The Highland County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Ag is Everyone’s Business event will feature former U.S. Farm Report host John Phipps as the main speaker, Hillsboro Rotarians were told Tuesday.
Phipps’ appearance was originally announced over the summer, and Chamber President Melissa Elmore said Tuesday that the annual ag-themed event has become known as “one of the best-run events in the ag industry.”
The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. Jan. 22, 2016 at the Patriot Center at Southern State Community College in Hillsboro. Tickets will go on sale in mid-December at $15 each, said Elmore.
Phipps writes humor and commentary, appearing regularly in Farm Journal and Top Producer magazines as a contributing editor.
In 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002 and 2004 his works were selected for Best Humor; in 1995, 2000 and 2003, Best Regular Column; and in 2003, Best Editorial Opinion by the American Agricultural Editors Association. In 2004, he was named Writer of the Year. He also appeared regularly on “Weekend Marketplace” as a commentator.
According to agweb.com, “In 2005, he assumed the position of host of U.S. Farm Report, the nation’s longest-running TV show, stepping down from the position in 2014 to spend more time on the farm. Also in 2005, he began “Incoming,” a unique weblog for those who farm and those who like farms.”
Ag is Everyone’s Business, now in its fourth year, highlights the agricultural community of Highland County and the surrounding area. Previous speakers include Orion Samuelson (2013) and Max Armstrong (2014) of “This Week in AgriBusiness,” and Greg Peterson (2015) of “Machinery Pete” on RFD-TV. Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David Daniels has also spoken at the event.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, Ag is Everyone’s Business averages 450 guests and includes a sit-down breakfast.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the Highland County Chamber of Commerce at 937-393-1111 for more information.
Elmore, who has been president of the Chamber for three years, also described a variety of programs for Rotary members Tuesday, including the regular Business Bashes, Lunch and Learn, Dress for Success, Coffee and Commerce and others, including the Grow! Highland County business development program, and the annual Chamber golf outing.
Elmore, accompanied by Maddie Cupp, public relations coordinator for the Chamber, presented a slide show of Chamber activities, and also promoted the RFLASAP program that is focusing on crime prevention and economic development at Rocky Fork Lake, which she said is an underutilized asset in Highland County.
