Now that the FVC National Stakeholder Conference is over, I have had the opportunity to reflect a bit on the experience and what a great opportunity this was to show off our state and our chapter.
As the chapter President, I was very proud of the showing that TN made to this event. We had over 30 participants and all of them showed the southern hospitality expected of us as hosts. Members of FVC-TN moderated or participated in break-out workshops, provided information to fellow attendees and planned and conducted three outstanding Farm Tours.
Everyone that I talked with at the conference was pleased with the planning and the execution and the warm welcome that TN farmer veterans provided. We are a great state and a great chapter and it showed very well over the 3 days of the conference.
As the host state chapter, FVC-TN had a fair amount of work to do to help with the planning of this conference. The leadership team created a working group to plan for and implement this great event that included Jim Artman (VP), Amanda Lovingood (Secretary), Jen Durant (Communications), PZ Horton (Board) and Eileen Legault (Advisory committee) and myself. These 6 chapter leaders essentially "worked a second job" as we held numerous zoom meetings, sent countless e-mails and followed up on details in an ever- changing situation. The TN chapter helped with venue selection, the Wednesday night social event and overall planning and were additionally responsible for the Color Guard, four of the break-out sessions and all three farm tours. We had a lot of help in planning our Farm Tours from Jeni Goodrich (advisory committee) and her fellow extension agents.
The end result was a great opportunity for TN farmer veterans to mee with and network with each other as well as fellow farmer veterans from at least 15 states. In addition we got to meet with and interact with members of the FVC National Team and numerous exhibitors. All of the work was worth it as these conversations have sparked many new ideas with attendees. I look forward to seeing these ideas grow into actions in the coming year.
Please reply to this post with your own reflections on the FVC stakeholders conference. What was your favorite part?
