County signs off on additional funding for ASB Conference

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Sunny South News

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the County of Lethbridge Council Meeting that was held on December 21, 2023, County of Lethbridge Administration approached Council requesting an additional $10,000 in funding for the welcome reception at the 2024 Association of Agricultural Fieldmen Agricultural Service Board Conference on January 22, with funds to be drawn from the Agricultural Service Board reserve. Administration also acknowledged that Council previously approved $25,000 in funding to provide a sponsorship for the 2024 Association of Agricultural Fieldmen Agricultural Service Board Conference. 

By showcasing the region’s strong agricultural industry, Council said, Administration has taken this direction and created a plan for the evening which includes inviting local AgriFood businesses, the region’s agricultural districts, and other agricultural-related organizations to host booths to share information with conference attendees. 

The County of Lethbridge, Administration said, will also host a booth and activities where attendees can win prizes and learn more about the work the County’s agricultural services department does. The intent, Administration said, is to make the evening memorable and interactive for participants as per council’s previous direction. Administration said that the idea for a video came back in October when Council expressed an interest in creating a video that focuses on the ag industry in the county. 

Currently, Administration said, this project is well underway, and they anticipate that a video can also be used for other marketing and advertising purposes. Apart from the conference to fund the promotional products and video production, Administration said, they also requested the money for the welcome reception with funds to be drawn from the Agricultural Service Board Reserve. 

Reeve Campbell said that the video is a good thing they can use to promote the county and also mentioned that the conference itself was being hosted by Lethbridge County at the Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub and Trade Center, so Council could send people to attend the full conference if they’re interested. Reeve Campbell said his reasons for recommending approval included that ASB members and council are agricultural advocates and leaders in the region and participation in the resolution process at the annual conference, as well as a serving as provincial Ag Service Board voting member, brings attention to rural challenges in the province in ag-related topics. 

That said, Reeve Campbell stated that he recommended that Council authorize any member of the ASB Board, including members at large, who are wishing to attend the conference, to have their conference fees paid for accordingly and to create any accommodations that they might have for members. 

A motion was ultimately made that any Council Member or ASB members at large wishing to attend the 2024 Provincial Agricultural ASB Conference in Lethbridge scheduled for January 22 –    24, be allowed to do so with registration and fees paid for by Lethbridge County, along with accommodations if necessary. The motion was carried.