FFA LEADERSHIP FUND Vision Becomes Reality

Missouri Soybean Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 21, 2005
Contact: Alex Stemme (573) 635-3819

COLUMBIA, MO – As nearly 10,000 FFA students gather for the annual State FFA Convention, a new group is meeting for first time: the FFA Leadership Fund.  Former national FFA officers, retired FFA advisors and agribusiness and industry leaders set to hold an in-augural meeting of the advisory board for group.  The FFA Leadership Fund—the brand new effort to support Missouri’s agricultural youth—began last fall with a fall foliage tour of the Missouri River, and since then numerous individuals and organizations have pledged more than $100,000 to the fund.

“What a unique example of taking an idea thought of for years and executing a set of actions to make the vision a reality,” said Dale R. Ludwig, executive director/CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association and member of the FFA Leadership Fund founder’s committee.

Constituents from other youth and agricultural development organizations will also be on-hand to provide experience and guidance as the strategy for the effort is formed.  The advisory board plans to meet at the University of Missouri during State FFA Convention to develop the vision and strategic plan of action for the organization.

“It’s inspiring to see individuals and organizations across the spectrum of Missouri agriculture and industry coming together to help and support the development of young people,” said Alex Stemme, founder’s committee member and former FFA member.

The FFA Leadership Fund plans to launch Missouri FFA members to the next level of leadership development.  The focus of the fund is to reach additional members at the nearly 300 FFA chapters across the state, improve training for Missouri’s national FFA participants, and enhance global agricultural experiences for Missouri’s FFA leaders.

The endeavor to establish the FFA Leadership Fund just began, and FFA supporters have a chance to participate on the ground level as founding members.  Individual contributors can earn bronze, silver, gold or platinum status by making five-year commitments to give a total of $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more respectively.

In addition, organizations can contribute by making five-year commitments to give a total of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000 or more to earn bronze, silver, gold or platinum status respectively.

For more information, please contact the FFA Leadership Fund by calling 800.662.3261 or emailing info@ffaleadershipfund.com.  You can also learn more about the fund on the web at www.ffaleadershipfund.com .

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