices, Stallman, joined by Sec. Veneman and AFBF’s Chief Administrative Officer Dick Harris and Executive Director of Public Policy Richard Newpher, tied two ropes together with a ceremonial knot.

“With our renewed and rededicated spirit, we celebrate this new beginning,” continued Stallman. “Tonight, we begin our trek down a new gilded path, a new golden era of Farm Bureau effectiveness and influence… on behalf of our members.”

Stallman concluded the ceremony by unveiling a woodcarving by artist and Farm Bureau member Joe Dillett from The Carving Shop in Somonauk, Ill. The piece was commissioned by AFBF to help mark the arrival of the new headquarters and hangs in AFBF’s lobby.

Contacts:

Don Lipton (202) 406-3643 donl@fb.org

Tracy Grondine (202) 406-3642 tracyg@fb.org