The Manitoba Association of Agricultural Fairs Holds 21st Annual Conference

The Manitoba Association of Agricultural Fairs (MAAF) held its annual conference on Jan. 12-13, 2008, at the Victoria Inn in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. According to MAAS Secretary Lynda Witty, 75 registered delegates represented 29 Manitoba agricultural societies.

The keynote speaker was Flo Frank of Meacham, Saskatchewan, an expert in community and organizational development.  Her presentation was titled “Beyond Fairs, Beyond Sectors.” Sixty additional community registrants attended the conference to see Ms. Frank’s presentation.  Joan Clement delivered a program on Fair Exhibit Presentation.

The MAAS Board of Directors unveiled the new MAAS Mission Statement and Vision Statement at the conference. The new vision statement is “The MAAS Board will lead in revitalizing our rural communities.” The new mission statement is “The MAAS Board will provide Manitoba Agricultural Societies with the vehicles and opportunities to develop and promote vital rural communities.”

At the awards banquet, the MAAS presented Honorary Life Memberships to seven individuals.  The recipients are Bernice Evenson, nominated by the Plumas Agricultural Society; Doreen and Clayton Cox, nominated by the Miami Agricultural Society; Dorothy Simpson, nominated by the Boissevain Agricultural Society; Gordon Campbell, nominated by the Killarney Agricultural Society; John and Joan Goodwill, nominated by the Souris/Gleenwood Agricultural Society.

Four new directors were elected at the conference.  They are Red River Exhibition Representative Kevin Clifford, Provincial Exhibition Representative Jim Wilson, District 2 Representative Rudy Kovar, and District 4 Representative Ron Sangster.

The 2009 Manitoba Association of Agricultural Fairs Conference will be held Jan. 10-11.