November 13, 2015
CapitalPress.com
17
Board brings enthusiasm that results in outstanding event
The Willamette Valley Ag
Expo’s nine-member board
of directors makes the annual
three-day agricultural show
happen, and during the past 14
years they have proven their
mettle by offering an event
with more new and exciting
features every year.
The board is nominated by
the WVAE membership, and
each member serves a min-
imum of a three-year term.
They are elected at the annual
meeting of the organization,
which usually takes place on
the final morning of the Expo
during the exhibitor breakfast.
Current members include:
• Bill Lusk, Ag West Sup-
ply product specialist (chair).
“I started serving on the
WVAE board from the begin-
ning, trying to help organize
and maintain a good ag show
in our local area.”
• Eric Fery, owner, Ag
Chains Plus (vice chair). “I’ve
always been involved in the
local community, from being a
volunteer firefighter to serving
on area school boards. When
I was asked to serve on the
board (of the Expo), it was an
easy decision, a way to be even
more involved with WVAE ...
to see the show succeed and
serve the ag industry.”
•Don Kropf, president and
owner, Linn Benton Tractor.
“I strive daily to contribute
to agriculture and the agricul-
tural way of life by providing
dependable products and ser-
vice. I’m proud to be a mem-
ber of this board and continue
serving the community I have
helped grow.”
• Tom Wells, territory man-
ager and integrated solutions
consultant, Papé Machin-
ery-Agriculture and Turf. “I
started moving irrigation pipe
at the age of 8 and have been in-
volved in agriculture all my life.
I became involved with found-
ing the Expo, wanting to have a
local show to showcase Willa-
mette Valley agriculture and the
equipment used to produce our
crops, while supporting young
people pursuing careers in ag
through scholarships.”
• Mike Brown, owner, De-
Jong Products Inc. “I’ve been
a board member for WVAE
since the forming of the gov-
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erning body that guides the
show. It’s with pride I can pro-
mote and guide the show and
showcase ag and the Willa-
mette Valley.”
• Steve Prouty, owner and
president, McNeil Marketing
Co. “I’ve been on the board
since 2013 and understand the
importance of the event. Being
a nonprofit, all energies and
profits from the show go back
to the show and to the schol-
arship program. WVAE is a
great source for ag knowledge
and allows growers from all
corners of the Pacific North-
west to stay tuned in to all
ag-related issues.”
• Stacy Koos, vice president
and branch manager, Citizens
Bank. “Citizens Bank has a
long tradition of serving the
agriculture community since its
founding in 1957. Being part
of the WVAE board is just one
way we continue to show sup-
port for the ag community.”
• Andy Steinkamp, location
manager, Wilco-Winfield. “I
enjoy serving the growers and
vendors of the Willamette Val-
ley as a member of the WVAE
board. I think giving the grow-
ers a chance to see new solu-
tions for their farms from ven-
dors in our local area is very
important.”
• Terry Marstall, sales and
service, Les Schwab Tire Cen-
ter. “I started assisting our ag
customers in the Willamette
Valley in 1994. I take my years
of experience, dedication and
enthusiasm in and out of the
field to promote the WVAE.
My motto has always been:
Stay positive, work hard and
we will always get the job
done.”
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For the Capital Press
WVAG15-2/#5
By GEOFF PARKS