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Hundreds Celebrate Group’s 10th Anniversary at Annual Convention January 27, 2009 Rapid City, S.D. – More than 200 members and their families celebrated R-CALF USA’s 10th Annual Convention here Jan. 23-24 at the Ramkota Hotel where it all started back in 1999. “This year, everything was very focused on R-CALF itself,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “We did have some guest speakers during the meals, but most of our speakers were internal committee chairs or other active volunteers, and the mix was perfect. “The comments that I received about the structure of the two-day convention were all quite positive, so we’ll likely continue with that format,” he continued. “There was no tension because we all knew we were among friends and we are united for a common cause. We also were able to accomplish a great deal of business for the organization. The event was exceptionally well run – smoother than others in the past.” Several policy proposals were brought to the floor during Saturday’s business session, and R-CALF USA staff will send out the ballots for voting members on or before March 12, according to R-CALF USA Membership Services Coordinator Laurel Masterson. ”Members took advantage of the shortened length of the convention, and this translated into more in attendance during the meetings, as well as during our business session where the policy development occurs,” Masterson said. The Saturday evening festivities included both a silent auction featuring more than 30 items, as well as a live auction, which between the two raised more than $5,000 for the organization. * Nebraska Member Vince Hulinksy, with Ag-West Feeds, donated a bronze statue titled “When Cowboys Take a Dare,” which was purchased by Wyoming Member Taylor Haynes, M.D., for $1,050. * Missouri Member Dudley Butler, with Butler Farm & Ranch Law Group, PPLC, donated a refurbished Ryon saddle, which was purchased by South Dakota Members Rick Fox and Ken Knuppe for $800, who in turn donated it back for re-auction where is sold to South Dakota Member Pat Trask for $900. * Dakota Community Bank donated a limited edition 10th anniversary R-CALF USA sign, which was purchased by R-CALF USA Region IX Director George Chambers, of Georgia, for $1,400. * Anders Ranch, located in South Dakota, donated a Boxer Hitch, which was purchased by Utah Member Bert Smith for $275. * A copy of the coffee-table book titled Great Ranches of the West, authored by Jim Keen and donated by Kansas Member Mike Callicrate, was purchased by South Dakota Member Chris Harvey for $185. Vendors from several states filled the exhibit room, and many local businesses also helped sponsor the event. “We are very thankful to all the businesses and individuals who sponsored the R-CALF USA convention,” Masterson concluded. “Rapid City gave us a great ‘welcome back,’ and we are excited to go back next year.” The 2010 convention also will be held here in Rapid City, and the dates will be announced soon. # # # R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on trade and marketing issues. Members are located across 47 states and are primarily cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and/or feedlot owners. R-CALF USA directors and committee chairs are extremely active unpaid volunteers. R-CALF USA has dozens of affiliate organizations and various main-street businesses are associate members. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516. |
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