ASA and State Staff gathered in St. Louis, MO on Oct. 22-23 for their yearly meeting.

ASA’s Tom Hance presented issues “hot on the hill” in Washington, including effects of the government shut-down that resulted in delayed USDA reports and negotiation of the Farm Bill.

The group also heard from Jeremy Freking, executive director of South Dakota Soybean Association, on how the association has increased memberships by taking a “doing” rather than “selling” approach.

Kentucky Soybean Association Communications Director Rae Wagoner discussed improving membership engagement through the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), where members earn points for promoting Kentucky soybeans.

State staff members joined ASA Director of Communications Patrick Delaney for a presentation on soy state communication success stories, highlighting Ohio’s new state membership survey, Indiana’s relationships with state legislators and associations with similar policy priorities and Minnesota’s work on the state biodiesel mandate.

In addition to ASA and State staff presentations, participants met Steve Hughes, president of Hit Your Stride in St. Louis. Hughes presented “Momentous: Turning Daily Moments at Work into a Career of Significance.” Key points of the presentation included tips for keeping a positive attitude, which in turn can lead to a successful day at work and home.