FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2017
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
[email protected]
SAN DIEGO – National Farmers Union (NFU) today recognized the efforts of members, county and local organizations, and state divisions for their excellence in membership recruitment and outreach at the 115th Anniversary Convention.
“A strong grassroots network is the backbone of a farmer-led organization,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Our peer-driven approach to membership and outreach is what keeps our organization rooted in rural America, and I am honored to recognize the efforts of these dedicated leaders.”
Annually, National Farmers Union presents one or more awards in each of four categories: Silver Star Award, Membership Achievement Award, Leadership Achievement Award, and Outstanding Leadership Achievement Award.
Gary Wertish of Minnesota Farmers Union, Tiffany Wright of Northwest Farmers Union, and Kriss Marion of Wisconsin Farmers Union received the Silver Star Award, the highest honor bestowed to individual Farmers Union organizers. Wertish is a six-time recipient of the coveted award.
William Miller from Ohio Farmers Union and Bessie Klose from Minnesota Farmers Union both received the Membership Achievement Award for their dedication to recruitment.
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union received the highest organizational honor, the Outstanding Leadership Award. The award is presented to Farmers Union state divisions that grow their membership and demonstrate a coordinated effort in community leadership. NFU also acknowledged 26 local, county and district sub-divisions with the Leadership Achievement Award for their service within their communities.
“Thanks to the dedication of members and divisions like those honored today, Farmers Union has been able to grow our robust grassroots network over the course of the last year,” Johnson concluded. “NFU proudly represents nearly 200,000 family farm and ranch members across the nation, and will continue to be the strongest advocate for the well-being of all American family farmers and ranchers.”
A full list of membership award winners can be found here.
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To download an audio file of Roger Johnson’s quotes, visit our website at nfu.org/audio.
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About NFU
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.