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June 2014
Greetings!
Summertime is upon us and we have a LOT of news we want to share!
Please don't miss the important events listed below, INCLUDING a job announcement within the Alaska Farm Bureau and a new member benefit for members, available starting July 1.
Life is short - Eat Good Food - The Best Is Always Alaska Grown
Happy Trails.....
Jane Hamilton Executive Director Alaska Farm Bureau
PS. Please keep us updated as to what's going on at your operation! We would LOVE for you to send us pictures so we can promote for you, sharing photos in our newsletter, on Facebook, and on our website! Also, please LIKE us on Facebook and check out our new website! |
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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WITH THE ALASKA FARM BUREAU, INC.
 The Alaska Farm Bureau is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Alaska Farm Bureau. Areas of responsibility include administration, membership, fiscal management, and public relations. This is a full-time position.
The Farm Bureau does not provide office space. Your office will be in your own home. The Farm Bureau does pay a small stipend towards telephone/fax/IC. The Farm Bureau provides a laptop, printer, two file cabinets, and a copy machine. You supply a desktop computer, software, or any other office materials desired.
The Executive Director is responsible for providing support to the Board of Directors, managing the programs and operations of the organization, and coordinating professional relations. The Director must be able to compose clear and concise written correspondence, e-mails and reports as well as the ability to document all deliberations and decisions made during meetings through accurate and detailed minutes. You must have the ability to work with volunteers. The position requires the ability to plan and arrange agendas, speakers, hotel meeting room and food service arrangements for meetings and conferences. The Director works in partnership with the State President. It is understood that all aspects of this position are to be carried out with the approval of the Board of Directors through the State President. If you are not currently an Alaska Farm Bureau member, you must be willing to become one upon being hired.
This position will be advertised during July and August. Interviews will be held during October. The position's start date will be November 1, 2014. It is expected that you will attend and participate in the Board of Director's meeting, the Friday Forum, Awards Banquet and Scholarship auction, and the Annual Meeting. These events will be taking place in Homer, Alaska on November 13th-15th, 2014. The salary is $32,000. This may be negotiated based on experience and expertise. We do not provide health insurance or a retirement plan.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with references to the Alaska Farm Bureau at PO Box 760, Delta Junction, AK 99737 or via e-mail to janehamilton99737@yahoo.com no later than September 1, 2014.
For inquiries or a copy of the job description, contact Jane Hamilton at
907-803-4752 or janehamilton99737@yahoo.com.
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YOUR PHOTOS ARE NEEDED
 Have you been checking our Facebook page? It changes every weekday! My favorite is "Membership Monday" with a photo featuring a farm, ranch, garden or high tunnel of an Alaska Farm Bureau member.
We are running out of photos and sure would like you to send in a few of your operation! I think our new webmaster, 23Kazoos, is doing a fantastic job with both our Facebook and webpage - www.alaskafb.org. Please send me your photos to use, to promote Alaska Agriculture and YOU!
We certainly would appreciate it and will gladly post them for everyone to see. Send them to janehamilton99737@yahoo.com.
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POLARIS IS NEWEST MEMBER BENEFIT
 The Alaska Farm Bureau is pleased to announce that discounts on Polaris full sized Utility, Sport, All-Terrain and GEM Electric are the newest benefits to all of our members.
The program is effective on July 1st. You must be an Alaska Farm Bureau member for a minimum of 30 days to be eligible for this membership benefit. The discounts on the purchase of all full sized Utility and Sport Vehicles is $300, all full sized All-Terrain Vehicles is $200 and all full sized GEM Electric Vehicles is $300. Full sized refers to the fact that youth models are not included in this program.
You must provide a valid authorization certificate to the Polaris dealer prior to the date that you take delivery of the vehicle. Providing the certificate after the date of delivery will not be eligible for the discounts under this program. You may obtain your certificate at www.fbverify.com/polaris.
Please note that this program is not effective until July 1st. After July 1st, you may print your discount certificate at www.fbverify.com/polaris.
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LOCAL FOOD, LOCAL PLACES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
 | | Gold Nugget Farms is in Palmer / Matanuska Valley photo credit: Paula Giauque |
Communities are eligible to apply for funding from a new program called Local Food, Local Places. USDA, in partnership with the EPA, DOT, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Delta Regional Authority are investing $650,000 in the program which is intended to help boost farmers' economic opportunities, improve access to healthy local food, revitalize communities through farmer's markets, food hubs, community gardens and kitchens, and other local enterprises.
All Alaska communities are eligible, although particular consideration will be given to Strikeforce counties. In Alaska, Strikeforce Counties are: Aleutians East Borough, Bethel Census Area, Dillingham Census Area, Lake and Peninsula Borough, Nome Census Area, Northwest Arctic Borough, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Skagway Municipality, Wade Hampton Census Area, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Haines Borough, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Juneau City and Borough, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Petersburg Census Area, Sitka City and Borough, Wrangell City and Borough, and Yakutat City and Borough.
More information is available here.
Communities' letter of interest in the funding should be submitted via e-mail to Ed Fendley at lflp@epa.gov by July 14th. Include "Local Foods, Local Places" and the name of the community in the subject line of the e-mail.
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INPUT SOUGHT FOR MT. McKINLEY MEAT & SAUSAGE PLANT
 The Division of Agriculture and Board of Agriculture and Conservation (BAC) are seeking public input on options to transition the Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage plant near Palmer from state ownership to the private sector. The slaughter and meat processing plant is owned by the state's Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund and operates with the use of Palmer Correctional Facility inmates. This facility is the only USDA-approved slaughter facility in Southcentral Alaska.
The public is invited to provide oral comments on options for the plant's future during the public comment session of the BAC meeting, which will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 in the conference room of the Division of Agriculture's Palmer office. Comments may also be submitted in writing no later than July 2, and should be addressed to the Board of Agriculture and Conservation, C/O Director Franci Havemeister, at 1800 Glenn Highway Suite 12 Palmer, Alaska 99645-6736, via fax at 907-745-7112 or by e-mail to Franci.Havemeister@alaska.gov.
To participate remotely in the July 2 board meeting, call the toll-free number 800-315-6338 and enter the pass code 12211# at the prompt. Comments during the meeting will be limited to three minutes per person. For special accommodations due to audio or visual impairment, contact the Division of Agriculture at 761-3851. A TDD line for this meeting is available at 907-269-8411.
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 23 Kazoos
Building Buzz for Your Business
We are the only Alaska marketing and PR agency that guarantees our work. If you're not happy with the work we have done after the first 30 days, we will gladly give you your money back.
Read more about the services 23 Kazoos provides here.
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EARN A FREE TRIP TO HOMER IN NOVEMBER!
 Members who enroll five (5) new members earn travel and two nights to the Alaska Farm Bureau's Friday Forum conference and Annual Meeting in Homer on November 14th and 15th! Just be sure that your name is on their membership application to receive credit for enrolling them.
Several members are well on their way as they have already enrolled new members.
Homer is beautiful in November!
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NOVEMBER FRIDAY FORUM CONFERENCE
AND ANNUAL MEETING
 Save these dates! Reservations have been made for our events this November. They will be held at Land's End Resort in Homer. Please mark your calendar now so you won't have any conflicts for these dates:
Friday, November 14th:
- Friday Forum conference, Awards Banquet and Scholarship Auction.
Saturday, November 15th:
Land's End Resort has quite a mixture of different types of rooms and prices. Each type has a limited number. If you want a specific room type, I would advise that you make your reservation early. Beware: They do require a deposit payment that is charged to your credit card now.
To make hotel reservations: Telephone: 907-235-0400.
Room types:
- Port City: Price $71/plus tax. One double bed and a trundle bed. Looks out on the parking lot. They have 8 of these rooms reserved for us.
- Port Bay: Price $80/plus tax. One double bed and a trundle bed. View of the bay. They have 8 rooms reserved for us.
- Mid-Ship City: $80/plus tax. 2 double beds. Looks out on the parking lot. They have 2 rooms reserved for us.
- Mid-Ship Bay: $107/plus tax. 2 double beds. View of the Bay. They have 4 rooms reserved for us.
- Mid-Ship King: $107/plus tax. 1 King bed. View of the Bay. They have 7 rooms reserved for us.
- Starboard Bay Suite: $134/plus tax. Two rooms: 1 King bed and the other room has 1 Queen bed.
 | | Gold Nugget Farms, Palmer, R to L Gerald Huppert, Josh Lutz, Teri Bernowski, Paul Huppert |
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ARRC - Lending to Farmers Is Our Business
Line of Credit loans for all farm-operating costs. (3 years) Chattel loans for equipment new or used (5 years on used 7 years on new).
Real Estate loans for purchase or improvements to land (up to 20 years.)
All loans are 5 to 9 percent interest depending on credit and collateral. Call Steve at 907-745-3390 or email at steve@arrc.us.
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AKFB CLASSIFIED ADS
LAND FOR SALE: 70 acres in Salcha. It has Richardson Highway frontage and is near Milepost 315. There is a small stream on the property. $42,000. Contact Ann Geise at 907-895-4466.
Wanted: Locally Grown Food: The center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts a number of camps and overnight programs at our Peterson Bay Field Station throughout the course of the summer. We provide meals for participants during the programs and would like to source more of our food locally and sustainably. The Center is a 501 c 3 environmental education organization in Homer. It was established in 1982. E-mail Melanie@akcoastalstudies.org for more information. Telephone: 907-235-6667.
Vendors for Center Market Wanted: The Center Market at The Mall at Sears in Anchorage is looking for vendors with unique Alaska Grown or produced products. The Center Market is a year round, indoor farmers market. We are looking for vendors to join us on Wednesdays for this spring. We will start our Saturday market in August. For more information, e-mail Alex Davis at adfarmorganic@gmail.com
For Sale: 2008 Dodge 3500 Pickup. 4 door crew cab, 6.7 l inline diesel engine, turbo charger, duel rear wheels. Black with Leer Topper. 5th wheel attachment, 6 speed automatic. Excellent condition with all the bells and whistles. Super chip included. 151,000 miles. Please call Jeannie Pinkelman in Delta Junction at 907-895-4006 or 895-4594.
Farm for Sale in North Pole: A 9 acre commercial operation farm/nursery/tourism lodge business at 2100 Nelson Road in North Pole. A 30'x40' attached, insulated greenhouse, fully landscaped grounds, tree nursery, large vegetable garden (only natural fertilizers used), woods in blueberries and cranberries. There is a 2-story log lodge, stainless commercial kitchen, covered porches, and gazebo for weddings. Good well water. 28 HP hydraulic John Deere tractor with bucket, rototiller attachments and many, many other features. $378,000. Contact Tracy Pulido at info@chenalakesfarm.com
40 Acres for Sale in North Pole: Gorgeous parcel that is a mix of large spruce, birch, willow and grassland. East borders Chena Lake Recreation Area at the end of Repp Road in North Pole. Great spot for farm, rural estate or hunting/fishing aurora-viewing lodge. Can be subdivided into 5-acre lots. Short walk to river or lake. Road access, power about � mile away. Very private, but easy access to town. Owner financing is available. $117,000 OBO. Contact Tracey Pulido at info@chenalakesfarm.com.
For Sale: Drill stem pipe. 160 pieces of 2 7/8 inch and 3-� inch. Each piece is thirty-two (32) feet long and � inch thickness. Selling for $1 per foot. Call Mike at 907-301-7942 at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Glacier.
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July 1st: New Polaris discount program begins as another benefit for our Alaska Farm Bureau members.
July 2nd: BAC Meeting on Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage: Meeting held at the Division of Ag office in Palmer from 1-2 P.M. To participate remotely, call
1-800-315-6338 and enter 12211# at the prompt.
July 14th: Deadline to apply for funding through Local Food, Places. See above article for details.
September 1st: Deadline to apply for Executive Director position with the Alaska Farm Bureau. Details in above article.
September 30th: Deadline to make your hotel reservations with Land's End Resort at the discounted rate for the Alaska Farm Bureau Friday Forum and Annual Meeting. Call them at 907-235-0400 or 1-800-478-0400. Be sure to mention that there is a block of rooms reserved under the name Alaska Farm Bureau when making your reservation.
November 14th: Friday Forum Conference, Awards Banquet and Scholarship Auction at Land's End Resort in Homer.
November 15th: Alaska Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting in Homer, Alaska.
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Get Your Operation Promoted for Free!
The "Faces of Alaska Agriculture" is the new series announced in our January newsletter begun by our new Webmaster to help get the word out about agriculture in Alaska.
These "faces" will be used on our website and on social media. To have you, your family, your farm and/or your agricultural business featured, send your photograph along with a brief explanation. A draft will be sent for your approval prior to publishing.
By submitting the photo, you are giving the Alaska Farm Bureau permission to use it online or in print media. We will use the photos to promote agriculture in Alaska as well as your farm, ranch, or operation. Send your pictures to the Farm Bureau's executive director, Jane Hamilton at janehamilton99737@yahoo.com.
This free promotion only available to members of the Alaska Farm Bureau. To join, click here.
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FARM BUREAU MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Join the Alaska Farm Bureau! Members of the Alaska Farm Bureau receive MANY great benefits, just for being a member!
Click here to see a complete listing of benefits offered to our fabulous members!
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by: Wendy Kenney
How to Increase Your Website Ranking on Google with New Google My Business
A new platform was just announced for business owners looking to increase their website ranking on Google called "Google My Business." This platform is actually a consolidated dashboard which makes it easier to manage your business listings on Google Places, Google Pages, and Google Maps.
If you already have listings on these platforms then you will be upgraded to the new Google My Business platform. If you don't have your business listed on Google Places, please click here to learn how to increase your website ranking on Google.
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