Just as quickly as it came, it left! October is now in our rear view mirror, and our sites are set on a big holiday season ahead. BUT WAIT! Before we get there, we’ve got two very important things that must happen first…(1) We have to have our November Board Meeting and (2) we have to pull together and have the board approve the 2019 Alabama Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan. No small feat, right?! Don’t worry. We’re up to the task. In fact, we’re up to many tasks, so while we work on that, we’ll be working on lots more so keep reading to learn what’s happening at the ACA this week.
Election Results are in!
Last night’s election results were fascinating to watch at the 
national level. The Democrats took control of the US House of Representatives and the US Senate grabbed a few mores Republican seats. In Alabama, the GOP held onto every statewide office and did so in an overwhelming fashion. The AL Congressional races were won easily by incumbents garnering anywhere from 62%-80%. The state senate kept a Republican super majority. The ACA would like to congratulate Governor Kay Ivey, Lt. Governor-Elect Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, State Auditor Jim Zeigler and Secretary of State John Merrill for their convincing victories last night.
Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Heads North
An exciting weekend is ahead as the YCLP Class V will meet for the fourth time this year in north Alabama for an industry tour. The group will be exposed to several different types of unique operations such as Lookout Mountain Genetics – a bull stud facility- Clay Kennamer’s backgrounding yard, Lake Majestik Farms and Tennessee River Music. We thank our hosts in advance for offering their time to visit with our young leaders and look forward to a weekend full of fun, leadership development and industry networking.
Hurricane Michael Relief Fund
The hurricane relief fund is still collecting donations and would like to thank all that have contributed so far. The funds are being used to rent equipment to help producers clean fence rows and debris left behind from the hurricane. To start, the equipment will be in southeast Houston County, which is the most severely affected area of the state. We are working with the county leadership and Extension to identify cattle farms in need. To donate, visit www.BamaBeef.org/HurricaneRelief.
American Cancer Society Wellness Forum
Today the ACA is hosting the American Cancer Society for 
their wellness forums on our third floor. They will be discussing workplace wellness programs as well as their legal requirements along with an overview of HIPAA, ADA and GINA Wellness Program Regulations. We’re proud to host these influencer groups and get beef on their minds as they walk through our doors!
November Board Meeting- Just Around the Corner
Next week brings in chilly weather, so come bundled up to our November Board of Directors meeting happened next Thursday, November 15 beginning at 10 a.m. Don’t forget to submit your RSVP to Jessica Kennedy. We will have a warm, delicious meal for you, and we’ll cover a lot of important business quickly in order to get you back home in time to feed! We look forward to seeing our Board members at next week’s meeting…and the last of 2018!
MEMBERSHIP CORNER
County leaders: county renewal statements have officially been sent out. Be on the lookout as renewals begin coming in and be vigilant to update them in the i4a system to ensure memberships are being renewed and kept us as the member expects! If you need to make secretarial changes or need a refresher on the i4a membership software program as we enter into county meeting season, contact ACA Membership & Producer Contact Coordinator Jessica Kennedy.
Speaking of county meetings, we’d love to hear about yours! Let us know when, where and what time your county annual meetings are, and we’ll add them to our online calendar and get a staff person or officer there in attendance. That’s the perfect time also to make your napkin and placemat requests, too! Following the meetings, send your updated officer information to Jessica (email above) so we can update that information in our system and ensure that the new president and secretary gets pertinent information they need.
BEEF 101
On Friday, ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell will join cattle producers Jason & Dr. Misty Edmondson as they work together to host another BEEF 101 program with culinary students from Wallace State Community College and Calhoun County Career Academy. This will be the last program of the the fall season, but spring programs are already in the works!
BEEF ON IBOTTA
October Beef Month may be over, but our Ibotta campaign is not! The popular consumer app now has a rebate for any fresh beef products at most Alabama retail chains that offers $0.25 back on your beef purchases. The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program is excited to offer this incentive for shoppers as a way to encourage increased beef sales throughout the holiday months. Download the app and start shopping today!
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