The Minnesota FFA Association is accepting nominations for inaugural entry into its recently-formed Hall of Fame. The establishment of the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame arose out of the planning for the organization’s 75th Anniversary celebration, which kicked off at the 2003 FFA Convention and will culminate with a variety of activities during the 2004 convention. “The Hall of Fame is an excellent opportunity to honor the men and women who, over the years, have demonstrated leadership and commitment not only to the FFA but also to Minnesota’s agricultural industry,” said Kristyna Schultz, President, MN FFA Association. In total, 75 nominees will be selected to be part of the inaugural class of the Hall of Fame. All nominations for the 2004 calendar year must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2003. Anyone can submit a nomination, and candidates can be living or deceased. “We are looking specifically for people who have been influential and supportive of Minnesota FFA, and who have demonstrated a high level of service and longstanding commitment to agriculture, agri-business, and/or education in agriculture,” said Steve Olson, co-chair of the Minn. FFA @ 75 Planning Committee. Nominees should meet most, but not necessarily all, of the following criteria. o Contributions and service the candidate has provided to agriculture/agribusiness, to education in agriculture and FFA. Consideration should be given to longevity. o Leadership in the candidate’s profession, in agriculture/agribusiness, education in agriculture and in FFA; o Career accomplishments, honors and recognition; o FFA leadership at the local, state, and national level; o Leadership and support to other agricultural/agribusiness related organizations and/or agencies; o Responsibilities, leadership and/or services to non-agricultural groups and organizations; o Participation and support of philanthropic endeavors; o Service to and participation in activities which promote agriculture, agribusiness, citizenship, education and the FFA. A selection committee consisting of a variety of FFA members, FFA alumni and one agricultural educator will make the final decision on who is inducted. An induction ceremony will take place at the 2004 FFA Convention. To nominate someone, contact your local FFA Chapter. Nomination forms are also available at www.ffa.umn.edu/association/ and can be submitted via e-mail or by mailing to: FFA Hall of Fame, PO Box 131775, Roseville MN 55113. For additional information, please contact Steve Olson, co-chair of the MN FFA @ 75 Planning Committee, (763) 682-2171, or e-mail steve@minnesotaturkeys.com, or contact Mary Buschette, co-chair of the MN FFA @ 75 Planning Committee, (612) 624-1745 or e-mail mbuschet@tc.umn.edu.
