Women’s Leadership Conference Set For April 5-6 In Birmingham
When 200 agriculture-loving ladies descend on Birmingham for the 2017 Women’s Leadership Conference April 5-6, giving, growing and GMO education are headed their way.
Sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation, the annual event is at the Hyatt Regency – The Wynfrey Hotel. Registration opens Feb. 16 and closes March 3. Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey said the conference is a fun-focused networking and educational opportunity for ladies statewide.
“Whether it’s collecting pop tabs for charity, learning about GMOs or hearing from a strong, agricultural businesswoman, our members will have plenty of knowledge to soak up,” Ramsey said. “We’d love to see participation from all 67 counties and have that involvement spread to our state and national levels.”
The conference begins Wednesday afternoon with registration and pop tab collections, which benefit Alabama’s Ronald McDonald Houses. At check-in, members are in for a treat with complimentary massage therapy, in addition to unique clothing, jewelry and accessories available from county vendors.
After the opening banquet and a welcome by Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Marji Guyler-Alaniz, founder and president of FarmHer Inc., will speak. An Iowa native, Guyler-Alaniz created FarmHer in 2013 to spotlight women in agriculture.
Thursday’s agenda kicks off with a legislative update from the Federation’s governmental affairs staff. Morning sessions focus on Ag in the Classroom with Alabama Peanut Producers Association’s Teresa Mays; GMO education with Extension Specialist Dr. Rudy Pacumbaba; and Southern food with cookbook author and food blogger Stacey Little.
That day, the conference coincides with the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon to recognize county Farm-City committees for 2016 achievements. Winners in statewide poster, essay and multimedia contests will be announced, as will the 2017 Farm of Distinction recipient.
Following the evening banquet, country music artist and Alabamian Ashton Shepherd will take the stage to close out the conference.
Register at alfafarmers.org, or contact your county Federation for more details.