| Highlights from the recent event for Florida cowboys at Marco Island |
The theme was “Get a Grip,” and for those attending the 2013 Florida Cattlemen Association Convention, it was all about strengthening the “grip” (or relationships), among attendees through business and non-business connections.
“The ‘Get a Grip’ theme is based around a handshake and how in our business some things are still done with a handshake,” says Dusty Holley, FCA Director of Field Services. “It’s about getting a grip on the cattlemen’s relationships with one another and with others in the world, building the relationship with another person that a handshake can signify in business and in friendship.”[emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
The theme was chosen, as is tradition, by this year’s president, Woody Larson, reflecting the jovial attitude among the hundreds that attended the convention in Marco Island from June 17-20.
Cattlemen alike converged at the popular trade show, exchanged news and laughs at the three themed banquets, and learned the latest FCA updates at several of the meetings. “People come to the convention in two-fold: One, they come because it is a vacation getaway, which attracts cattlemen from across the state and their families,” explains Holly. “Two, we also get a lot of business done while at the convention. The trade show is always extremely popular, as well as the meetings and themed meals. It’s a pretty neat thing to see in its entirety, but people come for different reasons. They may come for the meetings or just to see everybody. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.” As always, the Youth Appreciation Luncheon, which presented Junior Cattlemen awards, and the Cattlemen’s Supper, where Miss Sweetheart was crowned along with several other awards presented, were big hits again this year.
Among the topics discussed at the meetings held during the convention were those catered towards new movement in law and government, such as the recent Cattle Identification Rule, meat exportation, prosperous uptake on grass, and general business practices for the association. There was also focused interest on the charted progress of a resolution for a new trespassing law in Collier County.
The popular meals had a new addition as each luncheon or banquet was brought to guests by title sponsors, companies who are also FCA members. This seemed to encourage more of the convention’s “Get a Grip” theme among members and vendors, as the association encouraged members to learn more through speaking with these and other vendors at the trade show about new industry techonology. “The ‘Get a Grip’ theme was constantly reflected around the convention and was mentioned by the speakers and at the meals several times,” Holly recalls.
Plans for next year are already in the works as the FCA’s website has listed June 15-21, 2014 at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort as the date and location for the 2014 Convention.
CREDITS
story by BLAIR TOWNLEY
photo by RON O’CONNOR, Farm Credit
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