This past weekend my family had the honor of hosting the NJHA Board of Directors for their annual spring meeting. College kids from Montana to New York and from Texas to Minnesota flew into Green Bay for a 4 day event of board bonding and working through hours of meetings prepping for the hectic summer months to come. We had soo much fun and glad it was a successful meeting. The NJHA Board consists of 12 junior members that were voted by the NJHA membership. Four juniors are selected to serve each year for a three year term at the Junior National Hereford Expo held every July. I was fortunate to serve on this board during 2005-2008 then passed my board jacket onto my younger sister Danielle who is now in her third (and final) year on the board; she is currently Vice-President. Being with them all this weekend brought back so many fond memories I have from my three years on the board. The NJHA Board is run under the conduction of Amy Cowan, AHA Youth Activities Director. We also had 2 of the 3 sets of advisers attend the spring meeting (Kathy Bucholtz and Kyle & Jodi McMillan). My mom and I had a blast planning the event and doing all the last minute shuffle! :)
Thursday (St. Patty's Day) was arrival day and to really kick things off and to get the feel of the true north the NJHA Board attended the Green Bay Gamblers Hockey Game.
After only getting a few hours of sleep Thursday night they got up at the crack of dawn to head to Shawano, WI for an educational tour of the Genex Headquarters. I was so glad I got to be part of this. A big thank you to Genex employees for opening the doors and educating us on every aspect of the AI business. The tour started out with watching semen being collected on the bulls, transitioned into the sorting and how any abnormal sperm cells are identified; freezing and concluded with distribution. I am continuously amazed at how large of a company Genex is and the amount of international sales.
Friday afternoon, evening and most of Saturday was dedicated for the NJHA Board to work on their planning activities for the summer shows, NJHA candidates, and prep for contests for the JNHE. Mom and I closed the pass-through window so we get meals ready but it was so fun to over hear all the innovative and new ideas they have, what a cohesive group! The NJHA should be proud to have these young individuals leading their organization. They are really a professional adults and take their offices and responsibilities seriously. As a retiree I'm proud to see this program continues to keep getting stronger year after year.
After the hard work in meetings, we decided to end the trip ended on a bit of an Irish note as we headed over to New London (or New Dublin as they call themselves during March) to take in the St. Patrick's Day festivities. One board member (who would like to remain anonymous) even bought a kilt and wore it with his cowboy boots! Needless to say everyone got into the spirit and enjoyed the Celtic music and tried an Irish jig or two!
Thank you NJHA Board for visiting the Starr Family and letting us be part of your spring meetings. We were honored to be able to host this event. Visitors are always welcome, please come again.
Happy Monday!
N.Starr
2 comments:
I had a great time under your family's hospitality! Thanks again!
It was fun! Glad you all enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I will make sure I continue to swing by yours as well:) Good luck with the rest of the semester.
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