It has been a big year for the Ohio Agribusiness Association (OABA) and its membership. Early in the year, former OABA President and CEO Gary King announced his retirement after 21 years of serving the Ohio agribusiness industry. In May, the OABA board selected Christopher Henney, formerly of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, to take over leadership of the Association. Together, Henney, OABA Board Chair Herb Mayer and the rest of the OABA board hit the ground running with a vision for the organization’s future.
In the summer, OABA began a strategic planning process to set a new direction for the organization. The board approved the 2011 OABA Strategic Plan in November The plan sets key priority areas for OABA over the next three years, as well as identifies a new mission statement for the association:
The leading advocate for Ohio agribusiness by creating a sustainable business climate through collaborative policy leadership, continuous education and effective communication.
To view an executive summary of the OABA’s strategic plan, click here. In addition to the strategic plan, OABA underwent a rebranding process that resulted in a new logo and look for the OABA website to reflect its new priorities and mission.
Throughout 2011, OABA actively represented its members’ interests on several important issues:
A key priority of OABA has always been the education and professional development of its members, and this year was no different. In 2011, OABA members and agribusiness professionals from Ohio and surrounding states had the opportunity to participate in a two-day crop production conference, a custom applicator day, three anhydrous ammonia safety schools, four grain warehouse law seminars and a seed technology seminar. The conferences and training events offered opportunities for attendees to hear from experts in the field and earn CCA CEU credits toward their CCA certifications.
This year also marked the passing of former OABA Board Chair Hal H. Hammel, who passed away in June. Hal served on various community and industry boards and committees too numerous to mention, in addition to being Board Chair of the OABA in 1977.
OABA would like to thank its board and members for an excellent year. We look forward to continuing to represent our members in 2012. In the coming year, two key issues for the Association will be to urge Ohio legislators to pass an exemption in the Cat Tax for privately held grain businesses and to work with the Nutrient and Water Quality working group in seeking common-sense, effective solutions to improve and protect Ohio’s water quality while preserving Ohio’s farmers freedom to operate. Together with our members, OABA will work to make Ohio a better place to work and do business for the agricultural community.