Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Looking Ahead –
House Speaker Tim Miley
(D-Harrison) recently
announced key members
of his new leadership
team. The appointments
included: Harry Keith White
(D-Mingo), Majority Leader;
Brent Boggs (D-Braxton),
Finance Chair; and Tim Manchin (D-Marion),
Judiciary Chair. Mary Poling (D-Barbour) will
continue her leadership role as Education Chair.
We wish Speaker Miley and his leadership team
the very best as they unite their talents and
energies in working with the Legislature to move
West Virginia forward.
parents and program supporters gathering at Cedar
Lakes for the 85th Annual State FFA Convention
and Leadership Conference. The annual program
and competitive framework offer contagious
enthusiasm and high energy that is second to none.
President Wilfong shared remarks and introduced
West Virginia FFA’s Star Farmer for 2013 –
Wesley Davis from Mason County. Wes received
a $500 cash award and plaque provided by WV
Farm Bureau. Three Farm Bureau members were
among those recognized with the Honorary State
FFA Degree for their outstanding support of the
blue and gold – Steve Butler, Upshur County;
Craig Canterbury, Jackson County; and Jon Sims,
Wirt County. Convention speakers included
Agriculture Commissioner Walt
Helmick, State Treasurer John Perdue,
and National FFA Vice President
Lindsey Anderson.
Last month my wife and I had the
opportunity to join friends and family
of Speaker Miley as we converged
on the Bridgeport Conference
As the convention closed, the
Center for an evening of celebration
newly elected State FFA Officer
in conjunction with Tim’s recent
Team assumed their duties for the
election as West Virginia’s 56th
2013-2014 FFA year. The leadership
Speaker for the House of Delegates.
team includes: President – Dylan
The evening was arranged by Tim’s
Frazier, Wirt County; Secretary –
wife, Susan, to show her appreciation
Sydney Hudson, Pendleton County;
and that of others, for Tim’s impact
Southwestern VP – Max McCoy,
on their lives. The program could
Ravenswood; Northcentral VP –
WVFB’s Steve Butler receives
Honorary FFA Degree
easily have centered on politics, given
Brandon Thomas, Preston County;
the numbers of local and state public
Northwestern VP – Joseph Henthorne,
servants/politicians present. But it didn’t. It was
Tyler; Southeastern VP – Andi Mae Harvey,
a delightful and refreshing celebration of Tim’s
Greenbrier East; Central VP – Mikenze Poling,
life and accomplishments, with focus on what
Buckhannon Upshur; Northeastern VP – Katelyn
he means to those who care for him. Emotional,
Flanagan, Hampshire County; and At-Large VP
heartfelt comments touched on Tim’s life of
– Tiffany Harvey, Ravenswood. We extend our
integrity, his great work ethic coupled with a
congratulations and best wishes to these dynamic
positive outlook, and most important, his caring
young leaders as they charge into an exciting year
attitude. Integrity, shaped by caring, builds a solid of dedicated service to the nearly 5000 members
foundation for effective leadership.
of the West Virginia FFA Association. Until next
time, take care FRIENDS, God bless and KEEP
Speaking of leadership, WVFB President
SMILING.
Charles Wilfong, Executive Secretary Steve Butler
and I had the opportunity to join 800+ local and
state FFA leaders, competitors, award recipients,
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5