Meeting in Virginia

This is an email we received from Dennis Trissel who is the newest member of the Board of Directors and a dairy farmer in Virginia.  He work closely with Gary Genske to organize the meeting in Virginia last Friday night.

I am writing to report on the first Va National Dairy Producer Org meeting in VA.  

At 8:30 am, Gary and I first met with an influential dairy/business in Chatham VA for 2 hours.  We then traveled an hour to Ronoke, VA  to meet with Senator Mark Warner's office for 45 minutes.  We traveled 100 miles to Harrisonburg to meet with Congressman Bob Goodlathe's office for 45 minutes. I feel we created interest and a foundation for continued communication.

Our farmer meeting was to start at 7:00 pm but people started to arrive at 6:20, so we started serving food at 6:30  The homemade pork barbecue has never been better!  A total of 365 people signed in and included farmers, bankers, business people, county agents, state Ag officials, etc.  Gary created quite a lot of interest by answering questions and putting many rumors to rest.  The Contract With Producers was a huge resource for a positive plan, atmosphere and great leadership.  The over all atmosphere was very positive.  Gary's presentation ended with a large round of unprompted applause!  I instructed a photographer to take lots of pictures. 

I feel meetings are the next step in bringing in membership!  Farmers will join when they meet the "movers and shakers"   

I wanted to thank Gary for his help in bringing VA along!  I now have people who are interested in leading the state and will be contacting them to find their interest!

Dennis Trissel



Close to 400 people associated with the dairy industry listening to Gary Genske's presentation





Genske speaking to producers and associated businesses



L to R: Eddie Showalter, Ricky Horn, Gary Genske & Dennis Trissel

Don't these pictures want to make you organize a meeting in your state?  Virginia producers know how to make it happen!  Congratulations to Virginia for doing such a great job!