Hot News

10.19.04

RICHMOND — Anyone can learn from mistakes, but the lesson sometimes may come too late for someone running for public office.
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Co-ops will co-sponsor a two-day strategy seminar on “How to Win an Election” March 21 and 22, 2005, for potential candidates and their campaign managers and spouses. The deadline for registration is Dec. 20.
Developed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the bi-partisan seminar will be held at the Virginia Farm Bureau home office in Goochland County.
Topics to be covered include clarifying campaign issues, planning a campaign strategy, creating an effective organization to get elected, and raising and managing the money for it all. The program also includes hands-on work, with feedback on elements like media interviews, and information from a State Board of Elections representative on reporting requirements.
“It’s not just theory; it’s the nitty-gritty details of running for elected office,” said Farm Bureau spokeswoman Susan Rubin. “It helps you evaluate whether you should be running for office, and then it takes you through every aspect of managing a successful campaign.”
Rubin noted that seminar content is applicable for any serious candidate, “whether they’re running for local office--board of supervisors, school board, sheriff--or for state office.”
The potential benefit for voters, she noted, is considerable. “If voters have a strong, competent slate of candidates from which to choose, the whole democratic process is only enhanced.”
Registration for the seminar is $150, and attendance is limited to 35 people. For details contact Rubin at 804-290-1019 or susan.rubin@vafb.com.
First Autumn Harvest Jubilee draws thousands

RICHMOND — Richmond’s inaugural Autumn Harvest Jubilee was a rousing success, drawing thousands of people who took advantage of glorious weather to enjoy the event at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market in Shockoe Bottom.
The Oct. 9 jubilee, co-sponsored by Virginia Farm Bureau and Ukrop’s Super Markets Inc., began with the Autumn Harvest 10k at 8 a.m. and concluded with the Autumn Harvest Football Classic, which pitted the University of Richmond against the University of Maine. In between, Shockoe Bottom was alive with exhibits, music, animals, a Reverse Doo Dah Parade and plenty of other entertainment.
As the 10k race was drawing to a close, exhibitors and sponsors began setting up tents along 17th and Grace Streets, joining merchants at the farmers’ market.
“We thought it was great,” said Janet Grubbs of the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, which sponsored a tent and brought in a dairy cow and calves. “For a first-year event, it was very well organized and attended; the weather was phenomenal. We were pleased with the number of families there. They were all interested in getting nutritional information and fascinated by the animals.”
Ultimately, the event succeeded in entertaining the throngs, but it helped educate as well.
“I think it’s a good thing to do,” Grubbs said. “We reached people that needed to find out about agriculture and farming. Many had never seen a cow up close or had any idea that milk came from a cow. This was their first experience with the ag community.
“We’re already thinking about what to do next year to make it better, as far as the dairy industry is concerned. We’d love to participate next year.”