August 10, 2007

 

For More Information Contact:

Shelia Stannard at 816-383-5152 or sstannard@angus.org

 

 

Junior Angus Members Take a Bite Out of Life at 2007 LEAD

 

            Southern hospitality, pertinent beef industry information and friendships that will last a lifetime are just a few key items served up to National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members, August 2-5 in Athens, Ga.  “Life’s a Peach, So Eat it Up” was the theme of the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference that drew 170 young leaders and their advisors from 34 states and Canada.

            Georgia native and former NJAA member Christy (Bell) Page welcomed the group to Athens by sharing the highlights of her NJAA career, which included reigning as Miss American Angus, receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award and serving as the first junior activities intern.  She challenged the youth that ranged in age from 14-21 years old to strive for excellence; get involved; make friends and be themselves.

            Leadership and motivational speaker Kim Anderson, 4-H leadership specialist with the University of Georgia, had two opportunities to address the group of young leaders.  She challenged the group to think about the importance of moving from a “competition” mindset to the “completion” mindset that works for the best of an organization.  She demonstrated that by adding the letter “l” to “compete” an organization can grow to enhance the experiences for all those involved.

            In addition to motivational speakers, the youth had the opportunity to see some Georgia attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, both in Atlanta; and Three Trees Ranch, Sharpsburg.  At Three Trees, the youth had the opportunities to learn about the embryo transfer (ET) process, see the program’s donor cows and enjoy an evening of fellowship and dancing, while taking helicopter rides to view the ranch from the air.

            NJAA Board members conducted four workshops to develop personal skills and enhance industry knowledge.  “Quit your Rambling” was a workshop to teach the importance of communication skills and allowed the youth to work in groups to introduce their inventions to a group.  During “Life’s a Dance” the juniors learned proper dance moves for the two-step, which they could put to use later at the concluding dance.

            The “Angus Wheel of Fortune” took a game show approach to teach the youth about Angus and beef industry information.  In the “C.A.BAM—Certified Angus Beef has the Natural BAM” workshop, the Certified Angus Beef Program specifications were introduced, and the participants had the opportunity to taste test the differences between a Certified Angus Beef ® steak and a commodity product.  All participants participated in the four interactive workshops.

            Special entertainment this year featured hypnotist Al Snyder.  Making his second appearance at LEAD, Snyder demonstrated the power of hypnosis, as about 20 individuals went under hypnosis during his program.

            An additional feature to this year’s LEAD was the introduction of more programs designed for the adult advisors that attended the conference.  Heather (Kalino) Shultz, former NJAA Board member and current 4-H program coordinator in Georgia, presented a workshop on the importance of volunteers to ensure the success of any organization.  Also, a round table discussion allowed parents and advisors to share ideas from various states and organizations.

            LEAD is conducted on an annual basis for the 14-21 year old leaders of the NJAA.  The Angus Foundation sponsors the event as part of its mission to support education, youth and research.  For more information about the NJAA or Angus Foundation, visit www.njaa.info or www.angusfoundation.org.

 

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